a sweet memory from a leisure escape: December 2014

Sunday, December 7, 2014

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.