It was summer of year 2011 when our group was invited for a
vacation by one of my bestfriend, Rhems in the town of Daet, province of
Camarines Norte. Daet is said to be the “gateway to Bicolandia” as it is
under the first province that you will pass by once you have entered Bicol
Region.
We traveled 10 hours by a service jeepney that includes
traffic all the way to Daet. We stayed in Rhems’ Aunt’s house just walking
distance the famous Bagasbas beach where surfers really enjoy big waves. While in
Bicol, we really enjoyed our stay there as we’ve got bonded with the Madrazo
clan, played with dogs, meeting new friends, breathed fresh air, enjoyed the
sun & beach, and ate delicious home-made Bicolano dishes especially fresh
fish and “sinantol” (ground santol with coconut cream). It's been quite a
while since I've been home to Bicol, my Nanay’s province. I’ve visited Barcelona
Sorsogon when I was 18 years old and Nanay go there at least once a year for
summer vacation and to visit our farm. I so miss “baylehan”(sayawan) and the bicolano
dishes, the province I will not getting tired of coming back.
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| Bagasbas Beach |
During our 2nd day at Daet, we have decided to
visit the famous Calaguas Island. We’ve been hearing about Calaguas Islands
long time ago which boasts off white sand and azure waters. From then on, we
promised ourselves that whenever had an opportunity to visit Bicol province we
will drop by Calaguas Island. Our original plan was to go there on Black
Saturday but the patrol boat which is managed by Rhems’ Uncle who worked at the
Municipal hall was only available on Good Friday. We have no choice but to proceed
with the plan. We dauntlessly conquered the 3 hours bumpy boat ride from
Bagasbas beach to Calaguas Island. Honestly it was not an easy ride as we need
to be in the middle of the sea for 3 hours while dancing with the big waves once in a while but the beautiful side of it was the breathtaking views of mountains and sea that you will pass by on your way to Calaguas Island.
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| On our way to Calaguas |
How to get to Calaguas Islands;
Getting there you need to travel 6 to 7 hours by by bus from
Manila to Daet and an additional 2 hours boat ride from Paracale or Vinzon Route. Philtranco or Superlines
offers travel from Manila to Daet, they also have direct way to Paracale trips
with non air conditioned buses. Alternatively, you can ride Daet bound buses
and get off at Talobatib junction then ride another bus for less than an hour
to get to Paracale town and then proceed to Paracale fishport by trike. Then
ask some local fisherman if they can get you Mahabang Buhangin aka Calaguas
Island. They usually charged from 1500 to 3000 pesos depending on the number of
person.
For Vinzon route:
From Daet proper you can catch jeeney to Vinzons and get off at the fishport
and look for a boat to Mahabang Buhangin aka Calaguas.
After conquering the 3 hours bumpy boat ride, all our
efforts paid off as we finally see the beautiful paradise of Calaguas Island.
It was a very peaceful place with oh-so-white sand that shines with the
reflection of sun rays. Beach lover will surely enjoy this place as this island
is so pure with pristine waters and it’s not that commercialized unlike other
beaches in the Philippines.
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| Beautiful Calaguas Island |
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| Calaguas Island |
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| Calaguas Island |
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| Calaguas Island |
Calaguas is a group of islands clustering in the Pacific
Ocean off the shores of Camarines Norte. Among locals, Calaguas is most commonly known
as “Mahabang Buhangin” which has one of the finest sand beaches in the
country. Calaguas is definitely a must-visit paradise and because it’s
not that commercialized you will not find any hotel or room accommodation but there are cottages in the island that you can rent for day or night stay. However, if
you want to spend a night in the island it is required to bring your own tent,
water and food. You will enjoy the
serenity of the place with just the white sand, azure waters, calm waves and
nature at its best. It's so unwinding hearing the beach waves while walking by the sea shore from end to end and let the fine white sand touches your feet. A very relaxing experience you shouldn't miss.
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| Pristine white sand of Calaguas Island |
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| Picturesque Calaguas Island |
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| Calaguas Island |
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| B4LIFE invades Calaguas Island |
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| Calaguas Island |
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| Calaguas Island |
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| Calaguas Island |
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| Locals go fishing at Calaguas Island |
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| Calaguas Island |
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| Shell fossils on rocks Calaguas Island |
We really enjoyed our day trip in Calaguas Island, witness
to that is our overexposed skin resulting to sunburn hahaha. But it’s all worth
it; we’ve got to enjoy the scorching hot sun rays, the beautiful white sand and
the clear waters. Calaguas is truly a paradise; one of Philippine’s treasure
that needs preservation so next generation will have a chance to embrace this
paradise as well.
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| Paradise Island of Calaguas |
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| Alluring beach and pristine white sand of Calaguas Island |
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| Relaxing view of Calaguas Island |
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| Azure waters of Calaguas Island |
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| A Paradise of Camarines Norte - Calaguas Island |
