RaiTravel: Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

May 21-22, 2015

Though at around 3:30AM, I moved out of the tent and laid under the perfect moon, the air blows steadily, I can hear the melodious sound of water continually crashing on the shores, watching the couples lounging by the beach, some walking hands together… the dawn is whispering the stillness of the moment, my precious moment, thus, “Unless you love someone, nothing else makes any sense” by E.E. Cummings, actually makes sense.

The Calaguas Island or more locally known as “Mahabang Buhangin” has long been on my radar, though it took me a while to witness its splendor. This unadulterated paradise that surpasses the natural daintiness of Boracay has maintained its exquisite nature until these days… I just hope that the Island would be able to embrace its threshold to retain its soft white powdery sand and the playing colors of crystal, azure and turquoise clear, not to mention, still clean water.

Calaguas is a group of islands situated in the Province of Camarines Norte, Tinaga and Guintinua are the 2 major Islands along with other small islands are under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Vinzons. The famous “Mahabang Buhangin” is located at Tinaga Island.

It is feared that the influx of tourist might lead to the detriment of island’s peace and serenity. Yet, one cannot keep it forever, I just hope that people will keep their senses in terms of loving our natural reserve. Let’s keep our movement of keeping Calaguas clean.

Getting there:

Getting to the island requires a fully charge energy, as it 9 hours bus trip from Manila to Daet, Camarines Norte. A few minutes of land travel to Sabang Port at Vinzons and another 2 to 2.5 hours boat ride to the island.

There are various bus lines heading to Daet, such as, Philtranco, Superlines, Daet Express and DLTB. I took the 8:30 schedule of the latter from EDSA-Pasay Station, that’s the most feasible time to get to Daet by 6-6:30 in the morning.

DIY is great but there are all sorts of tour packages, which is inclusive of roundtrip transportation via bus or van, and meals, that are being offered by various tour operators, i.e. Calaguas local, tipidtrip, Pinoytravel, BestCalaguas…etc. etc…, all of them offered a convenient and satisfying stay in Calaguas, you just have to chose according to your time and budget.

I chose the Calaguas local package for 2,200.00 for 2 days and 1 night, inclusive of sumptuous meals from lunch upon arrival, dinner, breakfast the following day and packed lunch. The Calaguas local also has its own provision of water via pump and comfort room facility, which makes the whole stay extra convenient.

Where to Stay:

Normally, to be truly one with nature and to experience something different, backpacker and travelers would stay in a tent, either you bring your own or you rent from one those tiny stores in the island or the tent is inclusive in the package, perfect! However, this is surprising, for those who cannot survive in a hard floor and oven hot accommodation – or commonly known as “tent,” There is a Waling-Waling Resort that offers an air conditioned room and a package inclusive of boat transfer, meals and accommodation at an open air hut with queen size bed for around 4,500.00 pesos.

So for an ideal and hardcore trip, I chose to stay in a tent. Though at around 3:30AM, I moved out of the tent and laid under the perfect moon, the air blows steadily, I can hear the melodious sound of water continually crashing on the shores, watching the couples lounging by the beach, some are walking hands together… the dawn is whispering the stillness of the moment, my precious moment, thus, “Unless you love someone, nothing else makes any sense” by E.E. Cummings, actually makes sense.

Note to myself, I want you to remember that you made an angel wings on its white powdery sand,

the alluring water made you stay for the longest possible time, that you dance the running man under the water, the heat of the sun cannot even intervene on your playtime,