CALAGUAS GETAWAY 2015
Day 1:
If you look around your area, chances are
that there’s a beach somewhere near you. If you’re in the south, then Calaguas
could be your next stop. The bustling town of Vinsons , Camarines Norte beach name “ Mahabang Buhangin ( Long Beach) ” is fun to visit even if for the rare times
you won’t be sun-bathing or enjoying the warm.
Going to Calaguas was probably the most
anticipated part of Bicol trip. I had
read much about how much of a beautiful paradise the island is and was really
looking forward to seeing and experiencing it for myself. Finally after 1 ½
year of planning. I'm so glad that we were blessed with clear skies on the
day we went to Calaguas.
Getting to paradise was one of the biggest
challenges of the trip. We left at 10 pm and arrived a little past 7 am.
Getting there isn't easy. Driving to the Bicol region from Manila requires a lot of patience. Yes, it is.. It's a winding road once you get to Camarines Norte, so make sure your car/ bus is in a very good condition. A nine-hour drive down south including the zig-zag road can make you hungry, so bring lots of water and snacks.
The jeepney picked us up from MCDO DAET for breakfast with fellow travelers. Actually, its raining but it only takes for 10-20 minutes then after that It's a beautiful sunny day and we are all excited.
A fisherman’s boat was ready to take us to paradise . We boarded a big boat at Vinzons, sailed along the still green river which is embraced at both sides by lush Nipa Palms. It's a very laid back scene. We even passed by a very long span of beach on the left, not with white but beige sand.
I chatted with the boatman. If I remember it correctly, he is from an island near Calaguas. He said there are also beautiful beaches at their place waiting to be discovered. :)
Tip: Make sure to bring large plastic bags to cover our backpacks, especially our gadgets. No picture taking for this ride, unless if you have an underwater camera. Secure your things because they'll be soaking wet if you don’t look after them.
For a tourist friendly ride, take the Vinzons route. The town's port offers a friendlier boat ride experience. The boat trip took us another 2hours was an adventure in itself. According to the boatman the best time to visit Calaguas is around March- May or July- September when it’s not typhoon season since the Pacific Ocean can considerably be rough.
Calaguas at Last!
Calaguas definitely did NOT disappoint. There were other people on the beach
but it still felt that we had the entire beach to ourselves just for the first
day only . The water was so clean, so blue, so cold.
Upon arriving at Mahabang Buhangin, the unspoiled beauty all around me made me forget all the hardships in getting there. Everything was worth it. The 1.2-km stretch of pure white sand with a scenic view of hills and scattered islands is a sight to behold. Mahabang Buhangin has the longest stretch of white sand beach in all of the islands of Calaguas.
Today, I want to recall and bring up something for you out there. I want to bring you and dream with me to the long white and large beach of Calaguas ( Mahabang Buhangin) , this place is located in the Southern part of the Philippines. The Amazing place must to be:-)
Dear Calaguas,
Before I met you, I was already in love with you. I heard from friends and learned from blog entries like this that you are an unspoiled paradise of powdery white sands and crystal clear waters, quiet and uncrowded, just like Boracay before its commercialization. And when I finally went to see you last May 15-17 2015 , I fell in love all over again! The wonder and the beauty of the sea in Calaguas, Philippines.
Even before I saw your famed stretch of white beach, you treated me to an expanse of rolling green hills punctuated by blazing red hills and dark rock formations.
I realized that you are as postcard-perfect as I saw you in photos – Oh such a beautiful place! The so so number of hours travelling was all worth it! Powdery white sand beach, crystal clear waters, beautiful and serene place with unspoiled natural resources. Let the pictures justify the place itself.
The water is very clear and inviting. It's a "very" tropical scene.There are only few trees. It's a beautiful scene, the water's color ranges from deep blue, to emerald, to a very clear one. I was impressed. Compared to the website photos, they are for real. I know everyone would love the place.
And, for people like me who love walking barefoot on the beach, your powder-fine sands are just perfect.
And on the island, we got back to the basics. Tents served as our house, a poso (water pump) as our water source, the beach as our playground, the white sand as our bed. Countless stars filled our night sky, and the moon was our light before we closed our eyes.
Note : that there was almost no signal (cellphone) activity on the island, which I think adds to the charm of the place.
Tour Coordinator Orientation: Kuya More, Kuya Rj and Kuya Jippy
Buffet meals prepared by our Resident Chef : Kuya Alex
Byahe Adventours: Henna Tattoo
kiss of sunset.
Know what you want to do , hold the thought firmly , and do everyday what should be done and every sunset will see you that much nearer to your goal.
The beautiful and amazing Calaguas sunset.
#backpacking#sunset#flirtingwithnature#travelphotography#beachbody#naturelover#paradise.
Day 2:
Tip: There's a spot on the island which the locals call the "phone booth." It's the only spot where, at most, a signal bar can be obtained. The thing is, you'll have to trek up a hill to get the elusive signal, so make sure to settle and call everyone that you have to talk to before making your way to paradise.
Byahe Adventours : Trekking is also one activity you can do on the island. Climb the hills of Calaguas and take in the ocean view from the top. Bring comfortable clothes, shoes, and water for this activity.
Meet our Trek Guide: (L) Kuya Marvin - Tattoo Artist (R) Kuya Mac - Mac- Poi Dancer
I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes.
#Sunrise #morning #bird #chirping #sun #nature #tree #sky #clouds #world #paradise #awesome #adventure #quote #beautiful #living #life #happiness #Smile #calm #path #purpose #grateful #photography #Landscape
My Jump Shot! Jump for fun!
#summertim#calaguasisland2015 #jumpshot#happy#enjoy
The feeling to see everyone happy around me, jump....... Higher and higher glad to know they all enjoy to walk with me 
. #happygirl
. #happygirl
Meeting People Here and There.
One of my favorite parts about traveling is
the ability to meet a diverse range of people. On tours, on buses, sitting at
cafes, or at bars, on the road, it’s easy to make new friends. So easy that
sometimes you feel like you have friend overload. There is always someone
around.
Wow! amazing..
One of the greatest joys about traveling the world is that it
makes you comfortable talking with strangers. It makes you more outgoing
and more at ease. We get good at making new friends.
Coming home to the opposite way of
thinking is quite an adjustment. One I don’t really like. It’s off
putting. You have to work to break down barriers. People always think the
worst. Few people seem interested in just having a conversation for the sake of
having a conversation. Being on the road, this is never an issue.
#teamforever#lovemelikeyoudo :)
Byahe Adventours: Wine Mixing 101
Byahe Adventours: Poi Spinning
Sparkle (Calaguas Island: Poi Spinning By Mac- Mac)
After this---- Drink Till We Drop! and one unforgettable night by the shore under stars.
Last Day:
Calaguas Island is what I personally call, the BORACAY OF BICOL.
I suggest you go on a weekday if you want to avoid the parties.
I just wish that it remains as it is, untouched, unspoiled, 30 years from now.
TIP: Mingle with the locals and discover how friendly they are. The kids are quite shy but will always give a smile. Bargain for the freshly caught fish; not only are these delicious but you can also help the livelihood of the locals. There are also freshly picked fruits and vegetables available. The locals have lots of stories to tell.
NO, goodbyes! We will see each other again in Manila.
Just keep in touch..
Just keep in touch..
" Please preserve this natural riches.
Take good care of it."
LAST STOP: Bagasbas Beach, Daet, Camarines Norte Side Trip
Bagasbas is dubbed as the Surfing Capital of Bicol.
Bagasbas Lighthouse Hotel Resort
These are just some of those places I highly recommend you visit when you finally decide to go to Bicol. I promise you, you won't regret going to Bicol. It's a paradise here.
To Ms. Mai and Mr. Nano : You have truly given us a wonderful trip.Your love of your country is very evident and for that also ,we admire you. Thank you for sharing all of these things with us. ( As well as your good humor made our tour very ,very enjoyable..most esp. all your staffs and coordinator.) Your organization is faultless, your knowledge is wide, and we have all appreciated the care you have taken with each and everyone of us. The trip will be in our minds for a long time.
May the years ahead of bring you great happiness.! Thanks again and We wish you all the best in the future. Godbless. love.love.love to come back again.
Sincerely,
Batch- Forever May 15-17:)
And so to you, and you and you my dear friends...
Please Enjoy the Sweetness of Calaguas Island! I
hope that you ♥ it as much as we do! Cheers! :-)
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