Calaguas: Island Adventure

To start with, this adventure was long due plan with my office mates. We've decided to travel all together to ease the stress of our shifting schedule and our workload. I've suggested to them, "Let’s visit the famous white sands of Calaguas, in Camarines Norte". They've all agreed to me once I've shown some evidence of the prominent beauty of the majestic Island. Right there and then, we’ve set a two day breakaway.

At the Fish port  | Off to Calaguas

Since I am the much experience traveler in our pact, I was the one in charge with our Itinerary. I’ve interviewed people who went there in the past and asked about their experiences, pointers and especially how they get there. I’ve also make inquiries with different bus lines whose route is going to Camarines Norte. Viola! We are all set!

 

To fast forward the story telling. All are set for a 2 days exploration trip down south. Our meeting place is in Cubao that leaves at exactly 8:45pm – Super Lines Bus Station to be exact. The said transportation line has a direct access going to Paracale, Camarines Norte. Where the fish port is located (passage way going to Calaguas Island). Approxiametely an 8 hours travel 

Our Bangkero 

We've arrived in Paracale, around 5 o’clock in the morning and it was raining. We’re praying and hoping that the rain will stop soon.We've started to inquire regarding the boat rental, luckily there’s one local, whose kind enough to assist us, I forgot his name. (oops Sorry) He introduced us to Mang Bubs (Buboy), a fisherman in the area and he offered us a fare deal. 500 pesos per head back and forth in the island. We are seven in the group and we've agreed to get his service.

There’s a near public market in the area, so we've bought our food supply there before leaving the mainland. At 8 o’clock in the morning we left the fish port and started our journey to Calaguas Island. Yehey! No amount of rain can every stop us

While in the middle of the Pacific Ocean | Awesome

Two sailors are with us to navigate in the Pacific Ocean, plus seven journeying people, one strong boat and bad weather ahead’s us equals an adventure of a lifetime.

Up to these days. I can’t imagine that we've cross the ocean for about 3 hours going to Calaguas Island mmm going back, us we approaches in our destined getaway. A breath taking sceneries are pleasing our naked eyes. Untouched group of islands, towering mountains, finest sands, crystal blue salt water, flying creatures and what can I say more?. It’s heavenly beauty in Earth, unreached by civilization and freeze by time.

Near Calaguas

As we landed in Mahabang buhangin (Calaguas Island) I personally mesmerize with the place, I immediately fall in love.

Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Island

Unloading

Boat 

The caretakers welcome and accommodate us right away. They assisted us with our needs. Without delay, we've set up the tent, prepare our merienda and cook for our lunch.

Our Lunch | No salt

After eating, we explore the grand island of Calaguas. words are not enough to describe the magnificence place. Everything was raw and preserve.

As I’ve mentioned, the place is untouched by modernization. Wooden cottages with pawid’s, serene and clean environment.

Wooden Cottages 

Wonders

Chill | Siaps and Budz

Since, we've visited Calaguas raining. The waves are big and dangerous but we are not alarm to swim and dive in the crystal clear water. We've enjoyed the breeze and the surrounding. If only time would stop for us to stay longer.

In the evening we drink 2 bottles of alcohol to warm up, some chitchat and we headed in our own respective tents.

Drinking time | Heating Up | Manly Talk | Laugh Trip

Play Time

We woke up early in the morning to cook for us breakfast and to feel the sunlight. Good Morning

Good Morning Everyone

Buds 

At the Cottage with Duggie

Paradise

Speechless

At it's finest

Group Picture | Mikko, Siaps, Mon, Lenlen, Buds and Sheen

Beauty of Nature

Innocent

We've explore Calaguas to the fullest. We've walked in Mahabang buhangin with the tourist dog that we named “Duggie”.

We took picture.

Farewell Calaguas

We gaze at the waves and dancing leaves of the tree.

And we bid farewell...

At the Fish port | Off to Manila

At 11:30am we left the island with happiness in our face. This time we've travel the ocean for 2 hours, 1 hour shorter compared yesterdays sail.

Mang Bubs was kind enough to allow us to use his bathroom for us to clean and fixed our things. At 3:00pm we are dining in, in one of the Karinderya near the terminal station going to Daet.

Around 5 o’clock in the afternoon we are roaming around the city of Daet to buy pasalubong but unfortunately we missed the 5.30pm Bus. I took the 6.30pm ordinary bus while my officemates waited for the 8:30pm airconditioned bus. I’ve reached Pasay at 3:00 in the morning while the others are 4 o’clock.

Kindly see our itinerary and budget below. Thanks for reading,

ITINERARY:

Day 0 : January 10, 2013 (pm)
7:00 – 7:30 - Assembly time at Philtranco Bus Terminal (Pasay)
7:30 –8:00 – Waiting time / Departure
8:00 pm-4:00am (January 11, 2013) – Arrival at Talobatib or Labo
- estimated hours of travel : 7-8hours

Mang Bubs House

Day 1: January 11, 2013
4:00 -5:00 am – off to Paracale
5:00 – 6:30 – Breakfast / Going to Market /Buy Supplies and Food
7:00 -10:00 – Off to Calaguas (Brgy. Mangcawayan)*
10:00 – 11:00 – Prepare Lunch | Setting up the tent
11:00 – 12:00pm – Lunch Break
12:00 -6:00pm – Explore the island | Island Hopping **
6:00 – 7:00pm – Prepare for dinner
7:00 – 8:00pm – Late Suffer

Eating time before going to Daet | Resto

8:00 – onwards – Socials

Day 2: January 12, 2013
5:00am – wake up to see the sunrise (optional)
6:00 – 7:00am – Prepare and eat Breakfast
7:00-11:00am – Swimming | Free Time
11: 00- 2:00pm – Calaguas to Paracale***
2:00 -3:00pm – Cleaning Time ( Shower)
3:00 – 5:00pm – off to (jose) PANGANIBAN (Camarines Norte)
- Waiting for the departure of bus going to Cubao (Manila)

Good Morning Calaguas

5:00pm – 6:00 – Free Time | Buy Pasalubong
6:00 – 6:30 – Boarding
6:30pm – 3:30am (January 13, 2013) – Pasay | Cubao| Manila
- estimated hours of travel : 7-8hours

BUDGET:
Transportation Fee:
Going to Paracale, Camarines Norte – 515
Going back to Pasay - 485
Boat Rental (per head) – 500

Food and others
Food – 300
Entrance Fee / Cottage / Tip – 200

Total = 2000 pesos (Group of 7)