Calaguas Islands

THERE are only a few spots in the Philippines where you can walk barefoot on fine white sand beaches. The most popular, of course, is Boracay's kilometers-long powdery-white sand beach, but it is not easy to enjoy barefooting on an overcrowded beach.

What if I told you there's another kilometer-long white sand beach only an eight-hour drive from Manila, plus another two hours by boat? It is called Calaguas located in Vinzons, Camarines Norte.

Mahabang Buhangin

River mouth near the boat station.

Balagbag Island

Calaguas sunset.

Secret beach in Calaguas.

Resort in Calaguas.

Rice delicacy called 'angko.'

Vinzons House before restoration.

Entrance to St. Peter’s Church.

Interior of St. Peter’s Church.

St. Peter’s Church

Boats going to Calaguas.

Calaguas, or more specifically the Calaguas Islands, are a group of islands located off the coast of the Bicol Peninsula. They include the major islands of Tinaga and Guintunua, as well as some smaller islands like Balagbag and Huag. Calaguas is under the administrative jurisdiction of the municipality of Vinzons.

Some locals say Calaguas got its name from the combination of the Spanish terms "cal" for lime and "aguas" for water, referring to the emerald green water surrounding the islands. The famous kilometer-long white sand beach is located on the western side of Tinaga Island.

Vinzons, the municipality to which Calaguas belongs, was established by the Franciscans in 1581. It was originally called Indan, derived from the humindang plant variety abundant in the area. It was later renamed Vinzons after the war, in honor of Wenceslao Vinzons, a native of Indan who became one of the governors of the province of Camarines Norte.

Getting there

Vinzons is located 333 kilometers south of Manila. To get there, drive via South Luzon Expressway, then follow the Pan-Philippine Highway going to Bicol. Upon reaching the Bicol welcome arch, head straight instead of taking Andaya Highway on the right, and continue on the old highway, passing through the municipalities of Sta. Elena and Labo before turning left to Vinzons.

Vinzons strictly controls the number of visitors going to the islands, so make sure you make prior arrangements with the resorts located at Mahabang Buhangin before getting there. The resorts also take care of your boat ride to the island. There's a Tourism Assistance Desk in Barangay Calangcawan where the boat station to Calaguas is located. There's ample parking space near the boat station.

Exploring Vinzons

Dubbed as the Eco-Heritage Town of Camarines Norte, there are plenty of things to see and do in Vinzons before heading to Calaguas. Visit the St. Peter the Apostle Church, built in 1611 and considered the oldest church in the province. The church was badly damaged by fire in 2012 but is now fully restored to its full glory with the help of various parishioners, architects, priests, and the National Historical Commission.

The town also has several ancestral houses, including the house of Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, which has now been fully restored. The town's old Gabaldon School has also been restored and turned into the Vinzons Heritage Education Museum. Several of the town's culinary heritage items, like angko, hinalo, and pandecillos, have also been preserved and can be sampled at the pasalubong center located on the left side of the municipal hall.

Mahabang Buhangin

Vinzons' hidden pride, the pristine Mahabang Buhangin, can be reached in two hours from Barangay Calangcawan. At present, there are about five accredited resorts operating in the area. There is very limited electricity (available only at night) and no mobile phone signal (though you can connect to the Wi-Fi for a fee).

Don't worry, as there are plenty of things to do at Mahabang Buhangin if you love nature. You can swim, snorkel, kayak with a crystal kayak, build sandcastles, sunbathe, and yes, walk barefoot on the beach that you can enjoy all by yourself.

Enjoying the islands

There are also many things you can do while in Calaguas. Take a boat to the nearby Balagbag Island and visit its magnificent rock formations. Climb to the top of its hill to get a breathtaking view of Calaguas and its surroundings.

Hire a local guide to take you to Tinago Peak, located on the southern part of the island, to watch the sunrise or sunset. Explore the eastern part of the island via a 15-minute walk to Barangay Mangkawayan and visit the community of fishermen who have made Calaguas their home for many years. Talk to the locals, and they will be more than happy to tell you about more places you can explore in this piece of paradise they call home.