Visiting the infamous Calaguas Island

I only had few chances of going to far-flung places by boat, though it was few, I am quite thankful to be able to visit Calaguas island, Bicol, Camarines Norte. 

I've heard so many things about the island from different blogs and photos. While it has also been a trending topic in my circle of facebook friends, Calaguas is something like a gem in the pocket to them that I soon learned to adapt as my own.

Located in Bicol, the easiest way to get here is probably an 8 hour bus ride. Plus 2 hours boat ride which could be extended depending on the waves of the sea. It felt too much to travel all the way from Manila, but getting there was all worth it. 

IT'S THE BEACH: Far from being Boracay, the island doesn't boast any night entertainment and cheap check-ins from the locals. It is pure serenity with spectacular scene in any angle you point your camera. On one side of the coast, there is a big lump of rock that was formed by the waves splashed from hundreds of years yet trek-able to make 'coverphotos' such as this.

It was given that Calaguas doesn't offer any luxury hotels nor cottages for rent. However, this problem can easily be solved by pitching a tent or putting up a hammock among the trees. Life is relatively at slow-pace here.

Traveling is a hobby of all ages. It transforms us to become 'more open' people to the different traditions surrounding us. 

IT'S ABOUT THE GANG: What makes an awesome travel experience? How's a bunch of chefs from Manila specializing in different cuisines sound? The people who came with me on this trip to the south are the organizers themselves who paid attention in making a short vacation rather special. These are just two examples below.

IT'S ABOUT ADVENTURE: Being with gang doesn't really mean food is all about the adventure. Our great organizers even planned to have a few skills to learn while enjoying a peaceful time in an unexploited island such as basic culinary, fire exhibition, have-a-henna, photography, skim boarding, and wine mixing.

Skimboard

Playing with Lights

At night, we were to put ourselves into a challenge of who can perform the best fire exhibition and enjoy a few 'unlimited' drinks of wine to get to know our fellow travelers together. 

IT'S ABOUT VALUE: When I came in for the trip, I manage to shell out just Php 3,500.00. This includes bus ride to and from Manila-Daet, boat ride, buffet food, electricity via diesel generator, tents; almost everything is provided except for that beach outfit. 

The reason why I re-wrote my Calaguas experience is because I wanted my friends to regain the breath of Calaguas beaches'. It is such a nice escape for a gang who seeks no further than enjoying themselves the simplest way they could. 

Until then Calaguas!

© pagduaw.blogspot.com

Polilio Island Bike Tour

[This post was published 6/05/09]

Pililio Island is very much like any place in the Philippines I haven't heard of. Having been invited by friends for an explore ride gave me the idea of appreciating a paradise. Like it was said on wikipedia I learned that the Polilio boasts' the Chinese word "Pulilu" meaning beautiful island with plenty of food.

AT THE PORT: I arrived there at the dawn of May 22, 2009 at the Real port along with my bike buddies who were greeted by a beautiful sunrise perfect for an adventure. The port, like anything else was busy; ordinary passengers, tradesmen, and fisherman were all busy as they pass by. We decided to take in some energy to store while waiting for a vessel to welcome us aboard.

WAITING FOR THE VESSEL: It took us three hours to be welcomed aboard vessel which will eventually take us to our destination. It seemed like you have to wait until one vessel gets full passenger manifest before it leaves, we waited there for another three hours so I took the chance of taking some photos. 

There were all kinds of boats in the area. Navy ships, fishing banka's, and ferries. I have this fascination if I could command ships someday.

ENROUTE:  The days are always new when I get to travel to places with my bike, especially having to be onboard a small vessel where I'm eager to see land and then go bike at it again. Friends are there to strengthen the bond while adventures sets out a new experience to learn the culture and tradition of our land.  

ARRIVED AT LAST: It was quite a long journey on sea, three hours exactly. We arrived at the port of the municipality of Polilio where we had to eat lunch again. It's quite frustrating having to spend your time mostly waiting and less time going somewhere on a bike but things are going to change...

While waiting for everybody to prepare the bikes, I couldn't think what was this place like under leadership of Padre Domingo, a Spanish friar during the 1500's. Marks of old Spanish architecture was to be found in the area but not much old Spanish churches or the concrete wall called "pueblo" to protect against, ahem, foreign invaders. 

Setting off towards Barangay Burdeos, we spent another three hours on the saddle of our bikes with hiking packs containing the usual three day ration and my photography gear plus tripod. We rode along the agriculture vastness of the island and yes indeed the name holds true, 'a beautiful island with a lot of food', and cheap food there was!

The scenery in the road came in spectacular as every angle speaks of beauty and wealth. Riding along the coast, the shade from tall trees and breathable temperature gave us the feeling of summer. 

Half-way from our destination, the rain poured down and the road turned a messy grime. Thankful that I installed Maxxis Calibos on my bike in time for the changing weather. 

Thankfully the rain didn't came in pouring too long, we entered a shotgun of a hill inside a mountain pass just in time to give us another moment to see the horizon.

About 5:00 p.m. when we arrived at a little town called Burdeos. It somehow made me recollect my life in the province; simple, easy, and free while far distinguishable to compare with the busy Manila. Burdeos just fell into silence as the sun began to fade. 

ISLAND HOPPING: The next morning, my pals are still struggling to lift their heads off the bed feeling hangover-ish from the fiesta we attended yesterday evening. Feeling just about perfect to welcome the sun, I decided to take a sip of coffee and do a little bit of talk around the community. It was just a perfect day to set off our planned itinerary where we set sail again towards the infamous islands floating along the Pacific ocean. 

The fine white sand on this island is particularly amazing. Marked as world class but fearful for the possibility of mass tourism. 

Giving myself a tan. I should go out more often. 

On the far straight towards the horizon is the great and famous Pacific ocean. Polilio island gets hit by an abrupt weather change. Despite having to intentionally plan out a summer to be here, this is as rewarding as it can be. It is a great escape for those wanting naturally seclusive place, even on a budget. 

2-Day ITINERARY: For the information, I spent 1,500 per head on this trip.
Day 1
3-5 a.m. Manila to Real Port via Private Vehicle
9-11a.m. Real Port to Polilio port via ferry
12-5p.m. Bike Ride to Burdeos

Day 2
6-12p.m. Island hopping
12-3p.m. Bike ride to Polilio port
3-6p.m. Polilio port to Real port via ferry
6p.m. Home bound

Polilio is undoubtedly one of my best escapes. Not that I have been to a lot of places but to say this “I biked for 30 kilometers, in an island for three days, swam beside three islands’ beaches; all that then God filled me.” is epic. Short rides are a thing of a past for me, the ability to travel by bike expands your perspective in life, the luxury of being able to see places in the most basic way gives you just the right time to appreciate the beauty of the country. Experiences can only be explained to each his own, some people won't understand until they tried it with themselves. 

Until soon Polilio. Welcome me back with your islands' glamour.

© pagduaw.blogspot.com