This blog is a long overdue for me.
Our Calaguas Island trip happened last year but I am just going to post this now because I stumble into this review that Calaguas Island is one of the best, Philippines has to offer.
And I attest to that. Absolutely.
My friends and I went to Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte last year, November 2022. It is only a weekend getaway, but it is surely one of our most memorable trip specially to my friend (but that is a different story we are going to talk later!).
Calaguas Island is located in the province of Camarines Norte around 200km away from Manila or roughly a total of 10 to 12 hours. Yes! You read that right, and believe me it’s worth it.
It is actually a 8 to 10 hours drive from Manila to Daet, Camarines Norte and approximately 2 hour boat ride from Vinzons port. A total of 12 hours travel. And mind you if I say that the boat ride was not a joke, big ocean waves and a really strong wind are going to welcome you all throughout the ride, that’s why, you really have to be prepared and to always wear your lifevest.
Calaguas Island can be a do it your own travel, if you are really into adventures but you can also book a travel agencies for easier travel and transfers, it includes the transportation, food, accomodation and also the environmental fees, all you have to do is to show up and be your best self for this trip.
In our case, we book our trip through Cheapid Travels (you can pm/dm them for booking infos) and I swear, that’s the best thing we did! Ate Ja, our coordinator was really hands on in preparing, coordinating and updating us before the trip. They were also with us all throughout, they prepared everything and they even took our photos. (She did that while having a little pumpkin in her tummy, hello little botchog!)
Upon arriving at the Calaguas Island, we pitch a tent, I guess it is around 200php each, and it’s good for two persons inside. I shared with a friend, and the tent was provided by the Cheapid Travels.
But there are also Cottages located in the front area of the beach where you can see the beautiful beach itself, it’s actually a huge and comfortable cottage that can be shared for a group of 4pax. Luckily, when we got there, there was no occupants so we had the chance to stay and took a nap at the cottage before we go to our island hopping.
But if you really want to enjoy the luxury of the island there are also cabanas or kubol at Waling-Waling EcoVillage. This is the first and only environmentally friendly Calaguas resort that was built in 2012 with airconditioned living area, private toilet, and a comfortable matress for sleeping.
The food was great, actually the best! Fresh seafood and it is really savory, prepared by locals who also stays on the island.
The electricity is actually very limited and NO cellphone signal on the island. A pure bliss, right?
There is no extra tiring things to do in the Island because unlike others beaches there are no bar or alive parties going on in the island but that was actually the BEST part of it. (I swear!)
But you can go Island hopping, a trekking won’t hurt I swear..
there are also other islands aside from Tinaga and be in awe of nature. Ask a local in the area who can guide you for an island hopping adventure and have an unforgettable experience. You can visit the Pinagtigasan Beach, Bendita Beach, Mantigbi Beach, Calangcawan Sur, Pinagtakpan Beach, Cagbalisay, Sang-atan, Balagbag Malaki, Balagbag Maliit, Huag, Pinagcastillohan, Cumalasag Beach, and Guintinua. Surely, it’s going to be a great day for everyone. (from https://www.shopback.ph/blog/calaguas-island-travel-guidehttps://www.shopback.ph/blog/calaguas-island-travel-guide)
At night, if you did not bring your favorite liquor, there is a small sari-sari store which you can buy beer and then you could sit near the beach and enjoy the night.
You can do stargazing and that is one of the most beautiful night sky I’ve seen in my life, we also saw shooting stars while talking about good old memories.
In the morning, you can do swimming and snorkeling in the magestic blue ocean with it’s pure white sand not minding big waves because it is so relaxing and serene and beautiful.
For me Calaguas Island is a best travel destination if you really wanted to just escape a tiring year or a tiring time of your life or it could be a price you can take for doing all the good things in your life.
At the end of the day, nature is our happy place and nature is our yes. —
And I couldn’t be happier to be in this Island, with my most special set of friend. Specially when a good friend of mine said the best “Yes” of her life here. 🥺
If by any chance, we can meet again Calaguas, know that I will gladly do.
xx, thinatravels.
thinathoughts 