After last minute preparations, my friends and I hopped on a bus to Daet as the jump-off point to Calaguas.
Journey to the Beach
Instead of going to Calaguas DIY, my friends and I decided to book a tour with Calaguas Local. The more than half a day trip (around 13 hours by bus and boat) would be less of a hassle if we didn't have to worry about paying for the bus tickets, bringing food, bringing tents, cooking food, bringing utensils, and renting the boat among other things. My friends and I took the P3,299 two days and one night package offered by Calaguas Local. The package included: round trip bus tickets, lunch, dinner, breakfast the next day, transfer to Vinzons Port, round trip boat transfers, and tent. The staff at Calaguas Local was easy to talk to and they ensured that everything was ok before and after the trip.
I can honestly say that I'm not very fond of LONG bus rides. I just can't sleep straight while sitting on a bus. The ten hour bus ride to Daet and another two plus hours on a boat was just grueling for me. To survive the long hours on the road and sea, I kept thinking about the beach in Calaguas and how much fun I'll have.
Sun, Sand, and Clear Waters
As soon as the boat got a glimpse of the shore and sea, I couldn't wait to jump in the clear waters and feel the white sand between my toes. Upon landing on the beach, I quickly felt the sand on my feet and was simply amazed at how soft and powdery the sand was.
I removed my sandals and let my feet sink into the sand. The beach was fantastic, but the place was not as underdeveloped as advertised. I saw plenty of stores, huts, a bathroom, and plenty of people swimming on the beach and camping on the shore. It was not the virgin island I envisioned but it was still beautiful in it's own right. I'm glad Calaguas Local kept things as close to the basics as possible. The tents that Calaguas Local gave us were spacious even for three persons in a tent. There were five of us in the group so we decided to take two tents. It was my first time camping so the experience was new to me.
It rained for a few minutes while we were on the beach.
After a few minutes of rest in the tent, my friends and I quickly made our way into the clear waters of the beach.The weather was uneven during our stay. It rained for around half an hour, but the rain did not dampen our spirits.
Fine powdery sand
Look how clear the water is!
Walking and lazing on the beach were the primary things my friends and I did while in Calaguas. The beach was scenic and serene despite the developments and chaos happening around it. I would love to see this place a few years ago, without much people and developments.Atop the Hills
We waited for the rain to stop before we headed up the hill behind the beach.
There were quite a few carabaos grazing at the foot of the hill.
The view up the hill was just as scenic as the beach. There was a small community on the island. At least the tours to the island help this community earn a profit.
Sunset in Calaguas
Another highlight of the trip was the sunset. The sunset was magnificent! it was the perfect remedy after a tiring day of traveling for more than half a day.
Is Calaguas worth a visit? Definitely! Make sure to go before more developments take place on this beautiful island.
DISCLAIMER: This is a sponsored post, but all views and opinions are solely my own. You can visit Calaguas Local for more information about the tours they offer.