By the Pacific Ocean in the Southern Luzon region is a
stretch of fine sand partly submerged in clear waters – the Mahabang Buhangin
of Calaguas.
Calaguas is a group of islands located in Vinzons, Camarines
Norte composed of Maculabo Island (Paracale, Camarines Norte), Guintinua Island and Tinaga Island where
Mahabang Buhagin is located.
Our group visited the island last holy week from March
28-29, 2013. From Legazpi City, we drove to the municipality of Paracale in Camarines Norte.
Our almost 5-hour drive was concluded with rain showers in Paracale that made
the 2-hour boat ride to Tinaga a bit bumpy.
In Paracale, we bought fish and squids, all fresh catch.
There are stores on every corner from the sea wall where provisions for an
overnight camp are available. If you are travelling from far places, I recommend
you just do the “shopping” in Paracale.
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| My first sight of Calaguas |
Sleepy and hungry, we loaded our things aboard Mang
Elises’ outrigger boat. The rain has stopped when we started to sail. Our
groggy selves were awakened by the glorious beauty of the island as we
approach. We saw blue waters fade to green as it meets the fine
white sand where sun-kissed nipa huts stand.
Finally, meters away, we jumped to the powdery shore and
our feet were dipped in the cold waters. We unloaded our things and occupied
the rightmost nipa hut. We had a spacious camp site, trees that blew soft winds
and provided shades, a table outside the hut that served as our dirty kitchen
and fine sands where we rested our tired bodies.
It was full moon and the sky was filled with glittering
stars. This is the good part in choosing a campsite away from fluorescent lamps.
Although the island is known for its unspoiled splendour,
it is slowly being developed. In the leftmost side of the long beach are privately-owned
sturdy cottages. There are lights and sounds too in the evening. Personally, I would
rather not have those in the island. Calaguas is beautiful as it is. I am
afraid that soon, “unspoiled” will become an adjective moot for Calaguas.
Mang Elises is our
bangkero. He was referred to us by a friend. His house is by the sea wall,
near the market. For a group of 6, we were charged Php3,500.00 as roundtrip
fare. He also lent us his “pugon” and an ice chest where we placed the fish and
squids. We also rinsed at his house after 2 days of dipping in the waters of
Calaguas. He is helped by his wife, Nanay Aida, in accommodating guests. You
may reach them through mobile number 0916-430-2038.
For those who will commute, Paracale can be reached by
van from Daet, Camarines Norte. Fare is Php60.00/pax/way.
Our expenses (exclusive of food and transportation):
3,500.00 – boat rental
300.00 – nipa hut
75.00 – entrance fee
20.00 – environmental fee
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