2D1N Calaguas, Camarines Norte

When my officemates went to Calaguas on September 2015, they’ve told me that it was a paradise. They even called it “nakaka-engkanto sa ganda”. Since then, I’ve been waiting for the right time for me to visit the island. Good thing, my friend, Carlo, went there without his GoPro so he asked us to join him when he get back so he can finally use his GoPro on this beautifully created island.
We were 14 in the group: Francess, Frank, Carlo, Jade, Rochelle, Zyna, Henry, Jansen, Leo, Ian, Jo, Kem, Seph, and Coy. Carlo organized the trip. He was the one who communicated with Kuya Heins for the package, which includes tent rentals, boat from port to Calagus and v.v., Kayak, Volleyball, cottage, Food (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch), Trekking, and Island Hopping. He was the one who communicated also with our rented van, which is a Foton Traveller. The van can accommodate up to 18 persons, in that case, it was very comfortable for us.

GETTING THERE:
Well, like I said, we rented a van that transported us from Manila to Vinzons Port. It was usually a 7 to 8-hour drive. Let me warn you, nakakahilo talaga yung daan. We left Manila at 9PM and had a several stop overs to eat and pee. At 4AM, we arrived Daet, where we we were able to have our breakfast.

At the Vinzons Port, our bags were placed in a big clear plastic bag for protection from water. We left the port at 8AM and arrive at the island at 10AM.

Arriving at the island, I admit I was kind of disappointed. I was expecting a better water than the one I’ve seen at the White Island in Camiguin. The water in Calaguas was still dark green. 🙁 But, don’t get upset because it’s still clear and okay.I was just expecting more. Good thing, Kuya Heins explained that the typhoon just stopped the night before and he promised that the water will be better at the next morning. So, I hoped that I will see the color I expected tomorrow.

FOOD (included in our package):

1. LUNCH
– Ginataang Santol. Fried Fish, Pork with Saba, Rice, Fruit
2. DINNER
– Inihaw na Pusit, Laing, Fish with Peas and Carrots, Rice, Fruit
3. BREAKFAST
– Dried Fish, Corned Beef with Potato, Egg, Rice, Coffee, Bread and Peanut Butter
4. LUNCH
– Sinigang na Hipon, Bicol Express, Fried Chicken, Rice, Fruit
WHAT DID WE DO:
Upon arrival, we settled our bags at our cottage and had our lunch.

Better if you will bring playing cards to play with while waiting for the sun to somehow set before getting in the water. Like us, we played “in-between”.

At 2PM, we took a dip on the cool waters of Calaguas.

And by 2:30PM, we started our island hopping:
1ST STOP:
We had a little cliff jumping activity here. But be careful as the waves are strong and there are full of rocks in the area.

2ND STOP:
There’s a hill where you can climb up to. At the top is what they called, “mini Batanes” because of this:

3RD STOP:
Snorkelling Area
So sad that we didn’t see any fishes because the water is not so clear due to the rain the night before.

When we get back to the base camp, we decided to play Volleyball: Francess, Frank, Ian, Seph and Jo VS. Kem, Leo, Carlo, Henry and Jansen.

After the game, it was getting dark already. So we decided to take our showers because there will be no lights available at the comfort rooms.
Next was dinner and socials. (No further details must be discussed.. haha)

Upon waking up the next day, I saw the water I expected! It was the most beautiful beach I’ve seen (SO FAR!).

Kuya Heins and the staff offered us coffee, bread and peanut butter before starting our trek. The trek will take 1-2hours. At the top, is the only place in the island where there will be cellular signal so better take your phones with you if you need to contact someone.

After the trekking, we had our breakfast and finally had the rest of the time at the beach. We used the kayak, and tried to fit the 14 of us there.. haha.

After lunch, it’s time to pack up our things and say goodbye to this amazing island.

HOW MUCH DID WE SPENT:
Package: Php 2,300 per pax
Van: Php 14,000 — Php 1,000 per pax
Breakfast at Daet — Php 120
Dinner at Quezon (on the way home) — Php 120
TOTAL: Php 3,540 per person