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 long stretch of beach named Halabang Baybay/Mahabang Buhangin (Long Beach) by the locals, is a cove located in the Tinaga Island, it is a picture perfect paradise with its long stretch of fine white sand dotted with volcanic rocks on its both ends, the place is the most frequented camping and swimming site by tourists.
Discover Calaguas Group of 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:
While there are travel/tour organizers offering Calaguas tour, a DIY trip is possible and the cheapest way to get to the island. The experience of doing it on your own for the entire journey adds thrill and excitement to what is already an exciting adventure.
Via Vinzons
Daet, the capital of Camarines Norte is the jumpoff point to Calaguas Islands if you are going there via Vinzons. 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. For a small boat that can fit four to five people, the lowest rate is at P2500-P3000.00. 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.
Via Paracale
Paracale, a Camarines Norte town popular for its gold, is fast becoming an entry point to Calaguas Islands. From Daet, the town can be reached in less than two hours by public vans, fare is around P100.00. But if you are coming from Manila by bus to Daet, you can get off at Barangay Talobatib in the town of Labo and ride another bus for less than an hour to get to Paracale town and then proceed to Paracale fishport by trike. You can ask around for fishermen’s boats to Halabang Baybay (Mahabang Buhangin), Calaguas for as low as P1000 or you may opt to ride the boat that goes to Barangay Mangkawayan, Calaguas for a cheaper fare of P50 per person. However these are not regular public boat with scheduled departure but more of fisherman’s boat going to Barangay Mangkawayan, and the schedule is unpredictable.
Boats in Paracale have no safety vests unlike some private boats in Vinzons that cater to tourists.
Going to Paracale from Manila, Superlines and Philtranco have direct to Paracale trips with non air conditioned buses. Alternatively, you can ride Daet bounde buses and get off at Talobatib junction where buses going to Paracale pass. Last trip from Daet to Paracale is 6PM, 4PM for Paracale to Daet.
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, Paracale and neighboring towns
- Island and beach hopping around Calaguas Group: Pinagtigasan Beach on the southern Tinaga Island, Cumalasag, Pinagtakpan, Pinagcastillohan, Guintinua, Huag, Cagbalisay, Bendita, Sang-atan, Balagbag Malaki, Balagbag Maliit and other white sand island beaches around
- Explore other islands in Camarines Norte: Maculabo, Mercedes Group, etc
- Head south towards Caramoan, Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex in Naga, Albay and Sorsogon
Tips
Our group went back to Calaguas via paracale route last February 2010. For the details, itinerary and budget of the trip, read my blog post Calaguas: paradise on a Budget (A DIY Guide).
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weng
May 11th, 2010
hi ken,
thanks for supporting mahabang buhangin…and ung mga boatmen dito sa paracale…nakakatulong tlga kau sa mga tao dito and kung makakablik uli kayo dito pwede mo din kami contact sa cellphone number :09182311699.Available din bangka namin for rentals.maraming salamat!
Rexel
May 11th, 2010
My wife and I are going to Calaguas on May 21. Can someone recommend the most affordable boat ride going there? Or maybe we can just join a group going there with whom we can share the boat fare? dalawa lang kami eh…thanks guys. thanks lakwatsero.
Lakwatsero
May 12th, 2010
Try Mang Nelson, the number is posted in one of the comments, but sometimes it would be better na doon na lang maghanap, madami namang willing na boat and you can haggle. Basta stay with your budget, don’t let them rip you off
nel
May 14th, 2010
i offer boat for rent to Calaguas Island maximum 4pax Php 2,500
6pax Php 3,000
20pax Php 7,000
with island hopping and life vest
if interested u can contact me
Nelson gomez 09398351453
Lakwatsero
May 14th, 2010
Hmm, Nelson’s rate is good na din ha
ken
May 13th, 2010
rexel
ung kay mang rolly ang i rent mu n boat kc un ang pinakaura at pinaka maasikaso s lhat e2 # nya 09285842052
da best yan kc 3 tymes n aq smskay s boat nya…tnx
nel
May 13th, 2010
KEN, paalala sa gustong mag rent ng boat dito sa paracale or sa ibang lugar dapat siguraduhin na matibay or hindi subra sa karga ang bangka dahil isang pagkakamali buhay ang nakataya,maraming tao na iniisip lang ay kumita ng pera at ang iba naman ay nagtitipid sa pera, di nila alam buhay ang kapalit nila.
Lakwatsero
May 13th, 2010
While I agree that safety should be the top most priority, it should not be a basis for almost 100% increase in price. It is so sad to know that Paracale boatmen charge higher nowadays, konti na lang ka-price na nila ang Vinzons. If that is the case, people will either go straight to Vinzons which is easier to reach, or just avail of the package tours from Daet or Manila.
Nel, ken and weng, how are you related to each other? Because you logged the same IP address – 121.54.75.2.
rexel agapay
May 15th, 2010
salamat ken…sige kay mang rolly tayo.
ken
May 13th, 2010
im not promoting anyone im just trying to help everyone needs,..
and as i just mentioned TRY IT!!!
weng
May 9th, 2010
hello we have also boat for rent to mahabang buhangin you can contact us : 09182311699.for cheaper rates.
n
May 5th, 2010
nnnn
Lakwatsero
May 7th, 2010
zzzz?
ken
May 10th, 2010
bkit s vinzons mu ibinibigay ung mga tao n gus2 magpnta s mahabang buhangin e npkmhal ang bayad dun,.
ken
May 10th, 2010
e samantalang kay mang rolly at kay mang nelson mura lng ang singil may discount p at 100% filipino hospitality ang ibbgay s mga bcta,…
ken
May 10th, 2010
i just want to make fair to all,..
and its my own experience kc 3 times n aq nkpnta s mahabang buhangin at s knla komfortable k tlga,..
Lakwatsero
May 10th, 2010
Who? Are you referring to me? Read my entire post, and my other Calaguas post, and the comments and my replies first. I in fact recommended Paracale route, and Mang Rolly/Mang Nelson.
allen joy
Apr 29th, 2010
Hi guys, i offer group tour to calaguas, its cheap, 2000 per head 2d/1n, all in (tents,foods,and a trip to maculabo island)all u have to do is get urself to naga or daet and we’ll take it from there, i have tours on May 1-2 and May 8-9…. if interested, u can contact me @ 09228748070 or 09273676229…
thanks…
check my facebook event;
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115610411799822&index=1
mariel
Apr 20th, 2010
hi, i am planning to visit calaguas along with my friends this may, do you still have the contact number of your boatman? capacity of the boat? and route from vinsons-daet-naga, do you have any idea? thank you!
Lakwatsero
Apr 29th, 2010
Unfortunately, our boatman doesn’t have a celfone. He gave us his relative’s number but since my fone was stolen i lost it. I’ll ask my friend for the number and return to you. You may also try Nelson Gomez at 09398351453. The P2000 boat we got can accommodate 6-8 person. From Vinsons, Date is just a short tricycle trip, in Daet there are buses and vans going to Naga.
mariel
May 2nd, 2010
Hi Lakwatsero, Mang Nelson is a boatman from vinsons or paracale? Question: where did your boatmen stayed for the night? share the same tent? also do you have an idea how much the boat at vinsons usually cost for an overnight stay going to calaguas? thank you!
Lakwatsero
May 7th, 2010
Hi Mariel, Mang Nelson is from Paracale. Where will the boatman stay, it depends on your arrangement, you can ask them to leave and fetch you on your scheduled return date but I prefer that they stay with you for two reasons: 1) In case of emergency, you have a ready boat; and 2) They will help you on some tasks like setting up the fire, getting drinking water from the water source and even on cooking/grilling. Do not worry, they will not sleep in your tents. From Vinzons, the cheapest boat rate I know is P3000 for a boat that can fit up to 6 people.
Mariel
May 9th, 2010
Thanks Mr. Lakwatsero. Such a great help! i am now praying lang na sana hindi pa malalaki ang waves.. may mga kasama ako na hindi marunong lumangoy..
AJ Tria
Apr 19th, 2010
Lakwatsero, hi! My high school classmates and I are planning to for a May 8-9 schedule to Calaguas. Can you help us find a boatman, whom you trust, to serve as our guide. Thanks and appreciate it.
=>AJ TRia
Lakwatsero
Apr 29th, 2010
Hmmm, sad to say our boatman has no CP. He gave us his relative’s number but I lost my phone to thieves. You may try Mang Nelson Gomez at 09398351453, or you may look for boat when you get there (better look for Mang Rolly/Maton), mababait naman sila mostly.
Livin high and takin it easy » Blog Archive » Deactivated Voter’s Registration
Apr 13th, 2010
[...] be away from for three whole nights this weekend as we will be going on the Travel Factor trip to Calaguas Island. It’s going to be the longest time yet that I will be away from her. You would think this [...]
bien zaldua inocalla
Apr 10th, 2010
talo ang boracay dito,
bien zaldua inocalla
Apr 10th, 2010
HANIP SA GANDA,,AKO KASI HANNGANG TAWIG,TUGOS AT PULANG DAGA LANG,,
KULANG NA LANG AY PROMOTER AT INVESTO PARA LALONG MAGING TANYAG,,
ley
Apr 9th, 2010
Hi Lakwatsero! Me and some friends are planning to go to calaguas come last week of april.. im just wondering if you can give me a contact number of a boatman you trust so we can inform him in advance. Appreciate it.
ley
Rv
Apr 5th, 2010
You guys can ride a boat from Paracale to Mahabang Buhangin. Then from there Brgy. Mangkawayan is like 20 mins treck. Locals are very friendly, that they will lead you to where you have to go.
But I suggest that instead of Mangkawayan, go fot Mahabang Buhangin. Far better sea shoreline. (cleaner)
Rv
Apr 5th, 2010
Just got back from Calaguas. Its a paradise. Spent the holy week there.
The boat ride from Paracale is Php3,000 two way.
They already have a toilet and “poso” as source of water.
I love the island. So nice. So clean. Far better than Boracay.
zel
Mar 31st, 2010
pkcopy po ng pic a?popost q ln.ganda kse:D
Lakwatsero
Mar 31st, 2010
sure
EVIE
Mar 31st, 2010
ser pwede pa grab ng pix ipost ko lang po thanks
Lakwatsero
Mar 31st, 2010
Sure po. Thanks
benj
Mar 30th, 2010
top SERP ka na naman!
momdhee
Mar 29th, 2010
were planning to go there this friday can u give me the contact details of you bankero from vinzons?
EVIE
Mar 28th, 2010
Nakakainis!!
My husband and his group went there in good faith that this page would really help them,they tried to make it the “Paracale” way, but to their surprise…
the public boat to Brgy.Mangkawayan
DO NOT EXIST!!
left with no choice..
they returned to daet instead,
and make it via Vinzons.
Such a waste of time and effort travelling to Paracale is nearly 2hrs.
I just hope this post be edited soon so no more explorers would go the “wrong paracale” route.
Lakwatsero
Mar 28th, 2010
Sorry to hear about what happened. That was a terrible experience. I have no intention to mislead my readers.
However, the information about the public boat to Mangkawayan was from a local of Calaguas, Mang Bert, an owner of a part of Mahabang Buhangin. The schedule though is unpredictable, and there is only one trip everyday, back and forth. But the boat usualy leaves Mangkawayan to Paracale as early as 6 in the m0rning and returns to Mangkawayan immediately, n0 waiting time. They önly board th0se passengers who are there the m0ment they arrive. Fare is 50 pesos.
I verified it also to a local of Paracale and they c0nfirmed it.
Nevertheless, I will edit my post to indicate the risks of going to Calaguas via public boat to prevent such incident to happen again.
Thanks for your feedback and I’m sorry again for what happened.
Lakwatsero
Mar 28th, 2010
One question though, why did they not hire a private boat in Paracale instead? Private boats in Paracale are cheaper than in Vinzons. Our group went to Calaguas via Paracale last February 2010 and the boat from Mangkawayan has not arrived yet, this was according to a local lady waiting also for the boat to buy some catch from Mangkawayan, so what we did was hire a boat to Calaguas from there for P2000 overnight in Calaguas, plus side trip to Maculabo and Cumalasag Islands. We were nine in the group and the entire trip from Manila costs us P1800 each all inclusive.
EVIE
Mar 30th, 2010
actually they did tried but the boatman is asking for 3000Php(one way).Since they were only 3 in a group, 3k is kinda expensive.So they head back to Daet,and made the “sure” Vinzon’s way.
Anyways, your site still helped them get there (with a little twist and turn though).On behalf of my hubby we still wanna thank you and for your immediate response..
Hope
Lakwatsero
Mar 30th, 2010
3K, one way??? Sobra naman… Hay, some Filipinos have this “mapagsamantala” mentality talaga. So sad.
kaito
Mar 11th, 2010
do we have to register or advise someone before going to the island.is there a fee in staying there
Lakwatsero
Mar 28th, 2010
Depends on where you set your camp, if you set your camp in Mang Bert’s area (the area with flaglets, water source and some cottages), you will be charged P100/person for a day trip and P150/person if overnight.
dhang
Feb 27th, 2010
bathroom!!?? there’s a cottage there which has the bathroom your asking.. but when we got there last may. we just poop anywhere!! hehe!!
Angelika Esquillo
Feb 26th, 2010
hello there!
I have one concern though.. how about the bathroom in the island? have they improvised on any hut with toilet bowl or something? Thanks