Calaguas Island Adventure : The Tinago Hills Of Calaguas Island
We were advised to climb the Tinago Hill as early as possible so we can all catch the sunrise. While our breakfast is still being prepared, we decided to hit the hill but it was too late to catch the sunset though.
Just few meters away from the resort is a range of hills which is known to its locals as Tinago. Knowing that the island is called Tinaga, I initially thought that maybe i was misinformed or maybe I didn’t get the details correctly. It could possibly be called Tinaga Hills but upon doing a research, it is indeed called Tinago.
The name is probably taken from the Barangay Tinago , a small barangay located on the other side of the hill. Whether the hill is called Tinaga or Tinago, one thing is clear, the hill will give you a remarkable panoramic view of the entire island and the nearby islets of Calaguas.
Our group started to follow the trail to Tinago Hills. As you can see, the sun have risen already and we have to bear with that scourging heat.
After a few meter walk, we spotted these signs prompting us to the entrance of Tinago Hill
It was really just a minor trek and even the kids can do such with no ease. In fact, it was a kid who guided us all the way up to the hill
Climbing up to the top
It was just a simple trail with no signs of difficulty at all but the path could be muddy and slippery so you still have to be very cautious.
The more you go up, the better the view you’ll get.
I’m almost halfway through but I can see the whole stretch of Mahabang Buhangin Beach and so as the neighboring island of Balagbag
On the other side, you’ll find the Barangay Mangkawayan. This is a bigger and more populated barangay. There’s a school, hospital , marketplace and I was told that even the tourism office can be found here.
The panoramic view of the island from the top of Tinago Hills
See, even a cow can trek this hill haha
Knowing that you can get many picturesque view from the top, the entrance fee of Php20 isn’t really bad at all.
The heat of the sun could be quite intolerable that time but that didn’t stop us from embracing the beauty of this place.
You can also spot various islets from afar
Oh by the way, we also spotted a bunch of “gabi” (Taro) plants down the hill too. The leaves of Gabi are the main ingredients of “Laing“, a signature Bicolano recipe.
Don’t forget your selfie lols
One of my favorite spots in Tinago Hills
The Mahabang Buhangin Beach of Tinaga Island
After spending enough time marveling the beauty of Calaguas Island on top of the Tinago Hills, we went back to our camp for our breakfast
I also spotted a pair of Solar Panels. Take note that the electricity in the island is limited and the source of power will either come from electric generators or solar panels which often only operational by night.
We also had an early lunch that day as we have to pack out things up and prepare ourselves for an island hopping before heading back to Paracale (Check : Paracale Bay)
I guess these footprints are good enough to prove that Calaguas is also a pet-friendly island (unless your pet can’t bear the two hour long boat ride)
Things You Should Know Before Going to Calaguas Island
►Boat rates from Paracale to Tinaga Island (Calaguas Island) can go from Php6000 to Php8000 (good for 10-15px or even more depending on the boat size)
►Passenger tourist Boats that can take you from Paracale to Calaguas are available every Fri-Sat-Sun and will leave the port exactly at 8am (be there on time)/ They pick up from Calaguas every Sat-Sun-Mon around 6am/ The fare per head is Php250 for a one way trip
►It’s going to be a two hour long boat ride and expect to clash against huge waves.
►Buy big plastic bag to cover your things and prevent them from being wet (bags can be bought for Php30)
►The Entrance fee to Calaguas is Php120 (Bert’s Resort)
►Environmental Fee is Php25
►There is NO Signal in Calaguas (except on top of Tinago Hills)
►Electricity is LIMITED in the island and the locals only use generators or solar panelss and are often only operational by night
►Some resorts offer ATV ride packages
►No hotels in the island only nipa huts (open and close type), cavanas and small rooms
►The rates of the cottages can range from Php500 to Php3000 depending on the size and type
►Airconditioned and non airconditioned rooms were also available but only limited
►Restrooms are available but you have to pay Php10-20 per usage (only if you are using the water, otherwise, its free)
How to get to Calaguas Island
►If you are going to travel by Air, you can book a flight to either Camarines Sur (Naga Airport) or Albay (Legazpi City Airport). Either which, you need to charter a van that can take you either to Daet or straight to Paracale (or Vinzons Port).
►From the Paracale Port, you can rent a boat (refer to the details above) that will take you directly to Tinaga Island (Mahabang Buhangin Beach Resort)
Additional Note: The travel tour package that we availed includes everything including the environmental fees so I am not really aware how they split the cost to all our groups but upon doing a research they said that LGU’s are charging tourists of Php25 per head but it could be higher if you decided to stay to those privately-owned parts of the island (the entrance fee could go high up to Php150).
TIPS: I find it more practical when you just availed a tour package than conducting your own DIY tour in Calaguas. The boat rental, the food, and the miscellaneous fees can all be divided in your group and that makes the trip in Calaguas more affordable and budget-friendly. Most of all, it would be a hassle free tour considering that you don’t have to think of anything but to enjoy your vacation.
Where To Stay in Calaguas Island
►One thing I am so happy about the Calaguas Island is the fact that this remote Island in Camarines Norte is still unspoiled and I would love it to stay this way. Cottages are available in the island. There are areas that offer decent and air conditioned rooms, there are resorts that offer simple nipa hut cottages, some offers small rooms with bed or better yet you can set your own tent along the shore for Free!
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Feel free to watch this video summary below and don’t forget to subscribe!
Just in Case you missed an entry, feel free to visit the links below
Calaguas Island Adventure:
►Calaguas Island Adventure : Prologue
►The Paracale Bay
►Our First Day in Calaguas : Mahabang Buhangin Beach of Tinaga Island
►Sunset in Calaguas
►The Tinago Hills
►The Balagbag Island
►Nuestra Señora De Candelaria Parish in Paracale
►What To Buy When Visiting Camarines Norte
