Route Less Favored

I’d like to jog my memory our travel experiences so blogging is a perfect way to remind me of them. I had other travels that I neglected to take note and my ability to recall them is just harder.

Because of my experience traveling to other islands and/or provinces in the Philippines, I have gained enough courage and confidence to venture into routes less favored as long as I arrive at my final destination successfully and safely. The foremost reason for this daring attitude could be because of the ability of speaking the same language with the locals so there is lesser chances of miscommunication.  

My travel to Mahabang Buhangin in Calaguas Island is a perfect get away from my usual routine because it induces my body and brain for more challenging activity. 

Relying on other people's blogs, hubby and I took a plane to Naga, Camarines Norte then, a taxi to SM Mall. We waited here for about an hour for a Daet van, only to drop us at the central terminal station where passengers bound for different destinations such as Daet, Legaspi, etc. wait their rides.

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Tips going to Daet from Naga Airport:

1       When you arrive Naga Camarines Sur, Pili airport, there are already taxis waiting for arriving passengers. Try to catch a taxi that has just dropped off a departing flight passenger offering the driver P200.00 - fare to SM Naga Mall or Central Terminal Station than taking a taxi parked at the airport and haggle to lower their prices that range from P350.00. Do not pay attention to the barkers as they tell you that those taxis are not taking in any passenger originating from the airport because there is a line for taxis. Or walk a bit out from the airport and take a metered taxi if you are traveling light.

    

          Tell the taxi driver to drop you straight at the Central Terminal Station instead of SM Mall when bound for Daet. It is about 3 kilometers away more from the mall. Vans bound for Daet at SM take some time to arrive. This place is just a drop off point for incoming Naga passengers. Vans here take in passengers then drop them off at the Central Station to ride on the van in queue. It takes about 2 hours trip from Naga to Daet with a fare of P180.00/pax or so. (Taxi drivers are sometimes not helpful enough. We experienced being dropped at SM and told us to just wait for Daet vans. Hhmm! He could have just brought us to the Central Terminal than waited for an hour. Had I known, we could have gone straight there.)

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When we arrived Daet central terminal, we decided not go straight to Calaguas Island since it was already late afternoon. As recommended by our fellow van passenger, we could stay here in Daet first for the night. So, we ate at Lukban’s KSarap Restaurant just across SM mall, tried their pansit and yummy empanadas! We stayed at a very affordable - WilTan Hotel. It's just a few steps from the restaurant. Just before sunset, we had a special tricycle ride at P50.00 to Bagasbas beach and watched kite surfers and board surfers ensue the fracas through the rough waves of the sea. It is no doubt, surfers love to engage in surfing here because of the big, strong and continuous waves being tossed to the shore. Tricycle ride back to the inn was only P20.00.

We watched the kite surfers, paramotoring/paragliding in Bagasbas, Daet, Camarines Norte. They say it's P500. per ride.

We also watched the board surfers ensue the fracas through the rough waves of the sea. 

No doubt surfers love to engage in surfing here because of the big, strong and continuous waves being tossed to the shore.

In Daet, there are two options to go to Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Island when I searched the google map - Via Vinzons or Paracale town. We opted to take Vinzons town to catch our boat because it’s nearer from where we were in Daet. It's only 20 minutes to reach there with P20.00/pax fare. From the jeepney stop, we took a short tricycle ride to the fish port with a fare of P8.00/pax. I knew where I was going but did not know the best route to get to Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Island. Upon arriving at the fish port at 7:30 a.m., we waited for the boat to be filled with goods (ice blocks, wood, lumber, groceries, etc.) to be transported to Balacbac and Sugod islands plus just a few passengers like us. Apparently, this is the boat we should take. We relied greatly on the information we gathered from the boatmen. There was a boatman who offered us to go direct to Mahabang Buhangin renting his boat at P10,000. return. The price was too much so we waited for that public boat.

We may have taken the route less favored! The boat dropped by Balacbac Island first .... 

…... then Sugod Island.

The boat we took stopped in Balacbac Island where some goods were unloaded and then finally disembarked in Sugod Island - the end point of the boat. When we were in Sugod, we haggled for prices of boats which ranges from P3,000.00 + to bring us to Mahabang Buhangin. Finally, there was one who offered us P1,500.00 return. We took that very small boat with skepticism and reminded me of my experience of the small boat that broke in the middle of the rough open seas going to Safari Island, Palawan! “No, never again!” I thought, but we ended up taking that boat. The boatman was very careful though, passing maybe the route less taken. Struggling from getting through the rough waves of the sea was compensated when we were able to get a glimpse of the awesome sight afar. I already had the impression that this island is a paradise! Thank God! We arrived safely ashore against the rough seas and huge waves of the open Pacific sea!

True enough! “Wow!” was the first word I uttered just when I stepped on the stunning powdery white sand and dazzling pristine blue waters! The long stretch of beach is like paradise! We stayed at the new Waling Waling Beach Resort – the most beautiful contemporary resort on this island. It is a bit pricey compared with the neighboring resorts but it is worth the price for our accommodation.

Waling Waling Beach Resort's elevated cabanas.

The architectural set-up of the whole resort, the designs of the cabanas are spectacular!

The common bathrooms are huge and furnished with modern fixtures. 

The architectural set-up of the whole resort, the designs of the cabanas are spectacular! It’s the only resort that has electric power even at night. We heard that we were the first few customers who profited the place. We spent 2 nights in a very cozy tent – furnished with 6” mattress, pillows and sheets. I was able to talk with Mrs. Sacay, the owner of the place, listened to her stories like why she sold her Boracay resort and replaced it to develop this beautiful island.

Meet Pearl. Our newfound friend who like us, loves traveling.We met her in Vinzons town inquiring on boats to Calaguas Island. She ended up joining us discovering Mahabang Buhangin! I don't know if she takes it a favorable circumstance, but for me, it was as if I have already known her long time ago!

Visitors here are still few so that makes this place very quiet and private.

We discovered the environs of the island by going to the other side where most of the locals reside. We climbed the hills to view the whole island and its surroundings.

We hate to leave this paradise! We returned to Paracale by Waling-Waling Resort’s big boat and canceling the small boat we hired earlier although we paid it full. We also withdrew our Naga return flight as it is going to be another 4 hours land travel to Naga Airport. We took DLTB bus line instead that left at 6:30 p.m. for Cubao.

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Tips on Food
Once you have discovered where to ride and what time the boat leaves for Mahabang Buhangin at Paracale, buy your food in the market. Tell the tryke to bring you to the market with P8.00 fare/pax. This is if you want to save money but still want to EAT and EAT like me. Buy a styrophor worth P270.00 at a store near the market to keep your meat and fish fresh. Have the tindera help you to store it with ice. At Waling Waling Resort, they don't allow you to cook coz they prefer customers on a package deal - inclusive of boat transfers, food and accommodation. You can ask the caretaker, at Mang Bert's Resort (next to Waling-Waling), Alabok, to cook your meals with a very minimal fee. Although, you can also buy newly caught fish in the barrio which is on the other side of the island about 15-20 min on foot if you want to venture. Just inquire where fish is sold. Fish stores are just houses where fishermen drop their catch to a middleman. Sea foods at Paracale Market are cheap too and readily available.
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Tips going to Calaguas, Mahabang Buhangin:

By Air:

I have mentioned earlier how to go to Daet Central Terminal Station coming from Naga airport. There are two options to go to Calaguas, Mahabang buhangin – Vinzons Port and Paracale Port. I think it is better to take Paracale Port. Once you’re in Daet (a 2hour-ride from Naga), ride a tricycle (10.00/pax) and advise the driver to take you to Paracale terminal station. Going to Paracale is a longer route – 45min-1 hour distance from Daet compared to Vinzons (20 min-ride from Daet) because in Paracale, there are more chances for you to be able to take a public boat to Calaguas unless you are a group of 10 persons and are willing to rent a private boat at Vinzons that ranges from P10,000.00 return. When you are in Paracale terminal station, take a tryke to take you to the fish port where the boats are docked if you opt to take the inexpensive public boat (boat that loads/transports goods, groceries for Calaguas Island and few passengers). The departure time of boats to Calaguas Island is  inconstant but between the hours of 8-11 in the morning or until all the goods are loaded in the boat. Just be there early enough and advise the boatman where your destination is. As a passenger you only pay P50.00 up to Calaguas barrio BUT you can ask a favor to the boatman if he can take you to Mahabang Buhangin which is just on the other side of the barrio paying an additional P100. Deal with the boatman on your return so that you’re sure of the time of your return paying him P100.00. In case, of unpredictable eventualities, walk to the barrio (the other side of the island) and ask which boats are going to Paracale.

To return to Naga Airport from Calaguas Island, disembark at Paracale, ride a tryke (P8.00/pax) to take you to van central terminal station that goes to Daet (less than P200.00. fare) From Daet station, ride a taxi to Naga Airport.

By Land:

To go to Calaguas, Mahabang buhangin, ride DLTB (new bus route) or Superlines that go direct to Paracale in Cubao/Pasay with a promo fare at P390.00/pax. Ride a tryke and advise the driver to take you to Paracale fish port. Continue to follow the same instruction mentioned above.

To return to Manila from Calaguas Island, ride a pre-arranged boat and disembark at Paracale, ride a tryke (P8.00/pax) to take you to DLTB terminal station that goes to Cubao/Pasay with a promo fare at P390.00/pax.
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Tips on bring home goodies: (specially when traveling by bus)
1. There is a local person who offers dried fish to guests at the resort at a very cheap price - P120./kilo. You can buy from him your pasalubong.

2. Before going to the bus station, drop by at the fish market and load some fresh fish into a styrophor. Ask the tindera to help you pack with ice. The tuna fish we bought was still very fresh for sashimi when we arrived in Manila. Yellow fin is only P130.00/K.
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While at Paracale and waiting for our ride back to Manila which was at 6:00 p.m., we asked a favor if we could rest at Tugos Barangay Hall where we met 2 generous Kagawad members who let us in into their building. Thank you for your hospitality! We were also brought to a gold factory where we witnessed how gold is extracted from rocks by grinding them and catching the mine with mercury. It was interesting for me to see the intricacies of gold extraction.

We might have taken the route less favored but it was an experience! I've learned to accept that every  occasion is a learning experience whether it requires great effort or not!

What an experience to discover Mahabang Buhangin in Calaguas Island! If you're into white powdery sand, indescribable beach, peaceful and quiet atmosphere, camping with friends - discover this paradise!

I left my footprints in Coron!

I left my footprints in Coron hoping that I could still find them when I go back again and be with my newfound friends!

At first, I paused traveling to Coron because it was one of the typhoon-affected regions. Searching the internet I was happy to know that Coron is back to “normal”. They have cleared the debris and ready to welcome visitors with little inconvenience of brown-outs.

I left Manila with gusto because Coron is a place I’ve always wanted to visit! Like other places I’ve been in the Philippines, I usually don’t reserve a hotel because it’s easy to find one once I reach my destination. Inns/hotels advertised in the internet are usually more expensive that those that aren’t. (That’s only my thinking if you’re kinda adventurous like me and would want to try the do-it-yourself kind of traveling.)

Hubby and I arrived in Busuaga airport almost at noon, and rode a van for P150./pax to Coron town. The vans are parked in front of the airport. I acted like it wasn’t my first time to Coron Island and told the driver holler to just drop us off near the market place. (Markets are commonly located at the town center, right?) It only took a 30- minute-ride to town.

Upon reaching town, we ate at the first eatery we bumped into. After filling our stomachs, we carried our backpacks and canvassed hotels/inns nearby. We were sure the nice looking hotels charge higher so we avoided them first. The two inns we inquired charge 1,500/night as the cheapest. Then went on and found Majica’s non-aircon room worth 400 and above/night (we didn't like this place) then Mommita’s Place at 700 and above/night with aircon, tv and common toilets. (There were other rooms for 3-5 people for 1,500/room Tel. 09178230721 /09088962630) We stayed in this place because it’s clean even the toilets plus Mommita and her 3 workers are very hospitable and helpful. Mommita suggests activities you can do for the duration of your stay in Coron and her recommendations are reliable.  

We went to a luxurious Mediterranean-inspired hotel – Cota Del Mar. 

After resting a while, we discovered the area around our lodging place. It’s just a few steps to the market, souvenir shops and sari-sari stores. Then, we proceeded to where our feet could lead us. We dropped by a luxurious Mediterranean-inspired hotel – Cota Del Mar. The woodwork of the furniture and architectural ornaments are impressive!

The woodwork of the furniture and architectural ornaments are impressive!

Then, we proceeded to the houses on stilts near the area. I instantly noticed that locals are friendly. People you bumped into often greet you. (Maybe the locals are used to having visitors around so they greet new faces in the area.) Their language is Tagalog apart from their own native Cuyonon language. We went to see the aquariums where the wild and cultured sea bass are temporarily housed before they are exported, they say. I usually ask the locals, “Ano pang pwede naming makita rito?” and happy to often uncover results of my questioning.

The houses on stilts by the bay. I instantly noticed that locals are friendly. People you bump often greet you.

Before sunset, we climbed the 720 steps of Mt. Tapyas. We hired a tricycle from one of Mommita’s tryke network to the foot of the mountain. Reaching the peak of the exhausting ascend of 720 strides is rewarding because you’re at the vantage point of the entire Coron town and its islets. We were astonished to see the enormous steel cross that was toppled by wind from the terrible storm, Yolanda.

We climbed the 720 steps of Mt. Tapyas. The peak is a vantage point of the entire Coron town and its islets.

We continued our tricycle ride adventure to Maquinit Hot Springs for an entrance fee of P150/pax. It was quiet a bumpy 30-min road tryke-ride. I dipped myself bit by bit into the biggest pool first as it has the lowest temperature among the 4 hot pools. The smaller pool on the left side is the hottest. It’s the hottest spring I’ve ever been with salty water! It’s really relaxing but I felt congested after soaking myself for more than an hour! The round-trip tricycle ride to Mt. Tapyas then Maquinit Hot Springs cost P300.00. Others charge up to P500.

I dipped myself bit by bit into the biggest pool first at Maquinit Hot Springs

We went island hopping the following morning. The cheapest join riders boat (riding with other passengers) we encountered was P650.00/pax covering 5 islets (including entrance fees and food) and for a private boat ride P1,500.00. We opted to take the private boat ride, bought our own food - liempo and a kilo of fish for us and the 2 boatmen. Depending on how many you are, I recommend that you take the private boat and split the expenses among yourselves. But if you’re alone, better join with the joiner type of boat. With a private boat, you can go to the different islands of (your choice, or as recommended by the boatmen) even covering more islands than the joiner boat offers. We covered about 8 breathtaking islets and just passed through the others that seemed to have the same kind of sights. Each island has its own indescribable beauty but my favorite islands were those I could snorkel!

Beautiful sights from Kayangan lake. Islets in Coron are awesome limestone rock formations. 

The boatman accompanied me in my snorkeling activities even diving and showing me interesting colorful coral reefs and fish. Being with him all through out my ocean adventures gave me confidence in deep waters. It was his first time to dive again after the storm and dismayed to see the difference of now and before. I felt his great deal of heartbreak on how much devastation Yolanda had caused creatures underwater. He carried a big chipped dead coral of different colors for me to see.

To be underwater (I mean snorkeling) - observing the sea creatures is often a superb experience. I feel being in a different world and the best place I'd ever be! How I wish to live in that kind of environment! The ambience of serenity and peace with all the colorful fish nurture my senses! I wonder how a school of fish are just united following the same accord. Could people be as amalgamated!

At every stopover you make on an island, you pay 100/pax and 200/pax at Kayangan lake for the indigenous who presumably own and take care of the island except the beautiful public CYC beach and another one. Lucky us for there’s no fee here on this beautiful beach. And since we’re adventurous, we climbed the rocky hill. I felt a sense of gratification for we still could climb holding on to the left-over roots/branches of trees from the storm, Yolanda.  On our way back we had a stop over at an exquisite, tropical inspired bungalow-style hotel called Balinsasayaw where we met the owner herself relating how much devastation Yolanda brought to their resort. She relates that her Pili trees were  already in bloom but have been toppled by the storm!

Balinsasayaw is a tropical inspired bungalow-style hotel. Pili trees in bloom were destroyed by the terrible storm, Yolanda, says the owner of the resort.

On the third day, we proceeded to Calauit Island taking the public non-aircon Rafal bus to Buluang. You can catch the bus near the market place. The fare is just 100-130/pax. It left at 10.30 a.m. and arrived around 1.30-2 p.m. in Buluang. We often discover the least expensive way to see places. Traveling by bus allowed me to see the extent of the typhoon in the provinces. My heart goes to those affected by the terrible storm.

Upon reaching Buluang, we went straight to Calauit Island by a pump boat recommended by the bus driver for a fee of P1,250.00 to and fro. (Going to Macalachao and riding a bigger 10 min.-boat-ride at 200./pax would have been way better - a lesson learned.) The sea was rough and got scared when the pump boat suddenly stopped working in the middle of the rough ocean. I was relieved when the boatman got his small boat worked again and arrived safely in Calauit. Wheww!

Buluang to Calauit Safari Park by the tiny pump boat is a 30-min.-ride. The staff welcomed us and were introduced to people who would take care of us for the duration of our stay. We “camped” at a gazebo where we stayed for the night. We paid 200./pax for the entrance fee and P350. for the gazebo accommodation.  I give thanks to Mang Jose A. Santiago who was responsible for preparing our meals and other needs, to Mr. Rolly Alcantara who toured us around the park. The island uses a generator that works until 9 pm.

Calauit Island is a sanctuary of exotic African animals.  It’s lovely to see zebras, deer, elans out of "captivity" grazing nearby our low-fenced gazebo! I thought it would be dark once the electric generator was turned off but the brightness of the full moon enabled us to spot the surroundings and needless to bring a flashlight to go to the toilet which is a few steps away from the gazebo. I had a sound sleep because of the fresh air, under a mosquito net, hearing the sound of the crickets and other animals.

What a pity to see traces left by the terrible storm - many trees broken or uprooted and rooftops of structures were blown away.

The illuminance of the full moon enabled us to spot our surroundings from the gazebo where we stayed for the night.

It’s lovely to see zebras, deer, elans out of "captivity" grazing nearby our low-fenced gazebo! What a pity to see traces left by the terrible storm - the gazebo now leaning. There used to be 2 gazebos but the other one was totally destroyed by the terrible storm.

In the early morning, we spotted a giraffe drinking water from a barrel just by the fence of our gazebo. What a lovely view! Then, more came, and another more! The animals get their daily food in the morning at the same spot so we were fortunate to give the giraffes their favorite meal.

We toured the area where the animals – monkeys, eagle, baboy damo, snakes, crocodiles are caged.

Mr. Rolly Alcantara toured us where the other animals – monkeys, eagle, baboy damo, crocodiles are caged. More than the fascinating animals, I imagined that the trees added attractiveness and gave shelter to the area but has been toppled down by the storm. Every person you meet expresses his/her heartbreak and sorrowfulness of the effect of the storm. I listened to their endless stories. The only words of consolation I could utter is: “We just have to be thankful because you did not lose any member of your family!”

Shortly before lunch, we traveled back by the same pump boat assuring him that his boat shouldn’t break again. The boatman was very careful this time. To relieve us from our previous bad experience, he dropped us at a beautiful islet and gave us time to appreciate it.

We bought danggit (a kind of a dried fish) here then ate lunch with the family. We broiled Manong's newly caught sea bass and ate together on a banana leaf. 

He also brought us where we could buy dried fish. Just a view from a distance to the shore, I saw the crushed coconut trees! We disembarked and met a very hospitable family. Manong Vizcarra relates his experiences during the storm. He believes even more that there is a God because He protected them from being hurt from the trees that could have fallen directly to their hut.

There are no other people in this world who are more hospitable and friendlier than Filipinos!

Despite of adversity, it’s amazing to see how this family tries to make life like normal. Filipinos are indeed resilient! The two pigs are Manong's granddaughter's playmates.

Yes, I saw the uprooted/ravaged trees just 1-2 meters away from his house. Their nipa hut is still in a ravaged state brought by the storm. Meeting these victims enabled me to realize what resilience really means. Again and again, I uttered my words of consolation! Despite of adversity, it’s amazing to see how this family tries to make life like normal.

We ate lunch with the father’s newly caught fish, broiled it and ate together on banana leaf. 

We ate lunch with them sharing the father’s newly caught fish – broiled it and ate together on a banana leaf. There are no other people in this world who are more hospitable and friendlier than Filipinos! I listened to Manong’s granddaughter's horrifying experience as she was turning torn pages of a book spread on the ground for sun dry, hoping to recover some pages. As a sign of gratitude to the family we offered them our left over goodies and some money. Manong’s wish is for us to go back and hope that he will have built a cottage for us to stay by the pristine shore!

We spent the night at our boatman’s house. I bought food (fish, octopus, stingray and rice) for us to share. I felt their delight that we were with them but really more so with us! Thank you for your hospitality!

We rode on a motorbike back to Coron through the generosity of Chris and Antoy. I was touched by Antoy's kindness when he related to me about his charitable gesture after the storm such as comforting his neighborhood by inviting them to watch the latest Pacquiao's fight on his TV! (He's one of the blessed and fortunate to have electric generator in Buluang.)  The neighbours were temporarily relieved and forgot the tragic caused by storm Yolanda when they watched Pacquiao's fight.   The effects of his good deeds were apparent to the happy faces of the storm victims. Kudos to you, Antoy!

This kind Senior Inspector Chief, who introduced himself as Alex Malatag invited us to have lunch with them in celebration of their Christmas party. 

We rode on a motorbike back to Coron through the generosity of Chris and Antoy for 1 and a half hour, picked up our things we left in Coron, then to the airport. The two motorbikes cost P1,500. Busses going to Coron are unreliable especially on arrival time and we were worried we’d be late for our plane ride supposedly at 9:30 am. Unfortunately, when we arrived at the airport, I received a text that our plane carrier was going to be delayed till 4:30 in the afternoon. (Only in the Philippines!) We could have stayed longer in Buluang or Coron and spent more time with our newfound friends. The consolation we got is the invitation from an ever hospitable Filipino who offered us lunch when we were looking for a restaurant. The kind Senior Inspector Chief, Alex Malatag invited us to just have our lunch in celebration of their Christmas party with the rest of the airport employees.

I left my footprints in Coron hoping that I could still find them when I fly back and be with my newfound friends!

Of all the places I explored, I always encounter a unique feature of that area. This just proves that God provided us creatures to please us and enjoy! May this pleasure we enjoy be handed on to our next generation! Let's take care of our heritage!

My travel tips to Coron:

1.     When you go island hopping as a group say, 3 persons or more, it’s best to take a private boat. It only costs 1,500.00 for the boat from morning till late afternoon. If you sum up the cost,  it’s cheaper than the joiners boat. Joiners boat offers 650-1,500/pax depending on the how many islands you’re embarking. The joiners boat however, is inclusive of the fees you pay for the 4-5 islet stopovers (P100/pax and P200./pax at Kayangan lake) and food. With a private boat, you can go to islets of your choice and may be covering more than 5 islets compared to what the joiners boat offers. You can buy fresh food in the market and the boatman will cook for you. They carry all the utensils with them. Private boats are anchored at the back of the market.

2.    When going to Calauit Safari Park and you’re on a budget tour, take the public non-aircon bus that leaves at 10.30 to Macalachao. Ask the bus driver to take drop you where you can go to Safari Park. It takes about 4-hour bus-ride with a fare of 130-150/pax. At Macalachao, ride a motor bike to the shore where you can take a boat to cross the island.  You can already view the Park at the shore. The boat-ride to Safari Park is 200/pax one way. In any means of transportation and package deal you choose, traveling to Coron is worth the trip! Indeed, It's more fun in the Philippines!

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