This is a new feature of my blog. Short and sweet made possible by my fellow travel bloggers.
Its very simple, we describe and give travel tips about a destination we both love. So, let’s start with Calaguas with voluptuous Mich of Chasing Philippines.
Here’s the Calaguas Travel Guide Collab with Chasing Philippines.
What We Think About Calaguas:
1. Describe Calaguas.
Mich says: Calaguas is a paradise. That’s it! (It’s my most favorite beach and sssh… I have this tendency to be selfish; wishing that it could stay as a secret island forever to keep it unspoiled. Its fine I mean very fine white sand, crystal blue waters, uninhabited beach speak of total perfection.)
James says: Calaguas is paradise. One of the most beautiful white beach island I ever saw.
Mich trying to skimboard the fine sands of Calaguas
2. What we like most about Calaguas?
Mich says: What I like most with Calaguas is its untouched beauty. Everything remains to be natural and simple.
James say: Unhurried, raw and laid-back. Time stops in Calaguas.
Setting up 2 hammocks for a weekend beach enjoyment
3. Is there anything the local government can do (or stop doing) in order to make Calaguas more tourist-friendly.
Mich says: The local government should stop making it like the next Boracay. It’s not. It’s far different. It’s far more beautiful. The beach, the sand, the water, they all work together for perfection yet Calaguas’ main attraction is still its untouched nature. Dear local government and tour groups, please leave it as is. Please.
James says: None. Just keep it that way.
4. Don’t go home without seeing/visiting/experiencing.
Mich says: Watch the nightsky while lying on the fine sand of Calaguas. Enjoy seeing a fallin star almost every minute.
James says: Wake up early, sit on the beach and wait for the sunrise. For a romantic twist, “hold someone else’s hand and be cheesy for a brief moment.” ♥
5. Don’t go home without trying/eating ________.
Mich says: Fish fresh from the catch. My father bought a pale full of fresh fish for Php250.00.
James says: Fresh Tanigue. Buy from it fresh from the local fishermen and have it grilled. Ahhhh, goodness to the tongue.
6. Traveler’s Tip:
Mich says:
- To avoid drowsy boat rides, visit Calaguas during the months of January-May. That’s the best time to visit the island since the waves during June to December become very unpredictable.
- If you want to enjoy Calaguas at its best, do not go there during summer. Calaguas got too popular that crowd and various travel groups proliferate the whole island during this season. Experiencing the island with less crowd or with no crowd at all is much better. Realizing that you or your group are the only people in that paradise-like island adds up to heavenly-OMG-I-
- Cant-Believe-Im-Here-Its-so-beautiful feeling.
- It’s okay to haggle.
- Take Paracale instead of the other route in Vinzon’s. Why? Boat prices are much cheaper and the waves are much more tolerable.
- Check the weather and make sure to communicate with your boatman before heading to Camarines Norte.
- Make sure to bring your food or any other necessities before riding the boat to Mahabang Buhangin. There are no commercial establishments in the island. You can buy food at the Paracale Market.
James says:
- 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.
- If you want to have the beach all for yourself (like we did), go there on weekdays.
- 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.
7. Recommendation Hotel, Inn?
Mich says: There are no hotels nor resorts in Calaguas. But you have 3 choices where to pitch your tents – left side, middle part, right side. I havent tried to stay on the left part of Mahabang Buhangin; the middle part is owned by Mang Berto which is identifiable because of the colored flags and 3 small nipa hut cottages (maintenance fee – Php150); and the right part which is taken care by Ate Glazel and family (maintenance fee – Php50.00). I am a budget traveler, I bet you all know where I pitch my tent; the flags and cottages do not make any difference, a hundred peso does. :p
Anyways, hammock is highly recommnded, swear!
James says: You can bring your tent/hammock if you don’t want to use the cottage.
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Thanks Mich for collaborating with JourneyingJames for this Calaguas post.
You can check Mich’s blog- Chasing Philippines; connect with her on Facebook- ChasingPhilippines; and follow her on Twitter: @chasingphils
Have you been to paradise, I mean Calaguas? How did you find the island?
You can read my past articles about Calaguas below:
If you want to join the Travel Bloggers Collab, please do email me at journeyingjames(AT)gmail(DOT)com together with the place you want to talk about. I want to learn from you and see from your perspective. 🙂
