Travel Hacks

Road trip to Pili, Camarines Sur: A Wakeboarding Journey

{October 2009} Some of the people who the bf and I always travel with, all came together into planning an October 2009 trip. It was really just a spontaneous thing, and we all decided to try Camarines Sur for their wakeboarding. Well, we were eyeing CWC in particular, and we really wanted to try their facilities. CWC, also known as Camsur Watersports Complex, is a water park located in Pili, Camarines Sur. You can get to this particular destination via bus or plane.


ABOARD PENAFRANCIA TOURS

We initially wanted to fly via Zest Air. But my laptop's internet connection bogged down unexpectedly. And since booking online wasn’t considered an option anymore, I decided to do my own research. And good enough, Penafrancia Tours popped into my search box.

Penafrancia is actually known for its high-end buses. And it was only then that I’ve learned about their Benz Deluxe Buses. The bus company used old-fashioned, full-leather, recliner seats to provide their passengers that living-room comfort during long-haul travels. Anyway, the bus company featured:

- A Mercedes-Benz luxury coach (European made)
- An air-suspension body system
- A Flat-screen HDTV (with a second flat-screen set at the bus’ mid-section)
- Seats with a lot of legroom and foot support
- A small restroom (which smelled a few hours later)

This bus was certainly a great option for long travels. And for a one-way trip of P950, we were impressed.

OFF TO PILI, WE GO!

Getting to Pili was about 8 hours. But the trip with Penafrancia Tours was a comfy one. Their seats were a lot more comfortable to sleep in, compared to an ordinary bus (we had the option to sleep comfortably on our backs!). 

Going back, we left the Cubao Araneta Central Bus terminal at exactly 9:30 pm. The bus had the air-con at full blast, and they already started showing a movie on the flat screen, which starred Val Kilmer. Anyhow, we probably slept as soon as the movie ended. I probably woke up a couple of times to check on the time and to also see where we were already. And by the time 5:30 am neared, we finally arrived at our destination.

We got dropped off on this small tricycle terminal, where a sign “TO CWC..” was posted on a pole. We were lucky to get a ride going inside the complex since there were only 3 tricycles available that early morning. It probably took us a good 10 minutes before reaching the water park. Anyway, the place looked enchanting despite being enveloped in its quiet setting.

SETTING FOOT INSIDE THE FAMOUS CAMSUR WATERSPORTS COMPLEX

We came in real early. So we weren’t able to check in our room yet since there were still guests occupying the space. But to save on time, we left our bags in the safekeeping of the Eco Village office, and then left to get some breakfast at the CWC’s Clubhouse. We stayed at CWC’s Eco Village by the way. Of course, since we were all on a budget, their offered rates were very light on the wallet. It's the perfect accommodation for big groups.


VIEW THE WAKEBOARDERS FROM THE CLUBHOUSE

Since we had nothing else to do that morning, we went to the waterpark to explore the facilities. 



And by the time we settled ourselves at the CWC Clubhouse, we immediately got engrossed with watching the Pro’s do their wakeboarding stunts. Most of us could only dream of being as great as them since we’ve never tried wakeboarding before. We came to the waterpark as first-timers. But being one didn’t stop us from trying the sport. But since we were too chicken about wakeboarding on our first day, we scheduled it for the following morning. Cable rates were affordable so we were all the happier about it.


Apart from our spectator-session, we also did some hanging out at the Clubhouse’s outdoor pool. The use of the pool is actually exclusive to guests who’s accommodations are within the clubhouse. And since ours was far off, we had to pay PHP150 each just so we could use the pool for the entire day.

CWC was quite the vacationer's haven. It was spectacular, and it still had that nature-vibe going despite the numerous cables and facilities that were set up in the area. Plus, the Clubhouse was awesome. The food was superb too! And the meals from the restaurant would usually range for more or less PHP250, which can be shared by 2 pax. You should definitely try their pizza, their pasta, and sisig!


THE ECO VILLAGE EXPERIENCE

Anyway, our first day in CWC was spent taking photos, pigging out, and wandering around. The Eco Village had a lot of interesting things going on in their area as well. They had a hanging bridge, a man-made cave, and also a wall that can be used for wall climbing. They also had a Bird Sanctuary nearby.


FREE SHUTTLE RIDES WITHIN THE COMPLEX

Our first day in CamSur ended with a few bottles of San Mig Light and a few laughs. And before it got really late, we were already well on our way back to our place. We were all tired and a bit tipsy, so it was a good thing that CWC offered free shuttle rides within the complex. The shuttles are there for a certain time only, so make sure to ask them for the last trip, especially if you don’t want to walk all the way to your accommodations (because ours was about a 15-minute walk from the clubhouse).


Anyhow, our second day in CWC is up next!

Explore & Be Free!
Mai

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53 comments

  1. oh so you've been to my province and our realm - CamSur! I go there frequently and love to stay inside CWC village. did you try wake boarding? 

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  2. Never been to Camarines Sur, it seems all of you  have a lot of  fun.  We also preferred budget hotel when we travel because most of our days are spend outside all we need is a room to keep our bags and sleep at night when we return from sight seeing.

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  3. my cousins went there and they had an awesome adventure too! 

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  4. Noks Sosa I Siningfactory.comMarch 27, 2012 at 5:38 AM

    You should try the laing and bicol express pizza. So yummy. Bicolanong bicolano ang lasa! Yay! I love CamSur. :)

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  5. Oh gorgeous!  I so love the Philippines.  I haven't been to many places in the country but I look forward to visiting loads of new places for me one day.  I so love the bird sanctuary.  wow!

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  6. ..been there! been there! hahaha!!di kame naka pag wake boarding. ;(

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  7. It's good to know that CWC has a lot more to offer than wakeboarding. Akala ko wakeboarding lang ang meron dito. I haven't been to Camsur. Maganda rin pala ang Camsur. =)

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  8. great to see you having a good time in CamSur

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  9. travelona ShoestringMarch 27, 2012 at 7:53 AM

    I used to go to CWC every week to wake board. 

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  10. Hello dear! Yes, I actually did the following day. But I could only go as far as 1/4 of the basic circuit! hahahah!

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  11. Then you must try CWC's Eco Village, should you find yourself traveling to this part of the Philippines. It's budget friendly, with quality amenities pa. =) 

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  12. I'm sure they did, Gemma! =)

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  13. Waaah! I didn't get to try either.. I was so sure na I listed that on my food itinerary last time we visited. It slipped my mind to order na, eh nakita ko pa mandin yung feature ng pizzas na yan sa isang TV show sa ABS.

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  14. Cool noh? But I didn't get the chance to look over the sanctuary na. Was too excited kasi to roam the CWC vicinity. =))

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  15. Oh why oh why??? Ano ginawa niyo sa CWC? By the way, loved your Cagsaua Ruins photos! =)

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  16. Naku, madami pa silang activities. Meron nga silang waterpark pa, just beside the Wakeboarding Circuit. Although di na namin na-try last time..

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  17. Wow! Have you tried wakeboarding in lago? =)

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  18. We sure did docbien! =)

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  19. wow ha.. ang mura 250php lang... did u try surfing sa cam sur?

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  20. i'm from CamSur, and glad you enjoyed ur trip there...CWC is near Caramoan din...

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  21. CWC is a keeper!
    I remember being intimidated to try out the wakeboarding. Oh my! 
    Watching people stumble again and again does the trick of me staying away from it.
    I would've tried really, only that I just got back then from Caramoan..
    And the sunburns on my back are a painful testament to the adventure I had.
    So maybe, CWC is Pili Capitol complex? maybe next time

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  22. i'm back, i know i commented earlier...anyways CamSur is really an ideal get away place with CWC and Caramoan then an hour away from Mayon, Albay pa...if kaya pa see the Butandings at Sorsogon...

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  23.  this was what happened te mai oh ;(

    http://gagaymd.com/2010/11/out-of-order-cable-park-and-winch-park-in-cwc.html

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  24. CWC? Where is the watersports? I'm excited to see the venue, the location of this place. What I've seen in the picture is just a pool. Is this pool used for sports? Anyway thank you for sharing this and also telling us about how frugal you are and how resourceful you are, especially in finding for a solution to your travel booking! I like that kind of attitude of yours!

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  25. seems like a nice place... always wanted to experience wakeboarding... hope i'll get a chance. any pics dun sa nagwakeboard, love to see them... thanks. Yahweh bless.

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  26. Hey AXL! I have never surfed in my life! I don't have intentions of trying rin kasi takot ako malunod sa dagat..hehehe!

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  27. Hey Yuuki! I know. =) Kaso we were already strapped on both time and money kaya next time na siguro ang Caramoan. =)

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  28. There's definitely a next time for you. If you're nearby, you can probably try wakeboarding in Lago De Oro in Batangas.

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  29. Thanks again Yuuki! Will surely keep your recommendations in mind. =) Must see talaga ang Butanding and Mayon for me. =)

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  30. Hi! As specified on the post, CWC is in Camarines Sur. We actually tried the wakeboarding facilities the following day (I have separate posts for those), and the pool is just an ordinary pool.. anyway, thanks for the compliment!

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  31. Yes, I have a few wakeboarding photos on this link: http://www.budgetbiyahera.com/2011/01/wrapping-up-our-camsur-wakeboarding.html  =)

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  32. we've been planning to go here ever since the iron man was held there some years ago...we'd love to try the watersports and sample the laing pizza.  and thanks for sharing the penafrancia bus, parang masarap sumakay dun...

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  33. i was curious about the Eco Village. when friends and i went there, it was fully booked!!! 

    much to my dismay, we had to spend P3,000 for the container van accommo. haist. pampasira ng image. bawal tumira sa mahal. hahahaha.

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  34. I've never been to CamSur, ever. Ahahaha! But I heard a lot of good things about it from my friends. Sana makapunta din ako. =)

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  35. Oh my! ang hassle nito Gagay! I know it's wrong to say this, pero buti na lang di ito nangyari samin. Kasi manila pa kami manggagaling nito. =(

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  36. Hey RC! Plan a trip to CWC na. =) Although I've never tried the laing pizza pa. =) I also heard about the Ironman na CWC hosted last year.. runner ka ba? =) And surely.. masarap sumakay sa Penafrancia, kaso pagtagal sa trip super lamig naman sa loob ng bus. =))

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  37. hahahaha! your comment made me laugh.. pampasira talaga ng image ang tumira sa mahal, especially for us beautiful-budget-conscious gals! 

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  38. Time to save up for a CWC trip, NEss! Masaya dun,ma-eEnjoy niyo ng hubby mo. =)

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  39. I've always wanted to visit CamSur! My dad's from Bicol but he never brought us anywhere in the region.. >.< Hope some day I get to visit CamSur. Would love to experience the Eco Village too :D

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  40. My brother has been here because of the Dragonboat thing. They loved it. I wish I could but I'm just not so sporty. 

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  41. Maybe it's time that you and your beau do a roadtrip na to CamSur. I'm sure you'll both enjoy CWC. =)

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  42. Hey Kathy! I'm not sporty either. I just tried it for the sake of trying, hehe! =)

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  43. My hubby visited CAMSUR2 yrs ago but i never been to the place. It has become a tourist destination.

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  44. Yeah, explore and be free especially this summer! We might go island hopping din! :)

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  45. It has indeed become a tourist attraction. I, for one, has been enthralled by the park. =)

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  46. Yes! San kayo magIsland hopping? =)

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  47. So many places to see, so little time...would love to tour Camsur too!

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  48. It's a must see Chan! Do include it on your next visit sa PHL. =)

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  49. Hey Stacy! naku, di pa man din ako masyado maTake ng food photos.. hayaan mo, next time magpost ako. =)

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  50. I'm curious and would like to try wakeboarding although i feel i would also chicken out. :D

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  51. There were a few embarrassing moments for me when I tried the sport, particularly the sudden water plunges, and when I can no longer hold the cable.. but it was an experience worth bragging about though. hehehe.

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  52. oh not to worry I'll rely on your words nalang =D Atleast I know what to order when in CWC 

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