2012 DIY Guide to Calaguas Island

We started with no clear plans going to Calaguas(Previous post)yet it was successful. Thanks to my mga sikat na inspiration blogger fellows that helped me a lot through their blogs to create a guide in going there. Thanks mga idols!

Special thanks to Lakwatsero.com and lakwatseradeprimera for the details of the trip and to packupanddrift and of course kay Chyng of chyngreyes.com for the inspiration to visit the place soon dahil sa tempting post nyo.

Expenses Breakdown:

Manila To Calaguas
= P730 Manila to Talobatib (Philtranco in Pasay)
= P25 Talobatib to Paracale port
= P550 Boat rental divided by 6 pax (P3300)
= P165 Food supplies divided by 6 pax (P990)
= P95 Camping Fee (75) plus Barangay Fee (20)
Calaguas to Manila
= P25 Paracale port to Talobatib
= P30 Talobatib to Daet
= P480 Daet to Alabang (Superlines)
= *P300 Estimate other expenses (food water,trike,etc..)
Total = P2400

Absolutely Not Bad for a Virgin Island!

We chose the Paracale route as it was cheaper compare to Vinzons which is the more popular route.
We also left the Island at noon so we are too early to wait for Air-con bus from Talobatib. Since we didn’t contact any bus line to fetch us; we decided to go to Daet and had the Superlines trip going to Cubao with Alabang drop off for a sure seat and an earlier departure.

Going to Calaguas can be tiring and difficult to some if you’ll travel by land but then if you are ok with long night trip like me then it’s not a problem. No need to worry as water and rest rooms are available in the island. Riding public boat can be an option for a cheaper fare but with no definite schedule.

There are also some travel organizers online that you can check if you prefer less hassle in organizing and preparing for the trip. They will take in charge of your tents, lights at night, food and etc but for sure for an extra cost.

Expect big waves and long boat ride but all worth the risk and wait.

Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers... the mind can never break off from the journey.
-- Author Unknown

Calaguas Island: Finally at Mahabang Buhangin

Calaguas Island is one of my dream beaches to visit. After reading several bloggers showcasing their fabulous experience in the beach, finally I had experience the awesome long beach (Mahabang Buhangin)up north.

After showing the picture of Mahabang Buhangin to the Bembangan, (my travel buddies from the Galera Trip) and suggested this place as our next destination; they all just said yes and agreed to go.
So then we planned the overnight stay in the island. After some bahala na trip, and for some of us who will not be able to join. Kahit ako lang mag isa go parin ako.

From Philtranco Terminal, last trip nalang naabutan namin which costs 730php. We didn't realized it was friday and maraming pasahero. We are only five until Jess texted and had the last seat reserved to him. We departed at exactly 9pm.

We arrived at Talobatib Junction at around 6am where buses going to Panganiban passes by. We waited for a while, until it arrived and we asked the conductor to drop us at Paracale port. May nakasabay din kaming mag ca-camp sa Paracale on our way.

At Paracale, we asked locals where is the market for us to get our supplies, at that time wala pa kaming boat so then I tried contacting some contact numbers I found online. Mukhang peak season ngaun at may hatid na sila, but then they informed us to just go ahead near the port and there are boatmen that we can ask to bring us to Calaguas. We ate first at a local Carinderia and even let us use their restrooms kahit malayo pa pala sa kainan nila. Sinamahan pa kami sa bahay. Super thanks :)

At mukhang marami nga kaming kasabay

Jenj,Bian,Ella,Jeth and Jess - ang mga certified gala sa Bembangan

So we had our 2 hours boat ride, kaya siguro ng 1 hour lang if big boat. Hays! First time ko natakot sa bangka, super bigwaves talaga and since it is coast to Pacific Ocean, musta nalang ang masiraan ng bangka. Feeling ko talaga magkakalas kalas ung boat namin nega' lang, compare to Nagsasa Cove in Zambales, parang mas nakakatakot yung waves nito.

hindi pa kami wasted nito

Finally after the never ending boat ride, we are finally here! All I can say is WOW! Grabe ang ganda talaga, I can’t explain how I feel, parang Boracay pero it’s more serene, walang kalat, wala masyadong tao, though there were few campers already in the place, di parin crowded.

Ikaw na ang unang nakatapak sa beach :)

At ako, yung paa ko nalang muna at wala ang photographer ko :p

Uso ang ganitong shot sa Calaguas, dami kasing ganyang halaman dun :p

And so we set our tents up, syempre may hammock ako, we had our quiet place until some campers arrived, medyo hassle kasi they are in a big group na parang may program pa pero nakatulog parin naman kami ng tanghali, rest mode habang mainit pa mag swimming.

Ayun sa gitna ung poso, dun kami naligo para hindi na mag igib sa rest room :p

And here are the cottages

We also walked towards the right side of the beach, saw more campers, and a wonderful sunset...

Pagbalik sa campsite, we had our dinner and socials. Aminan at bukingan portion, all had a good sleep after a tiring day.

And on the next day, the photoshoot goes on... Sa leftmost part of the beach naman kami tumambay since mas malapit kami dun.

Pwede na rito mag prenup :p

It’s a bit early to pack but then we don’t want to rush back home dahil may pasok pa yung iba sa amin. And dahil mainit na rin naman, we left the place at almost 12 noon, we went to Daet to get an earlier trip. We left the place at around 5:30, after we had our late lunch and tambay mode pa. We had Superlines going back home straight to Alabang. I am officially home by 2am.

Yes, it was fun and sulit kahit overnight lang. Sulit talaga ang challenge going there. I’ll definitely go back here and will include other islands on my next visit.

Wondering how much did I spent on our overall trip? Yes, summary on the next post.
I highly recommend this to be your next destination. Just make sure to preserve the cleanliness and the serenity of the place and this can be one of your best beach escapades ever.

Till I see you again Calaguas!