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.
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.
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| Skimboard |
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| 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!
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