At the breakwater by the mouth of the river, we found a boat going to Mangcawayan in Tinaga Island, one of the two main islands of Calaguas Group. As soon as they started loading the boat I approached the boatman and inquired if they could take us to Mangcawayan. His response that was we can ride with them if there’s space left after the locals and all the supplies were loaded.
The boat was laden with bags of cement, boards of plywood and whatnots. Looks like our chance of riding this boat to Tinaga Island seemed bleak. Despite that we lingered by the breakwater.
Every time a boat docked at the shore I hurriedly go to the boatman and inquired if they’re going to Mangcawayan. But their reply was all nays.
Gold Panning along Paracale River
I was getting frustrated until I chatted with an old man, who happens to be the barangay captain of Maculabo Island, and he told me that we could still go to Mahabang Baybay by way of Cabuon or Sasa in Tinaga Island.
Cabuon bound boats are at the other side of the river. It’s a fifteen-minute walk to the other side. Fortunately, a boat from Cabuon just arrived when I got there. He agreed to take us to Cabuon and told me to come back at 2 p.m.
I went back to my cousin whom I left by the breakwater with our backpacks. We had a quick lunch and then set off to buy last minute stuffs at the market before heading to the other side of the river to wait for our boat.
By 1:45 p.m. we were at the riverbank waiting. A few minutes later I caught sight of the boat approaching to anchor. We waded in the water and got on board. They still had to load some supplies on the boat. I didn’t mind the wait since we are bound for Mahabang Baybay.
Maculabo Island (Paracale)
Kumalasag Island (Calaguas Group)
Ingalan Island (Calaguas Group)
This island can be yours for Php 17 million.
At 2:45 p.m. we left Paracale and headed out for Tinaga Island. The sea was calm and the weather was sunny in Camarines Norte, especially in Calaguas, while Typhoon Quiel was lashing across Northern Luzon.
Two hours later after leaving Paracale, we arrived in Cabuon. The trail to Mahabang Buhangin sounded easy based on the instructions given to us by locals in Cabuon. Just get over the hill and the beach will be awaiting us at the other side. Trek would roughly be one hour.
Approaching Cabuon
Not knowing what’s in Tinaga Island, we bought enough supplies that would last us a day or so. I’d say I have at least 20kgs in my backpack while my cousin has even more. Had we went straight to Mangcawayan, we’d be crossing across the plains to Mahabang Buhangin in 15 minutes.
Excitement was high when we started climbing the first hill but soon we realized we’re not trekking just one hill but a series of hills. The trail runs like a roller coaster over the hills. There were numerous forks on the trail and we relied on the locals we met along the way for directions and they’re very helpful. One man even went out of his way just to show us right trail to Mahabang Buhangin.
I wasn’t prepared for this climb. It was torture. After a number of rests and guzzling almost all but one-fourth of our water we got a glimpse of the beach. Downhill we went and zigzagged through the plains to Mahabang Baybay. We lost the trail after we hit a pond at the foot of the hill since it’s already dark.
It was 6:40 p.m. when we reached Mahabang Baybay. Too lazy to pitch the tent, we settled at an empty hut near the south end of the beach. The moon shined over the landscape. Even at night the place was magnificent.
Our tiredness seemed to fade away as we laze by the beach in Calaguas.
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