Caramoan Island

For a relatively unobtrusive island known as the Philippine’s secret paradise, Caramoan Peninsula has probably had the most international TV exposure than any of the country’s 7107 islands.

A virtually unknown site especially in the international tourist communities, Caramoan Island found in the province of Camarines Sur first generated media attention in 2008 when the French version of the hit reality show Survivor, “Koh-Lanta Caramoan,” filmed in its pristine beaches.

This was followed by the filming of Survivor Bulgaria in the same year, and last year’s first filming of Survivor Israel. However, the island’s white sands and unexplored trails have been so stunning Survivor Israel couldn’t resist to film there twice. 

After filming one season of Hisardot (Survivor) last year, the production outfit is back in the Gota Village Resort in Caramoan to film another season of the TV show starting this February, with the program to be telecast in Israel until early June of this year.

“Survivor Israel has once more given the Philippines a one of a kind exposure, reinforcing what it has done last year, which is promoting a sampling of the country through Caramoan, as one of the world’s top travel destinations,” said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

Survivor Israel airs weekly on a primetime spot over Israel’s leading television station and had about 1 million viewers, covering a 40-percent share of the TV audience. According to the show’s producer Gregory Bekerman, Caramoan has this ‘wild paradise’ charm. It is virtually untouched and yet it has enough facilities to accommodate the show.

“The Philippine beaches are a refreshing view.  It’s an overwhelming location and I’m sure it will be very tempting for our audience to go see it themselves,” said Bekerman.

In the past four years, Caramoan has gained popularity for its 45 coves and islets, each with different charms.  Gota Beach, the jump-off point to other islands and venue of the show’s entire season, is just one of the captivating destinations in the Caramoan Peninsula.

Offering varied attractions like diving, snorkeling and spelunking, other islands on the Caramoan Peninsula such as Lahuy, Lahus, Matukad, Hunongan, Cotivas, Pitogo, Sabitang Laya, Tinago and Tayak have long been favorite haunts of seasoned backpackers. Caramoan beaches are famous for their picturesque view of the sunset, long shorelines, powdery white sands, limestone rock formations, crystal clear water, and abundant reefs.         

As testimony to its success, the Department of Tourism (DoT) has received several bookings through one of the largest tour operators in Israel, Mona Tours.  Minerva Bruner, Travel Consultant for the company, was in the country recently to meet with some of the country’s premier hotels.

Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr., said, “We support all the Survivor exposure that the country has been getting by facilitating tour packages with our partners in and outside the Philippines and other promotional events on the ground.”

“We are expecting big tour groups from Tel Aviv through MonaTours.  Aside from these, the crew of Survivor Israel is also slated to visit some of our top sites,” said Verna Buensuceso, Head of Team Europe.

The DoT, together with the local government of Camsur, helped bring the show’s production outfit to Caramoan.  The show also edited an 8-minute breathtaking video featuring various Philippine destinations.  Taken from the show’s opening credits, the video is part of DoT’s presentation during its travel missions and exhibitions abroad.