Travel Blogger friends recommend Calaguas and more people are raving it, now it’s time for me to really check the island out. As I’m not a fan of tour packages, I did some research for a DIY trip to the famed Mahabang Buhangin.
I was glad when Joan of The Backpack Chronicles and Clara from Romania were with me on this trip. Made the terminal transfers, couple of waiting and long butt-numbing trip manageable and happy too!
Clara, me and Joan en route Calaguas Island
If you are coming from Naga:
Take the van going to Daet (Php 188, 2:30 hours);
then take the tricycle to vans/bus going to Paracale (Php 50, 1 hour);
from Paracale look for the fish port and ask around the boat trip going to Brgy. Mangcawayan (Calaguas).
Take the passenger boat to Calaguas (Php100, 2-3 hours).
You will get off at Bgry. Mangcawayan (barrio), you can then walk towards Mahabang Buhangin.
If you are coming from Manila, just get off at Talobatib or Labo, then take the bus going to Paracale (Php 35, 1 hour). Then follow the instructions above.
Van Terminal at Naga City (near SM)
Passenger boat to Brgy. Mangcawayan
Kids' welcome at Bgry. Mangcawayan
Towards Mahabang Buhangin
Playing with a local kid from Bgry.Mancawayan
Important Note: Unless you want to pay Php 3000 (good for 10pax) for the boat rental from Paracale to Calaguas (round trip), it is best to do as locals do.
Go to the fishport at Paracale (walking distance from the van/bus terminal) and look for Kuya Allan, he is the only boatman that transports passengers to and from Calaguas. Sorry, Kuya Allan don’t use cellphone.
Schedule of passenger boat:
Paracale- Brgy. Mangcawayan: Between 1:00-2:00pm. Best if you are there by 12nn.
Brgy. Mangcawayan – Paracale: 7:00am or earlier.
There is only 1 boat the goes to and from Paracale, for the locals who will go to the market. Travel time 2:30-3:00 hours
Fees:
Paracale – Bgry. Mangcawayan- Php 100
Beach Entrance- Php 100/head (per day)
Cottage- Php300
Baranggay fee: Php 20
Travel Tips/ Notes:
1. There is small market in the island (barrio). Go to Brgy. Mangcawayan and look for the small fish store. I was able to buy assorted fish (talakitok, sword fish) for only Php50/kilo.
2. Bring mineral water and rice. Although there is a water source in the island (water pump) it is best to have your own drinking water. Rice is more expensive here because they import it from the mainland.
3. There are 3 signal sites in the island. Globe and Smart users need not worry to contact loved ones. There is no SUN signal, sorry.
4. Look for Mang/Tatay Digoy, he is the caretaker of the beach of Gary Gonzales. He looked after us and made sure we are well-supplied of dry woods and hot water for coffee. He even offered to accompany us when we went to Sitio Tinago. He also lent us some cooking materials (frying pan, casserole, grill, knife, plates, mugs, spoon and fork)
5. It is best to have someone who knows how to build fire, pitch a tent and cook using dry woods. I remember seeing other campers set the bush on fire and throw the fish on it. I hope they didn’t starve that night.
6. They have a restroom at Mahabang Buhangin (buhos-type), so don’t worry girls.
7. You can bring your tent/hammock if you don’t want to use the cottage.
8. If you want to have the beach all for yourself (like we did), go there on weekdays.
9. Stay for 2 nights to really enjoy the island. Don’t forget to look at the stars at night. The most stars I’ve ever seen in my entire life.
10. Flashlight/headlamp will become useful by 7:00pm as there is no electricity in Mahabang Buhangin.
Be a responsible camper. Don’t throw anything on the beach (no-no cigarette butts).
Please read everything before asking. I hope I wrote all pertinent information about Calaguas island.
Thank you so much to Lakwatsero, Eskapo and The Pinay Solo Backpacker Calaguas blog entries.
All photos are from Joan of The Backpack Chronicles. Thanks again, Joan! Enjoyed tagging you and Clara along with me.
I agree this is the cheapest, too bad we arrived at Paracale at 5AM, we had to rent a fishing boat. 1.8k roundtrip for three-five people. (but we’re only three) so 600 each. (way expensive than yours). Nice guide for future travelers to Calaguas.
thanks for the 1.8K rt trip you said marky. care to post your link here for others. thanks!
Thank you talaga at pinayagan mo kong sumabit sa’yo sa Calaguas! It was one of my dream destinations and because of you I was able to go there myself!
Grabe yung stars noh? Super dami!! Dun lang din ako nakakita ng ganun kadaming bituin! At nakakita pa kami ni Rica ng 3 bulalakaw!!! Ang saya-saya!!
Next time talaga mga 1 week ang ilalaan ko para sa Calaguas. Super bitin ako eh. Huhuhu bat pa kasi may trabaho ako nun eh?!
yeah, the stars was divine joan. miss those and clara too! hahaha
inggit naman kami sa falling stars nyo.
it was fun being with you and clara during the calaguas trip, kung hindi boring siguro at nakakatamad yung trip
Very helpful post, the Paracale route is indeed the cheapest way to go especially if you take the passenger boat
Muchas gracias for this helpful post. Will definitely keep this in mind when I get my butt to Calaguas. Been wanting to go there but haven’t had the chance yet. Next year. Next year. Fingers crossed. Thanks again.
oh yeah, calaguas is waiting for you.
malay mo sir, magkita pa tayo dun. i wanna just stay there for 2 weeks
Planning on going February next year. You would probably have been to the island 5 times by the time I get my butt there! Paracale is the shortest and cheapest route? Most of the blogs I have read jumpoff at Vinzons. What time should I leave the island to be able to catch the bus back to Manila? Thanks!!!
yes, paracale. bec its nearer to calaguas than when you are at vinzons.
last trip from paracale to daet is 6pm. daet to manila is 24hours
Thanks for answering all my questions. Get well soon.
great guide james! now i know the cheaper way to calaguas.
wow! may bago na naman akong ita-try puntahan. i really love your blogs since you always feature cheap trip. sana makasabay ako sa mga lakad mo minsan. hehehehe
wow, thanks blue lass!
sure thing, just keep posted sa blog, i always announce my trips naman.
This is really helpful James! We’ve been to this enchanting island before and we want to go again! http://www.wearesolesisters.com/2010/12/battle-of-islands-calaguas-vs-bantayan.html
this post of yours is one of my inspirations to really visit the island.
it didnt disaapoint. wait for my next post.
these are very helpful tips… you’re the king of budget traveling talaga! thanks for sharing James!
we didn’t know there was a passenger boat taking people to and from the island. sayang. mas matipid siguro. but yeah, great guide!
nice!!! gusto ko din marating yan..balang araw hehehe
i know you will pleng! soon….. mura lang naman
i really love your blog, even if i haven’t actually gone to the places you’ve been to – partly its as if i already have.
wow, thanks for loving the blog mina!
it always make me smile to be reading comments like this “as if i already have…”
do share to friends ha!
appreciate the reply! yes, i have been sharing your blog to friends and relatives. take care on your future trips, God bless.
nice to meet you and your freinds when i did a stopover at cebu.
thank you for the encouragement, the lunch at pabaon. hahaha
again, daghang salamat jud!
calaguas indeed deserves a guide from the master of cheap travel. hahaha… nice james. thanks too for sharing our links.
my pleasure sir. if you can still read y comments long ago when you are blogging about calaguas.
kilala ka pa ng mga tao dun pre. ikaw na sikat!
sir thank you po sa site nyo, at marami akong natutunan na mga tipid tips sa paglibot sa isla natin. usually when travelling kasama ko mga friends or officemates ko, gusto ko naman try po ang solo backpacking pero poor version dahil kagaya mo nga, hindi naman din ako mayaman at breadwinner din sa family. gusto kong maranasan na makapunta sa places na hindi ko pa nararating, meet local folks and fellow travellers and learn new things and realizations sa buhay. palagi nalang kasi ako dependent sa mga kasama ko pag umaalis. siguro this time, kelangan matuto akong magisa para tumaas ang confidence at ma improve ang sarili. good luck to your travels and hope to meet you along the way..
i enjoy reading your comment, ego-booster! hahaha
i really hope you travel solo soon!
poor version ha? wala namang rich backpacking..
yes, just keep posted as i always announce places i visit and baka magkita nga tayo along the way.
Daya James, dapat may sand mask ka rin tulad dun sa kid
i wanted too! but i have to carry the food and bags so maybe next time. hahaha
This sounds a good idea for next year. So typical backpack which I like. Is there any resorts or hotel there for a lazy dog type of traveller?
no resorts, just island caretakers who can take care of your basic needs.
I’ve bee wanting to visit Calaguas for the longest time! There’s a cheaper way pala.Can’t wait.Thanks for the post James!
)
please let me know if you are able to do it successfully.
anytime kristianne!
Thank you so much for your post. You’ve been very informative and very helpful. My boyfriend and I are planning to go backpacking to Calaguas this November since we’re going to Daet to visit my family (I was born and raised in Daet but have never been to that beautiful island; and this trip back home will give me a chance to see the beach at last). We love to travel but are also a couple of cheapskates, haha, so your post really made my day!!! Thank you talaga. Bookmark ko na site mo.
Happy travel!
pleasure is mine ivy! enjoy the getaway!
Ya know, I love reading your blog because I get really inspired by your shoestring adventures.
thank you so much for reading the adventures vikki!
hope i will live up to the shoestring budget for life.
I’ve been wanting to visit Calaguas for the longest time. babalikan ko itong blog mo james. Hopefully, summer next year, mapuntahan ko na.
im so glad to choose calaguas over caramoan. but i want to check out caramoan too!
plan na izah mukhang dami mong pera ha… puro ka gala
bakit P100 lang ang boat ride to the island?akala ko mahal ang boatride papunta doon.i plan to go there alone so di ko maaford ang mahal na pamasahe papuntang island.yung 100 ba na bangka for the locals ba yun?
because i took the locals boat.
locals pay 50 lang nga.
Thanks James. Laking tulong nito for my Calaguas trip. Bookmarking.
no worries pre! i know you will enjoy it there.
very useful tips, thanks for sharing james! came across ur article of bagpacking in Mabuhay mag (Tacloban trip) and wondering if you have Mang Digoy’s (beach caretaker) number? plan to visit Calaguas coming summer
wow mercedes! tagal na ng article na yun ahhh.
mang digoy’s number i lost. just go there and look for mang digoy.
Hi James…this is very helpful. I’m planning to go there next week, alone
Just a quick question though, upon reaching Brgy Mangcawayan (barrio), how far to reach Mahabang Buhangin by foot? Do you need to have a local to guide you going to Mahabang Buhangin or it can be reached alone, just following the trail? How much do they offer as a tourguide, just to have an idea?
Also, Is Brgy Mangcawayan the last stop of the boat, I mean, just securing you know, we might got lost if we missed this barrio by not asking at the right time.
Thanks in advance.
barrio to beach is just 20minutes walk. you can just ask any local, there’s a trail. no need to pay the local guiding you to the beach.
yes, bgry.mangcawayan is the last stop.
hope these helps!
thank you…
later na alis ko hehe sana ok ang weather doon para makapunta ako ng calaguas…tnx po sa info
Sir James, i have my ticket booked bound to Naga this January 1, 2012. i will visit my family in Daet, and planning to go to Calaguas.
THESE TIPS ARE VERY HELPFUL FOR FIRST-TIMERS LIKE ME.
I was born and raised in Daet,Cams. Norte but i havent eplore my own backyard. I think this is the right time to wander in my own region– region 5.
Btw, batanggala is Tindoy in blogosphere. I have some delay with my own site (batanggala.com) to come out coz I’m collating all my pictures for my first travel (dec16-21 for Kalibo, Boracay, Roxas City and Iloilo). And to start my 2012 journey– i will wander and explore my own province and region.
glad to be of help tindoy
hi po.. ask ko lng po kung sang van kau sumakay galing Manila paputang Daet??
I went to Daet from Naga. but there are buses going there in Pasay
after reading this mukhang nagkaruon ako ng pag-asang magbalik sa calaguas this year.
abot kaya ako kung logout ko ng work 7am sat? need to be back in manila ng monday morning. wala pa kasing leave.
i dont think that’s enough time… pwede naman umabsent
ask ko lang po, anong time sched ng local boats from calaguas island to paracale?? mag 2 days and 1 nyt po kase kame sa march 21, and i really dont have any idea about calaguas. BUT IM SUPER EXCITED:)) salamat:) nakatulong to sobra!!
dude, please read the post again
your blog is very informative sir!
do they have a fresh water source there?
how about a bathroom? a simple one just a place to freshen up after a long day of soaking in the beach
any info would really be appreciated
thanks a lot
PS:
saan ho pala mas marami masasakyan na bangka? Paracale or Vinzons
paracale po kabsat.
do i have to answer this? its in the Travel Tips/ Notes: section. please read nalang po bago magtanong.
Hi! may lifevest po ba yung sa passenger boat?
wala po.
James, my friend and I went to Calaguas last weekend and this DIY post you have helped us a lot. thank you.
Sir James ask ko lang po, regarding the schedule hours for the public boat? daily po ba yun na 1:00PM – 2:00PM? thanks
yes.
Hi! you may contact Kap Buboy 09473229046 for the passenger boat, we arrived there past 8AM tas meron ng kaming nasakyan passenger boat =)
thanks for adding this important update RM.
Hi, How much ung passenger boat of Kap buboy? 5 pax kme pupunta! thank you!
How much is the passenger boat??
thanks for sharing this, sir!
planning to go here pero nag reresearch pa for itineraries for a 3days/2nights trip.
RENT A BOAT JUST CALL OR TEXT OF THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS 09486793920, 09099039214
had a calaguas adventure last last week! and super paradise and view! heaven ang feeling. sobrang dameng gandang shots na makukuha sa ganda ng view.. pls go there and experience calaguas! ;D
glad you enjoyed the trip!
super! and we found out that both sides of the beach is private. 100 ang bayad, then ang center is public which is 20 pesos lang bayad for the envirnmental fee. then rent na ng cottage at tent. sana maimprove ang cr nila then dagdag ng poso. kasi super dumi ng cr, hindi ko sya matake pagbihisan, kaya no choice kundi sa tent magbihis. pero sbe naman ni kuya, magdadagdag pa sila ng poso para hindi agawan dahil dumadami na din nakakadiscover sa virgin beach ng calaguas..
sad…
FOR RENT BOAT SERVICE BACK IN PORT PARACALE TO MAHABANG BUHANGIN AT CALAGUAS ISLAND.JUST CONTACT ME TO MY NUMBER 09486793920….THANK YOU