About Jose Panganiban

The town of Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte is sketching its own image in the tourism map of the Philippines after the rise to fame of Calaguas Group of Islands in the neighboring town of Vinzon. Thanks to the recent exposure of Parola Island, the so called “Pink Sand Beach of Camarines Norte” which has captured the attention of beach lovers and adventure seekers.

But more than Parola Island, one would ask, “what’s there to see in this quiet town?”, “what will make the long journey worthwhile?”

Th answer will come as a surprise because Jose Panganiban has other natural wonders that will surely synthesize your love for the sun, sea, sand and adventure.

Off the coast of Barangay Larap are pristine islands and other attractions that offer unique and inviting charm, less crowded yet equally, if not, more beautiful than the famed Parola Island. There’s the Tabusao Island, Calalanay Island and Padoni Island which is linked by a disappearing sandbar to the mainland; the dramatic tidal layers of Barangay Salvacion; the different mainland beaches and coves that are accessible only by boats; and other inland attractions that are yet to be exposed.

Surprises await in Panganiban for those who choose the road less traveled with its hidden wonders that are just waiting for their turn to shine.

It’s your time, Panganiban!

How to Get to Jose Panganiban

By Air

Naga in Camarines Sur is the closest airport with regular commercial flights via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. From Naga, proceed to Daet which is around 3-hour drive. There are vans to Daet located in Naga Van Terminal, the earliest departs at 5AM and the last trip is around 7PM. At Daet, transfer to a local bus or van to Panganiban for P35 and travel time is at least one hour.

By Land

Superlines and Daet Express have direct trips from Cubao, Alabang and Pasay going to Panganiban although the trips are limited, fare is around P500 and travel time is at least 8 hours.

Alternatively, you may catch a bus to Daet via Philtranco, Amihan, DLTB, Superlines or Daet Express and get off at Talobatib, travel time is approximately 8 hours and fare starts at P450. From Talobatib, transfer to a local bus or van to Panganiban for P25, travel time is around 45 minutes.

You can book your bus from Manila to Daet or vice versa below:

BOOK YOUR BUS FROM MANILA TO DAET

*The sandbar at the eastern tip of Parola Island*

Where to Stay in Panganiban

There is no high-end accommodation in Panganiban, tourists who wish to spend a night in town may stay at Hotel Bienvenido and Victor Hotel both located Poblacion, in Eslanacion Resort of Barangay Salvacion or in Taruyog Resort in Luklukan Sur.

For the adventurous ones, you may pitch a tent in Parola Island, Calalanay Island, Bulalacao Beach, Gumaus Beach, Eslanacion Resort, Taruyog Resort or in other islands and beaches in town.

What to Do in Panganiban

Scuba diving, free diving or snorkeling (bring your own equipment).
Camping – bring your own camping equipment, enough food and water supply.
Explore other islands, beaches and resorts in Panganiban: Calalanay Island, Tabusao Island, Padoni Island, Flora Sandbar, Eslanacion Resort, Taruyog Resort, Bulalacao Beach, etc.
See the tidal flats of Salvacion.
Check out the other islands of Camarines Norte such as Jaulo Island in Capalonga, the Mercedes Group, and the Calaguas Group of Vinzons.
Surf 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
Trek Mount Labo, the highest mountain of Camarines Norte
Swim in Gumaus Beach or Pulang Daga Beach of Paracale
Check out Saltahan Falls, Palanas Falls, Malatap Falls, Burok-Busok Falls, Binuan Falls and other waterfalls of Labo
Go spelunking in Mt. Cadig Cave also of Labo
Head south towards Caramoan, Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex in Naga, Albay and Sorsogon

Sample Itinerary in Panganiban / Parola Island

Estimated Budget: P3,000-P3500 (group of 5)

Day 0:
2100H: Departure at Superlines Cubao (Cubao to Panganiban- P525/person)

Day 1:
0600H – 0800H: Arrival in Panganiban / Breakfast / Proceed to Panganiban Tourism office / Shop for supplies (ice, meat, fruits, fish, drinking water, etc)
0800H – 0830H: Panganiban to Salvacion Tidal Flats
0830H – 0900H: Salvacion Tidal Flats
0900H – 1000H: Salvacion to Tabusao Island to Parola Island
1000H – 1200H: Free time in Parola Island
1200H – 1245H: Parola Island to Calalanay Island
1245H – 1400H: Set camp / late lunch
1400H – 1800H: Free time / swimming / prepare dinner
1800H – 1930H: Dinner
1930H: Socials, Lights off

Day 2:
0530H – 0900H: Sunrise / call time / breakfast / free time / break camp
0900H – 0930H: Calalanay to Eslanacion / Flora Sandbar / Padoni Island
0930H – 1100H: Free time in Eslanacion / Flora Sandbar / Padoni Island
1100H – 1130H: Return to Panganiban
1130H – 1300H: Wash-up / fix-up / lunch
1300H – 1400H: Panganiban to Talobatib
1400H – 1430H: Waiting time/snacks/rest
1430H: Bus to Manila

Day 3:
0030H – Arrival in Manila

Tips

Padoni Island and Tabusao Island are privately owned by Villanueva clan and requires permit to visit
Overnight boat rate to Parola Island starts at P4000 for a boat that can ferry 30 – 40 passengers
All inclusive overnight package at Parola Island is offered by Panganiban Tourism Office at P2,200/person from Jose Panganiban (minimum of of 12 guests) or P2,500/person from Daet (minimum of of 12 guests)
Get in touch with Camarines Norte Tourisrm at [email protected] or +63-054-440-0034 or Miss Ruth Marie Forteza of Jose Panganiban Tourism Office at [email protected] if you wish to avail of the package
You can charter a boat for as low as P2,500 overnight to take you around Calalanay Island, Tabusao Island, Padoni Island, Flora Sandbar and Eslanacion Resort, you may also ask if they are permitted to go to Parola Island
Entrance fee in Parola Island is P25 for locals of Panganiban and P50 for the rest
Best time to go is during summer and dry months (September to June)
There is no electricity in the island but mobile signal is present
There are restrooms in the island but not a fancy one
Please! Please follow the LEAVE NO TRAIL PRINCIPLE: TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES, LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS, KILL NOTHING BUT TIME