Calaguas Island: 15-hour travel from Manila. Camp on Mahabang Buhangin's beach (PHP 100-150). Tent rental: PHP 350-500. Pack tent, food, water, sunscreen. Snorkel, hike.
Reaching Calaguas Island
Reaching Calaguas Islands:
- Manila to Daet: Take an 8-10 hour overnight bus from Cubao or Aurora Terminal (DLTB, Philtranco, Superlines). The fare is PHP 769-900. Expect a 3 AM arrival after a 5 PM departure; traffic delays are possible.
- Daet to Paracale/Vinzons: Take a 1-hour bus/jeepney for PHP 90 or a tricycle for PHP 300.
- Paracale/Vinzons to Port: Take a short tricycle ride for PHP 15, lasting 15 minutes.
- Port to Calaguas: Charter a boat for a 2-hour trip. Negotiate the price.
Total travel time: Up to 15 hours. Limited transport, especially at night. Island hopping: PHP 1,500/day.
Calaguas Accommodation
Calaguas Island lodging ranges from PHP 1,500 to PHP 9,000 per night.
I Love Calaguas: Cabanas (open & closed), deluxe A/C rooms (sleeps 6).
PHP 3,500–9,000.
Camping available.
Fantastic Beach Resort: Cottages.
PHP 1,500–4,500.
Nighttime electricity.
Tent pitching available.
Calaguas White Sand Resort: Family Cottages (sleeps 25), cabanas, glamping tents.
Guest Cottages (renovating).
Tent rental:
PHP 350–500.
Tent pitching: PHP 150–500.
Luxury cottages:
PHP 3,500–4,500.
Limited amenities; bring supplies.
Tour packages available.
Packing Essentials
Pack smart for your Calaguas camping trip. Essentials include:
Gear:
- Sturdy tent
- Tent spikes
- Reliable light source (plus extra batteries)
Food & Cooking:
- Perishable and non-perishable food
- Cooking utensils
- Pots
- Pans
- Plates
- Bowls
- Reusable water bottles
Clothing & Personal Items:
- Breathable clothing
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Optional Extras:
- Binoculars
- Camera with tripod
- First-aid kit
Calaguas Activities
Calaguas Island activities include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, and scuba diving (certified masters available at Waling Waling Island Resort).
Relax on Mahabang Buhangin Beach: play beach volleyball, frisbee, or sandboard. Other options: skimboarding, bodyboarding, or billiards.
Hike to scenic viewpoints. Trek Mahabang Buhangin's cove, or hike Tinaga/Balagbag Islands (hire a local guide). Cliff jump at various locations. Rent ATVs (Calaguas Paradise Resort) for beach exploration.
Evening activities: fire dancing, birdwatching, sunrise/sunset viewing (hilltops). Buy fresh coconuts. Photograph Balagbag Hill View Point.
Island Hopping Tours
Explore Calaguas' pristine islands. Your tour includes breathtaking turquoise waters and idyllic destinations.
Visit:
- Balagbag Island: Snorkel and relax on its white sand beach.
- Picturesque Sandbar: Take photos at this iconic landmark.
- Maculabo Island: See dramatic rock formations.
Boat transfers are typically included in tour packages or available privately. Consider a local guide.
Swim, explore beaches, and take photos. Trips depend on weather; check conditions beforehand.
Enjoy Calaguas' viewpoint (accessible during the tour or separately). Group or private boat tours available.
Budget and Fees
Calaguas Island trip costs:
Camping: PHP 100-150 pitch fee;
PHP 350-500 tent rental (4 people);
PHP 120-150 camping fee.
Tour packages (2 nights):
PHP 2,799-3,999 per person (tent included).
Fantastic Beach Resort: Cottages φP 1,500-4,500; huts φP 500 (limited).
Tours: Travelnowasia.com.ph (φP 3,600+),
Wayph.com (φP 2,999+), often include meals, boat transfers, and fees.
Transport:
Manila to Daet bus: φP 650-900;
Jeepney to Minaogan: φP 10-20.
Boat trips: usually included in tours, or negotiated separately.
Private van: φP 15,000-30,000.
Shower water: φP 10 per bucket.
No ATMs or exchange offices on the island.
Weather and Tides
Calaguas Island weather: Expect 28°C temperatures daily.
A northeast wind is forecasted (13.4-17.8 mph, gusting to 20.1 mph).
Rain is possible, especially afternoons/evenings.
Prepare for:
- Variable conditions; evening storms possible.
- Generally calm seas; moderate waves possible.
- 31°C water temperature.
Sunrise is 5:51 AM.
Sunset is 5:17 PM.
Detailed wave forecasts are available online (past 12 years of data).
Afternoon/evening showers are short-lived.
Plan accordingly.
Island Tips
Calaguas Island: Plan Your Trip
Calaguas offers a remote experience; thorough planning is essential.
Pack ample water, food, and camping gear (unless using a tour). Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a flashlight (extra batteries), and a trash bag. Waste disposal is crucial.
Travel involves an 8-10 hour bus ride to Daet, then a jeepney to the fish port. Charter a boat (PHP 2,000-4,000, 2 hours); expect rough seas.
Activities include hiking (sunset views), snorkeling, and exploring nearby islands, including Mangakawayan. Check the weather; pack a first-aid kit. Leave no trace.
Booking and Permits
Book Calaguas accommodations and permits well in advance, especially during peak season.
Contact travel agencies or resorts directly; confirm all terms before booking.
Tour packages (from PHP 2,799) include transport, accommodation, and sometimes meals.
DIY trips require more planning.
Obtain necessary permits:
- Environmental fee.
- Calaguas pass.
- Camping, tent rental, and boat transport fees (variable).
Budget accordingly.
Online booking may require multiple emails.
Guided tours simplify logistics; DIY requires arranging transport and permits.
Meticulous planning is crucial for a smooth trip.