Carabao Island, Philippines

Camping on Carabao Island!

Carabao Island: is only a 30 minute boat ride north from famous Boracay. The island is about three times larger than Boracay but much less developed. There are no tourists, no chain restaurants, and no clubs. A big change coming from Boracay. The only way to get around is motorbike since most of the roads are just dirt, grass, or sandy pathways. There are some very narrow concrete pathways with just enough room for two motorbikes to pass by each other. 

It pays off to know locals

While most tours of this island will cost you anywhere from 2,000-5,000 pesos we managed to spend under 1,000. We chartered a locals boat that was heading home from Boracay to Carabao Island for 200 pesos each. After having fresh buko(coconut) juice straight from the coconut tree we paid friends 300 pesos each to drive us around the island. We only paid 50 to get back to Boracay the next day. 

Highest point

First they took us to the highest point on the island. The ride there was thrilling with lots of scary off-road driving to arrive here.

(that's Boracay in the background)

 Scenic Driving

Perhaps the scenery while driving around the island was the best part of the tour

We stopped along the ocean to buy two giant fish from local fisherman for only 260 pesos! thats about 6USD

The Bat Cave

 Hiking

(Jyle hiking back from the bat cave)

The Camp Site

After an amazing scenic tour around the island we were ready to make our home for the night. We pitched our tent, gathered wood, and started the fire. The sunset, the sound of the waves, the cool breeze, and amazing company made this moment unforgettable.

 Grilled Fish Dinner!

Our friends did an amazing job cooking the fish for us. They made us rice and gave us coconuts for desert! The fish was so tender and seasoned to perfection.

The rest of the night we sprawled out on the beach watching shooting stars, eating chips, and talking until we fell asleep.