Calaguas Islands of Camarines Norte [featuring Tinaga Island]

Situated in the northern most part of the Bicol Region, lies the picturesque paradise of Calaguas. If Camarines Sur is known for Wakeboarding and Surfing, Camarines Norte is known for its unspoiled, turquoise water and white sand beaches. Calaguas is a term used to define a group of islands in the province of Camarines Norte which includes Guintinua Island, Maculabo Island, the famous Tinaga Island and other minor islands and islets.

As for this blog post, I'll be featuring the Tinaga Island also known as the "Mahabang Buhangin" which translates as long sand.

How to get there?
One way to go there is by bus. There are several bus lines which serves transport route going to Paracale. Superlines in Cubao, Quezon City is one of those bus lines. They have a direct route to Paracale but the last bus trip is only until 7:45 PM. If you miss the trip to Paracale (which happened to us), do not worry because you may take a bus going to Daet. Last trip of air conditioned bus is until 10:45 PM. The fare is 515 pesos per head and travel time is about 8 to 9 hours. Just inform the bus conductor to drop you at Talobatib at the town of Labo.  Alight at Talobatib, there are buses passing through it with a signboard of Paracale. Ride one of those buses. Fare is 25 pesos and it will take another 1 hour of bus ride.  As you reach Paracale, you need to hire a tricycle to take you at Paracale Port. It is only 10-15 minutes ride. Fare is 15 pesos per head. There's a wet market near Paracale Port so if you need to buy something like meat or fish as your food on the island, you may ask your tricycle driver if you can passed by the market first before going to the Port. From the port, boatmen of Paracale awaits that can take you to islands of Calaguas.

If you are not fond of super long travel by bus, another way is you can book a flight to Naga City and then take a bus going to Daet. It is approximately 2 hours of travel. Then from Daet take another bus going to Paracale and then follow the instructions above.

Boat ride going to Tinaga Island of Calaguas!

As we landed on Paracale Port, we were stopped by locals to go to the island of Calaguas. I believe they were officials of Paracale. It is because they established an association for the boatmen wherein rules are being implemented.The said association is just a week old and they facilitate the ratings of boat rental in the area:

Paracale Tourist Boat Operator Assn (PTBOA) Overnight Rating:

• 4 Persons below > 3,000 PhP
• 5-7 Persons > 4,000 PhP
• 8-10 Persons > 6,000 PhP
• 11-15 Persons > 8,000 PhP
• 16-20 Persons > 12,000 PhP
• 21 Persons > 15,000 PhP

We already contracted/hired a local boatman 3 weeks before our said trip and agreed to get his service at the price of 4,000 PhP for our group of 9 persons. The reason why they stopped us is because for a group of 9 persons we did got a boat in a low-ball (based on the new ratings stated above). But they can't blame us, we had an agreement before even before they've established their association. So in the end, they let us passed through and sail to Calaguas! Our contact person is Kuya Nelson (0909 525 9821) and the name of the boatman who toured us was Kuya Rolly. Well, I am not really in favor of the new established association. The price is too high compared to the old ratings but what else can I do? Good thing we had booked a boat earlier.

If you think that the long ride ends at the bus, well sorry to say but its not. In order to reach the Tinaga Island (Calaguas Islands most popular destination) you'll be spending 2 hours of boat ride. Hep Hep Hep... but you'll be entertained by the islands and islets along the way. Splash of water will also wake you up if ever you'll fall asleep. Yes, the boat ride tends to be bumpy and wavy so be ready to get wet along the way and wear a life vest for safety precaution.

An island along the way

HEAVEN on earth!

Every body were exhausted due to the lack of sleep and long travel but all of it were paid off and gone instantly as we come near Calaguas' Tinaga Island. We were all smiling and just stunned on its beauty. Now I know why it is called "Mahabang Buhangin" or long sand. It is because Tinaga Island's beach shore is a long stretch of fine white sand. It is actually a powdery white sand (they say, it is comparable to the sand of Boracay). I find the place perfect for beach bumming and camping.

Presenting, the Mahabang Buhangin Beach of Tinaga Island - Calaguas

After we've unloaded our things off the boat, we looked for the person who's in-charge in the nipa huts in the beach front. Then we met Tatay Bert of Bert's Calaguas Island Resort. He is the owner of one of the resort in the island, he owns nipa huts and provides tent rentals. There is also a Comfort room and a small convenient store in his area. There is no hotel yet in the islands of Calaguas. Visitors can either rent a hut (open-type or closed-type nipa hut),stay in tent, or just beach bum under the sun and moon!

Bert's Calaguas Island Resort Rating:

• Open type nipa hut > 500 PhP
• Closed type nipa hut (with 1 elevated room like) > 500 PhP
• Tent (2-3 persons) > 300 PhP
• Tent (4-5 persons) > 400 PhP
• Tent Corkage > 100 PhP per tent
• Comfort Room > 10 PhP per basin
• Ihawan > 50 PhP
• Entrance fee > 100 PhP per pax

Since we only have 1 tent, we planned to rent 2 more tents when we reach the island. But since the price of a Closed-type nipa hut is close enough if we rent a 4 persons tent, we decided to get the Closed-type nipa hut instead. It is more spacious and can accommodate our group very well. We also rented an "ihawan" as we bought raw liempo and hotdogs.

The Open-type and Closed-type nipa huts at Bert's Calaguas Resort

So after we changed on our beach attire (whut?), we started to cooked our food, prepared our lunch, we ate together, then rest just a little. What's next? Well of course, get ourselves wet and enjoyed this whole island experience!

Kulitan moment in the island :)

Trying to do something out of that sand :)

If I were to to describe the place, it is plain yet captivating. Plain in a way that you can only see nipa huts, few cottages, no electricity, trees, plants, mountains on both ends of the island, white sand and clear water. Captivating at the same time because of the same reasons. Who wouldn't fall in love with this place where one can enjoy splashing into the turquoise beach water, walk on that long stretch of fine white sand, and sit back while watching the sunset? Now tell me!!!

Time to relax

The long and white parking lot of Tinaga Island

Calm water and a great weather

Beachfront of Tinaga

By the way, there were no signal in the island (well, for Globe users like us. Smart? I don't know) but who needs signal? Why do I spend my time on my phone and surfing the net with all the view in front me, right? I'm in paradise! By having said that, with all the good stuff around me, of course I also took this chance to have a photoshoot with my modelesque friends :)

Survivor campaign ad Jing

Pola and her perfectly sun kissed skin

Still looking sharp here Anna :)

We've enjoyed too much swimming on the beach and taking group photos and selfies when we realized it's already getting dark. So some of us decided to get-off of the water to prepare our dinner. We had "Adobong Manok" and cooked another batch of liempo for dinner. Swimming makes us all tired and hungry so it was a chaos. Most of us ate using our hands to feel the back-to-basic vibes of this island vacation.

Sunset at Calaguas is priceless

After the war dinner, we had some chat while others took a shower. Then all went to sleep as we need to charge up. It has been a long, tiring yet super fun day. Plus, we still had another day at Calaguas ahead of us.

I set my alarm clock at 6 AM because I want to explore the other side of the island before we leave. Along with Mae and Edward, we went on one of the hill at the end part of the island. There is a 25 pesos fee if you want to trek up to the hill. The trek is pretty easy and would only take 5-10 minutes in order to reach its top. On top of it, you'll see the Mahabang Buhangin in bird's eye view. You'll surely appreciate more the beauty of this island. This is definitely a must try activity.

Other resort in the Island

He only used spoon to do this...

Mahabang Buhangin Beach on Bird's eye view

Neighboring island of Tinaga

When we went back to our hut, breakfast is already being served. So we jump along with the others and took our breakfast. It was already 8am when we bid farewell to the beautiful Tinaga Island of Calaguas as we will be heading next to Maculabo Island - another major island of Calaguas. But before that, we had a photo op with Tatay Bert and his family. They were so nice and hospitable, and treats all their guest with respect.

Just before we leave the island

Breakdown of Expenses (For this whole trip. Tinaga Island + Maculabo Island):
Bus (Superline: Manila to Daet) - 515.00 Pesos per pax
Bus (Talobatib to Paracale) - 25.00 Pesos per pax
Tricycle (Paracale to Paracale Port) - 15.00 Pesos per pax
Environmental Fee - 10.00 Pesos per pax
Boat (Paracale Port to Calaguas - Tinaga Island, 2 way) - 4,000.00 Pesos / 9 pax = 445.00 Pesos
Sidetrip (Tinaga Island to Maculabo Island) - 500.00 Pesos / 9 pax = 56.00 Pesos
Closed type Nipa Hut - 500.00 Pesos / 9 pax = 56.00 Pesos
Tent Corkage - 100.00 Pesos / 9 pax = 12.00 Pesos
Entrance Fee (Bert's Calaguas Resort - 150.00 Pesos per pax
Ihawan - 50.00 Pesos / 9 pax = 6.00 Pesos
Trek on the other side of Calaguas - 25.00 Pesons per pax
CR - **.**
Food - **.**

Click here to read the 2nd part of my Calaguas Adventure featuring Maculabo Island

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White Island: The Naked Island of Camiguin

I've been to Naked Island of Britania Group of Islands in Surigao del Sur and even though I am not fond of staying (long) under the sun, I enjoyed my stay there. That's why I was very excited when I visited Camiguin and got the chance to visit its own version of the naked island, named White Island.

White Island is just like any typical naked island where there are no trees, plants or grass above its sand bar. However, Camiguin's White Island offers a 360 degree picturesque view featuring Mt Mambajao, Mt Hibok-hibok and Old Volcano. Plus, if the weather is fair, islands of Bohol and Leyte are also can be seen from White Island. A great backdrop for photo op and an ideal subject for landscape photography.

How to get there?
If it happens that you are from Mambajao (Camiguin's Capital), you may take a multicab ride going to Brgy. Agoho. Just politely ask the driver to drop you at the nearest beach going to White Island. White Island is a popular tourist destination in Camiguin and therefore, drivers knew where to take you. Multicab ride takes 15-20 minutes. Upon reaching Agoho beach, ask the locals where you can find rent a pump boat that will take you to White Island. Usually, they are near Paras Beach Resort. Boat rental costs 450 Pesos which can carry up to 6 people. Trip usually takes less than 10 minutes.

Approaching White Island

This sandbar of White Island is in the form of a horseshoe, letter C or letter I, depending on the height of the tides. It is surrounded by rich and clear water which makes it a perfect site for snorkeling. There are lots of untouched corals and innumerable species of fishes living underneath the island. Too bad because when we visited White Island, there was a LPA in Mindanao and its not that safe if we push snorkeling. So what we did was swam near the shore, take photos on this beautiful sandbar, and just explore and run around on its 700 meters of fine sand.

We still push through despite the LPA advisory

Baron and Pola reviewing our jump shots at White Island

Market and Business are also present in White Island. Some locals who stayed there including some boatmen sell fresh Swaki (or Sea Urchins) to tourists. I have an empty stomach before I went to White Island so I did not try to eat one. I just didn't want to ruin my stay on the island due to stomachache. And if you forgot to bring your umbrella, there are umbrella rentals in the island itself at the cost of 50 pesos. I can say it is pretty worth it if you'll be going there in the late morning or in the afternoon. Since there are no trees in the island, shades are also not available. These umbrellas can help to protect you from direct heat of the sun. Life jackets and goggles rentals can also be availed. Just ask your boatmen before going to White Island

Pola and Jing using that umbrella as their prop

We stayed in the island for about 45 minutes. The LPA gave us a cloudy weather and away from the rays of Mr. Sun which is I can say favorable to us since we don't need to rent for an umbrella anymore. Though White Island is just a small island lying across the water of Camiguin which can be explored for about 20-30 minutes, our visit had been memorable and really fun.

Century Tuna bodies of Jing and Julius

Yap photo bombing this shot

The boys of this trip!

Happy Pips at White Island

Breakdown of Expenses:
Multicab (Mambajao to Brgy. Agoho) - 7.00 PhP
Boat ride (2 way trip - Agoho to White Island) - 450 PhP / 6 person = 75 PhP per pax
Food - **
Umbrella - 50 PhP(optional)
Life jacket - 40 PhP(optional)
Goggles (for snorkeling) - 40 PhP(optional)

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Tour at Britania Group of Islands in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur

I never thought that the province of Surigao del Sur has a bunch to offer in terms of tourist destinations. Ranging from beautiful falls, rivers, caves, beaches, islands and islets, Surigao del Sur is a perfect place for people who adore nature tripping. And to add up another spot in Surigao del Sur that people should not miss when visiting the said province, let me tour you to a famous destination in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur - the Britania Group of Islands.

Honestly speaking, my visit in Britania Group of Islands was unexpected. It just happened that we already accomplished all the spots written in our itinerary and we still have another day to stay in Surigao before we fly back to Manila. For the past 2 days, we've been asking the locals for a must-see place in their town. The popular answers were Enchanted River, Siargao, Tinuy-an Falls and Britania Group of Islands. 2 out of 4 answers were already visited by us. But we decided to go to Britania Islands because that time it is nearest place from where we are (yet it is still 4 hours away lol).

Islands and islets are already visible from the beach shore of Brgy. Salvacion (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Port where our Britania island hopping starts! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

How to get there?
From Butuan City, commercial buses and vans are can be hired going to San Agustin. Travel time is 4-5 hours. Then from San Agustin proper, one can take a tricycle. Just inform the driver to drop you at Salvacion Tourism Office. As you hit at Salvacion, hire a habal-habal (motorcycle) to reach the Britania port in which adventure to Britania Group of Islands will start. But for us who started the trip in Bislig, we took a bus in a terminal in Bislig (near a gasoline station) going to Barobo Bus Terminal which cost 103 pesos. From Barobo, we rode again a bus with a signage of Tandag. We informed the bus conductor that we are going to Britania and to drop us  at Brgy. Salvacion. Bus ride from Barobo to Brgy. Salvacion is 40 pesos. Then from Salvacion, we rode a habal-habal going to the port of Britania Group of Islands. Fare is 20 pesos per head. From there, we paid an environmental fee which is 25 pesos.

Perfect weather! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

From the entrance of Brgy. Salvacion, we have been commissioned by a local "bangkero" (boatman) to take his service and let him tour us in Britania Group of Islands. His initial offer were 1,500 pesos. This is actually the regular price of the island hopping in Britania. However, since we were only 2 two in this trip, we negotiate if we can get it in a much lower price. Thank God that he agreed on 1,000 pesos for the whole Britania Island hopping. He's very courteous to tourists like us. He let us change our clothes in their house and lend us dinnerware since we are going to take our lunch in one of the islands. Their family also sell fresh seafood so we bought from them our food for lunch. They even give us discount and free rice! Thanks a lot Kuya Andy (the name of our bangkero).

3 out of the 24 islands and islets of Britania Group of Islands (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Lets GO! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Going back, Britania Group of Islands is composed of 24 stunning islands and islets. 6 of which are can be explore by visitors. So, let's start island hopping!

Hagonoy Island

Hagonoy Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

First off is Hagonoy Island. A pear-shaped island found in Bislig Bay that is characterized by white sand and clear blue water. I fell in love with Hagonoy because of its tropical atmosphere and simplicity. Simple that mostly seen on this island is its sand (yet not that white but fine and kind to the feet) and a portion of coconut trees that serves as a shade to visitors when the sun settles high.

Paradise here I come! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

(Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

This island also serves as our picnic area as we ate our lunch here. We also use that time to get to know more our bangkeros, their stories and way of living. We learned a lot from them most specially with Kuya Andy's stories. With all those stories I heard from him, I know that he really care for nature and also to his ka-baryo. He knew the rules and abide to it. Clearly, a good citizen of Brgy. Salvacion. It was a good talk with the locals but we have to continue with our trip. So after lunch, we got back to our boat and head to our next destination.

Off to our next destination (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Naked Island

Naked Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Don't be mislead by the name of this island. Naked Island got its name from its looks. No trees nor huge boulders. Its just a plain sand floating at Bislig Bay. If I find Hagonoy Island simple, then this island is bold. Though it doesn't have much in here, it still has a charm for those who sees Naked Island. Even though I am not fond of staying under the sun, I still enjoyed my visit in this island. Just simply look at the photos below on how crazy we are during our stay in Naked Island.

Our version of Look-up | Ryza Mae Shoooowwww! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Foreground, Naked Island. Background, Hagonoy Island. (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

(Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Buslon Island

Buslon Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Next in line is Buslon Island. Which is for me, the most beautiful island among the 24 islands in Britania. It has a striking look that I find it very heavenly. It is also characterized by powdery white sand that is comparable to Boracay. A perfect island to chill and stay for a while. 

Look at that fine Background! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

It has a huge boulder which gives preferable shade to visitors but it still leaves enough portion of the island for the sun can share its heat (This is my kind of island!). Aside from the big boulder, no structures can be found in Buslon island except for the statue of the Virgin Mary.

Images of Mary (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

One can walk around the island to see a 360 degree view of Britania islands. During low tide, one can do island hopping with bare feet. Yup that's right! Walking from Buslon Island to another island - Panlangagan Island. Indeed a new experience!

Baron - Author of Baron the Explorer (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Panlangagan Islands (twin islands)

Panlangagan Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

During high tide, no coastline nor sand bar are visible to connect Buslon Island and Panlangagan Islands. So I recommend visitors to talk to your boatmen to bring you here during low tide so you can experience walking from one island to another island. 

This sand bar only appears when low tide (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Island hopping using your "feet" From Buslon to Panlangagan Island

I don't have much to say in this island since we only stay here in a few minutes because we don't want to get stuck in here when the water sets high again. Haha. But one should visit this to complete your Britania Group of Islands experience!

Hiyor Hiyoran Island

Hiyor Hiyoran Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

I thought that our island hopping at Britania Group of Islands end in Panlangagan but Kuya Andy still brought us to another island - Hiyor Hiyoran Island. Hiyor Hiyoran Island is what I can say, a perfect spot for photoshoot. Yeah! It has sand, trees, big rocks and chops of tree trunks. All elements that can be use as props and background for a shoot. Too bad that we didn't stay long here because we're running out of time already. But good thing that we got to see and capture some shots of this island. It's time to bid farewell to Britania Group of Islands. 

(Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Yup, my site header was shot at Hiyor Hiyoran Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Before the sun sets down, we already reach Brgy. Salvacion. Kuya Andy directed us to a house where we can bath and change our clothes. The owner of the house also sells "iron wood chopping boards" which is very popular in their town. It is a chopping board made of Magkono tree.  A tree that is only found in Surigao and considered as the Philippines hardest tree. We got our iron wood for only 100 pesos. I bought 2 pieces of it. One for my family and the other is for my girlfriend's family. It weighs at almost 3 kilos which cost me excess baggage (by airplane) but it's fine, this thing is not common in Manila so this will now serve as my memorabilia of my Surigao trip. Lol!

And so our adventure in Britania ends as we travel back to Butuan City. My island hopping experience in Britania Group of Islands has been a great one. This place is really a must-see spot not only in Surigao del Sur but in the Philippines.

Kuyan Andy's contact number: 09305353703
Update: September 29,2013 - I received a personal message on my FB Page from one of my reader whose been to Britannia and rented Kuya Andy's service also. The message was:

Your blog about your Sirigao trip was very helpful to us. With your blog kuya andy has customes texting him for the boat ride however kuya andy has a concern. All of those who saw your blog wanted to get 1k for the ride even if they are 10 in a group. Kuya andy texted me last night to ask help to contact you guys. Please contact kuya andy as soon as you read this. Thank you.

This alarms me so much because even if my blog helps Kuya Andy gain more clients however he is being paid at "lowball" price. The regular price for this island hopping tour costs 1,500 pesos. And the only reason why he gave us a tour at 1,000 pesos was simply because we were only 2 on this trip who will shoulder the said expense. And having read the message above makes me feel bad because I don't think I am helping him back with the kindness he showed to us. So please please please... I hope you pay these guys on a regular price (Iam not just pertaining to Kuya Andy but to every boatmen there), most specially those who are going there in large group. He's a great/cool boatman and I guarantee you an amazing experience when you get him as your guide. They have families they needed to support. So please let's not kill their business instead we should help them.

Breakdown of Expenses:

Bus (Non AC, Bislig to Barobo) - 103.00 PhP

Bus (Non AC, Barobo to Brgy. Salvacion) - 40.00 PhP

Habal Habal (two way) - 40.00 PhP 

Environmental Fee - 25.00 PhP

Raw Squid - 280.00 Php / 2 pax = 140.00 PhP

(1) liter Soft drinks- 50.00 PhP / 2 pax = 25.00 PhP

Bathroom - 5.00 PhP

Ironwood - 100.00 PhP

Boat rental - 1000.00 PhP + 100.00 PhP (tip) / 2 pax = 550.00 PhP (This was just a special offer for us, the regular price for this tour actually costs 1,500 pesos - PLEASE READ MY UPDATE ON TOP OF THIS BREAKDOWN)

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