Boracay Island is considered as one of the best islands in the world and in a country with over 7500 islands to boot, it seemed to have taken the spotlight and has set quite the standard. If you haven’t noticed yet, we, Filipinos have gotten used to comparing other beaches to this world-famous island that Patar Beach in Pangasinan has since been dubbed as the “Boracay Of The North” and other beautiful beaches have similar nicknames as well. Indeed, Boracay has set the bar high that even the famous beaches of El Nido and Coron of the world’s number one island, Palawan have only come to a close second. Throughout the years, none has truly challenged Boracay until there was Calaguas Island.
Calaguas Island was once a hidden paradise known to only a few and the bravest of travelers. It is a backpackers’ haven and a mountaineers’ refuge. I was probably still naive and young when I first heard about it in 2009 coupled with rumors of how ethereal was its beauty. What caught my attention even more is that many people prefers this island over the more popular Boracay. I couldn’t help but ask why. It haunted me for several years until January of this year, I finally got my answer.
Note: If you would look up Calaguas Island on the map, it will show you a group of islands that is named Calaguas. The famed Mahabang Buhangin Beach is actually located in Tinaga Island, one of the main islands of Calaguas.
WHY I THINK CALAGUAS ISLAND IS BETTER THAN BORACAY
Boracay Island for the record still has the most beautiful beaches. Well, that’s according to me. But seriously! Where else in the Philippines will you see sands as fine as the ones in Boracay’s White Beach? Where else would you see water with the same shade of blue and as calm or as gorgeous as the ones on this island? If we are to say which is the “Most Beautiful” then I wouldn’t argue if someone would answer Boracay but I wouldn’t also rest my case about Calaguas having qualities that make it absolutely the better choice.
- Mahabang Buhangin has fine white sands, the closest thing to those of Boracay.
- The water in Mahabang Buhangin has a beautiful shade of blue and green and is so refreshing.
- The beach stretches to over 3KM of white powdery sands and pristine waters.
- The beach water stays clear and clean despite the season which means no “lumot” scare during the summer months.
- Mahabang Buhangin offers a more serene environment perfect for those looking for some peace and quiet.
- The island is hardly commercialized that only small, native open cottages stood near the beach instead of fancy hotels.
- It is less frequented by tourists and the beach is uncrowded.
- It is affordable and easy to get to.
- It offers a more stunning view atop one of its hills.
- More islands to explore if you would go on island hopping.
- Overall, the island is the ideal tropical paradise. The way Boracay was before it was ruined by widespread commercialism.
HOW TO GO TO CALAGUAS ISLAND
- Via Paracale – From Manila, ride a DLTB, Philtranco or Superlines bus to Daet (8-10hrs ; P769). From Daet, ride another bus or jeep to Paracale (1hr ; P90). Once in Paracale, ride a tricycle going to the port (15 min ; P15). Charter a boat going to Mahabang Buhangin.
- Via Vinsonz – From Manila, ride a DLTB, Philtranco, or Superlines bus to Daet (8-10hrs ; P769). From Daet, ride another bus or jeep to Vinzons (1hr ; P90). Once in Vinzons, ride a tricycle going to the port (15 min ; P15). Charter a boat going to the island’s famed Mahabang Buhangin .
Note: Vinzons is the more popular of the two routes since it is much nearer and the travel time is less. However, boat costs are much cheaper in Paracale although travel time to the island is much longer.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS & INFO TO CALAGUAS ISLAND
- Open or day trip cottages on the island cost P300 while overnight cottages cost P500/night. It can fit up to 7-10 people. It comes with a table and space where you can prepare your meals. Bring your own padlock to secure your stuff while you are out exploring.
- Pitching of tents is free in parts other than the beachfront which requires a fee of P100/tent.
- Buy your essentials such as food and water prior to your travel. There are stores selling goods on the island but supply can be pretty limited.
- There is no electricity on the island but some areas are lit by power generators.
- There is clean spring water available which may be charged P10/bucket or P50 for unlimited use.
- There are toilets and bathrooms available and they are surprisingly clean and well-maintained.
- Aside from frolicking at the beach, another activity on the island and a must-try is trekking. The guide is not required but as a means of helping the local community, you may get one for a price of P50/person. You may also have to pay 3 environmental fees of P20 while passing by the trail going to the top of one of the hills overlooking the island.
- You can also go on an island hopping to see stunning rock formations and sandbars in the nearby islands for a price of P1000-P1500 a boat.
- In severe weather, the local coast guard may prohibit trips to the island so having a point of contact or a local tour coordinator who can give you timely updates is advisable.
- Please ensure to maintain cleanliness of the island. Dispose your trash properly. Avoid bringing in disposable plastics and paper containers.
- Refrain from making too much noise especially in the wee hours.
SUMMARY OF EXPENSES, SAMPLE ITINERARY & OTHER INFO
| SUMMARY OF EXPENSES | We got a tour package priced at P2600 for an overnight stay which covers everything from food, transportation and accommodation. If you wanna DIY, here is a sample expense breakdown. 2-Way Fare Manila-Daet - P1104 2-Way Fare Daet-Paracale - P150 2-Way Trike - P20 2-Way Boat - P300 Entrance Fee - P150 Water - P50 Food - P300 Tent fee - P100 Total <<>> P2174 |
| SAMPLE ITINERARY | Day 0 2000 Assembly 2100 ETD Paracale/Vinzons Day 1 0600 ETA Paracale/Vinzons. Breakfast 0700 ETD Boat Calaguas Island/Mahabang Buhangin 0900 ETA Mahabang Buhangin. Set up Camp 1000 Freetime. Photo ops. Swim. 1200 Lunch 1300 Island Hopping 1700 End Tour 1800 Dinner 1900 Socials Day 2 0430 Wake up 0500 Trek to Calaguas Viewpoint 0530 Calaguas Viewpoint. Sunrise viewing 0600 Start Descent 0700 Breakfast 0800 Swim. Explore. Some more photo ops 1000 Pack up 1030 ETD Boat Paracale/Vinzons 1230 ETA Paracale/Vinzons 1300 Lunch 1400 Trip back home 2200 Home. |
| THINGS TO BRING | Drinking water Extra Clothes Toiletries First Aid Kit With Personal Meds Towel Sunblock Sunglasses Tent |
| FEES TO PAY | Water P10/bucket P50 Unlimited Entrance Fee - P150 Boat Fee Small Boat up to 10pax - P3000 Big Boat up to 20pax - P5000 Island Hopping - P1500-P2000/boat |
| CONTACT PERSON | We had our tour arranged with DREAMS AND DESTINATIONS - 09065784917 | 09272297777 | 09153355116 | 09258999962 | 0465374089 |
PRECIOUS MOMENTS IN PARADISE
Once there was an island so beautiful people call it otherworldly, paradise, and anything dreamy that sings sweet lullabies to the ear. And once there was a girl who dreamed of seeing this paradise thoughts of running along the beach of crystal clear waters and sinking her feet along its white powdery sands haunted her for years. Then the time has finally come for the girl to fulfill her dreams that she created moments she will cherish for the rest of her days.
There you have it lovelies. Let me know your thoughts in the comments box below. Don’t forget to follow my blog or like my page on Facebook and Instagram. Until next time. Ciao!
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37 Comments
Hi,
Thanks for the info here in you blog.
From Vinzons or Paracale, more or less, how much is the boat fare?
Can I park in Vinzons or Paracale if I am bringing a car?
Do you have contact information for overnight cottages for 4 pax?
Thank you
Hi. Depends on the size of the boat, price range from 5k up. Yes. There are parking spaces in both Paracale and Vinzons. I’m afraid wala ako contact sa mga transients dun. You can join Calaguas Travel group in Facebook. Maraming transient at boat operators ang kasali dun.
Hi,
Pwede ba mag DIY papuntang Calaguas?
Puro kase weekend ang mga nakikita kong joiners group. Wed-Thurs lng kase kami available.
Yes. Just make sure to book your accommodation sa mga accredited homestays/campsite dun. Kasi you’ll need a pass which they or you should get prior to going to the island.
Hello Mam Good Day,
Ask ko po kung pwede na mag DIY papuntang Calaguas.
I contacted po kase ang Camarines Norte toursm ang sabi di daw pwede mag DIY kelangan daw naka book na sa mga transient doon.
thanks po
Hi Melchor. You can DIY. You can book directly sa mga transient instead of joining organized tour. You need advanced booking coz you need a Calaguas pass before going to the island.
Hi! Thanks for this! Do you know any parking area in Paracale to leave our van while we are in the Calaguas Island?
Yes po. Pwde sa mismong barangay hall or sa mga bahay dun. They would just ask for a parking fee.
Hello,
Is there safe parking in Vinzons?
Also, we are going nov 30, thursday, group of 8.
Do you think we can get to a bigger boat with other people on a thursday? We are worried with a smaller boat
Hi Leo. Yes meron dun sa vacant lot sa may dulo. Dun ang parking. Malilim. Mapuno. May place na banlawan. Meron lang fee.
Wala ng maliliit na boat na inaallow ng coastguard. Pang 20-40pax boats na gamit nila. Not a guarantee pero pwede kayo makipagsapalaran to find other tourists para mag split ng cost ng boat rental.
Hi! How long is the boat ride from Paracale to Mahabang Buhangin? Vinsonz to Mahabang Buhangin?
Hi Mia.
3-4hrs from Paracale to Mahabang Buhangin
1-2 Hrs Vinsonz to MB
This could be shorten or take longer depending on the weather and sea condition.
Wow, this is incredible! I’m definitely including Calaguas in my bucket list! Thank you for inspiring me!
Thank you and Good luck Jared! 😊
Hello. Is the boat transfer fee from Paracale to Calaguas is different from Island hopping fee?
Hi Carmelene. Yes different. Additional 1500 for the island hopping
Can we still follow the two possible routes stated above?
Hi Wilburrr. Yes you can. 😊
….BOAT RENT…. FOR CALAGUAS ISLAND PARACALE PORT MURA LNG CALL OR TX ME…for info… 09509094754 UPDATED PO AQ PALAGI…………..m
Boat rent for calaguas island via paracale port pm me for details 09686172671 or https://m.me/joey.gerio online po aq palagi..
How much the budget to say 1week in this island?
You won’t really need much especially if you’re going to camp there and cook your own food. Say maybe 4000 more or less.
Hi. Solo and DIY traveler here. I just want to ask if there’s a public boat going to calaguas? and what are the available times for these public boats? Thank You for the response. Planning to go there tomorrow
Hi Jhon. I know nothing of a public boat going to Calaguas. Your best option is to go to the port in Paracale and ask some boat operators if you can join just the ride to and from the island. We actually have a couple joined us on our boat ride when we went there. I’m sure you can get yourself one too since it’s summer and lots of people are going to the island.
Does it has a cellphone signal ?
Hi Ryu. There is but weak.
Hello po, my husband and I is planning to go to calaguas Island with my son and his girlfriend. We are bringing our own car. My husband and I are already seniors and can you give us any idea on how to have a budgeted trip going to calaguas. Thank you very much.
Hi Elizabeth,
You can save if you would book a joiner tour. Just tell them that you’re bringing your car instead so that they would deduct the transpo from the total price. If you’re not into joining tours, I think one way that you can save is to rent a boat along with other passengers since the boat transfer is the priciest among the things that you need to go to Calaguas Island. Another budget-saving tip is to bring your provisions such as food, drinks, etc coz their prices are triple when you buy it from vendors on the island.
How much is the boat rental round trip for overnight and for day tour
How much for the boat rental?
Small Boat up to 10pax – P3000
Big Boat up to 20pax – P5000
LF : JOINER’s
🏖️CALAGUAS ISLAND🏝🚤🌞
2D&1N ALL IN TOUR PACKAGE or DIY
3 slot available for joiner’s
Travel Date Schedule March 24-25«confirmed»
FOR INQUIRIES AND FURTHER DETAILS, KINDLY PM TO MY FB ACCNT @Ernjace Escandor Osillo
Or just text us📲
09486793920 smart
09663225481 globe
Thank you! & GODbless😇
We offer boat rental going to calaguas island at mahabang buhangin beach, just contact us 09486793920 ate nanie, 09464849940 ate jace. Or you can pm to my fb message @ ernjace escandor osillo. Tnx much
Hi! I’m thinking of going to Calaguas in October. Do you happen to know if it’s safe to travel on that month, since you mentioned coast guard might not allow for boats to travel on other times because of the weather. Thanks!
Hi Rose. October is one of the rainy months. You can always check the projected weather in the area prior to planning your date of travel. It’s also advisable to account for unfavorable circumstances such bad weather and unfriendly seas. 😊
I need to travel by January and Budget travel there for 3-days
3-4k should suffice should you be traveling alone.