We visited Camarines Norte on the summer of 2012. The hubby has relatives in Bicol so we off we went to attend a local festivity. It was utter bliss when I found out that Calaguas Island was accessible from their place. I have long wanted to go to Calaguas but had always been disheartened by the length of the land trip + boat trip, and with camping in the island as the only choice of accommodation. So when a day tour possibility presented itself, my oh my, I swear there were butterflies in my stomach, all of them fluttering so happily!
Our jump off point was Vinzons, but you can also choose Paracale in case. We had to rent the whole banca for the five of us. If I remember we paid somewhere between PHP2000-PHP2500. If you want to save some costs, join another group so you can split the costs among more persons, just agree on the pick up time heading back. Just note that these are not passenger boats, they are fishermen's boats so do not expect comfortable seating for the 1.5-hour boat ride.
All aboard! Here we go.
Our jump off point was Vinzons, but you can also choose Paracale in case. We had to rent the whole banca for the five of us. If I remember we paid somewhere between PHP2000-PHP2500. If you want to save some costs, join another group so you can split the costs among more persons, just agree on the pick up time heading back. Just note that these are not passenger boats, they are fishermen's boats so do not expect comfortable seating for the 1.5-hour boat ride.
All aboard! Here we go.
Scenic Views En Route to Calaguas
the Approach
My Oh My! Hello, Calaguas!
We obviously had so much fun in Calaguas. It is the most perfect swimming beach I have ever been to (considering my love for beaches). From the powdery white sand to the water temperature to the scenic landscape to the green-turquoise-blue waters, it is a gem that has so much potential. To top it off, as we bid Calaguas goodbye, it presented one of the most beautiful sunsets I ever experienced. It was quite nostalgic.
Good Morning Bagasbas!
The next day, we saw the beauty of Bagasbas Beach at sunrise. Bagasbas is only a 10-minute drive from the center of Daet City. I found it surprising that a beatiful beach was so close to the city. They are indeed very blessed. Surfing lessons are available here as nice waves appear frequently.
The trick is to get there very early, as the place fills up as soon as the sun rises. This is a free beach, and a very nice one so people tend to flock here especially during the summer season.
A friendly tip: do not buy your souvenirs here. Get them at the shops in the city center as the price triples in Bagasbas souvenir shops as compared to the city center.
My verdict: Visit Calaguas as soon as you can before it becomes too commercialized. As of this writing, there is a high end hotel being constructed there so prices may skyrocket pretty soon.
A friendly tip: do not buy your souvenirs here. Get them at the shops in the city center as the price triples in Bagasbas souvenir shops as compared to the city center.
My verdict: Visit Calaguas as soon as you can before it becomes too commercialized. As of this writing, there is a high end hotel being constructed there so prices may skyrocket pretty soon.