Camarines Norte: Why I Love Daet’s Bagasbas Beach

Camarines Norte: Why I Love Daet’s Bagasbas Beach

 

Due to unexpected shifts in the weather, the supposed 3-day 2-night Calaguas escapade ended up instead on an overnight isolation in Quinamanucan Island. But, our beach getaway certainly didn’t stop there. About tricycle ride from Vinzons Port took us to Camarines Norte‘s capital, Daet, where the province’s famous water sports mecca, Bagasbas Beach, awaits.

  

Bagasbas Beach in Daet Camarines Norte.

Powerful winds blew tiny sands on our faces just as we got off the tricycle. It felt like thousands of micro-needles trying to pierce through skin. I didn’t find it annoying though, instead, a warm greeting from Bagasbas and the vast Pacific it faces which I long to see after 4 long years. Bagasbas Beach was still as beautiful just like the first time at sat foot on its beaches.

Bagasbas Beach Lifeguard Station and observation post.

Bagasbas Park

                                                   Barbed-wire fences of Bagasbas Airport.

On the far southern end of the Promenade lies Bagasbas Airport which runs on 1,150-meter airstrip. Since it was built during the 1930’s, the minor commercial domestic airport of Bagasbas has been the sole airport of Camarines Norte. Though secured with flimsy barbed-wire fences, the asphalt turns to a public bike park or jogging area whenever flights are stagnant.

                      Adults accompany kids who were having a good time in Bagasbas Park.

A row of hotels and lodgings line up along Bagasbas’ Promenade. Travelers possess the luxury of choosing the right hotel that fits their budgets whether big or small. You may even wish to pitch a tent on the beach but keep in mind that the wind picks up at night, and watch out for the tides. Thanks to local surfer, surf instructor, and lifeguard, Mocha Vargas‘ help, we found our temporary abode of closed nipa huts and a tent pitching ground just across Bagasbas Park, and a few hops away from the beach. It was sufficient, cheap, and visitors may use their kitchen.

Seems like Daynie was enjoying the lovely afternoon in Bagasbas Beach.

Bagasbas Beach faces sunrise from the shores of Camarines Norte. Fine grey sand stretches over two kilometers of beach. Visitors would be astonished with the combined efforts of nearby residents and the local government to maintain Daet’s main attraction free of waste. Earlier the next morning, I saw a group of uniformed personnel armed with a broom and trash bag on a clean up mission on Bagasbas’ shores. No wonder visitors would be amazed how clean Bagasbas is yet a public destination.

Local surf instructor Emmanuel teaches young Yngwie the basics of surfing.

One-on-one surf lessons.

Since the entire archipelago is bound by huge bodies of water, several coastal provinces in the Philippines are blessed with huge waves on certain seasons, and among them is Bagasbas Beach. It has gained popularity among surfers, kite boarders, and skim boarders, both local and foreign, which made Daet’s swells rising from 3 to 8 feet beach breaks, one of the popular extreme watersport destinations in the country. I’m sure both beginners and advance surfers, even those are enthusiastic about surfing, you will find haven in Bagasbas.

Yes, my friends, that’s a future wave rider right there

Pretty much excited about surfing.

Amplify your Bagasbas experience with a ‘calesa’ (horse-drawn carriage) ride.

Aside from the long beach, Bagasbas Promenade presents another significant attraction in the area. Restaurants and small eateries along the promenade offers diners a wide variety of food options which fits any budget.When the sun is out, both locals and visitors enjoy a night cap on bars along the promenade. But beyond the bars and booze, Bagasbas Promenade is a hub for day-to-day activities of local residents. Many start their day with a morning exercise or a jog going to or along the beach, while others simply take time to adore the sun rise from the horizon. During town festivals or surfing events, the promenade is the epicenter of activity.

Aside from being a place for leisure, the ledge in Bagasbas Promenade also serves as the first line of defense from huge waves during typhoons.

                     A fisherman packs up his fishing net after a day’s work at Bagasbas Beach.

Surfboards in Bagasbas Beach

Everyone paying a close attention to Ate Mocha’s surf lessons.

Listening to surf instructor Mocha Vargas’ pre-water dry land surf lessons.

Good job there, Daynie.

Thank you, Yani of Biyahe Lokal, for this, and all the surfing shots

That’s what I call triumphant.

The sands of Bagasbas may not be as white as Boracay’s, but I don’t mind. In fact, even if its yellow, black, pink, red, blue, or purple I wouldn’t mind because it’s clean and waste-free. My sincerest gratitude and praise to the unconditional efforts of the people who maintain the cleanliness of their beloved beach. They are the real stewards of Mother Nature and of course, proud residents of Daet.

I think they got the best of the 400-peso surf lessons

Having a clean beach for the entire public is probably the most important characteristic of Bagasbas Beach. People from all walks of life are welcome to enjoy the beauty of Bagasbas for free. It paints a picture of have’s and have-not’s sharing an Eden together – a lovely illustration of the equality of men. But that’s based on my personal opinion. Anyway, the beach is free, food is good, hotels are cheap, that’s what I love about Bagasbas. How about you? If you haven’t been there, you should find out.

  

The asphalt runway of Bagasbas Airport turns bike park when flights are stagnant.

Group shot in front of our lodging, before we bid goodbye to Bagasbas.

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Here are some fast facts that may help you on your trip:

1. If you’re commuting to Daet, Camarines Norte, take the 8-hour bus ride bound for Daet (Superlines, DLTBCo., or PhilTranco) and get off at Daet town proper or Centro. Take a tricycle to Bagasbas Beach.

2. Bus fares to Daet, Camarines Norte:
P361.00 – Cubao to Daet (non-airconditioned bus)
P513.00 – Cubao to Daet (air-conditioned bus)

3. Unfortunately, I forgot the name of the place we stayed. But it’s right in front of Bagasbas Park. They have bamboo gates with surfboards on the main entrance, and you could see the huts from the outside. They have a C.R., there’s also a kitchen.
P800.00 – hut rental

4. The best thing to do would probably be contact Mocha Vargas, she could assist you, and at the same time teach you surfing. You could reach her through mobile, 0921 251 87 48

5. Local policemen and lifeguards ensures the safety of visitors and locals in Bagasbas. So yeah, Bagasbas is safe.

6. Surfing lessons and board rentals have a standardized rate. You could also contact Mocha Vargas to assist you.
P200.00 – board rental
P200.00 – one hour of surfing lessons

7. Best waves come in from September to January.

8. There’s a public toilet and shower room in Bagasbas Park, if you’re planning to pitch a tent on the beach. Huts along the beach are available for rent (but I have to confirm on this)

9. Watch out for signages. There are areas not suitable for swimming. STRICTLY follow the rules for own your safety.

10. Take time to explore Bagasbas Promenade.

11. Locals in Bagasbas are very friendly and hospitable.

12. Thank you for the wonderful surfing shots by Yani Panlilio of Biyahe Lokal.

13. More destinations in Camarines Norte

14. Always be safe. Happy travels.