Out Of The Coverage Area . . . In Calaguas

To be sure, friends who called me over the weekend must have received this response: “The number you have dialed is either unattended or out of the coverage area. Please try or call later. The number you have dialed is either unattended or out of the coverage area. Please try or call later.” Then, toot . . . Or, SMS sent must have been undelivered and needless to say, unanswered.

For I was in Calaguas away from it all, beyond reach and no trappings of modern technology: no mobile telephony, no internet. In exchange, I got the beauty of a pristine beach of powdery white sand consistent from end-to-end coupled with crystal-clear water that can rival Boracay’s Station 1 sans the crowd, uncontrolled over-development and water sewage emptying out to the beach. For 3 days and 2 nights, I kept to my own world, clueless to the goings-on outside.

But where is Calaguas and how did I get there? Here are some quick and basic tips:

Getting There. I am a DIY person when it comes to defining my travels, whether here or abroad. But this Calaguas trip is so uncharacteristic of me as this is my first time to arrange everything through the power of text messaging.

When my cousin-in-law and I finally agreed on the dates for our respective families to go to Calaguas, which is a group of islands under Vinzons town in Camarines Norte 2 hours offshore by boat, she sent me an email about Byahe Adventours (+639272508522; +639157792222), one of the tour operators that caters to Calaguas guests, with the name and number of the contact person. Shortly afterwards, I started texting the person who gave me quick and precise instructions – i.e. deposit the tour package amount (PHP4,200 per person for 3d2n all in: transpo, “accommodation” and full-board) to a specific bank under the relevant account/name, keep the deposit slip and then bring it to DLTB bus terminal in Cubao on the chosen departure date.

As instructed, we went to the bus terminal wherein we met a certain RJ (CP: +63917 4320215), the person who I've been texting with. Such is the power of text and the speed of trust - simple but scary I must say. The 7 or 8-hour night time trip had us waking up at Vinzons town, getting off at its town hall for a short wait for the jeep that will take us to the Logport, jump off point to Calaguas. Getting to the Logport meant a butt-breaking humpy-bumpy 20-minute ride through a secondary road riddled with potholes from beginning to end. 

I’m glad that Byahe Adventours arranged for everything, instead of me talking and negotiating stressfully with the jeepney driver and later, the boat operator.

Left: DLTB bus, with wi-fi, that took us to Vinzons; Right: Logport, jump off point to Calaguas

Staying There. Camping out is the norm in Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Islands. We were provided with tents already pitched on the beach ready for us to lie down on. There is no established resort with air-conditioned rooms to share. Others even preferred to sleep on the beach itself, outside the tent, with just sleeping bags, beach towels or mats shielding them from the cool night wind.

we had lessons learned during our 1st camp out in Kalanggaman Islet between Cebu and Leyte; 

whereas before, we only used sleeping bags to cushion the tent "floor," this time around, we had

a sleeping bag, portable foam and fluffy comforter to simulate the comfort of home; 

our travel companions observed that ours was the most comfy tent; indeed it was

here's how the tent village by the beach looks like

Eating There. Dining was not a problem because our package was all inclusive – transpo, transfers, tent accommodation and food. Food was prepared by a chef no less, Chef Jangie (Ocoma) (CP: +63917 5276480) of Lakwatserong Kusinero fame who whipped up delicious dishes for each and every meal. Though “accommodation” is camping mode (i.e. with the usual de lata or instant noodles), Chef Jangie’s philosophy defies it with his 3 entrees each meal, presented buffet style. This CSB-educated HRM major and CCA-trained chef reigns supreme not just in the hot kitchen but also outside of it - a mixologist, fire dancer, an all-around performer. One can also catch him playing volleyball or frisbee with guests during his free time. All these on top of his being a restaurant owner in his hometown, Lucban, Quezon. Certainly one of the most multi-talented and multi-skilled persons I have ever met.

Chef Jangie in the kitchen with some of his instant fans

There are small sari-sari stores selling basic stuff, the farthest that one’s shopping can go.

  

Bathing There. Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Mahabang Buhangin is unlimited but after-swim wash up is a challenge. A couple of toilets and bathrooms will do the trick, but no shower. One does it the classic way – the perfect and inseparable match of balde (pail) and tabo (dipper). Bathe inside the bathroom of thatched nipa for a roof and bamboo shingles for a wall. There is no faucet inside the toilet or bath – one has to fetch water from the balon or artesian well nearby. Local beach residents accept PHP10 for each pail of water pumped out of the well and delivered to one’s toilet or bath.

But lines can be long and the wait, longer. Another option is to bathe near the artesian well itself.

looking pretty much like the provincial poso of my childhood

Although Calaguas has water sources, it does not have electricity. Tour operators address this concern by using generators that run from 6 PM to 12 MN only.

Nightlife. Definitely no Boracay-type nightlife but the tour operator can provide some semblance of it. In our case, Byahe Adventours injected some elements into the after-dinner program such as mixology which Chef Jangie himself did and fire dancing with Chef Jangie again joined in by his friend, Star. Open bar followed after the session on mixology whereby guests had the chance to mix their own drinks. 

Chef Jangie mixing spirits, liquors, etc. assisted by one of the guests,

 who worked as bartender in the US 

guests sampling Chef Jangie's out-of-the-kitchen but

on-bar concoctions

But how’s the beach? Let the pictures speak for themselves. Hazard alert though: given the fine white sand and crystal-clear water, anything strange can be easily spotted. One such thing is the button-sized jellyfish which can be seen gliding by occasionally. But overall, still a pleasant swimming experience.

the refreshing sight that welcomes guests upon arrival

except for some footprints, the beach most especially that 

area wherein the sea meets the sand, is spotlessly clean

it only takes a cardio-heavy trek to see this breathtaking view

i love this southern side of the beach; not much people

my favorite corner of the beach to catch sunrise

cool !!! a beach bum carabao !!! huts in the background are Calaguas'

counterpart to Boracay's Waling-Waling which can be rented for 

PHP3,000 per hut per night for a maximum of 6 pax 

perigargan moment on the way back to Vinzons

Other special interests. Water sports activities are available for a fee like kayaking, banana boat ride, etc. 

Thanks everyone.