Travel Guide: Calaguas Islands (Updated)
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 Cubao/Pasay 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
Naga in Camarines Sur is closest airport with regular commercial flights via Philippine Airlines, 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, Superlines has direct trip to Paracale/Panganiban. Get off at Paracale and make your way to the fish port. Alternatively, you can ride a bus to Daet, 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 walk to the fish port.
At the fish port, you can ask around for fishermen’s boats to Halabang Baybay (Mahabang Buhangin), Calaguas for as low as P2000 (good for five to six persons) or you may opt to ride a boat that goes to Barangay Mangkawayan, Calaguas for a cheaper fare of at least P50 per person. However there’s no regular public boat going to Barangay Mangkawayan but more of fisherman’s boat and the schedule is unpredictable.
Going to Paracale from Manila, Superlines and Philtranco have direct to Paracale trips. Alternatively, you can ride the Daet bound buses and get off at Talobatib junction where buses going to Paracale pass. Last trip from Daet to Paracale is 6PM and 4PM for Paracale to Daet.
Where to Stay
There is 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. Camping fee is P100.00 per person.
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 St. Peter the Apostle Parish of Vinzons, St. John the Baptist Parish of 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, Calangcawan Sur, Mantigbi Beach 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
Travelogues
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).
For other Calaguas related posts, please see these posts:
- Fall in Love in Calaguas
- For the Love of Calaguas
- Top Picks: Five Best Adventures of 2010
- Top Picks: Five Best Beaches of 2010
Sample DIY Itinerary (via Paracale)
Estimated Budget: P2000.00
Day 0:
2100H: Departure
Day 1:
0500H: Arrival in Talobatib,Labo
0500H – 0600H: Breakfast in Talobatib
0600H – 0700H: Talobatib to Paracale by bus
0700H – 0900H: Arrival in Paracale/Survey for boat to Maculabo-Calaguas/Shop for other needed items (ice, meat, fruits, fish, drinking water, etc)
0900H – 1000H: Paracale to Maculabo by boat
0900H – 1330H: Explore Maculabo: beach bumming, photo ops, hill,
trekking, swimming, lunch
1330H – 1430H: Maculabo to Mahabang Buhangin, Tinaga Island, Calaguas by boat
1430H – 1530H: Set-up Camp
1530H – 1800H: Explore Mahabang Buhangin: beach bumming, photo ops, swimming, snorkeling
1800H – 1930H: Dinner Preparation/Wahs=up/Fix-up
1930H – 2030H: Dinner
2030H: Socials, Bonfire, Lights off
Day 2:
0700H – 0800H: Call Time, Breakfast
0800H – 1130H: Free time, explore, discover, play, pose, packup, prepare lunch
1130H – 1300H: Lunch
1300H – 1430H: Wash-up/Fix-up/Break Camp
1430H – 1630H: Calaguas to Paracale by boat
1630H – 1700H: Arrival in Paracale/Wash-up/Fix-up
1700H – 1800H: Paracale to Talovatib by bus/trike
1800H – 2130H: Dinner/Rest/Fix-up
2130H: Departure from Daet to Manila
Day 3:
0430H – Arrival in Pasay
0530H – Home Sweet Home
Tips
- We highly recommend Kuya Nelson, a boatman based in Paracale, you may contact him at +0920-3179315
- Best time to go is during summer and dry months (September to June)
- Try trekking to the nearby hill to see the beach from the higher vantage point
- There is a source of fresh water in the island
- There is restroom the island
- The island have now more cottages and stores
- Superlines is the cheapest aircon bus line to Daet and Paracale, their Cubao to Labo fare as of June 2011 is P520.00
*First Published: March 21, 2009; Updated: 09-Jul-2011 / 15-Nov-2011
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Just want to ask, meron po bang source ng fresh water here where in we can make banlaw or ligo after swimming?hehe thanks
Yep, meron pong deep well
since marami nang nakakaalam nito, i suggest na weekdays kayo pumunta like what we did. arrived wed and left friday morning, sarap solong solo namin ang island! so beautiful, in fact babalik ako this week hehe just in time for pahiyas festival in quezon
Harold, meron ka contact number ng boatmen nyo? pede mo ba share dito? punta kami next weekend, i tried calling ung mga boatmen na nakapost dito at sa ibang blogs kaso nananaga na. saan kayo sumakay vinsons or paracale? thank you!
hi Mariel, negotiable ang price ko
@ Nel.
I’d like to inquire about your boat rental rate for Calaguas from Paracale. How can I get in touch with you? We’ll go to Calaguas on February 26, 2011. Here’s my email: gene2280@gmail.com.
Thanks.
sa lahat ng gustong magtanong kung magkano ang rate ng boat ko papuntang Calaguas island ito na po ang bago kung CP# 09203179315 Nelson Gomez.
we have calaguas island packages if you want… thanks.. here is my number +639292938154..
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!
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.
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
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
Hmm, Nelson’s rate is good na din ha
sir nelson active pa ba ang number mo? plan namin magpunta sa feb 2011
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
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.
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.
salamat ken…sige kay mang rolly tayo.
im not promoting anyone im just trying to help everyone needs,..
and as i just mentioned TRY IT!!!
hello we have also boat for rent to mahabang buhangin you can contact us : 09182311699.for cheaper rates.
nnnn
zzzz?
bkit s vinzons mu ibinibigay ung mga tao n gus2 magpnta s mahabang buhangin e npkmhal ang bayad dun,.
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,…
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,..
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.
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
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!
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.
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!
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.
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..
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
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.
talo ang boracay dito,
HANIP SA GANDA,,AKO KASI HANNGANG TAWIG,TUGOS AT PULANG DAGA LANG,,
KULANG NA LANG AY PROMOTER AT INVESTO PARA LALONG MAGING TANYAG,,
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
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)
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.
pkcopy po ng pic a?popost q ln.ganda kse:D
sure
ser pwede pa grab ng pix ipost ko lang po thanks
Sure po. Thanks
top SERP ka na naman!
were planning to go there this friday can u give me the contact details of you bankero from vinzons?
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.
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.
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.
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
3K, one way??? Sobra naman… Hay, some Filipinos have this “mapagsamantala” mentality talaga. So sad.
do we have to register or advise someone before going to the island.is there a fee in staying there
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.
bathroom!!?? there’s a cottage there which has the bathroom your asking.. but when we got there last may. we just poop anywhere!! hehe!!