Uncommon destinations: hidden Bora in Camarines Norte
(Note: Beginning with this post, Writings on the Wall will be featuring uncommon places and extraordinary experiences as seen and felt by my acquaintances and friends who have, at times, scoured the islands more than city-bound me. The idea is to uncover and discover hidden spots in the Philippines to guide us on our next trip. Do watch this site for more updates. Thanks 
)
There is obviously more to Bicol than its spicy food and the Mayon Volcano. The region hosts a bevy of old ruins and churches as well as a host of natural treasures like caves, hot springs, lakes, waterfalls and mountains. I’d also like to wet my feet at the spanking new Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC) which prides itself of a world-class cable park with 11 obstacles, and a view of a 4.5 hectare freshwater lake.
Camarines Norte, also in Bicol, has also aroused my curiosity of late ever since I read an article in our newspaper about the sweet tropical life that can be had there. My friendster Therese had gone there for a short breather-cum-coverage and came back with tales about its beautiful islands.
Apparently, Camarines Norte has its own version of Boracay in the Calaguas Group of Islands. Some people it seems deem Calaguas even better than Boracay since it’s far from crowded and remains unspoilt by civilization. It boasts of the same white sand , clear water and unique rock formations. One part is framed by a sand bar which runs up to 13 kilometers during low tide.
The only drawback is that Calaguas is undeveloped and you will have to hire a pump boat to get there. The boat ride is two hours which can be bad if you’re seasick but can be beautiful if you happen to chance upon whale sharks and sea turtles swimming along with your boat.
Nearer to the capital town of Daet is Bagasbas Beach which has a long shore line and sand bordering on white to gray. It is ideal for watersports activities like surfing where you can rent a surfboard for only P150 for three hours.
That’s our virtual tourist guide Therese lazing around in the clear blue waters of Calaguas.
To go to Daet, Camarines Norte, take a plane bound for Naga and travel by land for another 2 to 3 hours. There are also direct buses from Manila and travel time is about 10 hours. Calaguas can be reached from Daet by another two-hour pump boat ride.
@ All photos in this post provided by Therese Camet
Blogging since 2004 and recently married to Mr Z. I can't live without coffee....and brown sugar.
Good luck with your entry 
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That’s nice! I hate the crowd in Bora!!!
Hmmm, never been to Bicol, was on my list of things to visit, and after reading this… can’t wait to get there.
wow nagiging travel blog na ha!
i was in CWC 2 weeks ako. and whoa daming poreners! world class talaga ang facilities. nag ikot akosa camsur and Albay.
hopefully next time sorsogon naman and Camnorte
that is just absolutely beautiful.
Yes Ernesto, the crowd in Bora can be very overwhelming sometimes…
Sorry if am whetting your appetite for the Philippines Pascal..it’s not intentional,haha
Travel blog kasi vacation season naman Eric
Hope I can go soon to CWC too.
I fell in love with the pic too Noemi, the first time I saw it:)
Fantastic! its on the list for our coming visit in september .
That’s good to hear Mark. Hope you’ll have a great time:)
nice
already heard of that place from a friend of mine in Daet
was able to visit Bagasbas beach but this one’s still in my wishlist
thanks for sharing
You’re welcome Javaq..
and Tutubi..buti ka pa nakapunta na sa bagasbas Beach:)
isn’t this a private island?
No, i don’t think so Cris:)
hi, ajay!
would really want to go there one of these days— do you happen to make arrangements prior to your visit there? any contacts on whom i should get in-touched with?
i was in-awed when i saw ur pics!!!
god bless!
sir if u want details regarding calaguas island you can contact me @ cel no. 09107404783 – 09065144444 – 09222472111
see more pix here: http://melvicbrinas.multiply.com/photos/upload-ajax/2/new/html?post_upload=1
i fell in love with the bicol region when we first went there last february. it was raining badly when we were there the first time, but the weather was better when we went to caramoan.
i would love to see calaguas, and beach camp over there. is that possible? what time will we have to leave the island the next day to make it back to manila at latest monday early morning?
how choppy is the trip?
Hi Ajay,
My wife and I are seriously planning to go to Calaguas Island, Mahabang Buhangin this month. Please advice if the 2 hours boat trip going there is safe at this time of the year.
Last night newscast mentioned that T.S. Ulysses will be the last typhoon for this year. What do you think?
I’ll really appreciate your soonest reply as we might be off anytime next week.
Thanks a lot.