With its long stretch of fine white sand beach and perfectly turquoise water, Calaguas Island will definitely make you fall in love with the place. This Calaguas travel guide will come handy for everyone planning to visit or revisit Calaguas Islands. Provided in this guide are relevant information that will make it easier for your to plan your trip. Know the updated travel requirements, information on getting there, accommodation, activities, sample itinerary, budget and more. Enjoy Calaguas!
Discover Calaguas Island
Calaguas is a group of islands in the Pacific under the jurisdiction of the town of Vinzons, Province of Camarines Norte, a merely two hour boat ride from the mainland. It boasts of powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unspoiled natural resources, a place where you can truly relax while enjoying the pristine beauty of the place.
Over the years, Calaguas has evolved from being an offbeat destination to being a go-to place of beach adventurers. The once quiet coastline is now beaming with life but despite all the activities, structures and crowd, its natural beauty still shines.
The long stretch of beach named Halabang Baybay/Mahabang Buhangin (Long Beach) by the locals, is a cove located in the Tinaga Island, it is a picture perfect paradise with its long stretch of fine white sand, dotted with volcanic rocks on its both ends, the place is the most frequented camping and swimming site by tourists.
Discover Calaguas Group of Islands, swim on its turquoise water, sit on its white sand, enjoy its magnificent view of sunset, explore its beauty… you’ll definitely find a reason to be happy.
How to Get There
While there are travel/tour organizers offering Calaguas tour, a DIY trip is possible and the cheapest way to get to the island. The experience of doing it on your own for the entire journey adds thrill and excitement to what is already an exciting adventure.
Calaguas via Vinzons
Daet, the capital of Camarines Norte is the jumpoff point to Calaguas Islands if you are going there via Vinzons. From there catch a jeeney to Vinzons and get off at the fishport (pandawan). There’s a boat going to Barangay Banocboc daily, it departs the fishport at 11 AM, from Banocboc you can hire a banca to take you to Calaguas Islands for as low as P500.00 or even lower depending on your haggling skill. The return trip to Vinzons fishport leaves Banocboc at 6AM the next day.
Alternatively, you can hire a banca from Vinzons fishport to Calaguas Islands, price depends on the capacity of the boat. For a small boat that can fit four to five people, the lowest rate is at P2500-P3000.00. It is a two hour boat ride from the port.
Going to Daet from Manila, you have two options:
By Land
Philtranco, Amihan (Contact No: 3871792), DLTB and Superlines buses offer Cubao/Pasay to Daet for an approximately 7-8 hours travel time. Fare cost differs, but ranging from P450 to P750.
You can book your bus from Manila to Daet or vice versa below:
BOOK YOUR BUS FROM MANILA TO DAET
By Air
Naga in Camarines Sur is closest airport with regular commercial flights via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. From Naga, Daet is around two hours drive. There are vans to Daet located in Naga Van Terminal, the earliest departs at 5AM and the last trip is around 7PM.
Calaguas via Paracale
Paracale, a Camarines Norte town popular for its gold, is fast becoming an entry point to Calaguas Islands. From Daet, the town can be reached in less than two hours by public vans, fare is around P60.00. Last trip from Daet to Paracale is 6PM and 5PM for Paracale to Daet.
If you are coming from Manila, Superlines has direct trip to Paracale/Panganiban (P515/pax, one-way, as of February 2016). Get off at Paracale and make your way to the fish port. Alternatively, you can ride a bus to Daet, get off at Barangay Talobatib in the town of Labo and ride another bus for less than an hour to get to Paracale town and walk to the fish port.
At the fish port, you can ask around for fishermen’s boats to Halabang Baybay (Mahabang Buhangin), Calaguas for as low as P3000 (good for five to six persons, overnight) or you may opt to ride a boat that goes to Barangay Mangkawayan, Calaguas for a cheaper fare of at least P50 per person. However there’s no regular public boat going to Barangay Mangkawayan but more of fisherman’s boat and the schedule is unpredictable.
Where to Stay in Calaguas
There are now plenty of cottages and resort in Calaguas Island including Cabañas of Waling-Waling Resort that offers air-condition room and cottages for at least P3,500 per room per night.
For campers, entrance fee ranges from P120 to P150 per person, tent pitching fee is P100 per tent and cottage is as low as P500.
If you plan to stay in Paracale before or after your Calaguas trip, Paliza del Rio Tourist Inn in Poblacion, near the market, has affordable rooms and open parking space. You can leave your car there if you are going to Calaguas Island for minimal fee.
What to Do in Calaguas
Calaguas is the best place to relax and unwind if you are not the party goer type or if you are a fan of a quiet beach scene. Just sit on the sand, swim on its turquoise water, explore the island, bond with your friends and you will definitely appreciate the simple pleasures of the island.
Other activities include:
- Scuba diving/snorkeling (bring your own equipment)
- Island and Beach hopping
- Swimming
- Camping – bring your own camping equipments, enough food and water supply.
- Surfing in Daet’s Bagasbas Beach
- Visit the old churches St. Peter the Apostle Parish of Vinzons, St. John the Baptist Parish of Paracale and neighboring towns
- Island and beach hopping around Calaguas Group: Pinagtigasan Beach on the southern Tinaga Island, Cumalasag, Pinagtakpan, Pinagcastillohan, Guintinua, Huag, Cagbalisay, Bendita, Sang-atan, Balagbag Malaki, Balagbag Maliit, Calangcawan Sur, Mantigbi Beach and other white sand island beaches around
- Explore other islands in Camarines Norte: Maculabo, Parola Island, Calalanay Island, Tabusao Island, Padoni Island, Flora Sandbar, Jaulo Island or Mercedes Group, etc.
- Swim in Gumaus Beach or Pulang Daga Beach of Paracale
- Check out Saltahan Falls, Palanas Falls, Malatap Falls, Burok-Busok Falls, Binuan Falls and other waterfalls of Labo
- Go spelunking in Mt. Cadig Cave also of Labo
- Head south towards Caramoan, Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex in Naga, Albay and Sorsogon
Sample Calaguas DIY Itinerary (via Paracale)
Estimated Budget: P2500 – P3,000
Day 0:
2100H: Departure at Superlines Cubao (Cubao to Paracale – P515/person)
Day 1:
0500H: Arrival in Paracale
0500H – 0800H: Arrival in Paracale/Find Boat/Shop for other needed items (ice, meat, fruits, fish, drinking water, etc)
0800H – 1030H: Paracale to Mahabang Buhangin, Tinaga Island, Calaguas by boat
1030H – 1300H: Set-up Camp / Lunch
1300H – 1800H: Free time: beach bumming, photo ops, swimming, snorkeling, trekking to viewpoint
1800H – 1930H: Dinner Preparation/Wash-up/Fix-up
1930H – 2030H: Dinner
2030H: Socials, Lights off
Day 2:
0600H – 0700H: Call Time, Breakfast
0700H – 1000H: Free time: explore, discover, play, pose, packup, prepare lunch
1000H – 1100H: Break camp, wash-up
1100H – 1330H: Calaguas to Paracale by boat
1330H – 1500H: Arrival in Paracale/wash-up/fix-up/late lunch
1500H – 1630H: Paracale to Daet by van
1630H – 1730H: Waiting time/snacks/rest
1730H: Departure from Daet to Manila
Day 3:
0230H – Arrival in Manila
Tips
- Boat rate is as low as P3,000/boat overnight for six persons, P5,000/boat overnight for 10 persons, P6,500/boat overnight for 15 persons. Contact Ate Nilda: +639486793920 (Paracale)
- Paliza del Rio Tourist Inn organizes private and open tours on fixed date to save cost, contact number 02-7855215 or +63923-8297096
- Barangay collects P20 per person as Environmental Fee in Calaguas Island
- Those coming from Paracale, a P20 fee is also collected by barangay for every tourist
- Best time to go is during summer and dry months (September to June)
- Try trekking to the nearby hill to see the beach from the higher vantage point
- There is a source of fresh water in the island
- There are restrooms in the island
- The island have now more cottages and stores, entrance fee is P100 – P150 depending on where you will rent your cottage or pitch your tent, cottage is as low as P500/night, tent pitching fee is P100 per tent
- Waling-waling has rooms for at least P3,500 per room per night
- There is a small community (Barangay Mangkawayan) on the opposite side of the island, around 10 minutes by foot
- Superlines is the cheapest aircon bus line to Daet and Paracale, their Cubao to Paracale fare as of February 2016 is P515.00
- Please! Please follow the LEAVE NO TRAIL PRINCIPLE: TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES, LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS, KILL NOTHING BUT TIME
First Published: March 21, 2009; Updated: 09-Jul-2011 / 15-Nov-2011 / 12-Feb-2013 / 22-Feb-2016 / 30-Nov-2017
minsan nakakalungkot na pinagkaka kitaan pa ng ibang tao ung kapwa nila. we can actually go direct with the bangkeros with lower prices but the thing is may mga nag mimidleman pa kaya doble gastos. like they did with us in cagayan valley last holyweek.. tsk tsk
just wanna ask, is there a tent we can rent in the island for us to sleep in? and is there also anything to rent for us to cook there? thanks.
I suggest you bring your own or avail of the services of the outfitters 🙂
calaguas tour package 1400 per head ,travel date every saturday of the month, contact 09203179315
no po inclusion ng 1,400 na package na yan?
boat ride from Paracale to Calaguas vice versa,camping fees, 4 meals lunch dinner on day 1,breakfast, lunch on day 2, camping tent, life vest, assembly at Malayan tourist inn, Paracale.
ilang days po ung 1400 per head? anu po inclusion?
pano pmunta there from lucban, quezon? ilang days ung P1400?
minimum pax po nung 1400?
every saturday of of MAy?
@sweet….from Cam. Sur, sakay ka ng Van going to Naga City…from Naga City..another Van going to Daet…and from daet…Van ulit to Paracale na….at least 4 hours land trip yan…if you have any other inquiry..please let me know…you can contact me…here is my number 09267134265…
boat rental going to Calaguas island 4 to 6 persons 3000, 7to 8 3500, 9to 10,4000 contact 09203179315
@joy…yes mam, please anytime pwede mo ako makontak…please let me know kung kelan kayo darating at ano mga request nyo na kaya ko naman iprovide…i will do my best…thanks a lot…
@angel… thanks for your call…all is set here…kayo na lang ang hinihintay…thank you very much..see you very soon…
hello po… me and my girl-friend is planning to have a calaguas experience this coming may 24-25 2012, and we will be coming from cam sur, what will be our route going to calaguas? we will have it a DIY trip for the first time.. and if ever, we’re not alone in the island ryt? there’s a caretaker? hehehehehe.. tnx… really appreciate ur reply…
need boat going to Mahabang Buhangin Calaguas Island…you can contact me 09267134265…Boat with trapal and life vest….thanks a lot….
Hey! Will call u! will be there on May 7 coming from CWC.
Hello, meron pa bang other person/boatman na pwede makontak sa paracale? Miguel anytime ba pwede makokontak ka? We r planning to go in Calaguas by June wala pa nga lang exact date.. Ikaw nlng kontakin namin if ever na mapagusapan na ang date ng punta namin.. Thanks
How much po boat rental sayo? ilan capacity ng boat? Thanks June15 ng gabi alis namin dito sa manila Bale june16-17 ang calaguas,, Thanks
Ma’am Joy,
Please text me or call po here is my number..09267134265…thank you very much ma’am..
I highly recommend Willy Bagamasbad with phone number 09092639964 or jonel ortiz 09996532415/09099016912. We had a great experience with them. They are very hospitable and hindi nila kau pababayaan. We even reached their hauz in the barrio.
Actually si Mang Nelson din ang kausap namin pero we were disapointed dahil ang usapan namin ay 7-8am pero almost 9am na kmi nung pinasundo sa isang tricycle driver. And ang usapan namin my mag aasist sa amin doon but sad to say wala nmn pala pati cottage wala din available para sa amin. Buti na lang tinulungan kmi nina jonel and family nya na magsettle sa isang place dun at sinamahan pa nila kmi dun sa gabi.
BECAUSE OF HOSPITABLE PEOPLE IN MAHABANG BUHANGIN, WE CAN SAY CALAGUAS ISLAND EXPERIENCE IS GREAT!
all bus are coming from Cubao…wala talaga biyahe start sa Turbina….Pick-up station/office lang nila yan…
pwede na magpareserve sa Turbina Office ng Superlines…may nakalaan talagang seats for the Turbina passengers…no need to go to Cubao just to reserve…kaya lang limited ang slot for the passengers kaya dapat maaga ang pagpapareserve….
This is a great news! AT least may reserved slots na for those boarding in Turbina. Thanks Miguel for the info 🙂
meron po bang byaheng DAET / PARACALE sa mismong TURBINA magmumula?
kasi tagili ata kami if yung mga byaheng MANILA-DAET pa hihintayin namin baka walang vacant seats. more than 10 kasi kami. :((
Kate Sorry, wala 😐
salamat po 🙂 rent nalang kami van batangas-daet 🙂 safe po ba? d kaya harangin kami ng mga NPA? and sir yun po bang boat ni mang nelson may trapal and life vest?
Di ba medyo mahal kung magrent ng van? Kasi what yo can do is go to their terminal in Cubao to reserve your seats. You will have to pay the full fare from Cubao to Paracale, then advise them to pick you up at Turbina. Kunin nyo na lang number nila and of the conductor/driver if possible for coordination on the actual date of your trip. But if you will take the van, safe naman ang daan 🙂
Mang Nelson’s boats have life vest and cover. Ikamusta mo ako sa kanya if sya ang boat man nyo 🙂
mas nakaless po kami sa van sir 🙂 1k per person lang kami roundtrip na batangas-daet 🙂 madalang po magreply si manong nelson eh sana po sya ang makuha namin 🙂 ikakamusta ko nalang po ikaw! salamat sir ng madami 🙂
Wow! Mas ok yan 🙂 Comfortable pa 🙂
Hi, meron po daet/paracale sa turbina. May terminal ang superlines sa turbina. make sure na makapagpareserve kayo ahead sa gusto nyo sked kc yung bus manggagaling pa ng cubao. dun po ako sumasakay sa turbina pag umuuwi ako sta.elena, camarines norte.
Hi Rei, thanks! What I mean was, walang bus originating from Turbina. They all come from either Cubao or Pasay, so need to reserve the seat sa Cubao or Pasay pa lang 🙂
hello rei salamay sa information 🙂 sayang sana pala matagal nako nagpost dito. hehe kasi ilang weeks na talaga ako nagsesearch sa net ng byaheng daet paracale sa turbina wala akong makita. salamat po 🙂
Nafeature ang Calaguas kahapon sa newstv ng gma ah. ganda talaga ng Calaguas! =) nakakamiss, makabalik nga ulit sa May.. hehe
uh, can anyone help me na mkpunta dito? please contact me naman oh, 09477013556
hi guys for boat rental you can contact us @ 09182311699.paracale via calaguas vice versa.thank you!just inquire and we will accomodate you from time to time.if you have question and need guidance dont hesitate to text or call.thank you!God bless!thanks lakwatsero!
boat rent for calaguas island@@ low
low@@ price meet me in paracale
………….my fb email [email protected] my new no.09077749519 updated,,,,,,,,,,
FOR RENT BOAT SERVICE IN CALAGUAS ISLAND AT MAHABANG BUHANGIN BEACH RESORT VERY@@@@@@@@@@ LOW LOW @@@@@PRICE. 8 to 12 pax.. .palanas paracale departure. .contact me? 09077749519 or email me on facebook? [email protected] and you see the boat. .@@@
FOR RENT BOAT SERVICE IN CALAGUAS ISLAND AT MAHABANG BUHANGIN BEACH RESORT VERY@@@@@@@@@@ LOW LOW @@@@@PRICE. 8 to 12 pax.. .palanas paracale departure. .contact me? 09077749519 or email me on facebook? [email protected] and you see the boat. .
boat rent for calaguas island@@ low
low@@ price meet me in paracale
………….my fb email [email protected] my new no.09077749519
@@@@@@@@@@@
boat rent for calaguas island@@ low
low@@ price meet me in paracale
………….my fb email [email protected] my new no.09077749519
Wow. Ang ganda talaga nung beach. Sana makapunta ako this year dito.
More power! Nice photos BTW.
Thanks Joven!
HI FOR BOAT RENTAL KINDLY CALL OR TXT 09182311699.TY!
who’s going Calaguas this holy week? april 5-7 to be exact…. anyone?
hye i am going there on 2nd or april wana catch up or sumthing ? its gona be just me and my cuz how abt u my skype : sohail.kayani1
Hi comrade, me and my friends are planning to go to calaguas on the exact dates u mentioned, there’s 6 of us, how many are you? maybe we can rent a van together… kindly contact me in this number… 09152955234…
FOR BOAT CONTACT ME 09182311699.TY
Ei we’re planning to go there this thu to fri. 3 lang kami. We’re thinking if we’ll go to P1800 package with food (lunch dinner bfast lunch), boat, entrance, tent. From daet yung presyo na yun. E medyo namamahalan kami.
hi rei,
if in case your group will be leaving thursday late night, pls do text me 09179013603, we could somehow join your group. 2 lang kasi kami. thanks
liza
sorry guys,,, last minute changes di pwede mag leave eh hehehe…. maybe there’s a next time? plano natin here para marami tayo