Calaguas Islands

Posted on 21. Mar, 2009 by Lakwatsero in Destinations, Luzon

On the northernmost part of Bicolandia is an unknown paradise that can rival the white sand beach of Boracay and the serenity of Pagudpud, still virgin and unspoiled- the beautiful and enchanting islands of Calaguas.

Calaguas is a group of islands in the Pacific under the jurisdiction of the town of Vinzons, Province of Camarines Norte, a merely two hour boat ride from the mainland. It boasts of powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unspoiled natural resources, a place where  you can truly relax while enjoying the beauty and serenity of the place.

The main island, named Mahabang Buhangin (Long Beach) by the locals, is a picture perfect paradise with its long stretch of white sand beach dotted with volcanic rocks on its one end, the place is the most frequented camping and swimming site by tourists.

Discover Calaguas Islands, swim on its turquoise water, sit on its white sand, enjoy its magnificent view of sunset, explore its beauty… you’ll definitely find a reason to be happy.

How to Get There:

Daet, the capital of Camarines Norte is the jumpoff point to Calaguas Islands. From there catch a jeeney to Vinzons and get off at the fishport (pandawan). There’s a boat going to Barangay Banocboc daily, it departs the fishport at 11 AM, from Banocboc you can hire a banca to take you to Calaguas Islands for as low as P500.00 or even lower depending on your haggling skill. The return trip to Vinzons fishport leaves Banocboc at 6AM the next day.

Alternatively, you can hire a banca from Vinzons fishport to Calaguas Islands, price depends on the capacity of the boat. It is a two hour boat ride from the port.

Going to Daet from Manila, you have two options:

By Land

Philtranco, Amihan (Contact No: 3871792) and Superlines buses offers Manila to Daet for an approximately 7-8 hours travel time. Fare cost differs, but ranging from P450.00(~$10) to P750.00(~$17)

By Air

SEA Air has seasonal trip to Daet, but Naga in Camarines Sur would be the closest airport with regular commercial flights via Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Zest Air. From Naga, Daet is around two hours drive. There are vans to Daet located in Naga Van Terminal, the earliest departs at 5AM and the last trip is around 7PM.

Where to Stay

There are no commercial establishment in the island, so bring your tent (plus foods and drinking water) with you as most tourist spend the night in the island camping along the beach.

Activities

Calaguas is the best place to relax and unwind if you are not the party goer type or if you are a fan of a quiet beach scene. Just sit on the sand, swim in the water, explore the island, bond with your friends during a bonfire night, and you will definitely appreciate the place.

Other activities include:

• Scuba diving/snorkeling
• Island hopping
• Swimming
• Camping – just bring your own camping equipments, enough foods and water supply.
• Surfing in Daet’s Bagasbas Beach
• Visit the old churches in Vinzons and neighboring towns
• Head south towards Caramoan, Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex, Albay and Sorsogon

Lakwatsero Experience

Lakwatsero has been to Calaguas Islands on Valentines Day of 2009 for a Travel Factor Ultimate Beach Bumming Experience in one of the islands, where he met new friends and travel buddies with constant communication until now.

Images

[1] Boat ride. Photo by Ems. [2] Preparing the camp.

[3] My tent. [4] Fine white sand.

[5] From a distance. [6] Touchball on the beach. Photo by Ems.

[7] A great find. [8] The other side.

[9] A local kid. [10] A local fisherman.

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Tags: beach, calaguas, camarines norte