You’ve seen pictures of its aquamarine waters and your desire to visit this pristine beach might have brought you here. This beach is called Mahabang Buhangin (Long Beach) of Tinaga Island. Tinaga Island is part of the 17 islands and islets that compose the Calaguas Group of Islands in Camarines Norte.
Mahabang Buhangin, which has a 1.2 kilometer shoreline, has become a sweet escape from the busy life in the metro. It has now gained popularity especially among campers.
How to get to Calaguas Islands:
- From Manila, ride a bus going to Daet. Bus lines that ply the Manila-Daet route are Superlines and Philtranco. Travel time by bus from Manila to Daet is approximately 8-10 hours. Fare is around Php 600/way.
- Superlines (Cubao Station) - +63 2 414-3321 / 414-3319
- Philtranco Bus Schedule (MNL-Daet): 8:00am, 8:00pm, 9:00pm
- Philtranco Bus Schedule (Daet-Cubao): 7:00 am, 9:00pm / Daet-Pasay: 8:00am
- Tell the conductor that you’ll be alighting at the Talobatid Junction (Centro). From the Junction, ride a bus going to Paracale. Fare is around Php 20-30.
- When you’re in Paracale, ride a tricycle to the fish port.
- Since the Paracale port is a fishing port, you shouldn’t expect much. The boat that you’ll be riding is not a passenger boat but a fishing boat.
- Travel time from Paracale to Mahabang Buhangin, Tinaga Island is approximately 2 hours
- Before leaving Paracale, buy all the food and water that you need from the market.
- Blankets/ Sleeping bag
- Sunblock /lotion to protect yourself from mosquitoes
- Shades
- Camera
- Dry bag /waterproof bag to keep your gadgets safe
- Trash Bag (not just for your own trash but also to protect your bags from getting wet)
- Extra trash bag in case you need to throw up. Don’t feed the fish
- Anti-dizziness tab/ medicines (?)
- Extra batteries
- Flashlights
- Expect to get wet when going to Calaguas. Waves coming from the Pacific Ocean are huge. Watch how we conquered the waves of Calaguas.
- Entrance Fees / Environmental fees: Php 100/person.
- No cellular signal especially for Globe and Sun subscribers. Smart has a low signal though. You need to climb Tinago Hill just to get a signal. So if you want to be disconnected with the world for a day or two, then come to Calaguas.
- There’s no electricity in the island.
- There’s no sari-sari store or any establishment.
- You may choose to sleep under the stars, under the tree by putting up a hammock, or you can rent a tent or stay inside a native hut.
- Native Hut Rental is Php 200/night.
- There are make-shift comfort rooms.
- Water is scarce in the island. The locals whom I met (Ate Jennifer and his husband, Kuya Danilo) can fetch water for you. One pail of water costs Php 10.00 each. It’s one of their sources of income so support them and give generously.
BOAT RENTALS to Calaguas
- Boy Quiajano- +63 917 449 2445
- Rogelio Austria “Kuya Putoy” – +63 909 301 5417
- Smaller boats can be cheaper but bear in mind that the waves are wild. Make sure that your rented boat has life vests.
PASSENGER BOAT to Brgy. Mangcawayan
- If you’re really on a tight budget, you may opt to ride the passenger boat to Brgy. Mangcawayan. However, this passenger boat doesn’t have a definite schedule. According to Kuya Danilo, the passenger boat leaves Paracale at around 1:00pm to 2:00pm. The boat can carry six passengers. The locals call it Straton. Fare is Php 100/person.
- From Brgy. Mangcawayan, you have to walk around 20-30 minutes to reach Mahabang Buhangin.
Just a friendly reminder: Don’t leave your trash behind. Pick up the garbage that you may find along the way. Let’s maintain the cleanliness of Mahabang Buhangin. So far, I can say that this is one of the best beaches that the Philippines has. I hope it remains as pristine as it is.
Sidetrips:
- Quadricentennial Church in Paracale
- Bagasbas Surfing
Essential Contacts:
- Provincial Tourism of Camarines Norte – cometocamnorte@yahoo.com
- +63 054 721-3087
