Sunday, November 13, 2011

Part 1: Going to Calaguas


We checked out of the EcoVillage at 5 a.m. Good thing a service shuttle dropped us off at the highway just in time to catch a passing bus bound for Naga. A Daet-bound van left just as we were approaching the terminal.

Naga bound!

The next van was still empty and so, we were able to pick the most comfortable seats we can find in a rather cramped van. I’m no fan of taking commuter vans especially where 14-18 passengers are packed like sardines.

Thankfully, the ride to Daet, Camarines Norte was less than 2 hours. My legs tend to fall asleep or have cramps if I can’t stretch them once in a while. During the trip I was able to doze off.

Our transfer to Paracale at Daet was seamless. The van heading to Paracale immediately left after we got on board. The van is fairly new and the air conditioning is perfectly working despite having 18 passengers packed in it.


Less than an hour later we were in Paracale. This laidback town is known for its gold. We picked Paracale as our jump off point to Mahabang Buhangin in Tinaga Island. Most locals of Tinaga sell their produce and buy their supplies in Paracale hence there’s always a daily boat plying between the two places, albeit without having a fixed schedule. The boat usually come in the morning and departs in the afternoon.

Our Lady of Candles Parish Church in Paracale

One may opt to take the boat that caters to the locals or hire a boat straight to Mahabang Buhangin. Being on a budget and as adventure seekers, we chose to ride the boat that the locals take. Unfortunately, priority is given to the locals than to visitors of the island. Fare is also double of what the locals pay. We belong at the bottom of the totem pole.


No comments:

Post a Comment

Infolinks In Text Ads

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...