Calaguas Travel Guide: The Happy Beach of Camarines Norte

Calaguas

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.

Calaguas
Halabang Baybay or Mahabang Buhangin in 2010.

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.

Calaguas
Halabang Baybay or Mahabang Baybay in 2009.

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
Calaguas Island in 2016.

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.

Calaguas
Cabañas of Waling-Waling

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.

Calaguas
Calaguas in 2013

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
Calaguas
Sunset in Calaguas

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

Calaguas
Maculabo Island

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
Calaguas
Calaguas in 2016

First Published: March 21, 2009; Updated: 09-Jul-2011 / 15-Nov-2011 / 12-Feb-2013 / 22-Feb-2016 / 30-Nov-2017

Comments

  1. Kgwd.Jong De Lemios

    Calaguas boat rental for more info. kindly call or text us 09468531698 tnt/smart 09369031273 globe/tm or kindly visit our facebook page A service to Calaguas .We can give you a reasonable price for boat rental and tour packages . Thank you😀

  2. […] visit to Calaguas Island offers a chance to reconnect with nature as the islands offer limited access to water and […]

  3. Erika Joyce Totanes

    Calaguas Tour
    BOAT RENTAL& TOUR PACKAGE
    For booking and reservation
    Contact
    Erika totanes
    09489998803 /09209682972

    1. Grace Bergonio

      Hi Ms. Ericka,

      Can you send me your tour packages? Your response will be much appreciated. Here’s my email, [email protected]

      Thank you
      -Grace

      1. Erika Joyce Totanes

        Ok po,nasend ko na Ma’am Grace sa inyong email.tnx

  4. ERNIEINT'L TOUR ORGANIZER

    Permission to post: CHEAP BOAT RENTAL TO CALAGUAS ISLAND AT MAHABANG BUHANGIN BEACH THIS COMING SUMMER SEASON. PLEASE TEXT US 09486793920 OR 09471109451 LOOK FOR KUYA JACK or ATE BEBE. THANKS

  5. ERNIEINT'L TOUR ORGANIZER

    UPDATED 2017 CALAGUAS ISLAND BOAT RENTAL FROM PARACALE PORT. CAN ACCOMMODATE 1 TO 6 PAX, 7 TO 10 PAX, OR UP TO 40 PAX… FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT US 09186268547 or 09468919996 & LOOK JEN. Thank you!

  6. naturelover

    me and my family planningtogo to calaguas this coming dec 19 ok po kaya ang alon ng ganun months pls give me some advice po .thanks

  7. Jan Rio

    Private Car service Manila to Paracale/Back to Manila.Good for 6 persons.
    Meeting Place Jollibee Pasay Philtranco
    Service:Toyota Innova
    Driver:Professional/Familiar in Camarines Norte.

  8. Rizza

    Hi! May mapagiiwanan po ba ng sasakyan sa Paracale?

    1. sm

      hi ms.rizza yes meron po..pay lng kau ng parking fee and safe n sasakyan nyo. you can contact this number 09187073906.ty!

  9. […] Source: Jon to the World Travel Blog, Dyan Lang, Lakwatsero […]

  10. Robert

    For Boat Rental and Package Please contact 09473411081/09369799543.

    1. gemma laisac

      hi ask ko lang magkano boat rental nio to calaguas 9 person po kmi ,planning to visit calaguas by JUly 01, 2016 ksma na po ba jan ang island hoping?

      thanks, gemma

  11. Kgwd Jong De Lemios

    please contact 09108461294 smart or 09771315958 globe , we can give you reasonable price for boat rental and tour package,. We have a big boat with a capacity of 50 person and another boat with a capacity of 20 person thankyou…..

    1. Maricris valencia

      Babalik po kami kgwd😀Saya nang experience sa bangka niyo!!

    2. Maricris valdez

      Babalik po kami Kgwd jong delemios ganda nang bangka niyo😀👍🏼na enjoy ko sobra!!

    3. Maricris valdez

      😀😀saya talaga sa inyo kgwd jong👍👍

    4. gemma laisac

      how nuch po boat rental to calaguas for 9 person.. on july 01, 2016 ksama npo ba jan ang island hopping and stc.. tnx

  12. Kgwd Jong De Lemios

    bookings please contact 09108461294, we can give you reasonable price for boat rental and tour package,. Thank you

    1. Maricris valencia

      Babalik po kami Kgwd.saya at ang ganda po nang bangka niyo😀👍🏼

  13. arman

    anyone ever been to calaguas in the month of JULY? how was the weather, the waves going to the island?

  14. For boat rental, safe parking area and tour packages, please contact us at 09392858198

  15. For bookings please contact 09392858198, we can give you reasonable price for boat rental and tour package,. Thank you

  16. Schedule for May 28-29, 2016 are now open for joiners. Please call 09473411081 for bookings! Thank you

  17. Izzie

    Hi ask ko lang kng meron bang hotels or rooms na pwede mag stay sa calaguas island…? May 3 kids kase na kasama… tska ung budget friendly.. group of 8 adults kmi with 3 kids.

    1. Lakwatsero

      Check out Waling-Waling. Medyo pricey lang but there are other roos and cottages na mas cheaper. 🙂

      1. angelica

        hi po. ung sa bangka overnight po tlaga ang contract? wala one way trip? hehe
        may chance ba na may mkakasabay kmi kpAg dlawa lang

  18. Waling-Waling Eco Village Boasts of the best facilities you can get in Calaguas, Modern Bathroom facilities, Comfortable Accommodations, a Restaurant and many more. To Book Email [email protected] or call +63 915 1000000

  19. byaheng matipid

    byaheng matipid also acknowledged dessie and her group for being appreciative of the services rendered to them during their stay in calaguas for three days and two nights…again dess, thank you to you and your group…come again…call 09193771138 for package tours…

  20. pilar p. asis

    byaheng matipid would like to thank the group of dian from tagkawayan, quezon…guys, your group is the most behaved and disciplined among our guests…thank you for patronizing byaheng matipid tours…your april 17-19 trip was a big success…hope your positive comments and praises be converted to more guests in the future….thank you dian and friends….balik kau ha….for package trip to calaguas, please call us 09193771138…everything can be arranged…from transportation, meals, accomodation…etc….

    1. maffy

      hi byaheng matipid,

      would like to ask for quotation,,we are planning to visit calaguas on december 15
      2 adults and 2 kids (6 and 1.11 yrs old) family lang kame. Nag canvass sana ako bet boracay and calaguas..hope you can give us idea/advise.
      thanks!

      xoxo
      maffy

Comments are closed.