Part of the isolated cluster of the Babuyan Islands, this offbeat island boasts a bounteous display of rugged nature.
Despite living in an archipelago boasting some of the finest beaches and islands in the world, I still find myself dropping my jaw at the sight of a marvelous island setting. Such is the effect Calayan Island had on me the moment I first laid eyes on it. As the only municipality within the Babuyan Islands—a cluster of pristine isles situated several miles off the northern tip of Luzon—Calayan appears so remote and full of raw beauty.
Calayan Island Travel Guide: A Secluded Retreat
This island has remained secluded for so long that it only opened a small airport early this year—one that only accepts small chartered flights. Going to the island requires travelers to brave the mighty waves of the merging Philippine and South China seas aboard a lampitaw—a medium-sized local motorized boat—for seven hours.
During my first journey to the island, I remember experiencing cramping legs brought about by sitting steadily in a single position for hours. While a protruding piece of wood continued to make me uncomfortable, giant waves the size of trucks battered our boat to no end. Just when I expected the worst—such as sinking below the ocean—we finally sailed over a steadier body of water where the waves gradually decreased in size.
A few moments later, I heard exuberant yells from the passengers as they pointed out toward the sea. I followed their directions and there were a dozen humpback whales darting in and out of the water as if trying to entertain us. At that moment, I realized my trip to Calayan Island had the makings of a truly epic journey.
Introducing the Many Wonderful Sights of Calayan Island
Measuring 494.53 square kilometers and inhabited by fewer than seventeen thousand people, Calayan Island is composed mainly of rolling hills, jagged cliffs, and long white sandy shores—making it an ideal place to experience real island living.
Cibang Cove
After exploring much of the Philippines' most beautiful beaches, I honestly declare that Cibang Cove easily cracks my top three. The long stretch of the cove appears breathtakingly before my eyes. With nature’s colors mixing perfectly around me: the blue skies, the indigo waters of the ocean, the emerald forested cliffs—all of it constitutes a postcard-like image.
Nagudungan Hill
Adjacent to Cibang Cove, this hill can be easily scaled in under fifteen minutes. It has a lighthouse perched on top of it and gives you a jaw-dropping 360-degree view of the island's surroundings. Time your visit here to catch the sunset.
Kababaan Beach
A little farther by boat from Cibang Cove, another secluded beach fringed by tall coconut trees can be found. Spending mornings or early afternoons here is a great way to just get lost in nature. Swim with precautions as the waves and current can become quite strong. Otherwise, this is another place on the island great for lounging under the sun.
Lusok Cave
It is a cave that opens out into the ocean. Inside, one can find a natural pool filled with crystal-clear water—a mixture of freshwater dripping from the walls of the cave and saltwater from the ocean. Spending an hour or two here making splashes and diving from the rock formations will truly satisfy your sense of adventure.
Bataraw and Caanawan Waterfalls
Aside from the stunning beaches and mesmerizing caves with natural pools, the hills of Calayan Island also hide several waterfalls—two of which can easily be reached via short treks. The waterfalls of Bataraw and Caanawan are also ideal side trips for those wanting to experience an extra dose of Calayan's great outdoors.
How to Get Here
The Jump-Off Point:
The town of Claveria, Cagayan, located on the northern tip of Luzon Island, is the usual jump-off point to Calayan Island. Here, travelers board the lampitaw (the motorized boat) at Taggat Port for a five-to-seven-hour sea journey. Boat fares range from 550 to 650 pesos ($11–$13) per passenger one-way.
Manila to Claveria (By Land):
Take a bus from Manila (commonly the Florida Bus Line) for a twelve-to-fourteen-hour land journey. Fares range from 800 to 900 pesos ($16–$18) per passenger one-way.
Manila to Claveria (By Air):
A faster option is to take a flight from Manila to Laoag in Ilocos Norte. Commercial airlines such as AirSWIFT, Sky Pasada, Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific fly to Laoag from Manila for a one-hour flight. From Laoag to Claveria, travelers will then take another three-hour land journey.
Direct Flight Option:
Since Calayan Island has opened a small airport, small chartered flights are now available—although this can prove pricey for ordinary travelers. The local government of Calayan, meanwhile, has assured that commercial flights involving small airlines will soon fly to Calayan Island from Clark, Pampanga, and Laoag, Ilocos Norte.
What to Eat
Like any typical coastal town in the Philippines, fresh seafood abounds on Calayan Island. Unlike in most seaside villages, though, giant crabs known locally as curacha and gigantic lobsters are caught in abundance in the waters surrounding the island—making them far cheaper here than in other fishing communities. It came as no surprise that most meals I had here consisted of a feast of a variety of seafood.
Where to Stay
Another great thing about Calayan Island is that there are no fancy resorts—something the local government plans to maintain. Here are the few places to stay on the island. Accommodation ranges from 250 to 500 pesos per person per night, and meals can cost from 100 to 150 pesos each.
Local Accommodations
- Rate: 500 pesos / night
- Phone: +63947-8939619 / +63999-7151283
- Rate: 250 pesos per bed
- Phone: +63939-9158667
- Rate: 700 pesos / night for 3 persons
- Phone: +63949-6001931
- Rate: 250 pesos per person
- Phone: +63998-5100621
Transportation
Transportation on the island is by motorcycle—which the locals call habal-habal—and the kuliglig, which is a makeshift tractor that can seat four to six people. Normal fares start at ten pesos per person.
Essential Island Contacts & Information
Local Contacts
Wakay Tours • Contact: Facebook Page
James Tan Singun (Local Tour Guide) • +63948-1142620
Fred Ubasa (Local Tour Guide) • +63995-01671188
Calayan Coast Guard • +63999-9243554
Currency
There are no ATMs and banks yet on Calayan Island, so make sure to bring just enough cash for food, accommodation, tour guide fees, and transportation fees (motorcycles and island hopping).
Language
The residents of Calayan Island mostly speak Ilocano, Ibanag, Ivatan, and Tagalog languages, with most being able to speak and understand basic English phrases.
Approximate Budget
Island-hopping tours cost around 3,500 pesos for a full-day boat rental accommodating up to ten people, plus 500 pesos for the tour guide. Accommodation ranges from 250 to 500 pesos per person per night, and meals can cost from 100 to 150 pesos each.
