Camarines Norte’s present principal draw is the Calaguas islands within the municipality of Vinzons. I used to be first mesmerized by the seaside and islands of Calaguas nearly a decade in the past. The smooth and wonderful white sand seaside in Tinaga island with clear lime waters (Calaguas means lime) which is right for swimming is a real gem located on the Pacific Ocean aspect of the nation. I received’t be going into element on this publish as a lot of the issues I’ve written on my Mahabang Buhangin publish keep related to this present day. As an alternative, I’ll be sharing some noticeable adjustments because the pandemic.
Going to Calaguas Islands
Much like different locations within the nation, the pandemic has tailored protocols that would appear to remain for some time. Even Calaguas Islands has its personal algorithm.
- Guests ought to be pre-booked. This is able to discourage DIY vacationers however it could be higher to watch and regulate guests.
- Vinzons is the advisable jump-off because the Calaguas islands are underneath this municipality
- Vinzons by Bus: Take a Daet, Camarines Norte certain bus like DLTB Bus then a 20-minute jeepney experience to Vinzons port.
- Vinzons by Air: The closest airport is Naga. Take a 2-hour bus to Daet then a 20-minute jeepney experience to Vinzons port.
Mahabang Buhangin Resorts
The open cottages resort, Bert’s Resort, the place we stayed is now not there. As an alternative, there are 4 resorts at Mahabang Buhangin providing a wide range of lodging from airconditioned rooms, fan rooms, open cottages, and even tenting grounds. They often have packaged charges which embrace the keep, meals, and the boat experience from side to side Vinzons:
We stayed on the I Love Calaguas Island Resort which is located on the southern finish of Mahabang Buhangin Seashore. It has a set of luxurious open cottages with cushions close to the seaside. A set of air-conditioned huts then on the again are the airconditioned rooms with ensuite restrooms. There’s a large open floor throughout the resort for tenting.
We stayed in air-conditioned rooms with bogs and a veranda. It was clear, first rate, and fundamental. However since Calaguas islands are remoted from the mainland, electrical energy is powered by gasoline mills. They activate the facility from 6 PM to six AM. So the cooling models can solely be used at these occasions. There have been no shops contained in the room so charging is on the retailer. The price per totally charged unit is P50.
We had our meals catered by the resort and the meals was wonderful from seafood and native Bicolano dishes.
Balagbag Island Hop
We spent loads of our afternoon having fun with the seaside. We additionally allotted a while to do a fast island hop to the close by Balagbag Island. It’s a small island close to the shore that solely took a ten–15 minute boat experience. Balagbag Island has grainy sand in contrast to Mahabang Buhangin nevertheless it does share the water readability. There’s an unfinished resort on the island and a stairway main up the hills.
A scenic panorama of the islands and the ocean have been ready for us atop the hills. One aspect of the island had rugged cliffs battered by waves. I’m guessing the island’s identify got here from how the waves batter the island which in Tagalog is balagbag.
Mesmerizing as Ever
We returned to Mahabang Buhangin simply in time to catch the sundown. And it was nothing in need of spectacular even with the clouds rolling in. Within the night, I used to be additionally capable of catch the milky approach. With much less gentle air pollution and nearly clear skies, the celebrities have been placing on fairly a present that night time.
Even with the brand new protocols and resort developments, Calaguas Islands stays as mesmerizing as ever. I feel it helps that it’s secluded from the mainland and may take fairly a little bit of effort to get there. Even after nearly a decade, it nonetheless feels pristine.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning journey photographer, author and blogger. His works has discovered print in publications similar to Singapore Airways’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airways’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has additionally lent his experience to varied organizations just like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Basis, Save the Kids and World Imaginative and prescient, contributing high quality photos for his or her advertising supplies.
