Budget Travel Philippines | Living Asia Backpacking Guide | Tours Tourism Reviews Pictures: The Virgin Beach of Calaguas Island

The Virgin Beach of Calaguas Island

After a hearty lunch of laing, a Bicol specialty of taro leaves in coconut milk and chili, and grilled yellow fin tuna in Apuao Grande Island, Tutubi and his group "sailed" on for more than two hours to reach their desired destination that fueled the whole tour of Camarines Norte: the virgin beach of Calaguas Island.

The journey was long even made worse by the not so placid water of the Philippine Sea with sightings of small islands with rolling hills and small patches of white sand beaches visible from afar, but the distance and time was immaterial to the ultimate quest was at hand.

There are many islands belonging to Calaguas group of islands but the main island has the longest white sand beach of them all that locals call Mahabang Buhangin (literally long sand, translate loosely as Long Beach).

Upon setting foot on Mahabang Buhangin, the fine white sand of the beach is truly something to behold. The sand is as fine, if not finer than the powdery white sand of Bora, and also not hot to the feet despite the heat of the summer sun, must be due to the rare chemical composition of the sand also present on Boracay Island.

first sight of Mahabang Buhangin on the "undiscovered" island

Trudging slowly over wet sand towards the "resort," birds of various species flew away on sensing the presence the group while butterflies fluttered in every direction indicating a still intact ecosystem unharmed by the few inhabitants of Calaguas, mostly living on the other side of the island in Vinzon's barangay Banocboc. At dusk, the sound of male kuliglig (cicada), calling the female species for mating, add very rural setting to the place to be enhanced further at night when alitaptap (fireflies) light up nearby trees for a spectacular display of nature's beauty.

There are no resorts on Calaguas, accommodations are either native huts or tents pitched on the beach and some camp sites. There's toilet and bathroom (with tiled floors and walls) inside the bahay kubo but you need to fetch water or hire a local to fetch for you for a minimal fee. There's fresh water supplied by a deep well while drinking water used by the locals from the saluno (aqueduct) (it's is advised though to bring your own drinking water if you can't stand natural mineral water). About a kilometer trek through the thick forest leads to a village where you can buy basic supplies in case you need something.

the bahay kubo (native hut) is the only "high-end resort" on the island

walking on the pristine beach, lonely planet style (does this picture look familiar?)

footprints on the sand...sand that does not feel hot to the feet

After a sumptuous dinner around a bonfire, Tutubi and his friends chose not to sleep inside the bahay kubo, and instead slept on the beach, using blankets, with the sound of lapping waves, croaking frogs, chirping birds, gentle ocean wind and under the canopy of stars with the mythical hunter Orion and the Pleiades keeping watch.

cheap place to stay on the beach!

Nature, adventure, birds, butterflies, seclusion, serenity, cerulean skies, amazing landscapes, rolling hills, turquoise waters, cool fine white sand without the maddening crowd and hint of civilization all rolled into one: Calaguas Island!

---

Other activities in Calaguas Group of Islands:

Island-hopping, SCUBA-diving and snorkeling at Banocboc coral reef, trekking/mountain climbing, Butterfly watching, bird watching. The recommended Calaguas itinerary is just an overnight stay on the island unless you really prefer to live like that on a remote island.

Other places to see in Vinzons, Camarines Norte: Wenceslao Vinzons Shrine and Vinzons Church

Trivia: Vinzons town was first called Tacboan, later renamed Indan. It was changed to Vinzons after Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, a former governor of Camarines and guerilla leader executed by the Japanese in World War II. Vinzons Hall in the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman is named after him.

Note: there's no electricity and mobile phone signal on the island :(

How to get to Calaguas Group of Islands, Vinzons, Camarines Norte:

Commute: take a bus to Daet in Cubao (Superlines, Philtranco or Amihan) or Pasay terminals. In Daet, board a jeepney to Vinzons or Mercedes and ask around for the fish port (locally called pandawan similar to Tagalog's pantalan), Hire a boat to take you to the island (cost depends on the capacity of the boat). At Vinzons fish port and pier, there are daily schedules of boat trips to barangay Banocboc at 11am. Return trips to Vinzons town proper from Banocboc is at 6am. In Barangay Banocboc, you may hire boats to Mahabang Buhangin. In Barangay Banocboc, you may rent a boat for P500 to take you to Mahabang Buhangin on Calaguas Island or alternatively to Pinagkastilyohan beach.

Calaguas Island can also be reach by a boat ride, about two hours, from Daet's Bagasbas Beach

Labels: Beaches, Bicol Region, Camarines Norte, Islands

posted by backpacking philippines @ 6:02 PM,

77 Comments:

At May 25, 2008 12:39:00 PM, kyels said...: Very tranquil! Pero why is it called the virgin beach though?
At May 25, 2008 2:06:00 PM, Mari said...: Wow! So pristine, beautiful, peaceful...a perfect place to getaway from the madding crowd of the city.
At May 26, 2008 12:35:00 AM, Ethyl Alcohol said...: such a beautiful beachhhh...... (T_T)
At May 26, 2008 2:21:00 AM, pieterbie said...: Sounds like a great place!
I love the way you describe the quality and he feeling of the sand.
At May 26, 2008 2:34:00 AM, niceheart said...: Nice beautiful images.

I haven't tried sleeping outdoors yet. So when you slept on the beach, did you get a good sleep or did the sound of the waves distracted you? Or did it have a calming effect?
At May 26, 2008 4:29:00 AM, RennyBA said...: Looks nice, quiet and peaceful - a prefect place for a Norwegian to relax from the daily stress I guess :-)

Wishing you a great week ahead!
At May 26, 2008 12:46:00 PM, Lawstude said...: very quiet and peaceful and never-ending white sand. just the beach i like.
At May 26, 2008 9:48:00 PM, tutubi philippines said...: kyels, it's called virgin since it's undeveloped, virtually untouched by development, somehting i doubt will take place there

mari, yep. just a night there is enough for me

ethyl alcohol, no crowds and hawkers

pieterbie, yeah. unlike the others where you'll get your feet burned

niceheart, it's good even if i wasn't able to get enough sleep. slept late and woke up early to catch the sunrise but was only disappointed with it

rennyba, would you prefer a secret beach than the commercial one like boracay?

lawstude, seems we like the same types of places :P
At May 27, 2008 6:09:00 AM, mirage2g said...: *sigh* Kakamiss ang beach! Love your header btw...I hope it remains a virgin.

A German friend told me that whenever he visits the PI now he doesnt go to Boracay because he doesn't want to change the image of what was Boracay when it was still virgin...

I'll tell him about this. Thanks for sharing!
At May 27, 2008 10:05:00 AM, Belle said...: it reminds me of our beaches in Catanduanes, also part of the bikol region. nice discovery! when are you going to catanduanes? i will tour you around
At May 27, 2008 9:01:00 PM, tutubi philippines said...: mirage2g, i don't think calaguas will ever be developed. it's not an all season place like bora. during the typhoon season, it's an isolated world with big waves from the pacific ocean

belle, i'm setting my sights also on catanduanes but finding time and resources to go there besides masbate. i love secluded beaches!
At May 28, 2008 9:25:00 AM, BW said...: So clean, pristine and unspoiled beauty. Wooo... 2 hours by pump boat isn't exactly near ! But the sailing is worth it I think :)
At May 28, 2008 6:40:00 PM, bianca said...: is there a similarity with guimaras island?
At May 28, 2008 10:52:00 PM, tutubi philippines said...: bw, the trip actually took more than 2 hours since there was a slight problem in the engine of the big fishing boat that day but we made it through

bianca, i've only been to guimaras' alubihod but calaguas is much better than that beach, IMHO. maybe there are other islands there that can compare though
At May 29, 2008 9:02:00 PM, the donG said...: very scenic! i always love white sand beaches. i hope i get to visit this one. i'll ask for more suggestions once i decide to go there.
At May 30, 2008 5:21:00 AM, estan said...: that's really a beautiful place. i can now imagine beach bums making a beeline to this place and investors or foreign men marrying locals for their soon to be resorts.

Let's hope this will remain as it is.
At May 30, 2008 8:48:00 AM, jasperjugan said...: wow, looks peaceful and tranquil!are there recommended kids-friendly activity around?
At May 30, 2008 9:31:00 PM, tutubi philippines said...: the dong, it's just there waiting for you to visit. just don't go there during the typhoon season :P

estan, i don't think it will be developed. it's too far and gets isolated during typhoons with big waves. not an all season destination like bora

jsaper, what sort of kid-friendly activities? it's a simple rural life that's waiting there for you
At May 31, 2008 5:08:00 AM, thess said...: beautiful!!!

happy weekend, tutubi =)
At May 31, 2008 9:40:00 AM, Ferdz said...: It looks nice. Also heard from Anton who was recently there, long stretch of fine white sands.
At May 31, 2008 10:32:00 AM, Levi Elephant said...: First of all, Bora is so overrated. I don't know but it's kind of insulting when people keep comparing it to every other beach resort that they go to. It's pretty unfair....at least that's what I think.
At May 31, 2008 5:44:00 PM, tutubi philippines said...: thess, have a great week too

ferdz, at walang tao :P

levi, you can't help it since bora is the most famous of all here. i also find it overrated and also overdeveloped :(
At May 31, 2008 11:07:00 PM, travelphilippines said...: wow me likey there....
At Jun 2, 2008 10:11:00 AM, LilyoftheValley said...: wow... thank you tutubi... this is really a nice place... and great pictures, too!! Will surely add calaguas to my growing list of must see islands in the archipelago...

by the way, was wondering if you know something about sablayan in mindory (any place to stay for a night)? would really appreciate...

thank you very much and have a great day!
At Jun 2, 2008 10:17:00 PM, tutubi philippines said...: travelphilippines, it's great, isn't it?

lilyofthevalley, never been to mindoro except puerto galera. someday maybe :P
At Jun 30, 2008 12:23:00 PM, monina said...: You just sold us Calaguas. We'll be coming from Manila. Will 3 days be enough to get there and back? Is August a good time to go there?

Thanks for sharing this beauty.
At Jun 30, 2008 9:21:00 PM, tutubi philippines said...: monina, 3d/2n is ok if it's just calaguas you're after. you can stay there longer if you wish if you can stand the lack of electricity:P
At Aug 20, 2008 10:11:00 AM, Anonymous said...: hi to all. im johnny, i grew up in the beautiful place of daet 15 mins. travel from vinzon, but i hav'nt visit calaguas island.

i set my schedule to go to calaguas one of this day.
At Aug 26, 2008 3:32:00 PM, dudi said...: i love it....beautiful pictures. I am from Jose Panganiban another town of Camarines Norte and 45 mins away from Vinzons i heard the place before but haven't been there. I love secluded island....i been to caramoan when it is not yet popular and to appari group of isalnd.
At Sep 3, 2008 6:18:00 AM, oli said...: If you like secluded beaches you should try San Pedro Island off Hinunangan in South Leyte
Mike
At Sep 25, 2008 5:36:00 PM, Anonymous said...: hi! i'd like to visit this place soon..
how can we reach it?
At Dec 8, 2008 7:56:00 AM, palma tayona said...: tutubi... i LOVE this place. i took note of how to reach it. i think i know now where to go on next year's vacation. this is simply perfect. not many people. pristine beach. a quiet place where one can really be alone. love it.

oh, and i linked you to my blog.
At Dec 8, 2008 8:18:00 PM, tutubi said...: palma, note my directions on how to reach it. it's not easy though. be prepared for simple life in the middle ages :P
At Dec 24, 2008 10:27:00 PM, JEFER DULDULAO said...: I AM SO INTERESTED ABOUT CALAGUAS ISLAND,CAMARINES NORTE. I'VE SEEN IT ON LIVING ASIA CHANNEL. I REALLY WANTED TO VISIT THE PLACE. THE VIEW LOOK SO RELAXING AND YET SO INVITING. I AM SO PROUD OF MY COUNTRY,BLESSED WITH MANY BEAUTIFUL PLACES.NATURAL BEAUTY TO BE THANKFUL FOR.
At Jan 17, 2009 8:45:00 AM, punky said...: ah dito pala kinuha yung header mo.. nice..
At Jan 17, 2009 10:47:00 AM, backpacking philippines said...: punky, you going there? :P
At Feb 6, 2009 12:31:00 PM, Rec said...: Tutubi' I Just wanted to ask few things... I'm a Self-Contained backpacker and planning to go to Calaguas Island maybe next week... My problem is that i don't know what would be my IT to this trip...If I'm planning to stay for 3 days 2 nights... and also is it possible for me to hitch a ride with the Fishing Banca from Vinzon to Calaguas and pay them for my trip, than renting them? and also how about my ride from Calaguas to Vinzon?

Thanks...

More Power to backpackingphilippines.com
At Feb 6, 2009 12:33:00 PM, Rec said...: Tutubi' I Just wanted to ask few things... I'm a Self-Contained backpacker and planning to go to Calaguas Island maybe next week... My problem is that i don't know what would be my IT to this trip...If I'm planning to stay for 3 days 2 nights... and also is it possible for me to hitch a ride with the Fishing Banca from Vinzon to Calaguas and pay them for my trip, than renting them? and also how about my ride from Calaguas to Vinzon?

Thanks...

More Power to backpackingphilippines.com
At Feb 6, 2009 9:53:00 PM, backpacking philippines said...: rec, i posted above how to commute to calaguas, you don't have to hitch a ride with fishermen. Also, i went there via Mercedes fishport and not via Vinzons. Fishermen will take you there, it depends on your haggling skills :P
At Feb 10, 2009 5:25:00 PM, Julie said...: Hi! We're planning to go to Calaguas Island this March. I've read that we can ride a boat to the island from Bagasbas Beach? Approximately how much will it cost us (6 persons)? Is there a specific boarding time?
At Feb 10, 2009 9:19:00 PM, backpacking philippines said...: Julie, there are no regular boat trips from Bagasbas to Calaguas but you can hire boats on bagasbas beach to take you there. That may cost you about P3000 for the boat, depends on the size of the boat and your haggling skills :P
At Feb 11, 2009 11:41:00 AM, Julie said...: Thanks for the info! :)

I enjoyed browsing through this blog. It's very informative!

Happy travelling! :)
At Mar 4, 2009 11:31:00 AM, the donG said...: hi tutubi, can i email you somewhere for details? i might include this on one of my destinations this summer. thanks!
At Mar 6, 2009 8:36:00 PM, backpacking philippines said...: the dong, i sent you an email dati...but will resend...AFAIK, i've already posted all info here :P
At Mar 19, 2009 9:03:00 AM, dhonjason said...: Hi! thanks for dropping by my blog. =) BTW i'm from Daet. It's nice to see your wonderful posts about Daet and Camarines Norte.
At Mar 19, 2009 10:26:00 PM, backpacking philippines said...: dhonjason, i have a friend from daet. you may know her living in camanbugan
At Apr 9, 2009 4:29:00 PM, *M_E* said...: great, awesome site- thanks to you guys!

i do believe we should explore the philippines more and i even believe the places, experiences, people, food, photos, are even inexhaustible!

i went to bicol last year and i have not even seen a lot but i loved it! i swore i will come back for more. ;-)

cheers!
At Apr 9, 2009 7:21:00 PM, backpacking philippines said...: M_E, do visit it but not during typhoon season. i'd love to return there someday and expect to find it the same as before and not another tourist-infested place like bora
At Apr 23, 2009 3:13:00 PM, Gerry said...: hi tutubi, did you happen to have the coordinates? it would really be helpful... nonetheless, winner ka!
At Apr 23, 2009 9:36:00 PM, backpacking philippines said...: gerry, i don't have coordinates via GPS but from wikimapia, mahabang buhangin has these coordinates: 14°28'34"N 122°56'16"E :P
At Apr 23, 2009 11:28:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I really like the way you described the place, very nice place how i wish i can get there..
At May 23, 2009 8:23:00 PM, William Rodriguez said...: Thanks for sharing. I'm always on the look ourt for nice pristine beaches. Very pretty just like the Islands of Caramoan in Camarines Sur. I'll definitely visit this place as well. To Lily of the Valley, If you are planning to go to Sablayan in Mindoro, there is a plale there you can stay across from it a short 10 min. banka or boat ride, it's an island with one resort named Pandan Island. Just huts with a running water toilet and shower. Lights are all solar powered at night. A great place to Dive or snorkel or just lay on the hammocks. Uncrowded and secluded no frills. Look for Dennis the owner. A french guy who speaks fluent Filipino/tagalog
At Jul 30, 2009 8:01:00 AM, Anonymous said...: i am taking my son to that place. you have inspired me greatly. I will be dead soon. I want to show him something beautiful before i die........thanks for your help in finding the perfect place.....scotty
At Jul 30, 2009 1:30:00 PM, backpacking philippines said...: scotty, sad to hear that. but anyway at least you spend your life in worthy pursuits. i would also do the same to spend quality time with loved ones in case i find myself in similar situations. good luck to you. avoid typhoons there you may get stranded :(
At Aug 5, 2009 11:34:00 PM, Ryan said...: Can you do a day trip from the closest port to Mahabang Buhangin? Going there end of August. Will be flying into Naga then off to Caramoan and then back to Naga the following day and then off to Daet and then surf at Bagasbas, or we might go straight to Mahabang Buhangin if possible - but all I want is a day trip. Would it be possible? and from which port? There is only two of us.
At Aug 6, 2009 3:50:00 PM, Coritho said...: What a very fascinating scenery... I'd like the comparison of Calaguas beaches from Boracay and Pagudpud... I've also watched a segment from LivingAsia Channel about Calaguas & it made me glad that there is another hidden paradise in Bicol. This would definitely got to my list of Beaches to venture in the country...
At Aug 8, 2009 12:40:00 PM, backpacking philippines said...: ryan, with the available boat schedules going there, a daytrip is possible but you need to leave immediately...the answer is no. try to spend at least a night there and be enchanted by the island. hire a boat from bagasbas for a daytrip but mind you might encounter big waves in the afternoon which is dangerous

coritho, if you love to party then bora is for you, otherwise if you're like me it's calaguas. pagudpud's too far and the beach actually is not that good as either bora or this one.
At Aug 18, 2009 9:13:00 AM, Anonymous said...: hi, we're locals from banocboc & we love how you sell calaguas island! this is such a paradise. i've been to different places here in the philippines & no beach can beat the serenity of mahabang buhangin or how we call it in bicol "halabang baybay".
At Aug 18, 2009 9:56:00 PM, backpacking philippines said...: anonymous, can you give me more details on how to get to your place? boat schedules and fares for actual people. my post may need updates from you :P
At Sep 10, 2009 3:41:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Hello everyone,

I am from Daet Camarines Norte but lived most of my life in Manila. My question is can i buy a piece of land there in Calaguas island Mahabang buhangin area?

Thanks in advance
At Sep 25, 2009 9:07:00 PM, daniel said...: i've been in calaguas island, and its my first outdoor trip.. we stayed their for 3 days 2 nights.. i'm not an outdoor person but when i stayed their i just appreciated the feeling of no cellphone, no electricity and just tent.. it is so beautiful and it feels like the place heals you..i just hope that it stays that way because its being untouched is the good thing about the island..it is really a paradise
At Nov 30, 2009 3:51:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I'm Allan of Daet, Camarines Norte.
Thanks for the good comments about our pride...The Calaguas Islands..
The 2nd International Kiteboarding Competition in Bagasbas is scheduled on Feb 4-7, 2009.
Please do come here in our place and we'll be glad to welcome you all here..
At Nov 30, 2009 4:04:00 PM, Allan A. Vega said...: i like this site..
At Feb 17, 2010 4:08:00 AM, Chyng said...: Hello tutubi!

I also plan to visit Apuao Grande and Calaguas next month!

Ako din pa-email ng details pls! (plus contact numbers, price, magkano kaya boat) 4 lang kasi kami.

chyngreyes@gmail.com

thanks!
At Feb 17, 2010 10:11:00 AM, backpacking philippines said...: hi Chyng, will have to ask a friend from daet who i've traveled with here for updates. boat rental can be expensive for the four of you if you're going to rent the big boats. there are commuter boat trips there as i've mentioned though. later...
At Feb 18, 2010 3:07:00 AM, Anonymous said...: is there a mobile signal at the island? thanks
At Feb 18, 2010 10:19:00 AM, backpacking philippines said...: anonymous, please read the post. it says not even electricity is available :(
At Mar 12, 2010 12:56:00 AM, Chyng said...: hey Tutubi,
I gave credits to you for my Calaguas trip. Check mo ha. I enjoyed this beach, all worth the hassle ng pagtravel. Ü

http://riandrew.blogspot.com/2010/03/calaguas-at-last.html
At Apr 5, 2010 8:43:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Hi,

Did you know that the best I.T going to Calaguas Isl. is from Labo to Sabang to Calaguas? it offers lots of scenic views, from there you will pass Mt. Labo and afterwards a breathtaking view of Sabang’s shoreline.

If you’ve been in Calaguas Isl. you may noticed shoreline, meters away from its is an access road going to Sabang.

If you’re planning to go there again you might want to consider this IT.

Manila to Labo – Bus, Superlines or any other bus going to Labo.
Labo to Sabang – Jeep (ride at the top)
Sabang to Calaguas Isl. – Boat ride (cheap boat ride 4500 – 5000) Max of 12 heads… got this contacts from from hospitable locals there 09219772780 / 09295303224

Try it, ive been there.. hehehehhe
At Apr 5, 2010 8:48:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Hi,

Did you know that the best I.T going to Calaguas Isl. is from Labo to Sabang to Calaguas? it offers lots of scenic views, from there you will pass Mt. Labo and afterwards a breathtaking view of Sabang’s shoreline.

If you’ve been in Calaguas Isl. you may noticed shoreline, meters away from its is an access road going to Sabang.

If you’re planning to go there again you might want to consider this IT.

Manila to Labo – Bus, Superlines or any other bus going to Labo.
Labo to Sabang – Jeep (ride at the top)
Sabang to Calaguas Isl. – Boat ride (cheap boat ride 4500 – 5000) Max of 12 heads… got this contacts from from hospitable locals there 09219772780 / 09295303224

Try it, ive been there.. hehehehhe

Leo joey
At Apr 6, 2010 10:34:00 AM, backpacking philippines said...: leo, your suggested calaguas itinerary is intriguing. is it a recommended one or you're just plugging it here? I want to return there someday and expect it almost the same as i i've found it before
At Apr 30, 2010 10:19:00 AM, Anonymous said...: hi.. could you please e-mail me the details of 2 days 1 night trip to calaguas island from Manila. we are a grouup of 8 planning to go there this May 22-23. Hhow long is the estimated travel time. Thank you.-mushy_trina@yahoo.com
At Apr 30, 2010 10:28:00 AM, backpacking philippines said...: trina, most of the details are already on my post. the only missing one that i will add is that you can get there via Paracale town's fishing port where you can haggle for a cheaper boat ride rental to take you there. I got there via Mercedes but you have options too.
At Apr 30, 2010 12:03:00 PM, Anonymous said...: hello tutubi,

may i know the details on how to go to calaguas island. i am planning to go there early next month so pls. send me also all details including boat rentals and tent rentals. also was there any available place to eat or just cook by ourselves.

thanks a lot.

yzelle_28@yahoo.com
At Jun 10, 2010 10:44:00 PM, Shenandoah bed and breakfast said...: The Mahabang Buhangin Island is a dream place to explore and visit with lovely and fascinating sights and views and white sand beaches with crystal clear blue water really makes it a piece of paradise on earth.

The place is so peaceful and serene with open sky and pleasant environment. It has suitable accommodations for visitors to stay and explore the eye catching beauty of the island.
At Jun 20, 2010 8:58:00 PM, Anonymous said...: it has never been reach by development yet, so it was still virgin.. what a lovely place! thanks to the Creator!
At Jul 30, 2010 11:48:00 AM, delia said...: Hi, Iam a middle age woman and my husband a german wants to buy a piece of land in calaguas, is there a way??? can we have a small land where we can build our own house, my partner really love beach and we have been searching places in philippines to make our vacation house.. we found Tinaga island beautiful.Is mahabang buhanagin in Tinaga island? is there inhabitants in Tinaga island?? we plan to visit calaguas this December.. please help . Thanks and e mail me. Villar_del@yahoo.com