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Escape to Vinzons' Calaguas Island


Destination:

Most known as "Calaguas", our destination is the Mahabang Buhangin of Tinaga Island, part of the Calaguas Group of Islands. The virgin island is said to be of match to the famous Boracay Islands.

Planning.
Since we took a package tour, we needed 10 people to commit for the trip. A lot of my college friends expressed their desire to join but only 9 participants made it. Most of us just got out from office work on Friday afternoon. Four friends traveled from Metro Manila, four from Legazpi. Our 9th member, organizer-friend is a local of Vinzons.

Our long awaited planned Calaguas escapade finally came to realization.

How We Got There:

Coming From Legazpi: Depart @7PM, Friday*
Van->Legazpi to Naga. (140pesos/2hrs)
Van/Bus->Naga to Daet. (Van - 180pesos/2hrs) (Bus - 110pesos/3+hours)~*
Tricy -> Daet Terminal to Vinzons' Jeep Terminal (10pesos)
Jeep -> Daet To Vinzons Town Proper(16pesos)/less than 1hr
Tricy ->Vinzons Town Proper to Minaogan Port (8pesos)
Boat->Minaogan Port to Mahabang Buhangin. (part of travel package/more or less 2hrs)

*We arrived in Naga City at 9PM(Friday) and we’re unable to catch a Naga-Daet trip. We checked-in at a hotel and took a Naga-Daet trip the next day.
~*We arrived at 8AM at Minaogan Port because we took the bus which took a longer trip! Those coming from Manila arrived before 6AM and went ahead of us. T_T They were at the Island before 9AM.

Coming From Manila: Depart @9PM, Friday
Bus->Manila->Daet (700+ depending on Bus Line)
Tricy -> Daet Terminal to Vinzons' Jeep Terminal
Jeep -> Daet To Vinzons Town Proper
Tricy ->Vinzons to Minaogan Port
Boat->Minaogan Port to Mahabang Buhangin.(part of travel package/more or less 2hrs)


The Old Jeep going to Vinzons. This, our friend says, older than us.

Island Amenities:

The island doesn't have your usual amenities. There was no cellphone signal. Don't mind texting your friends to inform them that there’s no signal on the island!

Our package deal includes the boat ride(from Minaogan), food: lunch, dinner(Sat), and breakfast(Sun), open cottage, and tents(good for 2 persons/tent). The food was good. =)

The CR was under construction/ under renovation but available for use. Water was pumped at night. Water for rinsing was available for 10 pesos/pail.

The package trip costs 1,500/person. We were joined by another group of beach goers so we were accommodated without the minimum 10 pax.

You can contact the tour operator below. They offer the cheapest package.



Activities:

Swimming, playing/running at the white sands, and sun bathing.
Sunset at the beach. photo(c)JefMendez

We also hiked a hill nearby. The climb took less than 2 hours(ascent and descent). The beautiful view of the long white sands is fascinating and awe-inspiring at the hilltop. The itches from the sharp reeds and grasses were worth the scratch.

We brought alcoholic drinks and had some at the seashore the moon graced the night with some light. We felt blessed for this wonderful experience.

In the morning, we took a walk at the seashore. Some friendly dogs suddenly followed us, appearing one after the other.

Different Animals' Footprints.

Who let the dogs out? photo (c) JefMendez

At past nine in the morning of Sunday, we bade goodbye to the fun and warm stay we had at the island.
Sayonara Calaguas!

Side Trip: Vinzons Town

On our way back, we passed Vinzons Town Hall, some old establishments and the old house of Wenceslao Vinzons. I have been to this town once in 2005 but just realized that the town has deep history that should be known to a history aficionado tourist.

Vinzons Town Hall

Old house at Vinzons

The town  used to be known as Indan but was renamed after the lawyer-politician Vinzons who was among the first Filipinos to organize the guerrilla resistance after the Japanese invasion. He, together with his other family members, were executed by the Japanese. The student activity, Vinzons Hall at UP, was a tribute to him.  He was also hailed as Father of Student Activism in the Philippines. I have heard of him before, but learned a little more, and I am proud of this fellow Bicolano. =)

Then, we bought pasalubong at Jennah's and ate our lunch at Tabeya. The food was cheap and delicious. The yummy goodies were all really good. Now we wonder why it's only available in Vinzons.


Pasalubong!


Selfie at Tabeya!

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