Calaguas: The Hidden Gem of Philippines

Calaguas is considered a gem among the Philippine islands, and is dubbed as the next and mini-Boracay. Wanna know why? Read the whole blog and be in awe of this hidden gem.

Calaguas Islands, located in Municipality of Vinzons in Camarines Norte, Philippines, is a group of islands with pristine white sand beaches and has a serene environment. It has 17 islands, including the 2 major islands - Guintinua and Tinaga Island. Tourists usually refer the term Calaguas Island to its best known tourist spot which is the Mahabang Buhangin Beach (a 1.27 km long beach), but it still has other islands where tourists are allowed for other activities such as hiking, island hopping, snorkeling, camping, and more.

Since we are from Quezon City, we left our place around 10 PM so that we can arrive at 7 AM at Paracale Port. Manila to Bicol Province has a roughly 10 to 12 hours travel time through private vehicle which is the most common way because of the tourists desiring to experience the zigzag road, specifically in Atimonan, Quezon or notably known as Bitukang Manok.

Atimonan, Quezon (Bitukang Manok)

On the other hand, it may have different approximate travel time, tourists can still travel via:

• Air Transportation - travel to Naga City Airport, sequential to land travel to Daet
• Land Transportation - take a bus with Manila-Daet route at Cubao and Pasay City

Have to skip from one boat to another

How to get to the port?

There are two ports going to the islands, one is Vinzons Port and the other is Paracle Port. Most tour guides refer tourists to visit the Tinaga Island first (where most accommodation are located), so they can visit their accommodation and leave their belongings.

• Vinzons Port (most common option) - approximate travel time of 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Paracale Port - approximate travel time of 1 hour and 50 minutes
• Note: Luggage must be in large plastic bags to avoid being drenched in water when travelling through the boat

a long ride that you also take a nap

We left the Paracale Port at 8 AM after having a breakfast at an eatery nearby. By the time you leave the port, mobile phone signals are already unavailable, and yes, there's is also no phone signal at the island, which is for me, is actually a good thing because you'll be able to appreciate your surroundings more, so as the vacation. Hence, Calaguas is not recommended for people who works while on vacation. Appreciate the time you have.

...and a snap right after we dock
Notice how far the water boat is

The boat docks in front of the accommodations at the Mahabang Buhangin Beach. The island has different accommodations with different rates, you may search for Facebook Pages for the prices because it differs from one another. Tourists are also opt for tent pitching with a fee of PHP 100. The boat will also stay until your check out time and will accompany you on your island hopping.

We stayed at our rented accommodation and unpacked our things. It has a common restroom and kitchen, hence the room is for resting only. Please also take note that the electricity is only available every 6 PM to 6 AM, the residents only has a solar power for their generators. Also, it has no potable water, and water only comes from the pump (or poso in Tagalog). (wasn't able to take a photo of everything tho ✌️)

The cottage (on left) and the common kitchen (on right)

Our room behind them

                       

The island has also an Environmental Fee of PHP 20 per person.

After staying at the Mahabang Buhangin Beach, we went for island hopping where we snorkel at a certain point. FUN FACT: Calaguas has crystal waters to the point that you can see fishes without goggles and even in shallow area.

We also went to Balagbag Island for a short hike to reach the Balagbag Viewpoint (with PHP 40 Entrance Fee) where you can see a breathtaking view of the sea and the islands. On the island, tourists can also swim however the island is a pebbled beach and has many corals.

After that, we head back to Mahabang Buhangin Beach to eat a late lunch (we went to the market before going to the island), and take rest at our accommodation. We spend most of our time at the beach until its beautiful sunset. We did not do most of the activities offered by the island because aside from it is a DIY trip, no one will also accompany me in doing these.

Most Calaguas Tours are only 2 days and 1 night trip in the island (3 days and 2 nights including side trips and travel time), hence we also stayed at that amount of time too. After breakfast, we packed our things and left the island for we have a long travel time.

Our trip might be short and might be somehow boring for you, but those times were spent preciously. We get to enjoy the view, make the most of the time, and just love and appreciate the moment. The island surely gave us peace and warmth, and will surely be a place we will keep visiting. No matter how long the travel time is, how hard to travel, Calaguas island is all worth it.

Till I see you again...

Reminder when visiting Calaguas:

• Bring your own drinking water
• Go to the market before going to the island, although locals still sell products however I cannot assure you if it is complete
• Waterproof everything - luggage are asked to put in a large plastic bag when travelling through a water boat
• Take underwater shots (really beautiful)
• Collect your trash and avoid leaving one
• Visit on weekdays if you want to avoid the crowd 
• Have side trips in Bicol Province
• Appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you
• Lastly, TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES, LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS, KILL NOTHING BUT TIME (Calaguas is so precious and beautiful, please do not ruin it - locals are already afraid to promote it just to preserve the island)

you're so breathtaking

Writing this year 2022 but we travelled Calaguas year 2019, yet the feeling is as clear as its crystal waters.

Disclaimer: All info are based on 2019 tour