Our third and final day in Calaguas Island started on a quiet note. We could have gone for one last swim or an early-morning trek, but with our 10:00 AM check-out and scheduled boat departure, we decided to skip any activities and focus on packing.
We woke up before 6:00 AM because the electricity would be turned off by then. Getting ready without lights didn't sound fun, so we made sure everything was packed before the power went out.
Breakfast was served at 7:00 AM, and while we were eating, the resort staff informed us that our boat departure would be delayed because of the low tide. Since we couldn't leave yet, they also told us that we would be having lunch at the resort before departing.
Honestly, that caught us by surprise. We've been on several island trips before, and this was our first time experiencing a boat delay because of low tide. Usually, delays occur due to bad weather or rough seas, not because the water is too shallow.
Thankfully, the resort served us a complimentary lunch while we waited, which was a nice gesture. Still, I couldn't help but worry. The sky was getting darker, and I silently hoped we would still be able to sail safely before the weather got worse.
Our boat finally arrived a little past 12:00 noon, and despite the gloomy weather, we were relieved that we were finally leaving the island.
Little did we know that the real adventure was only about to begin.
As we approached the port, we were told that the larger boat couldn't get close enough to shore because of the low tide. We had to transfer to a much smaller boat to reach the port.
Since we booked the Calaguas White Sand Resort package, I expected all boat transfers to be included. However, the small boat operator asked us to pay PHP50 per person for the transfer. I was honestly disappointed. We had already paid for our boat transfers as part of our package, so I believed it should have been the responsibility of the operator to bring us all the way to the port without charging extra. It also felt like the small boat operator took advantage of the situation.
Just when we thought everything would be fine, another unexpected incident happened.
While transferring passengers, another small boat accidentally bumped into ours. For a few terrifying moments, our boat was caught between the larger boat and another small boat. I watched the outrigger on our side bend after hitting the larger boat, and I genuinely thought our boat might tip over.
Thankfully, it didn't.
We made it safely to the port, but it was one of the most nerve-wracking moments I've ever experienced during our travels. I was thankful that my husband was with me during that frightening experience.
The boat ride from Calaguas Island took more than two hours, and by the time we arrived, we were completely soaked. We got splashed by the waves while boarding, got drenched again because of the rain during the trip, and ended up getting wet one last time when we had to walk through ankle-deep water because the boat couldn't dock properly.
Upon docking, the small boat operator asked for the payment, and while we were paying, another boat operator shouted, "PHP20 lang dapat ang bayad, sobrang singil yan!" Unfortunately, we had no choice, so we paid the amount they were asking.
What a day!
At that point, all I wanted was to check into our hotel and enjoy a long, hot shower. But our journey wasn't over yet because we still needed to go to the DLTB Bus Terminal to buy our tickets home. Thankfully, our rented van dropped us off there.
We decided not to purchase round-trip tickets before our trip because we weren't sure what time we'd be arriving from Calaguas. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived at the terminal, my husband could no longer get a ticket for that day's trip because they were already sold out. In the end, we all decided to travel home together the following day instead.
The bus fare was PHP943 per adult and PHP758 for students, which turned out to be cheaper than the one-way tickets we had booked online from Cubao to Daet.
From the bus terminal, we rode a tricycle to One Platinum Hotel. We checked in for the night and paid an additional PHP900 for one extra person. My family waited a few minutes while the staff prepared the extra bed.
For dinner, we ate at Alvino's Roast, Grill and Fry. We ordered Pork Sinigang (PHP320), Beef Pepper Steak (PHP199), rice, and a 1.5-liter Coke (PHP105). After three days on the island, that ice-cold soft drink tasted incredibly refreshing. Simple joys!
Our Calaguas adventure officially came to an end that evening.
Although our last day was filled with delays, unexpected expenses, rain, rough seas, and a few scary moments, it also reminded me that travel isn't always about perfect sunsets and crystal-clear waters. Sometimes, it's the unexpected challenges that turn into the stories you remember the most. Looking back, our trip to Calaguas wasn't perfect, but it was certainly unforgettable.
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