Baler Expenses (2 days/1 night)

Calaguas Castaways DIY / Travel / Tour / Backpacker

That feeling you get when you are so fed up with what you're doing and you just wanna run away and go somewhere. Not having to wake up early and finish a certain task. Far from any work or responsibility. I say plan a vacay, soak under the sun, and be just out and about for crying out loud. 

About to play cast away and survivor for 2 days and 1 night, me and my 3 gal pals, we packed our bags, we head on to the island of our destination, Calaguas! 

Calaguas is a group of islands in Daet, Camarines Norte. It is famous for its Mahabang Buhangin Beach. Uninhabited and Virgin. No hotels. No restaurants. No phone signal. No electricity. Nothing luxorious whatsoever. Just a plain fine white sand beach, very clear water and an amazing view of the sunset. 

For a faster route to Daet, You can book a flight to Naga and then a van or bus to Daet. Your other option, if you have lotsa time,you can take the 6hrs bus ride. There are bus stations in Cubao and Pasay that has daily schedules to Daet. Book your plane tickets ahead of time for a cheaper fare. For bus tickets, its only advisable to book it in advance if its high season.  

Now, to get to Mahabang Buhangin beach in the island of Calaguas, you could either take the Vinzons or Paracale Port. My group preferred the Paracale Port since its a faster route. We got off at Talobatib Junction and then took another ride to Paracale Port. We asked around for boat rentals, and we were glad we found one for P2000 (good for 4 pax). If you are good in haggling then maybe you can get the rental for a lower price. It will take roughly 2 hours to get to Mahabang Buhangin from Paracale port. The waves are big considering it was summer that time, but it was still manageable. Note that these are regular fishing boats so it would be wise to bring a waterproof bag for your belongings. You wouldn't want those cool gadgets get soakin wet. 

Bring enough food and water. There are stores in the island but the prices are high so think twice. From the the time that we visited the island March 2013, there were no descent accomodations yet. Waling Waling Eco Village was still under construction. Your options then would be to bring your camping gear or rent a cottage. Tent Rentals range from 300-400 (4pax) with additional 100 per person for camping fee. Cottages on the other hand, ranges from 150-700. There's the open cottage and theres the bahay kubo type of cottage for some privacy. You would also need to pay environmental fee/barangayfee for 50. Theres a generator in the island now that gives light to cottages at night. But make sure you have powerbanks to charge your phone and cameras to capture the moments. There is a public changing/shower room, toilets and 2 water pumps which can be a discomfort for others, especially during peak season. Nets are available for beach Volleyball and the wide stretch of sand is good for playing frisbee. You can also trek uphill to get a good view of the beach. We did't get to try this but from the looks of it, it seems really exciting. You can make your DIY trip to Calaguas or you can book from travel agencies, which can be convenient if your travelling with a big group.  

Paracale Port

Our ride (mel and barbie doing the peace sign, me smiling at the back while yam takes the photo)

Houses near Paracale Port

Mahabang Buhangin Beach

The rocky side of the island

Volleyball anyone?

Waling Waling Eco Village under construction

Calaguas Crew

Mel's Sexyback

Barbie getting her perfect tan

Yam adores the fine white sand

My sizzums are workin' it

Aquamarine-ish poster

Sun kissed skin

"i-Dawn Zulueta mo ako" moment

Me and the sunset. 

Baler, Aurora 2014 DIY Tour / Travel / Backpacker

Baler DIY

My friend wanted to celebrate his birthday in Baler, so I did my research and searched for the exciting things the town could offer. This is yet another long hour bus ride but we are up for it. Both of us, we are used to long hour drives,so this Baler trip is just a piece of cake.

There's only 1 bus line en route to Baler,Genesis Transport Inc in Cubao. They have the 750 Joybus(executive coach) or the Regular Bus for 450. First trip is at 3am and last trip is 7:30 am with 1 hour interval. We took off at around 4:30am. It was a lean season so we didnt need to reserve seats. Travel time was approximately 6hrs.  

We arrived in Baler past 11am and from the bus station we hired a tricycle to bring us to Sabang beach. That's where all the action is happening. The tricycle driver happened to be slash tour guide, he offered his services and we hired him.

We checked in at our hotel, Aliya Surf Resort settled our things, freshened up a bit and by 1pm we started our tour.

#fmtproject

Our first stop was the big letter sign of Baler, near the municipal hall and museum. We took photos and then we headed to the millenium tree. It is located in San Luis, one of the 8 towns in Aurora. This tree was tagged as the biggest balete tree in Asia. It was huge! And creepy at the same time. Didn't mind climbing the tree or entering the insides of the tree. I just wasn't courageous enough. Then we hit the road, went to Ditumabo Falls. This was the most tiring part. You need to walk uphill for about more than an hour to get to the falls, good thing it was cloudy so we didn't suffer to scorching heat of the sun. The main road was under construction so we had to take a different, farther route. Sigh! I just came from a long ride and then this! LOL! Can't help but complain. Noetheless, the place is beautiful and the water is refreshingly cold.

The Millenium Tree

Nagkalit Falls

Our next stop was Ermita Hill, where you can get a good view of the entire town. They say this was a sanctuary when a tsunami hit the island from wayway back and only a few locals survived, as shown in the sculptures built. The last 3 stops of the tour were Daguisit Falls, LuksoLukso Islet and Daguisit Rock Formation. The photos taken from the last 3 destinations were just surreal, given that it was already sunset. I love sunsets. It gives me a certain pleasure. 

View of the Sabang Beach from Ermita Hill

Tromba Marina Sculpture at the foot of Ermita Hill.

Daguisit Falls

LuksoLukso Islet

Daguisit Rock Formation

Sun was almost out when we got back to the hotel, we quickly changed to get  a dip at the pool before eating dinner. The infinity pool of the hotel was beautiful. The photo will prove that. 

Infinity Pool

Aliya Surf Resort

The next day we had breakfast, took photos and then took the 1 hr surfing lesson for 350. Surfing is fun, I enjoyed it for a second but, its not for me. I learned fast but I just hate it when the waves hit me. I hate it when I feel like I'm gonna drown even if I know I'm not. I havent been to La Union so I can't tell which has bigger waves but the waves that I faced in Baler are big enough for me to back down. Maybe next time. 

Aliya Surf Resort

#surfing 101

At around 10am we checked out from the hotel and headed to the bus station. We had to check out early because the bus' last trip for Manila leaves at 11am. We almost missed the bus but fortunately the tricycle driver knows the bus' route so he drove us up to the national high way, waited for the bus to pass and we hopped on. If in case you do miss the bus, you can take the Van from Baler to Cabanatuan CIty and then Bus from Cabanatuan to Cubao.