Calaguas: A Not So Hidden Paradise

Go Kayaking with the sight of pristine blue waters in Long Beach.                                                                                                                           

It’s been a year since my friend Allan invited me to visit Calaguas. I already heard about Calaguas before but no so popular destination just yet. Since I am more of going to places not so popularly visited by everyone else, I promised Allan to there by next summer year. I had to delay it and plan it for next year since I wasn't able to get vacation leaves. Added the fact that I work in a BPO industry where getting a Paid Time Off (PTO) is not that easy. You have to file it two weeks prior and still not a guarantee if they can have it approved. For all you know, BPO is one of the most demanding type of jobs It will consume your time though one of the highest paying industry after all.

Calaguas is a group of islands in the Pacific under the jurisdiction of Vinzons, province of Camarines Norte. It’s a 1.5hrs to 2hrs boat ride from the mainland and an unknown contender of another powdery beach paradise of Boracay in Caticlan. Mahabang Buhangin (Long Beach), a 1.8km stretch  of powdery white sand is the most frequented place for camping , swimming, kayaking and snorkeling site by tourists.

Tent camping area and the powdery white sand perfect paradise getaway.                                                                                                                    

HOW TO GET THERE

A lot of travel agencies or tour organizers are offering package tour for Calaguas since they includes van pick-ups, boat transfer and arrangement, tent rentals and set meals for the duration of your stay. You may contact my friend Allan for details. I prefer getting a tour package since it minimizes unforeseen costs, your time of contacting a boat going to Calaguas and your time of buying items you need to bring at the island. Since it is a camping style, you will cook your own food if going there by yourselves. Instead of preparing food for lunch, dinner and breakfast, you can enjoy other  beach activities like beach volleyball, Frisbee, kayaking and trekking. That is why I recommend my friend Allan to arrange the tour for you. Promise he’s the most accommodating and helpful organizer I met.

If you are coming from Manila, there are buses going to Bicol that you can choose from. Superlines are offering direct trips going to Paracale- the jump-off point to Calaguas.  Superlines is the cheapest aircon bus to Daet and Paracale with estimate of P500.00 pesos (US  $12). Superlines terminal is located at EDSA Cubao near Five Star and Baliwag terminal (northbound).  Paracale is a town of Camarines Norte popular for its gold mining. After getting off to Paracale, you can go directly to the fishport or you can have a 30minutes side trip to St. Peter the Apostle Parish of Vinzons, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines.

Go hiking and get to see the amazing full view of Long Beach.                                                                                                                                

From Paracale you can have a boat ride to Calaguas with an estimated budget of P2000.00 pesos (US $50.00) good for 5-6 persons. There are bigger boat who can accommodate 15-20 people that you can hitch a ride as well. It is suggested that you contact o local boat owner prior to going there in order for you to ensure boat ride. You can also arrange with the boat man for your ride going back to Paracale after the adventure. But then again, to minimize time I recommend you to contact Allan to arrange everything for you. One reason it is recommended to get a pre-arranged tour is to help locals with their business while promoting local tourism.

WHAT TO DO

There are boats for rent to use in Kayaking and rental fee is about P300.00 pesos (US $7) for an hour. You can bring Frisbee and volleyball beach since the area is too wide to do these activities. In the afternoon, you can go island hopping with your buddies and snorkeling then go back to Mahabang Buhangin (Long Beach) for sunset viewing.  In the evening you can set-up bonfire and have bonding with your group. You may bring your own drinks and buy before riding a boat in Paracale since there are no stores in the island. The following morning you can go trekking and view the island at the top view for photo ops.

Before lunch time you can now wash up and prepare going back to Paracale and have lunch at Bagasbas beach in Daet. There are a lot of beach front restos in Bagasbas to choose from and their seafood in one of the bests. Also, Bagasbas is known for its Aero Festival which showcases aero activities like paragliding and kite flying. It is now also a good place for surfing and skim boarding.

Don't miss shooting the glorious sunset in the island.                                                                                                                                            

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 0

6PM Bus trip in Superlines Cubao

Day 1

5AM Arrival in Daet (Allan can pick you up here) or if DIY you can wait for a 

       bus/van going to Paracale. Make sure to buy the things you need here 

      though you can also buy items in Paracale port. You can have breakfast 

       here since this is where the fast foods are located.             

7AM-8AM Boat ride going to Mahabang Buhangin (1.5 to 2hrs)

10AM Arrival at Mahabang Buhangin (Long Beach).Set –up tent, swimming, 

         beach volleyball, Frisbee and Kayaking.

12NN-2PM Lunch time and siesta

2PM-5PM Island hopping and snorkelling

6pm-630PM  Sunset viewing. Make sure to go back in Mahabang Buhangini at 

                   5pm to capture the beauty of sunset.

7PM-Onwards : Dinner and socials (If you have Allan arranged a tour for you, 

                   you can eliminate the hassle of cooking your own food. He will 

                    take care of the rest)

Day 2

6AM Wake up Call

7AM-830AM Trekking and Photo Ops

830AM-930AM Breakfast and swimming then wash-up. Prepare in going to 

                  Paracale.

10AM-12NN Boat ride going back to Paracale

1PM-2PM Lunch at Bagasbas beach

2PM-6PM Pasalubong buying in Daet, buy dry seafoods, dinner at K-Sarap.     

              Their halo-halo there is so good.

7PM-8PM   Bus ride from Daet to Cubao

Day 3

5AM Arrival in Cubao

SAMPLE BUDGET

Cubao bus fare to Daet P500.00 x 2way   P1000.00 (US  $20)

Daet Van fare to Paracale 100 x2way   P200.00 (US $5) –This is included if getting a package from Allan

Paracale boat ride to Mahabang Buhangin P2000.00 per 5-6 persons (including in the package with Allan)

Enjoy watching the fire dancers in their amazing performance during the socialization night at the island.