calaguas island.

(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 :P )

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.



bagasbas other end,

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

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Posted in Uncommon destinations |