Discovering Calaguas Island

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.

Bagasbas Beach

During our 2^nd 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. 

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.

Beautiful Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

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.

Pristine white sand of Calaguas Island

Picturesque Calaguas Island 

Calaguas Island

B4LIFE invades Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

Locals go fishing at Calaguas Island

Calaguas Island

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.

Paradise Island of Calaguas

Alluring beach and pristine white sand of Calaguas Island

Relaxing view of Calaguas Island

Azure waters of Calaguas Island

A Paradise of Camarines Norte - Calaguas Island

Year-Ender for Wondrous 2012

Countdown to 2013 has officially begun and another calendar year comes to a close. But before we bid farewell to year 2012 and move into a new beginning, let me share with you the great and wonderful things that have happened this year.

2012 was really a blast for us. It was a fruitful and happy year for me, my family and my friends. Even though there are struggles and hardships, all went well in the end. Lots of happy memories to cherish, places discovered, newly founded hobbies, learned new things, more bonded relationships, and overflowing blessings from God that we are forever be grateful.

Now, time for recapping the highlights of the whole year 2012.

My 2012 started when an opportunity knocked on our door, as Honey got a job assignment overseas. He was assigned in Malaysia project. First time to experience being away with my Honey and it’s not that easy. But thanks to my best friends for staying beside me and always ready to cheer me up. The absence of my honey didn’t last for long because my father sent me as well to Malaysia early February to fix things up needed for our overseas project. I stayed there for months and I feel so blessed for the unexpected opportunity that came my way. I’ve been able to communicate with other nationality and been able to witness their culture. I also got the chance to visit beautiful places in Johor Bahru where our project was located. And since me and honey were already together in one country we took the chance to visit the famous Kuala Lumpur, Batu Cave and of course, the Petronas Twin Towers. Visiting those awesome places was really unbelievable since we didn’t expect to be in Malaysia that fast.

After finishing our job assignment in Malaysia, Honey and I decided to explore the nearby country which is Singapore. Since Johor Bahru is within the boundary and only 45 minutes away from Singapore, we plan ahead and took the opportunity right away. We were so amazed by how clean, fast growing, and organized country Singapore is. Singaporeans also love to wear fashion even for just an ordinary day at work that turns the street like a fashion runway. We have also got the chance to try Singaporean food in hawkers and I really love their egg noodles in sweet spicy sauce. Some of must-see tourist spot that we've visited are Merlion Park, Orchard, Marina Bay Sands, Clark Quay, Chinatown, Cable car, Resorts World and the super fun place of Universal Studios.

Aside from International travel, our 2012 was also filled with local travel enlisted as follows:

Pampanga

Baguio & Pangasinan

Pagsanjan and Majayjay falls

Tagaytay and Nuvali

Palawan

Manila Ocean Park, Snow Village & Trick Art museum

To sum it all I really had a great and bountiful 2012, though there are still some trials and challenges God still prevailed. It made me realize that there is more to life than what you see. Now i would like to thank all the people who's been part of a good year, thank you for all those who have supported and loved me. My family who's always there for me, my honey for the unconditional love, my bestfriendforlife family who's also my travel buddy - let's enjoy more guys, college BFF who never fails to keep in touch, my loved ones, and to my professors who inspired me, thanks to all of you and the great memories we've shared throughout 2012. May we all have a blessed 2013. Let's all start Fresh and turn up the Heat. 

Thank you God for blessing me more than I deserve. All praises to You!! ;-D 

HAVE A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR GUYS..! Enjoy the new 365days. Cheers to HAPPINESS!

Kalui Restaurant's perfect ambience

Upon searching the net for the best place to eat in Palawan, Kalui Restaurant always appears first on search engine aside from being the mantra among locals and tourists who have been visited Palawan. Through curiosity, we decided to eat here during our 2nd night in Palawan and the receptionist of Corazon Inn helped us making our reservation since Kalui is always jam-packed with customers.

 

Kalui restaurant Menu

We arrived at Kalui at exactly 8:30pm and welcomed by one of their staff who handed us a basket for our footwear which will be placed on a shoe locker.  Yes, number one requirement when eating at Kalui is you need to be on barefoot. I’m not certain if it’s part of the “relaxing ambiance” one must feel or just to maintain the well-polished wooden flooring;  whatever it is the place is so relaxing.  Kalui is just like a native wooden house with bamboo & capiz pieces/decors making it more relaxing and romantic.  Fresh fruits are also displayed all around the restaurants, they even had pantry full of fruits which is great for photo ops. Our reservation was placed in a “papag” style table (akin to Japanese style) paired with “banig” couch and cuddly pillows.  Just beware of the table near the window on the left side of the restaurant as I noticed that insect bites were disturbing the foreign couple. Other than that all is well and relaxing.  

Relaxing seats at Kalui restaurant

Bamboo and Capiz design at Kalui Restaurant

Capiz disc serves as a window curtain - Kalui restaurant

Kalui restaurant dining area

Fruits

Kalui Restaurant

Bamboo pieces - Kalui Restaurant

Chillies design - Kalui Restaurant

Kalui’s menu is all about seafood that is why you will not see any pork, chicken or beef dishes on their menu. We ordered meal set called as the "Choice catch" which comprises of the following: Tuna Steak, Fish Cordon Bleu, and Shrimp. Set Meals come with rice, veggies of the day (stir fried water spinach) and fresh seaweed. We also ordered an additional sweet and sour Lapu-Lapu while Fresh Mango Shake and fresh coconut for our drinks.  They also offer other dishes like crabs, lobster, grilled fish, sinigang, fish in coco cream and the like. As for dessert, they prepared Fruit Platter in Fresh Coconut sprinkled it with Muscovado sugar and they give it to their customers free of charge.  We really had a great time while enjoying delicious food offering of Kalui coordinated with instrumental background music that really adds up to the soothing ambience of the place.

Fresh buko

clam soup

So refreshing Mango shake

Coconut shake

Fish steak meal - Kalui restaurant

Shrimp meal - Kalui restaurant

Fish Cordon Bleu Meal - Kalui Restaurant

Sweet and Sour Lapu - Lapu

Free dessert Fruit Platter in Coconut - Kalui Restaurant

Another amazing and cool thing in this place is their Art gallery room located at the far end of the restaurant. After feasting, one can roam around their art gallery where some paintings and artworks are displayed. Really cool for a restaurant!

Even the comfort room is so nice - Kalui Restaurant

To sum it all, we really had a great dinner at Kalui’s restaurant where food is excellent, service is good and price is affordable enough. The venue is so accessible and perfect for a casual romantic dinner for two, family dinner and group of friends on a vacation. God food + Perfect Ambience = Kalui Restaurant.

For reservations, you can ask the hotel of your stay to reserve seats for you, if not you can contact them in this number.

+63 48 433 2580

+63 928 753 9621

for other menu choices you can visit their site at:

http://www.kaluirestaurant.com/

Corazon Tourist Inn – Budget Friendly Accommodation in Palawan

It was last year of December when we luckily availed the Piso fare from Cebu Pacific Air to Puerto Princesa that hints me to look for an accommodation that will fit our budget. My list of 5 hotels fell into 2 choices viz Ysabelle Mansion & CorazonTourist Inn, the two most affordable accommodations in Palawan. Since our travel date is November, I inquired about Ysabelle Mansion beforehand but it seems that they are the top choice among accommodation in Palawan that’s why they are fully booked for as early as June of this year. Luckily, when I inquired about Corazon Tourist Inn their family room is still available so I reserved it immediately. Aside from their fast response from email and text queries they will also entertain all your questions and any modification you will make for your tour.

Corazon Tourist Inn Palawan

Corazon Tourist Inn is located at the center of Puerto Princesa City which is walking distance to many food establishments and night life. This affordable inn is also a 3 to 5 minutes ride to and from the airport. CTI occupies the 2^nd and 3^rd floor of PC Arcade Building while their receiving area is on the ground floor. The building has a convenient store, computer shop and restaurant that will provide your quick needs. What I really love about CTI is their free services to their guests like FREE Airport transfer (2way), free breakfast everyday of your stay at Metrosilog and all rooms are provided with free WIFI connection. Moreover, they offer rooms that will cater couple, family and travelling in groups with the following inclusions:

• ·        Standard room good for 2 for Php1,400                                

Air-conditioned room

Cabled Television

Hot & Cold Shower

Bathroom

Morning Kit

Towel

• ·         Barkada room good for 4 pax for Php1,600

Air-conditioned room with 2 double decks

Cabled Television

Hot & Cold Shower

Bathroom

Morning Kit

Towel

• ·         Family room good for 6 pax for Php2,100

Air-conditioned room with 2 double decks

Cabled Television

Hot & Cold Shower

Bathroom

Cabinet for stuffs

Morning Kit

Towel

Free morning kit

Morning kits

Corazon tourist inn Palawan

Corazon Tourist Inn: Soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo

The Barkada room we availed is so spacious that we can still add 2 extra bed if we’re 8. Bathroom and Shower room are split into two which can save bath time if you’re in a hurry prepping up in the morning. Corazon tourist Inn also offers tour to Palawan’s best tourist site but we preferred getting La Tiara’s tour package since price is lesser than most hotel tour packages.

Double Decks

Living room

Double bed

The only downside of this hotel is the noise created by the nearby videoke bar and the squeaking gates of store down the building during closing time but it didn’t hinder us from getting a good sleep since we’re tired from the City tour we made on the first day, though the rest of our nights turned out good without any disturbance. Other than that, our stay at CTI was so satisfying. Service is great as they conduct housekeeping with consent and changing our towels every day, and the receptionist also helped us to have reservation at Kalui and Kinabuch beforehand. The room is spacious; air-con is strong enough to cool the big room, and great location near the airport and other establishments. I believe that we've got the best deal and great services through Corazon Tourist Inn; the budget friendly accommodation in Palawan.

For any inquiries, please free to contact Corazon tourist Inn at these contact infos;

Telephone number: +63 48 434 2195

Cellphone number: +63 915 680 3040; +63 929 741 2048

Skype Name: corazontouristinn

Website: http://www.corazontouristinn.net/

Email: info@corazontouristinn.net