Spread widely in the southern province of Camarines Norte, Bagasbas Beach is an emerging surfing destination thanks to the massive swells coming in directly from the mighty Pacific Ocean. Here, the waves are aplenty and suitable for both surfer wannabes and experienced wave riders alike.
Bagasbas Beach: Surfing the Pacific Swells of Camarines Norte
From Calaguas to the Coastal Boulevard
We went directly to Bagasbas Beach after camping overnight at Calaguas Islands' Mahabang Buhangin. Getting here is straightforward: after alighting from any public transportation vehicle bound for Daet, Camarines Norte, you simply take a short four-to-five-kilometer tricycle ride straight to the shores of Bagasbas.
The long stretch of beach provides ample space to frolic. While the sands here aren't blindingly white, they are fine and pure, making barefoot walks along the shore completely comfortable. But it's the waves that serve as the main attraction here, drawing beachgoers, surfers, skimboarders, and skateboarders alike.
A long paved road faces the beach, lined with rows of bars and budget backpacker inns. Riding a bicycle or a skateboard feels like the perfect way to explore this laid-back coastal town.
Budget Beachfront Living and Surfing Lessons
We rented a small fan room on the second floor of E.M. Bar for only 200 pesos a night—suitable for sleeping and little else. But in a place like Bagasbas, where the real joy is found outside in the surf, the room was already more than perfect for budget travelers.
In the afternoon, we took surfing lessons, which to my surprise proved a bit more difficult than my first time catching waves in La Union. The swells here were larger and wilder, making balancing a challenge during my first few attempts. Nevertheless, riding the board and meeting the incoming waves head-on was an exhilarating experience. It felt intimidating at moments, but since the water was only waist-deep near the sandy bottom, any fear of drowning never took hold.
Speaking of safety, a near-drowning accident occurred during our session. Fortunately, the local surf instructors acting as rescuers were quick on their feet and successfully pulled a young boy to safety after he was caught in a strong rip current near a deeper section of the beach.
Sunset Parties and Street Food Feasts
As evening fell, the festive atmosphere along the beach continued with weekend parties, casual beach volleyball games, and people hanging out at the open-air bars. Food options were plentiful—we munched on grilled betamax, isaw, and pork barbecue paired with cold beer, before taking a late-night stroll along the water to enjoy the ocean breeze.
That concludes our brief yet memorable stay at Bagasbas Beach. The next time I return, I hope to stand tall on the board for a long ride across the Pacific swells.
Practical Travel Guide
How to Get There:
Take any Manila-bound bus heading to Daet, Camarines Norte (e.g., Philtranco, Superlines, or DLTB). From the Daet town proper, hire a local tricycle directly to Bagasbas Beach (4–5 km, approximately 10–15 minutes).
Surfing Info:
Surfboards and local instructors are available along the main beachfront boardwalk. Bagasbas features a sandy bottom break, making it ideal for beginners learning the ropes as well as intermediate surfers.
- Read about camping on Calaguas Islands' Mahabang Buhangin.
- Explore more coastal adventures in Camarines Norte.
- Discover other surfing spots and tropical escapes in our Beaches collection.
