Calaguas – a Hidden Paradise – InfinitEpiphanies

For many years, the Bicol region was solely known as the home of the most perfectly shaped volcano in the world called Mount Mayon. But as it thrives to keep up with other Philippines’ top destinations, the land of the Oragons started to be also known for its beautiful and pristine beaches which others say are comparable or even better than the famed beaches of Bohol and of Boracay.

One of which is a remote island found in Camarines Norte. Unlike other emerging famous spots in the Bicolandia, Calaguas Island is still quite untouched. Going here took us 14 hours – a 9-hour bus ride from Manila to Naga, another rightaway 2-hour travel to Daet and a wavy and thrilling 3-hour boat ride from Vinzon’s port to the island. The long travel was nothing after this breathtaking scene started to unfold in our eyes as we docked into the beautiful white shores of the island.

We arrived there with a welcome feast of seafood and other home-made dishes from our hosts.

There was no electricity and no cellphone reception so it was a perfect place to get away from distractions and be digitally detoxified. We slept in tents as there were still no fine establishments built yet on the island (i hope it is kept that way). We got crickets chirping as our lullabies during the night and crows as our alarm clock in the morning. It was really enchanting how this place was and it was surely a grand and full experience with nature.

We spent our late afternoon hiking the hills in the area and the view of the island from atop was just as majestic.

It is really noticeable how this island is still preserved despite its growing number of tourists. I even came across a baby sting ray swimming in the shallow shores. The waves were also strong enough for beginner-surfing (too bad got no surf board that time). But truly, the place is so photogenic that I can’t stop taking pictures. Spending all day just staring at this blanket of blue is incredibly satisfying.