Summer evokes a lot of lazy images crystal blue waters
and a stretch of white sand under clear azure skies. As people head down to the
famed beaches of Boracay, Puerto Gallera and others, smaller groups of
wanderers took to the lesser glamorous yet equally beautiful beaches that one
can reach via land transport from Metro Manila. Beach camps became the thing
when the beauty of Anawangin was first discovered and people came here with
their own foods and tents to set up. Soon it teemed of visitors at summer time,
but cheer up, there are still plenty of alternative beach camps near Metro
Manila for that hot summer weekend getaway!
Puting Buhangin, Pagbilao Quezon
Puting Buhangin may be reached via
trekking from Pagbilao or via boat from Padre Burgos. For a weekend, you make
this place a part of your beach hopping itinerary with Borawan and Dampalitan.
Puting Buhangin boasts of a long stretch of white sand and cool temperate
waters and a small cave called Kwebang Lagpas. Campers can now enjoy the use of
cottages and the convenience of comfort rooms.
From Manila, head down the south
super highway to reach Bondoc Peninsula. Padre Burgos is around 4 to 5 hours
ride from Manila. Boats can be arranged at the Aplaya, and be prepared for a
short but scenic ride to Puting Buhangin. You can buy foods to cook and refill
your water containers in the public market of Padre Burgos for your consumption
in the islands.
Cagbalete Island, Mauban Quezon
Another island with a growing
popularity with beach campers is Cagbalete Island in Mauban, Quezon. It has
resorts that can accommodate those who want to stay comfortably and camping is
still allowed and you can use the resort’s comfort room. The island is well
known for its long stretch of white beach that becomes really wide during low
tide. You and your family will have a grand time when more white sands, corals,
rocks and some sea creatures are exposed during low tide and a fun walk to
Bonsai Island.
Public boats run twice in the
morning from Mauban to Cagbalete Island. Villa Cleofas also offer their boat
rental service for large groups as well as meal arrangement if your group do
not wish to cook.
Nagsasa Cove in Zambales
Nagsasa is my preferred choice over
Anawangin because it has temperate waters, a gentle and sandy seabed and it has
fewer visitors. Nagsasa much like its twin, Anawangin has pine trees lining the
beach, picturesque mountain views and deep blue crystal waters. There are now
cottages, comfort rooms and sari-sari stores for your convenience.
You can reach Nagsasa Cove via
Pundaquit in Zambales, but is about more than one hour more from Anawangin.
Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte
Calaguas is one of the most favorite
beach camp destinations these days. It boasts of creamy white, oh-so fine sand
and deep Azure waters. There is no potable water source in this island so you
have to bring water and everything else. From Manila, you have to travel to
Daet for about 6 hours and take a 3 hour boat ride from Vinzons port in Daet.
Beach camping entails some hazards
and inconveniences starting from the trip going there and the camping itself.
But to truly enjoy nature and paradise, you should be able to get back to
basics!
Don't forget to bring along your favorite camera to document your beach camping!
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