It was holy week of 2012 and I’m spending it in Calaguas, Camarines Norte. I did not have enough time to plan this trip so I booked a 2D/1N tour via Lakwatserong Kusinero Chef Janjie. I asked my brother and cousin Raul to join me.
Calaguas is a remote island facing the grand Pacific and is part of the town of Camarines Norte. It would need a 2 hour boat ride from Paracale port to reach this very special island. At the time you reach Calaguas, you would understand why it is worth all the travel hours.
Calaguas is nothing like any other white sand beach in the Philippines. The entire shoreline is very fine white sand. The water is turquoise green and on each side are hills covered with green vegetation.
2012 Package Tour Inclusions: P3,500 per person
- Round Trip AC Van Transfers – meet up at Cubao at 10PM
- Round Trip Boat Transfers
- Fuel and Toll
- Campsite Entrance Fee
- Environmental Fee
- Port Fee
- Trip Coordinator
- Local Tour Coordinator
- Driver/Boat Crew Allowances
- Tent Accommodation
- Free use of open cottages
- Hosted Meals on the Island breakfast, lunch and dinner x 1 day
How to Get to Calaguas from Manila:
10 to 12h trip from Manila
- Take a van that would bring you straight to Paracale or Vinzons port, Camarines Norte at Cubao bus terminal. Travel time is approximately 10 hours.
- From Paracale port, transfer to a boat that will take you to Calaguas island. Boat ride is approximately 2 hours.
For this trip, I only have to pay our tour organizer P3,500/pax for everything. Payment was collected at night when we left Manila.
Paracale Port – the boat station going to Calaguas Island
Calaguas Island 2012 on a Holy Week:
I would vote for Calaguas as the cleanest and the most picturesque beach in the entire Philippines. The sand is so fine, walking barefoot is a must.
The sun sets at around 6PM and it was stunning. The sky was golden yellow and the sea breeze was cool and fresh.
The place has no electricity. The natives use candles and lamps at night as lights. There is also no decent source of fresh water in the island. You have to scoop water in the well. There was also one bathroom for all the guests to use.
Don’t miss to try the famous skimboarding. I tried a couple of times but I had no luck.
The Calaguas Holy Week Team:
With my brother on the right and cousin on the left.
I would also want to thank our tour organizers at Kusinerong Lakwatsero for the arrangement of this trip.
My heart stopped when I saw Calaguas. I can’t believe how beautiful the entire island was. It was starting to gain popularity but I was fortunate to see the island the way I like it – untouched and untroubled.
Travel and Tell 