From the group of islands in the Pacific, there lies a famous long stretch of white sand beach. Blessed with beautiful coastline, surrounded by turquoise seas and rolling hills of grasslands – this is Calaguas Island.
Calaguas Group of Islands includes three major islands — Tinaga Island, Guintinua Island, and Maculabo Island. True to its name, Mahabang Buhangin Beach, is a long stretch of beach located in Tinaga Island. Good news is that the local government takes the responsibility by promoting eco-tourism on the island to protect it from destruction.
Getting There
It was my first time visiting Camarines Norte. A big thanks to Camarines Norte tourism office on welcoming us bloggers and help us discover more of the province.
Geographically speaking, Camarines Norte is a province located in the Bicol region occupying the Philippine Sea to the north. Discovering a new place has always been interesting. There are many ways to get to this beautiful secluded island.
From Manila book an airfare ticket going to Naga airport, it will take an hour to reach. This is the most convenient and fastest way. Check your preferred airline company for the flight schedule and airfare. From Naga, take a van bound for Daet . Fare is around 180-200 pesos ($3.56-$3.95) and travel duration is around 2-3 hours.
When you travel by land, there are many bus lines going to Daet. This includes Superlines, Philtranco and Amihan. Bus fare usually is around 500-800 pesos ( $9.88-$ 15.80).
When you reach Daet, either go toward Paracle or Vinzon ports, this is the entry point to Calaguas.
If via Vinzon, ride a jeepney or hire a tricycle going to the fish port. Travel time is about 30 minutes. If via Paracale, take a van going to Paracale (P50-100). Travel time is 1-2 hours.
We endured an 8-9 hours via private vehicle, then a 2-hour boat ride from Vinzons Port. The Vinzons port gave us a Thailand vibe floating market.
Seeing God’s Creation
After playing with those big waves for almost 2 hours, we finally reached Calaguas Island. It startled me with its beauty as I kept on saying Wow for, “I don’t know how many times.” I feel like I was in Cloud 9 seeing this God’s beauty.
Taking the 2-hour boat ride through the Pacific Ocean was one of the best boat ride of my life. We bravely face the strong waves of the open seas. The best time to visit Calaguas is during February to the summer where the waves are calm.
You can only find a fair connection and mobile phone signal in some parts of the island. With this, people can interact, talk and bond. So if you want to unplug from the noise of the city life, Calaguas is definitely for you.
We took a 20 minutes trek where you can appreciate and see the whole island. The viewpoint is majestically appealing and will take your breath away.
Accommodation
We didn’t get the chance to stay overnight in the island but they offer accommodations and tent rental. Here is the list of tour packages you can get. You can contact the local government unit (LGU) of Camarines Norte for this offered tours.
My Thoughts
Calaguas Island is truly an amazing scenery created by God. I hope we will preserve it’s beauty and continue in taking care of the whole island. I am one advocate of nurturing our Philippine treasures like Calaguas. Thank you Camarines Norte tourism office for giving this opportunity to discover your place.
Have you been to Calaguas? Share your experiences with us.
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