Calaguas Island Adventure : Sunset In Calaguas
There was nothing much to do in our first day in Tinaga Island other than embracing the beauty of this place which i can perfectly describe as paradise. We spent some time swimming on its crystal clear water and we also had a great lunch! We had Bicol’s famous Laing and I think that was the best Laing I have ever tasted so far… Nothing really beats an authentic Bicolano Laing after all. (Check: Our First Day in Calaguas)
The sun started to set and we were all introduced to a magnificent and picturesque view.
All you can see are those small boats moving along the waves and the picture perfect-sky and the slowly fading flaming clouds. You can hear the endless sound of waves splashing on the shore and the best thing you can do is to sit on the sand and marvel the beauty that nature has to offer.
You can also see some islets from afar
The sun starting to wave goodbye
The sand in Calguas (Tinaga) Island is so fine that you can even see the sun’s reflection from it.
It starting to get dark and for some odd reason, I got so thrilled. The place has limited source of electricity. The generators are only operational by night and the bulb in our cottage has finally been lit. We already set up our tent by the time we arrived in the island so there’s really nothing much to prepare. There was a canteen where you can charge your gears but the outlets are limited. It is really ideal to bring your own powerbank to charge up your phones for the next day.
Our dinner was served and we all had a boodle fight. We were also told that we will have a minor trek to a certain hill known as “Tinago” early in the morning before our island hopping activity. My travel buddies spent the rest of their night drinking liquors but since I don’t do such, i decided to sleep early instead and call it a day!
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)
►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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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
