Calaguas group of Island (treasures of Camarines Norte)

July 23-24

It was an unplanned trip for this year but definitely we are truly blessed to finally be in Paradise of Camarines Norte. My fellow SFC Brothers and Sisters planned this getaway less than a month where typhoons has been busy going around the country. We are taking a risk to push this activity even having the knowledge that waves might be unfriendly as we sail in the open seas to this Paradise called Calaguas group of Islands. It was Calaguas atbp. who provide the whole package for us. From Van transport (Manila - Daet); Boart ride (Vinzons port - Calaguas); Island food; Tents for camping and Island Hopping.
We leave the metro July 22 in the evening and arrive in Daet 6:00am. We had our quick breakfast first to the nearest fastfood in Vinzons port then meet our Boatmen and guides until 8am. It was a smooth boat ride at first when suddenly the waves starts to get rough as we approach near the Island, Rain starts to fall and everyone gets wet from raindrops and splashing waves but it was still manageable since we're almost near the destination. Upon arriving at Mahabang Buhangin, God must have hear our prayers for the rains stops and sun starts to shine. As soon as I soak my feet on the clear waters and fine sand of the beach I couldn't resists the invitation to leave my things and dip first in the turquoise clear sea water. It was a perfect timing that while everyone thinks it's too risky to get there during rainy season we almost own this secluded pristine paradise and do everything we want here.
As we settled down our coordinators called us to have a sumptuous lunch. Almost perfect but not quite;they served terribly spicy foods that some of us who are not used to eating spicy dishes cannot eat not even a single spoon of super spicy chicken and laing, good thing there is ginataang tambakol that is not soaked in any hot spices. The food was good and delicious but not everyone can enjoy it due to its spicy characteristics. We just advised them that the next meal should be friendly for all kind of taste buds.

Now, for a moment we own the island, we take advantage of the time we had. We swim and explore the crystal blue waters, do some kayak and explore the vast coral reef from the most shallow part we could be. After spending some time for quality bonding with the sea it is now the best time to do Island hopping. First destination would be Balagbag Island or what they sometimes call "Pulang Lupa Island". Upon docking at the shore we notice the beautiful different varieties of Bonsai plants that welcomes the visitors of the Island however, this island takes a good spot for snorkeling. It also takes a good time for relax trekking. You can trek on both sides of island since the trails were pretty much friendly even for not into hiking. Both edge has this cliff that's perfect for photo ops and for "Buwis Buhay shots" just standing at the edge of the stone while birds eye view of the group of Island takes a good background. This is a touristy area during summer but during this time of the year you can really enjoy the serenity in this island.  Next would the best snorkeling site; out from nowhere we found our boat in the middle of the sea that looks like a sanctuary and no doubt it is a sanctuary. Most of us didn't have the energy to swim in this area because of scorching heat and maybe we just felt were too sleepy and tired. We just enjoy the rock formation that lies here and soak our body in that clear water just beside our boat. What's more exciting and interesting is how are going back to Mahabang buhangin by sitting beside the boat (Balance wings of the boat) where we will welcomed by the splash of waves and fight its strong current so as not to be blown away in the middle of the sea. Upon arriving back at the campsite it was now the best time to just chill and wait for the sunset. A lazy afternoon to describe it, but what we did is something pretty amazing that brings out the child in our mature minds; We played patintero to ease the boredom of just waiting for the sun to get down while some of us took advantage of the time to get some sleep. As we play some epic mandatory shots, our coordinators were busy preparing our sumptuous dinner and some pica-pica for socials. It was a long and tiring day indeed but a great island experience. As we got inside our tent I thought I'll get some good sleep since we're tired but I think it was also the longest night I've had. We all had a hard time to get some sleep because there was no wind at all to blow and when we try open the tent mosquitoes will feast in our feet. We all woke up too early and get some fresh air at the beach and after an hour it was our time to trek and explore the birds eye view of the island. It was just an easy trek with a very relaxing view; We took mandatory shots then leave immediately for our breakfast. I just can't believe that we're about to go in a few hours, We just had a good time for swimming less than an hour and bid goodbye to the island that once became our cradle to our weary heart.

Enjoying the beach before going home

Snorkeling site

getting ready to fight the waves

arriving at Balagbag Island

Patintero while the sun is settling down

Highest point of Balagbag Island

Dropping by the Church somewhere along the road

Squad goals

Arriving at Mahabang Buhangin

footprints in that fine sand

Panoramic shot of the Island

Jump shot over the Island eye view

I just can't believe that this Island will soon be like Boracay. It's still less crowded from other famous beach destination in the country but as people come and go changes will occur like what they said that when it's peak season there's this what they call "party"wherein they built make-shift bar with all the party people are in and liquors are present just like what's happening in Boracay. I just hope that this island will preserve its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The one that you can turn to if you want a place for serenity and tranquility. I hope that the locals will also continue to take good care of the cleanliness in the group of Island. I just can't describe how happy I was that the Lord let us experience everything good in this lovely place called Calaguas. This one of the best travel for this year.

Cebu - Bohol Travel Series: Bohol Countryside tour and Panglao Tour

3rd day 

My Favorite!

Waking up early in the Morning with the Hope of favorable weather for the whole day. We started our day with a good breakfast served by Bohol Sunset Villa and wait for our service vehicle by Bohol Rent a Car. It was Kuya Topher assigned to be our driver and coordinator. What's good in Bohol Rent a Car services, you can customized your itineraries aside from following usual packages. As we go out, we were a bit saddened by the weather. There was a small drizzle of rain but according to weather forecast it will be fine so we hold on to that.

Bohol Sunset Villa

Our Countryside tour started with the Tarsier Conservation Area. It was good to see them even from a far coz' no one is allowed to go near them or touch them. They were too sensitive that even noise and camera flashlight might harm them and provoked them to commit suicide. Some of them are too shy that they used to hide from leaves and because they are too tiny to see we just spotted few of them, Maybe around 10 Tarsier around the area.

Since it was still early in the morning, next destination would be the butterfly garden or the Habitat Community. We were the first visitor for the day and good thing about that is we can do and take picture as long as we want. It was a typical butterfly encounter until you come to the end part wherein trick camera shot happen. "You can be a butterfly for a day" that's what the guide said to us and it was a good experience too. 

Pokemon Go feels!

Next on our list is my most awaited part of the Trip; I don't know why I wanted to see this so much. I just can't escape the thought of not putting this on my bucket list. It is none other than the "Bilar Mahogany Man-made forest" Just like the famous Bamboo forest in Japan, it is one of the highlights when travelling to Bohol. That cold ambiance with that green shed of the towering branches of Mahogany trees. They said that it was a tree planting project of the Boyscout from Bohol and took many years to actually achieve what it looks like today. It's a great relief to know that this place exist to help our environment fight against climate change. Indeed, True that visitors would love to be here when visiting Bohol as it is one of the most picturesque in this humble place.

Cold Atmosphere

Mandatory Jumpshot

Next spot would be the most famous landmark of Bohol which is none other than the Chocolate Hills. There are many ways to explore this famous site as offered by different tourist attraction providers. It could be Zipline, Bike zip or even atv ride than of that traditional way of seeing this from the view deck. Our guide offered us the most wonderful gift we could received for this trip. Kuya Topher give us free atv ride to explore the Chocolate hills; This is not included in the package and will shoulder on our own expense if we wanted to try but with the kindness of Kuya Topher, He gave us free 30 min. atv ride and come to see the hills face to face. It was my first time to ride an ATV, feeling nervous at first but eventually I get used to it as the exploration goes on. We've come to see the hills very near to us and manage to have trick shot by our guide. At the end of ride there's a complimentary juice given to each guest to ease the thirst from a long and sunny ride. After that memorable ATV ride we proceed to the view deck where we can see how gorgeous these hills from the top. The view deck has not yet fully renovated as it was destroyed by an earthquake 2 years ago but can accommodate visitors already. Since it rain the night before we get there, the view wasn't look like a real chocolate hills but rather a green hills. But it was still beautiful as it is.

The Iconic Hills

close encounter with the hills

unforgettable experience

at the view deck

Panoramic shot

Next spot to visit would be the hanging bridge. It is a two long bamboo bridge that let's you see the beautiful river while balancing the swinging pathwalk. No need to stay there longer you just have to experience crossing the bridge and take some photos.

water discoloration due to rainfall the other night

After almost half day of going around it is now the best time have lunch by the river cruise. One the famous attraction in Bohol, Loboc river has become touristy. Another way to experience river cruise with the less crowd is to try the newly opened Rio Grande restaurant situated in Loay.The cruise starts in Loay that is also connected in Loboc river. Once the cruise starts to sail the band will serenade you with country songs while having your lunch and seeing the beautiful river with gorgeous plants, limestone and mountains on the scene. At the time that we get there,the river was in brown shade because of the rain but the view still looks the same. At the end of the cruise you'll be going down to Aeta tribe that entertains visitors by showing their life and culture and going back with same kind of thing. Once done with the sumptuous lunch we drop by at the Baclayon Church.Still under renovation but the beauty exist even in this devastating stage. We hope for the fast recovery of this Church that can stand against many natural disaster. In a not so far site you can see that Blood compact along the way. It is one good stop especially for those history lovers with the ocean view at the back.

Sorry! we're too hungry to take more photos

So much for our countryside tour. We opted not go to other site like phyton etc. since we're not fond seeing them anyway. It is now time to start the Panglao tour.

destroyed by earthquake

First for Panglao tour is the Bohol bee farm;From here you will be entertain by their staff and discuss to you every thing you have to know about the farm. They also let you hold the bees. There's also a shop where you can find any bee farm products most especially the wild honey and you have it taste before buying. 

Next stop would be Panglao beach.What's stated in our itinerary is the Alona beach but Kuya Topher offered us to a less crowded part of Panglao beach and it as really a satisfying view. A very peaceful atmosphere with a very gentle sound of waves. There's also a lonely tree that is good for photo ops and lets you sit while watching the children playing in the sea.

The Less crowded part

Panoramic shot of Panglao Beach

Trying to make Emo Pose

It's almost late afternoon so we have to run fast for our next destination which is the Hinagdanan Cave.This attraction is open only until 5pm;Very cool guides greets you at the entrance while going down the cave you can feel the cold ambiance and once you're inside the cave you'll be asked by your guide to pose for some crazy shot and it was really funny experience. The cave is slightly similar to enchanted cave in Panagasinan but it is more bigger and I think deeper; also the water of this cave is connected to the sea; so for adventure seeker, you can dare to swim from the cave to the sea. Next stop is the shell museum.

Imagine Nora Aunor in Walang Himala line :)

It is the gallery of different sea shells with different beauties as well. From smaller to bigger, from ordinary to expensive shells can be found in this museum. For jewelry fanatics, there's a shop here that offers varieties of pearls and shells that you'll surely love. So much for the day, we didn't pursue the remaining destination such as Dauis church, Aparonia souvenir shop and others because most of it are called tourist trap or perhaps if you're not into shopping you can skip those kind of sites. 

After a long day of sightseeing we want to reward ourselves with a sumptuous dinner. We asked Kuya Topher to drop us to a well recommended place to eat and He drive us at Gerarda's.

An ancestral home converted into a fine dining restaurant. It was a homey feels and at the same time you'll be looking forward to what they will serve you. This is a highly recommended restaurant for those who want to relax after a day of tour.


For this travel I can say that I just take a glimpse of bohol. there were lot of place to explore like island hopping, taking a peek at Danao Adventure park and spending more time in Panglao beach. It just so happen that we had a really short time to visit this very humble province. It's one of the peaceful and less stress places I've been. I really love how good the flow of traffic, It is not monstrous as we had in Manila, I love the simplicity of their lives, I love the hospitality of the People and most specially I love how they took care of our nature not just because it is their source of income but also because it is the very reason why they have a healthy environment. This has been my blessing in disguise, my damsel in distress after that stressful travel in Cebu. I'll surely make a comeback to stay longer in this province. This made me realize that no matter how stressful your life is, it will always end with a great comfort and well paid off for those hardships. I'll be looking forward for more travel like this in my beloved Country. Indeed, True that we are blessed with plenty of indescribable places in this world; We only have to take good care of it.

End of the Cebu-Bohol series

Photo Credits: Mary Lucille Taperla (My Travel buddy for this trip)