7/16/2014 01:40:00 PM
Calaguas Island: The Happy Beach | June 27-29, 2014
7/16/2014 01:40:00 PMI was hesitant at first considering the weather since I am traveling in June and alone. For me, going to this beautiful island is less str...
I was hesitant at first considering the weather since I am traveling in June and alone. For me, going to this beautiful island is less stressful if you'll get one of the packages offered by operators. A DIY itinerary is okay but not advisable if traveling alone.
YOLO: My 4th Solo trip.
Before reaching this majestic scenery, it involves a 10-hour bus ride from Cubao Bus Terminal, 15 minutes jeepney ride from Daet City to the port, and 2 hours of braving the waves in a boat. But trust me, it's all worth it. You also have the option of taking the plane to lessen it by 9 hours. But if you got enough time and a budget to consider, what I did was perfectly fine.
YOLO: Travelling solo by bus.
Since I am traveling in June, the start of the rainy seasons, only a few is traveling to Daet, Camarines Norte. So, from Cubao, they need to transfer me to join the other passengers in another bus located in Pasay Terminal. Instead of leaving Manila at 9pm, I have to join the last trip at 10pm. Nonetheless, the long wait and boredom is all worth it on what's waiting in the island.
YOLO: 2-hour boat ride.
The two-hour boat ride was not as tipsy-turvy as what others has described it. Passing by other islands, I enjoyed the beauty they possess. Finally, we've reached the destination. Trust me, you'll be in awe how crystal clear the water is and how white and fine the stretch of sand.
YOLO: Getting closer, makes me feel giddy like a child.
Since this is just sudden and not a planned trip, I get a package tour from Byahe AdvenTours. They are a group of professionals who arranged everything for you and all you have to do is to show up with your swim wear and sun block. After several times of asking if we're there yet, finally, we've reached our destination; Calaguas Island's Mahabang Buhangin. As the name suggests, Mahabang Buhangin means "a long stretch of sand".
YOLO: The shore is so inviting.
You can either choose 2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights with just s small difference in the rates. This includes bus or van transportation from Manila to Camarines Norte town proper, land transfer from city to the docking port, boat transfers, 3 meals (for 2 days/1night), tent, cottage, entrance and environmental fee.
YOLO: After 12 hours of bus, car, and boat ride...tada!
Aside from that, since they are a group, there are lots of activities they prepared for us. They have free henna tattoo, they'll teach you skim boarding, there's fire dancing, and island hopping. Also, the favorite of everyone, the evening socials where they will teach you how to mix drinks and you can get drunk all you want with their unlimited supply of liquor of various choices.
YOLO: So unspoiled and heavenly-like.
If only I was not rushed in the hospital for that same week due to acid reflux, I would have get my self in a very compromising situation and party like a rockstar. You may visit their Facebook account, Byahe AdvenTOURS or you may contact them at 09157792222/09179292943.
YOLO: The sun is so scorching hot but I can't help not to love it.
Why am I recommending the group? Because Kuya Nano and his team will not disappoint you. No hidden charges and you'll get more than what you pay for. Aside from that, they're a group of fun people and will give you the things they have promised.
YOLO: Yes, the water is really that crystal clear.
If you love the sand and sea, this is the paradise for you. Usually, once I've been to a place once, it's hard for me to go back to the same place the second time; excluding this island. I just fell in love with this island.
YOLO: I can have this as my screensaver to remind me always to come back.
With its beauty, you need not have a professional camera or to be a photog enthusiasts to get a beautiful shot like this. It's postcard-perfect anywhere you point your camera and click.
YOLO: The many shades of blue.
While doing this blog, I can still vividly picture things out and how the place looks like. The water is so clear and the sand is as fine as refined sugar. Though you're not a good swimmer or doesn't know how to swim, there's enough space of shallow waters for you to enjoy.
YOLO: Feeling sexy and free...lol
Though the place is not frequently visited, you can expect that the seabed is urchin-free and you can enjoy barefoot-walking in the island. No jellyfishes to sting you while swimming.
YOLO: Island hopping.
Though the beach where the camp is situated is already beautiful enough, you can also join the island hopping and check other islands that are instagram-worthy.
YOLO: Awkward, not used being photographed.
This is one of the islands we visited but not sure with the name. I guess there's only 2 or 3 islands nearby but they're not as equally as beautiful as Mahabang Buhangin but the view is breath-taking.
YOLO: Then there's the golden sunset.
Also,the island has one of the most romantic sunset I have witnessed. I wish the see the full sunset but the clouds keep on blocking its way. Just to realize after how magical its effect in creating those rays. Did I mention that Kuya Nano is very good in photography?
YOLO: A travel is never complete without a jumpshot.
The ladies I've met during this trip. Thanks to Sharon and Grace who I had humorous conversations with. It's very important for a solo traveler to gain friends along the way. If you can't, no one will take photos of you. Unless you have a tripod or you're a selfie-type of guy.
YOLO: View from the top.
By the way, just to remind you that it's hard to get a phone signal when you're in the island. Don't lose hope though, where I am standing is called the cell site. It's a 10 minutes climb to the hill where you'll get your signal and you'll have this majestic view.
YOLO: Boodle fight for breakfast.
Also, one of the members of Biyahe AdvenTOURS is Lakwatserong Kusinero. Unfortunately, he has a scheduled travel when I had this trip so he's not the chef who prepared our meals. Nevertheless, we enjoyed every meal and we had enough. It's not buffet but it's still like buffet because there's enough food for us.
Finally, the shots that you are all waiting for, my Buddha poses.
YOLO: Buddha pose in the long stretch sand of Mahabang Buhangin beach.
YOLO: Buddha Pose in one of the islands.
Feel free to leave a comment if you have questions or suggestions that I should add in this blog entry. Thanks!
Next.... CDO, CAMIGUIN, AND ILIGAN TRIP.
