Plan B: Calaguas Island
March 23-26, 2016
A Holy-Week rip
Since I just joined a group tour (from facebook group D.I.Y.), the only thing that I can share are the pictures, memories and experience that I had and made when I visited Calaguas island.
Supposedly, my initial plan was to go to Catanduanes. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to book for a bus ticket in advance that is why I just decided to find a new destination. One and a half days before holy Wednesday, I contacted the tour operator and confirmed that I will join.
The meeting place was in Cubao but I was just picked up in Alabang. Normally, the travel time to Vinzons, jump off place for Calaguas, would only take 7 hours. To our surprise, it took us 14 hours to reach Vinzons because of the tremendous number of vehicles going to Bicol.
Supposedly, my initial plan was to go to Catanduanes. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to book for a bus ticket in advance that is why I just decided to find a new destination. One and a half days before holy Wednesday, I contacted the tour operator and confirmed that I will join.
The meeting place was in Cubao but I was just picked up in Alabang. Normally, the travel time to Vinzons, jump off place for Calaguas, would only take 7 hours. To our surprise, it took us 14 hours to reach Vinzons because of the tremendous number of vehicles going to Bicol.
After reaching Vinsons, we ate lunch first in a carinderia before riding the boat going to our destination. The boat ride would take 2 hours.
We were brought to this small island to see the sandbar. Sad to say, it was 4:00 PM then that is why it was already high tide. We left this island after 30 minutes and reached Calaguas island at 6:30 PM. We were not able to do water activities anymore when we reached the island. We just had dinner, explored the beach, listened to some bands and drunk Tanduay ice near the shore.
Spent the night in a tent. Our place was located in a crowded area, The next day, I woke up early for the early morning activity. We ate breakfast and prepared for trekking.
Trekking early in the morning is the most advisable time. The trekking will just take around 30 minutes until you reach the best spot for picture taking. There are two parts that you need to pay P20 for the entrance fee.
After trekking, we explored again the beach to see its beauty in the morning.
We continued walking until we reached the rocky parts. This part is also a nice spot for pictorial.
After the rocky part, white sand and clear water greeted us again. There were only few people in this part that's why we took lots of solo picture here with the beach.
The sand is so fine, especially when you are in the water. It's also not wavy, making it children friendly.
We went back to the cottage for lunch and prepared for departure. Yes, we just stayed there for 17 hours. I decided not to extend anymore since I was thinking of the time that it would take us again going back to Manila.
Before heading back to Vinzons, we were brought again to the small island (forgot the name) and this time, we saw and experienced the sand bar.
Before heading back to Vinzons, we were brought again to the small island (forgot the name) and this time, we saw and experienced the sand bar.
Light gray sand and clear water.
We took a bath in the CR of carinderia when we got back to Vinzons. We ate dinner in Jollibee Daet Cam. Norte and traveled back to Manila.
My own personal notes about Calaguas:
1. Going to this island is SUPER WORTH IT!
2. One of the best beaches I've been so far.
3. Good way to enjoy and take a break from your busy life in the city.
4. There is no signal in the island unless you will on top of the hills.
5. During peak season, expect the worse (not worst). Since the island is not yet developed, there are only few CR in the island. You need to pay in some especially of you are not camping in that specific area. You need to line up and wait for your turn if you want to use the CR.
6. Backpacking/DIY is possible but availing a tour package is recommended.
2. One of the best beaches I've been so far.
3. Good way to enjoy and take a break from your busy life in the city.
4. There is no signal in the island unless you will on top of the hills.
5. During peak season, expect the worse (not worst). Since the island is not yet developed, there are only few CR in the island. You need to pay in some especially of you are not camping in that specific area. You need to line up and wait for your turn if you want to use the CR.
6. Backpacking/DIY is possible but availing a tour package is recommended.