The province of Camarines Norte in the Bicol Region, though less developed that Camsur, is blessed with different types of beaches. Out into the pacific are the Calaguas Group of Islands, frequented by hardy beachcombers for its pristine waters and fine white sand. Then there’s Bagasbas Beach, a famous spot for board and kite surfers.

Lining the Bagasbas beach road are bars, restaurants and hotels -several of which provide decent boarding and meals. Near the beach, in the afternoon, are carts that sell street food such as fish balls, “kwek-kwek”, “kikiam”, squid balls, barbecue, chicken feet and “isaw”.

Surfshops are also found in the area, with some providing surfing lessons to beginners.

How to Get To Bagasbas Beach

By plane, catch a domestic flight to Daet, the capital of Camarines Norte. From there, you could catch a jeep or hire a tricycle to Bagasbas beach. Going to Daet by bus takes 7 hours, through several bus terminals all over Metro Manila. Upon reaching Daet you can also take a jeep or tricycle.

Photo courtesy of SkyScraperCity.com

One doesn’t need to check-in to posh beach hotels to be in foodie heaven. From Boracay to Puerto Galera, beaches in the Philippines offer a wide array of food choices such as Halo-halo, Chori burger, Scramble, Shakes, empanadas, grilled and fried food.

Halo-halo. The classic summer dessert is a staple in Philippine beaches. The preserved sweets and shaved ice topped with milk is perfect when lounging in a beach chair overlooking the turquoise seas.

Chori burger. The chori burger is a popular beach food in Boracay. Manang vendors grill chorizo sausages and place them in buns. The chori burger has become so popular that Manila establishments such as World Tops and Bun-on-the-run have come up with their versions of the burger for urbanites craving for chori burger without having to fly to Boracay.

Ice Scramble. Shaved ice, powdered milk, sugar and chocolate syrup is what makes up this popular street food that can also be found in beaches such as Puerto Galera.

Fruit Shakes. Fruit Shakes is another item in a foodie’s list when going to the beach. Boracay is famous for its Fruit Shakes especially the ones served by Jonas.

Grilled Food. Pork, beef, fish, chicken, fish, squid, isaw, liver, chicken feet -the choices of grilled food that can be found on the beaches of the Philippines are endless. Recently establishments in Puerto Galera have started to offer Kababs, a twist on the regular grilled food fare. Farther south, in Boracay, grilled seafood are offered starting sundown.

Empanadas. Up north, Ilocos is known for its orange empanadas which is also sold in Saud beach. With an egg, vigan longanisa and an orange batter deep-fried in oil, these empanadas may be a cardiologist’s nightmare but is popular with vacationers.

Fried Food. Fishballs, squid balls, kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs), hotdogs, calamares, chicken nuggets, isaw, and other fried foods that can be usually found on city streets are also sold in beaches.

[Photo from MyLot.com]

Nestled in the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, a two hour boat journey from the mainland, are a group of islands whose white sand beaches beckon the traveler. These are the Calaguas Islands in Camarines Norte province. Daet, the capital of the province is your starting point to get to the islands. From there you go to the fish port at Vinzons where you can catch a boat as your last step to reach the islands.

The main island in the group is called Mahabang Buhangin (in English -Long Beach). This beach is covered with some of the whitest, finest sand that you will find anywhere in the world.

Long Beach and the other islands in the Calaguas Islands are not covered in fancy resorts. In fact, there are none. The accommodations consist of native style bamboo huts and tents. Many visitors to this backpacker’s paradise eschew even these and decide to spend the nights under the twinkling tropical stars.

Nightlife in the Calaguas Islands consists mainly of sitting around the campfire on the beach admiring the fireflies that light up the night and chatting to other campers.

Some of the activities available are swimming, snorkeling, trekking, mountain climbing and bird and butterfly watching.

The Calaguas Islands in Camarines Norte are a remote and beautiful backpacker’s paradise that are hard to reach but well worth the effort.

Photo from: skyscrapercity.com

Located in the town proper, this hotel has the usual amenities of a traveller’s hotel: tv’s and private bathrooms.

Telephone: 440 2029

Cavernous rooms in Daet town proper.

Telephone: 721 2167

Rooms here are just so-so. Not recommended for picky travellers who prefer very soft pillows and cushions.

Telephone: 571 2734

Rooms here are so-so.

Telephone: 440 2525