a small peak of paradise --- An 8hr bus ride in the winding road of camarines norte will take you to a small port in vinzons, daet --- the jump-off point to the island of calaguas
it was already low tide when we arrived, the manongs of the big bangka usually wait it out till midday so we had to do a whole lot of pleading and even offered to help push the bangka just to get going
remember to pack and waterproof your sense of adventure and optimism
Since we were all eager and didn't want to waste time and sun, we had to unload ourselves 4 times and really help the manongs manuever the bangka in the amazon-like river, then it was another 1.5hr boat ride in the open sea.
viola! we were welcomed by clear skies, azure waters, and white sand... who cares for a mild heatstroke and some nasty sunburn
the powdery white sand
showing off
the splash
no resorts, no communication signal (oh there was one spot, near a white flag), no electricity, 3 makeshift toilet and 1 bath (wherein you'd rather bathe in public than wait in the long que.
our first-class accomodation
must-haves are camera, tripod, snorkeling gear, sarong, at matibay na tsinelas
after all the hullabaloo, sit back, relax, and enjoy a perfect sunset
prepare P10 for a bucket of fresh water and ice, bring everything from food, water, whatever cooking essentials, sleeping bags, and tent. There are only 2 overpriced sari-sari store and a handful of locals (you also have to ask them first where to camp, as they already have their own territories
outfitters are trying to build up the island as the next boracay, honestly i'd rather we keep it bare and enjoy its quaint features
it would have been a perfect stargazing moment, getting drunk with friends, if we didn't have to listen to dirtybit played on loop
SUNRISE. wake up early and stroll the long stretch of beach without the party crowd
It will take you an hour to walk from one point to the other
two days is not enough for me as i struggled to decide what to do first...
take pictures
bond with friends
make footprints in the sand
hunt for hermit crabs
swim, explore --- i tried to do it all
i was looking for a perfect summer getaway and found my super-sulit trip ever in Calaguas
after beachbumming, haul your ass in the nearby surfing spot of San Jose or Bagasbas