Beautiful coast of Calayan near Cibang CoveCalayan Is. in red I’ve always wanted to visit the Babuyanes, a group of islands off the coast of Luzon and just below Batanes. It consists of the municipality of Calayan with Babuyan Claro, Camiguin Norte (as opposed that of Camiguin in Mindanao), the two are volcanic, Calayan and Dalupiri islands while Fuga, a private island belongs politically under Aparri.
I was on assignment in Calayan Island in the Babuyanes and in between, I got to enjoy this piece of paradise this part of the Philippines. It’s so out of the way, with travel very much dependent on the status of the Babuyan Channel where for most part of the year, can be very trecherous. Couple this with uncertain travel days and you’ve got a place that is so off the beaten path.
Fortunately, my former company where I worked for quite a number of years contacted me if I want to visit the place and cover (photograph and write about) their program in Calayan and, without hesitation, I said yes. It was an opportunity to finally realize my dream of visiting the Babuyanes, where so few bloggers have gone to.
It’s not an easy travel, for both ways. But once you’re there and get to visit Cibang Cove, just be prepared to be enthralled and enchanted. For a few days, I was there. One of the most unforgettable moments of my traveling life.
The best time to go there is during April when the monsoons switch. It is possible to go there at other times of the year but the unpredictability of the weather makes it difficult and there is always the possibility that one can get stranded.
When in Calayan town proper, there's really no problem with where to stay. There is an organized homestay program with eleven homeowners but this post will only focus on two that I know and stayed at.
I admit, places I've visited in Calayan: Cibang and Caniwara Coves and Nagudungan were the most pristine I've seen and been to. Its just so beautiful, a piece of paradise. But will it stay the same for years to come?
=> hi sir, I am really an avid fan of your blog and I can’t prevent my self from not commenting, hehehe… It is just so amazing that you travel because of work. That’s my dream job! And Calayan! OH God! Really wanna go here “if only” I have the means. hehe..
GREAT! though it’s not easy to travel but it’s feel great to get that way. Awesome Trip. Want to visit Calayan and Dalupiri, and waqnt to feel the same you.
I was on assignment in Calayan Island in the Babuyanes and in between, I got to enjoy this piece of paradise this part of the Philippines. It’s so out of the way, with travel very much dependent on the status of the Babuyan Channel where for most part of the year, can be very trecherous. Couple this with uncertain travel days and you’ve got a place that is so off the beaten path.
Way off the beaten path indeed. More pictures please
@marky, succeeding posts
=> hi sir, I am really an avid fan of your blog and I can’t prevent my self from not commenting, hehehe… It is just so amazing that you travel because of work. That’s my dream job! And Calayan! OH God! Really wanna go here “if only” I have the means. hehe..
Well worth it naman pala yung sunburn eh. hehe.
=> P.S. Sir I hope you don’t mind but I just want to ask if you are using the wordpress platform?
@ed, yup, wordpress. and you should go to calayan
@cedric, yup yup
GREAT! though it’s not easy to travel but it’s feel great to get that way. Awesome Trip. Want to visit Calayan and Dalupiri, and waqnt to feel the same you.
@paul, thanx for the comment. I saw Dalupiri and it is mainly deforested. I’m more inclined to visit Babuyan Claro and Camiguin Norte
nice nice nice. going to aparri this may, i hope the sea permits our voyage