“Calaguas Island is consider as one of the most beautiful beach Island in the Philippines, comparable to Boracay”
Have you heard about Calaguas Island? If not, then it’s about time you discover this secluded paradise located in the Province of Camarines Norte. It is one of the few remaining untouched islands with stunning white beaches in the Philippines and is accessible to tourists. This Island became more popular in 2018 during the closure and redevelopment of Boracay, which brought many tourists and travelers who were searching for a beautiful white beach island to enjoy during their vacation. So, if you are looking for an amazing white-sand beach comparable to boracay on a budget, then you should consider going to Calaguas island.
How to get to Calaguas Island?
- By Air: Direct flights from Manila to Calaguas Islands are not available; however, you can get flights from Manila to Naga Airport with an approximately 45-minute flight, After this, you can travel by land around 2 hours going to Daet, then, take a jeepney going to Vinsons then tricycle going to Vinsons Minaogan Port, lastly, take a boat from Port to Calaguas Island (Mahabang Buhangin) (2 hours travel time).
- By Land (DIY): Take a Bus in Manila going to Daet (9 hours travel time); after that, take a jeepney going to Vinsons, tricycle going to Minaogan Port , then, take a boat from Port to Calaguas Island (Mahabang buhangin) with a travel time of approximately 2 hours and usually leaves around 10 to 11 am. You can take a bus in Cubao particularly to Superline Terminal, which has a regular schedule going to Daet.
Another option that we did: You can join a group tour available on Facebook or any travel agency tours offering this island experience to reduce your cost, mostly scheduled every weekend from Manila. Usually traveling by Van on Friday night, then returning back Sunday evening. This includes a transfer from Manila, a boat transfer, an entrance fee, tent accommodation and food. As of 2024, the price ranges from PHP 3000 to PHP 4000, depending on the number of days you want to stay.
Please refer to the Itinerary below in the last part for reference.
Where to stay in Calaguas Island?
Although Calaguas Island is remote, few hotels’ accommodations are available, however, since this beach also serves as a campsite, most tourists set up a tent. As I remember, we stayed in the tent for one night, which was included in our tour package. If you are traveling solo or with friends, it is better to bring your tent to save money on accommodation. Electricity is powered by a generator and limited from 6 pm to 6 a.m., and if you are going to use the comfort room, you need to pay for every pail of water you will use. By the way, cottages are also available.
How many days is recommended to stay in Calaguas Island?
Two days and one night are enough to enjoy the island as a weekend getaway.
When is the best time to visit Calaguas Island?
The months of February to July provides a fairly sunny weather with a clear blue sky, making it the best time to travel to this island. However, avoid traveling here on long weekends that fall in the summer months, like March to April, as well as the holy week season because the island becomes crowded with many tents in the campsite as well as boats on the beach.
My Experience
In 2015, when my friend invited me to join a group tour going to Calaguas Island on a weekend getaway. I didn’t hesitate and said okay right away. Although I don’t have information yet about this island, I trust that this experience will be good, knowing that my friend travels a lot and always chooses the best tourist spot. It was also timely, as I have been looking forward to a break. From Manila, we traveled by van, which took almost 10 hours. We had some stops along the way. After that, we transfer to the boat arranged by our group to go to the island commonly called mahabang buhangin. After two hours, we arrived at the Calaguas Island, and at first glance, all I said was “wow”, It was really beautiful. I instantly fell in love with its beauty; the water is so clear and the sand is so fine; no wonder people are comparing it to boracay. Take note that during that time, Calaguas was not yet so famous, hence, it was not crowded, and you could say it was still a virgin island. It was really like a paradise, and I have to say that even until now, I consider Calaguas Island to be one of the most beautiful islands I’ve seen so far.
Activities to do in Calaguas Island
For sure, you will not be bored once you are on Calaguas Island. Below is a list of activities you can do while you are on this amazing island.
1. Snorkeling
One of the most popular activity you can do in Calaguas Island is snorkeling. Get ready your snorkeling gear and enjoy sightseeing of wonderful coral reefs around this area. The water is so clear that you can see the ocean floor from a far.
2. Swimming in the white sand beach
The beach in Calaguas Island is stunning and comparable to Boracay, known for its pristine white beach with crystal clear water and powdery sand. Surely, you will enjoy and love this beach.
3. Beach Volleyball
If you are with a group of friends, you can also play volleyball here. When we visited here, I saw some people playing this sport while enjoying the view of the beach. Unfortunately, I was not able to take a photo during that time.
4. Hiking
Oh! Don’t forget to hike at the summit of Calaguas Island, either in the morning for sunrise or afternoon for sunset. The trail is relatively easy and worth it.
Optional: If you want to explore more nearby island in Mahabang Buhangin in Calaguas Island, you can rent a boat and do island hopping, and visit Maculabo and pinagcastillohan island. This cost around 1000 to 2000 pesos depending on your negotiation with the boatman.
Budget in Calaguas Island
The cost of traveling to Calaguas Island is considerably budget-friendly, especially if you are not picky with accommodation and like adventure vibes. Based on my experience, most tourists spend around PHP 3000 to 4000 from Manila if they join a group tour. Otherwise, take a flight and do DIY.
Suggested Itinerary to Calaguas Island from Manila
Option 1: Join a Tour, for me this is the most convenient for a weekend getaway, especially if you are working weekdays, also the cheapest, and you got to bond with new people and build friendships.
Day 1 (Friday Night)
10:00 pm to 7 am- Travel from Manila to Camarines Norte (At Vinsons Minaogan Port) (Be sure to be in your meeting Place 30 minutes before departure, Your group leader will inform you the exact location of meeting places like in Cubao)
Day 2 (Saturday)
7:00 am- 8:00 am- Arrival time in the Port, take breakfast, then rest for a while waiting for the arrangement boat.
8:00 am- 10:00 am- Boat transfer to Mahabang Buhangin in Calaguas Island
10:00 am-11:00- Set-up tent in the camp, take rest for a while and photo ops
11:00 am-12:00 pm- help for preparing food
12:00 pm-1:00 pm- Take your lunch and rest for a while
1:00 pm- 5:00 pm- Island Hopping Optional if you like, otherwise roam around the beach, swim, snorkeling and play volleyball
6:00 pm-7:00 pm help in preparing for dinner
7:00 pm-8:00 pm- Take your Dinner
8:00 pm-10:00 pm- Socials, bond with new people
10:00 pm- Sleeping Time
Day 3 (Sunday)
4:30 am- Wake up, then prepare for a trek to summit
5:00 am- Hike at the summit of Calaguas Island
5:30 am- Sunrise Viewing
6:00 am- Start Decent
7:00 am- Take breakfast
7:30 am- Swim again in the beach for the last time
8:00 am- Packup
10:00 am-12 pm- Boat transfer going to port
12:30 pm-take your lunch
1:00 pm- Start Traveling going back to Manila
10:00 pm- Arrive in Manila
11:00 pm-Home
Option 2: DIY
Based on my research, below is a sample itinerary if you opt to DIY. I don’t recommend it, though, if you are a solo traveler, as you will shoulder all the cost, especially the boat charter. Moreover, in terms of land transportation, you need to take a bus, then transfer to a jeep and tricycle. However, if you are a group of 6 people, it is feasible.
Day 1
9:00 pm to 6 am- Travel from Manila (Origin PITX Bus Terminal, Paranaque) to Daet (Choose from Any Bus with a regular schedule like Superline)(Note: Superline also has bus Terminal in Cubao, Alabang and Turbina, just check the schedule) (Cost: 800 Pesos)
Day 2
6:00 am-7:00 am- After Arriving in Daet Terminal, Take a jeepney going to Vinsons (90 pesos)
7:00-7:30 am- Take your breakfast
7:30 am- 7:45 am- Ride a tricycle going to Vinsons Minaogan port (15 pesos)
8:00 am–10:00 am-Charter a boat going to the island’s known as Mahabang Buhangin (Calaguas Island)( Ranging from 2500 to 3000 pesos, good for 6 persons)
10:00 am-11:00- Set-up tent in the camp, take rest for a while and photo ops
11:00 am-12:00 pm- help for preparing food
12:00 pm-1:00 pm- Take your lunch and rest for a while
1:00 pm- 5:00 pm- Island Hopping Optional if you like, otherwise roam around the beach, swim, snorkeling and play volleyball
6:00 pm-7:00 pm help in preparing for dinner
7:00 pm-8:00 pm- Take your Dinner
8:00 pm-10:00 pm- Socials, bond with new people
10:00 pm- Sleeping Time
Day 3
4:30 am- Wake up
5:00 am- Hike at the summit of Calaguas Island
5:30 am- Sunrise Viewing
6:00 am- Start Decent
7:00 am- Take breakfast
7:30 am- Swim again in the beach for the last time
8:00 am- Packup
9:00 am-11 pm- Contact a Boat for transfer going to port
11:20 am-Ride a tricycle going to Vinson
11:20 am-11:50 am take your lunch
11:50-12:50 pm- Take a jeepney going to Bus Terminal in Daet (Choose DLTB if you opt 1:00 pm as this is the Bus who have schedule aroundthis time, otherwise choose 4:23 pm in Superline if you think you cannot come on that time)
1:00 pm-10:00 pm- Travel back to Manila
11:00 pm-Home
Essential things to bring
- Money in Cash (Note that Calaguas is an island so no ATM Machine available)
- hiking shoes or any running shoes will do, otherwise sandals for hiking
- Slipper
- Sunblock
- Bottle of water for trekking
- Hygiene Kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.)
- Towel
- Insect Repellant lotion (since you are in the beach area, better to bring at least lotion for protection against insects bite since you will sleep in the tent)
- Sun glass
- Cap for head & face sun protection
- Swimming attire
- Tent (Optional, if you are not joining a group tour)
Additional Note: Since Calaguas Island is a remote island, expect low signal or no signal at all in some areas. Anyhow, forget about the signal, you are on a secluded island beach, so just enjoy and relax your mind away from social media. “Be at the moment”. It’s your time to reconnect with your friends or, if traveling solo, bond with new people and build friendships.
So, have you been to Calaguas Island? Please share your thoughts and experience.
CALAGUAS ISLAND TRAVEL VIDEO 2015
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