EXPECTATIONS vs REALITY. These two words are very important in choosing the right destination to escape yourself from the busy streets and polluted cities of the metro. Tired of being stress when you book a summer vacation to a place where you expected to feel relax but turns out to be a disaster due to over hyping? Worry not! There's a newly discovered virgin island that will make your stress go away and let go of the busy sched that you have. It is called the CALAGUAS ISLANDS of the Bicol Region in the Philippines.
One of the most famous islands in Calaguas is the Tinaga Island where you can find Mahabang Buhangin. It is a long beach famous to its crystal clear water, powdery white sands and the peace and serenity that you can only experience in this place.
From Manila, you can choose 2 ways on how you can go to Calaguas Islands.
First: You travel by land for 7 hours (from Manila to Camarines Norte) then 2 hours by water (from Camarines Norte to Calaguas Islands - Mahabang Buhangin)
Second: You travel by air for 30-45 minutes (from Manila to Naga, Bicol) then 3 hours by land (from Naga - Camarines Norte) then 2 hours by water (Camarines Norte - Calagaus Islands - Mahabang Buhangin)
Just a little bit of Warning: If in case you'll travel to experience a place where you can sleep in a soft bed, eat luxurious food, party like beach and be drunk I must say do not go there. The island is in the Pacific Ocean. No Signal. No electricity. No hotels. No bars/clubs BUT the beautiful virgin island will compensate it all. :)
Upon reaching the island, the tour guide will advise you to set up your own tent and get rest for awhile.I'll advise you to set up your tent under the small trees because the sun is too hot. But mind you, even though the sun is too hot, the powdery white sands of Calaguas do not mind it at all because they are really kind to our feet. There are also nipa huts there that you can use as your barracks.
The food there is not a problem if you book a package with a travel agency but if you are walk in(s) you should buy raw food from the market in Camarines Norte then you can cook it on the island by bringing your own cooking materials or borrowing from the locals there. For me, it is best that you cook your own food to experience the true sense of camping. There are also mini stores there where you can buy your basic needs.
When we finished setting up our tent, we decided to try to experience the water of Calaguas. I must tell you that the water is very clear, no stones, corals, trash under water. It's so calm that you can do snorkling, scuba diving or just simply floating and experience the beauty of nature. I must tell you that the water is cold even the sun is hot.
While you are in the island you can take some pictures or you can do recreational activities with your friends. Frisbee and Volleyball will do or you can bring your own cards or board games if you have kids with you.
When you are done swimming, you can also do trekking up to the hill of the island where you can see the overview of the Mahabang Buhangin and the Pacific Ocean. I assure you that the view will more likely lift your soul and feel stress-free.
To make your stay more contented and happier you can also do island hopping where you can see and swim on the clear waters of the different islands of Calaguas.
On the island, there are comfort rooms but don't expect that it's a beautiful one but it is still clean and good.
You should pay:
P30 when you will take a bath
P20 when you need to poo
P10 when you need to pee
P10 when you need to change clothes inside the CR.
If you will book with a travel agency, the more persons included the more cheaper
for 3D2N P3500 for 10-12 (per pax)
for 2D1N P2900 for 10-12 (per pax)
You see, God gave us beautiful places where we can enjoy the beauty of nature. We are responsible in taking care of it and be the soldiers to protect it.
I must say that you should take nothing but pictures and leave no trace except memories.
It is more fun in the Philippines! Enjoy! :)
Enjoy guys! :)
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