Lena : Conquering Calaguas

It was said that Philippines is home to hundreds (even thousands) of fine and pristine beaches. Boracay has been very popular when it comes to such topic, yet somewhere in Bicol Region, hush-hush of an uprising popularity of this virgin and unscathed island is being heard. So, when it’s time to do the yearly ritual (with my FnF friends) and being the adventurer that I am, there’s no better way to experience “the Calaguas Way” but during the scorching summer heat. =)

Several travel agencies have been accepting booking trips to Calaguas Island. Each one of them offers almost the same basic trip inclusions (transpo+food+accom+sidetrips). The only significant difference was the trip fee per pax. We opted to go for Hullaballoo team’s 2d/1n package.

We took the one way trip since we’re spending an over night stay in CWC right after our Calaguas trip. Naga’s (CWC) a mere 2-hour ride from Vinzon’s Port (Calaguas’ Jump-off point).

The 2-hour banca ride to Calaguas Island from its jump-off point (Vinzon’s Port) was a bit of an experience. The Pacific Ocean roughed us up a bit, plus, there’s no denying the sun’s heat. I think I came out tanner (effortlessly, haha!) upon arriving in the island. The banca’s roof didn’t do much of its work. Guess, reflection is to blame!

I must say that the place was really serene. The beach and the island itself was a wow! The sand was very fine, maybe that’s the reason why it’s said to rival Boracay’s powdery white sand (my vote still goes to Boracay’s sand =) though). The only minor setback I can think of was the lack of natural trees along the camping site. There were makeshift shades but additional tree shades would have been very nice and helpful to lessen the burning heat.

Also, for those of you who are not so into camping and nature. I’m just so happy to tell that there is a not-grandeur-but-acceptable restroom in the island. =)

The fees collected for the Calaguas adventure are really fair enough. We don’t have to rent our own banca to Calaguas (4-6k for a 6-8pax), to bring our own camping equipment, food/water. All we have to do is to bring ourselves and our beach and camping wardrobes *wink*. Plus, the Bagasbas Surfing sidetrip was a total fun, especially if you’re a surfer at heart.

http://melvicbrinas.multiply.com
http://melvicbrinas.com

Our package:

 1,800php (2d/1n) + 600php one way ticket to Daet (via Amihan or Superlines)

Package Inclusion:
* boat transfers
* tent accommodation at Calaguas Island
* all camp meals 
* life jackets (MARINA APPROVED)
* environmental fees

Below is the itinerary I’ve made for our Calaguas-CWC trip.

Friday Night (April 29)

08:00PM- Bus Station

08:30PM- ETD- Manila-Daet

Saturday (April 30)

 07:00AM - ETA Daet/ Breakfast (own pax Account, not included)
 08:00AM - ETD for Calaguas Island (tentative) or side trip macolabo island
 10:00AM - ETA Calaguas Island/ set camp explore
 12:00 NN- Lunch
 01:00PM - Siesta/ swimming/ explore/ picture happy campers
 06:00PM - Dinner
 07:00PM - Socials
 10:00PM - Lights out

Sunday (May 01)

 06:00AM - Wakeup call
 07:00AM - Breakfast
 09:00AM - Break Camp
 10:00AM - ETD Calaguas - Daet
 12:00NN - ETD Daet
 01:00PM - Late Lunch 
 02:00PM - Surfing Bagasbas 

 03:00PM – ETD Bagasbas ( since may CWC sidetrip tayo) 

 05:00PM – ETA CWC 

 07:00PM - Dinner 

 08:00PM - Socials 

Monday (May 02)

 06:00AM - Wakeup call
 07:00AM – Breakfast

 08:00AM – PhotoShoot, Lago Del Rey, Wakeboard

 12:00NN - Lunch

 01:00PM – Checkout

 02:00PM – Explore NAGA, Pasalubong

 04:00PM -  Early Dinner 

 05:00PM – ETD NAGA to Manila

 01:00AM – ETA Manila

**Meet the FnF! :)