Mahabang Buhangin @ Calaguas Island

I thought I have seen the best beaches in the Philippines - but not until I set foot on Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte. Tell me what a good beach should be and this beach will definitely exceed your expectation.

Let me start with the views. As a landscape enthusiast, this place has everything you need to have a memorable snapshot. From the white sand ending into a blue sea and even bluer horizons. From the solitary boat swaying gently on the equally gentle waves with islet backdrops. To the quality rock formations at both ends of the beach fit for some long-exposure shots. And did I mention that the sunset there is just awe-inspiring?

And for the beach bums? Mahabang Buhangin Beach has one of the longest and widest white sanded shores I have ever seen. What I like about this beach is the quality of the sand that is so fine that seem to never end even when you are within few meters in the water. And the water is just so clear and pristine that you can see your feet clearly when standing on the waist-deep sea.

This place is truly a natural bliss and will definitely go back here again in the future summers. Here are some pics:

Tropical Paradise

One of Pinas' Best

Mahabang Buhangin Fits the Bill

Wide and Long Beach Shore

Seascape at its Best

Simply Amazing Place

Blue Sea and Sky plus White Clouds and Sand

Secluded Paradise

Scenic End

A Boat By The Blue

Gentle Splash

This beach trip definitely highlighted my 2010 summer. Another amazing trip with good buddies Dong Ho, Scud, Jon, JC, Ian and Alfred.

To go there, book a bus ride from Pasay to Paracale, Camarines Norte (Philtranco, Superlines about P500 for approximately 8 to 10 hours). Alternately, you may opt to take the Pasay - Daet, Camarines Norte trip. There are no regular, commercial trip to Calaguas Island so you need to rent a fishing boat in Paracale. This where your haggling technique comes in handy. A midsize boat that can carry around 8 passengers usually cost around Php 2,500 round-trip.

The boat trip will lead you to Mahabang Buhangin which is the most beautiful and popular spot in the Island. Other than a few native cottages at the right side of the beach, there are no other accommodations so you need to bring everything that you need from the food to the tent. Although there is a community there within a trekking distance, save from other like-minded travelers, you will have the beach - including its amazing pristine beauty - all to yourselves.

I am sharing this post for all my Pinoy friends to see and also to my friends in My World. To see other amazing places around the world, please click here.