Gala La! (wanders of Joel): GOTA ISLAND: Survivor's Haven (CamSur)

Photo Credit: caramoanislands.com

Gota is the gateway to the other islands in the Peninsula of Caramoan, Camarines Sur.

Gota became famous for it has been picked as the venue for the shooting of the popular and hit reality TV Show, The SURVIVOR. The Survivor TV series has more than 50 versions from different countries all over the world including our very own Survivor Philippines. It is also known for choosing an entirely isolated location for the contestants to compete for cash, fame and the chance of becoming "The Sole Survivor"

Gota Beach is pristine, secluded and almost paradise where anyone can see nothing but nature - the waves, the wind, the trees and falling leaves, the birds and other species. This is why Gota has been chosen as the venue of the 8^th Season of the Survivor France, the first series that was exclusively shot in Caramoan Peninsula, second in the country (the first one was shot in Palawan, the 7^th Season of Survivor France in 2007) and the next is history.

With this alone, the Caramoan Islands gained popularity and has been tagged as "the Survivor's Place" and "Survivor's Favorite". Among the countries who chose Caramoan for the shooting of their survivor franchise are as follows:

Koh-Lanta: Caramoan (France, Europe) 8^th Season –July-Sept. 2008

Survivor Srbija (Serbia, Europe) 2^nd season - 2009

Survivor Israel (Israel, Asia) 3^rd season- 2009

Survivor Bulgaria( Bulgaria, Europe) 4^th season – May –July, 2009

Survivor Srbija VIP (Serbia, Europe) 3^rd season - 2010

Survivor Israel (Israel, Asia) 4^thseason - 2010

Robinson 2010 (Sweden, Europe) 13^th season –May-June 2010

Survivor Israel (Israel, Asia) 5^th season- February-June, 2011

Survivor India (India, Asia) 1st Season - Summer, 2011

Robinsonekspedisjonen 2011 (Norway, Europe) Season 11 - 2011

Robinson Ekspeditionen 2011 (Denmark, Europe) Season 14 - 2011

Survivor USA (USA, North America) Season 25 - March-August, 2012

We are very lucky to have booked our trip to Caramoan 2 weeks after the filming of the 11th Season of Survivor Norway that is why we were able to explore Gota. I have read in some articles that during the shoot, Gota and its neighboring islands where some activities are being held are off to the public. This is to avoid inconveniences to the staff and crew of the production and for the castaways to make them feel that they are completely lost in this part of the world. I have also learned that Gota is being rented by the producer and employ locals to assist the team. This is worthy to note that the show does not only give our country the international exposure but also provide a sustainable revenue to the province.

THE CABANAS

Since the whole area is being isolated and rented by the production team of Survivor, staff and crew occupies these foldaway cabanas during the shoot. It is only after the filming that the guests can experience one-of-a-kind accommodation at Gota Village Resort.

Cabanas at night. Photo Credit: caramoanislands.com

There are more than 70 foldaway cabanas that have been assembled at the very entrance of the beach. According to a source who requested not to be named, these cabanas were imported from China and worth P60,000 each.

The Boat Bar

1 & 2. Wooded bridge leading to the survivor's tribal council place. 3 & 4. Some of the props used by the Survivor's castaways. 5. Hanging Bridge near the tribal camp. 6. Conference area for the staff & crew.

THE TRIBAL COUNCIL CAMP