MESMERIZING CALAGUAS ISLAND

Finally! Another blog made by me since I have a lot of pending travel blogs and for no reason I cant even start a word. Here I go, inspired once again by another hella vacay! The Bicol region never failed us because it showcased marvelous spots and astonishing views. Just last year it was Camarines Sur and now,

CAMARINES NORTE- Another heavenly place.

A 9 hour bus ride from Manila to Daet where we took the Amihan bus at Philtranco terminal. Everybody was too excited for this trip aside from it was our first time to do the real "camping" thingy, we met friends of friends who have the same interests. We departed at 9:30 pm and had 2 bus stops before we ended this bus trip at Talobatib Bus Stop, it the junction between Manila-Paracale-Daet. It was not a terminal, it's just one of the provincial bus stops going to Daet. We arrived Talobatib at around 6:30am, stayed at Aquino's eatery to have breakfast and wait for the other bus. They tried pansit bato which is the well known Pansit version of the Bicol region. This is not new to me coz both of my parents were from Albay so Im very much oriented to Bicolandia. It was not as delicious compared to my mother's cooking, truly a Bicolandia's version.

Based on what we've researched from other bloggers, we had to take the bus to Paracale which is only P25. We were also aware that we had to wait for an hour or so for a bus to arrive going to Paracale since bus usually passes by at 7am or so. We were swarmed also by the tricycle drivers offering us ride to Paracale fish port which we ignored because they want us to pay P300 for 5people in 1 tricycle. Good thing, one driver offered the lowest price of P200 for 5 people which was a good bargain since we were 10 in the group and needed 2 tricycles. In the provinces, it's common that every single seat and space must be occupied by passengers so I opted to try the seat near the wheels :) It was almost an hour ride to Paracale fish port and I admit that it was ass-numbing coz I was seated on the rods protecting the side wheel. But it was fun! I enjoyed it and I want to try things that I wont ever do in Manila.


We've reached the Paracale fish port and haggled for the boat trip to Mahabang Buhangin. Our idea of the boat ride was P2,000 but since we were 10 and we don't want to waste time anymore fighting over the price then we settled with Kuya Nelson's price of P3,700 with side trip to Pinagcastillohan island while some other boatmen were charging us P4,000 to 7,000 which was so absurd. We were comfortable enough with the deal since he was kind enough to help us do the marketing, accompanied our boys to and from buying stuff and letting them use his motorcycle. He even offered his house so we can take a bath before heading back to Manila. A must tip, bring everything you need before going to the island and bring lots of water or soft drinks. You can also rent coolers or the big styros boxes they use to keep their fishes. The market was just few blocks away from the port so it was not a problem to do all the marketing since locals are very helpful and friendly.




The 2 hours boat ride started and everybody was hyped already because of the beautiful feedback about this magnificent island while still planning for this trip. We were welcomed by the lush foliage of the hills and other neighboring islands which we think are as beautiful as Calaguas island. From time to time, we kept on asking if it was near already- typical impatient traveler and wants to reach the final destination! :) Finally, we were closer and closer to the island and it's not just an island- it's a PARADISE! We hurriedly fixed our things so we can set our feet on the crystal clear bluish green pristine beach!


At last we're here!!!! I couldn't wait any longer, I wore my swimsuit and tested the waters. I was so mesmerized because the sand was so fine not only on the shore but the underwater sand was as fine also. No shells, corals, stones or anything; it was simple powdery white sand! Good thing, our boys did all the cooking and the girls didn't do nothing except to go swimming and wait for the food to be cooked and then eat :) I loved our lunch coz It was of course heavy- rice and grilled liempo! yummy!After lunch, in no time, Im ohh so ready again to go swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and bazillion photo ops :) Some of us didn't want to for a swim yet since it was exaggeratedly hot. Well, I didn't care :0 I swam and swam, sunbathed and did snorkel :) Some were busy building "sand castles" but at least they tried :P

Another reason why I love this place is that you will be welcomed by the island dogs who are very sweet and friendly just like the people in the island. One of the dogs name is Bulldog, who loves to sunbathe and swim also. We were amazed when we saw the dog walking towards the shore then sat and swam. How amazing!Look for him when you guys visit Mahabang Buhangin. He's like a guard dog who roams around the island to check if everything's ok and if visitors are enjoying. If he felt the heat the he would immediately run towards the water and easily submerged his body. How cute is that!

Another island dog is Ganda and is very friendly also. When she hears her name, she wiggles her tail enthusiastically as she comes close to you. And with no hesitations, she immediately lies down and waits for you to scratch her belly. And she even sleeps on that comfy position. Compared to other dogs that when you call their names, they would still open their eyes to check who's calling or just wiggle their tail to acknowledge. But this dog, if she sleeps, she sleeps.

The view was simply relaxing, jaw dropping, exciting and inviting. For the rest of our day 1, we stayed most of the time swimming, sunbathing, taking jump shots and snorkeling because basically that's the only thing to do. Regardless of the heat, we were all in praise of the sun- playing, picture taking, chatting, overlooking the picturesque view of the blue green waters and green mountains and simply enjoying doing nothing.

As the sun set, we readied our tents by the shore before it got dark since there's no electricity on the island. Good thing, Another group of travelers organized by Melvic were also on the island as well and has generator. Its just enough light to survive and do things easily. Thanks to the boys again for the food that they prepared which were rice, grilled snappers and sisig. Time to fill our hungry tummies..Attack!

Drinking session started where they drank rum coke with corned tuna as the pulutan. The night became more special because of the fire dance. There were visitors who knew how to do fire dancing--Planet Zips! Kuddos and Thanks for the show! Im so loving it again and at least i know the basics of poi dancing! We slept at almost 2am to recharge for another day of beach bumming!

Day 2
Good Morning Beach!
It's such a wonderful feeling when you wake up in the morning and you see a view like this
Time to go to Pinagcastillohan Island. Kuya Nelson didn't gave us any background of this island, he just said that it's beautiful in a very monotonous way. As we approached the island, we were surprised of the long stretch of sand bar! We hurriedly jumped and ran like kids in vast playground. Of course, gazillions photo ops again and again!

Sad to say but we had to go back to Mahabang Buhangin and it was a sign also that were going back to Manila soon. No time to waste--swim swim swim!
Its past 12 noon and our stomachs were screaming already hehe
Best Lunch- rice, chicken barbecue, grilled hotdogs, grilled Muñit fish
Too late, One fisherman was selling huge lobsters for only 800 pesos for all but we were all set to eat awww :(
Last few hours before leaving...


Time to bid farewell to Calaguas Island for now..so long and thank you for this wonderful experience