#tinambac

I have been to Tinambac several times because of fieldwork but there are still parts that is left to see and discover. Just recently, I had the chance to visit Tinambac again because of work. Although we are still under the Enhanced Community Quarantine because of the pandemic, we went up to the Tinambac Community College where those who went home from Manila are currently quarantined to check their situation, document it and conduct interviews. This is the view from up.

The fresh lush green fields and flowers in bloom is giving me Switzerland feels. This breath-taking view made me forget for awhile the crisis we are in. Nature is at its best again. I feel blessed to have witnessed this beauty amid our current situation and even though our lives are currently at stake in there.  

For the meantime, let us just enjoy the view and imagine that I am in Switzerland while at work and still under ECQ. Hanggang image na lang muna tayo bes. Asan na kasi ang Captain Ri Jung Hyuk ko? Or kahit isang Captain Yoo Shi Jin na lang oh! Joke!! Kdrama pa more! #CrashLandingOnYou #DescendantsofTheSun 

Let me end this short blog entry with my favorite Hillsong Worship song that I really love to listen to at this time and love to sing way back in my choir days in high school.

Pintados Cove is located at Caloco, Tinambac, Camarines Sur. The discovery of Caloco Beach that trended years ago immediately caused the influx of tourists because of a blog post of a local blogger. Despite its tourism potential and enticing beauty that continuously attracts nature explorers, this island is still left undeveloped and unexplored. There is more to see, explore and discover.

How to get to Caloco beach via public transportation (Naga starting point):

From CBS Terminal, take the tricycle going to Naga City Integrated Northbound Jeep Terminal at Queborac then look for the jeep/van going to Tinambac and tell the driver to drop you off at the corner of the barangay going to Caloco Beach. You can take motorcycle or walk going there at Caloco Elementary School. From there, you will be asked to register in their log book and pay an environmental fee of P35.00/head with free use of CR. You can take a boat or walk going to the beach if it is low tide.

Reminder: We are still under pandemic so travel responsibly. You also need to coordinate with the LGU Tourism Office of Tinambac beforehand if you will be going to Caloco Beach.  

How to get to Pintados Cove from Caloco Beach: 

Basically, you have to rent a boat going there to Pintados Cove since it is on the other side of the island. However, we have a rubber boat so my uncles and I went there via rubber boat.

Introducing Pintados Cove

Pintados Cove is an unspoiled part of the island that can be your side trip if you are at Caloco Beach. It is accessible via 5-10 mins boat ride.  Most of the time, it is low tide which is why it is safe going there and also, you can even walk from Caloco Beach going there if you can. 

There are still no plans of developing it further for tourists or if it is fully open to the public but so far, we wanted to share this discovery. This is a place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Pintados Cove is where fun adventure awaits. 

Fun activities to do in Pintados Cove:

1. Paddle Boarding

Paddle Boarding is one of the water sports that you can safely enjoy in this island not only because its calm and clear waters but also because of its low tide.

2. Trekking and rock climbing for a spontaneous and breathtaking view of the sea. 

It takes an effort to see beauty but it is all worth it. A photo op in this unexplored island definitely giving us a new perspective of paradise.

3. Snorkeling and marine life immersion

If you are up for some underwater adventure, Pintados Cove is indeed a perfect place for some underwater explorations. Immerse yourself with marine life at Pintados Cove. You'll be surprise to see what kind of marine species you can find here.

4. Kite Flying 

Since the winds are strong and the beach is wide and uncrowded, Pintados Cove is also the best place for Kite Flying.

5. Chasing sunsets

Perfect for photo ops and silhouette aesthetics.

6. Rubber Boat Explorations

You can use rubber boat in exploring the nearby islands.

Interesting Finds at Pintados Cove:

 1. Shells

Aside sa magagayon na gapo, corals saka seashells, igwa man nin mga arog kaini igdi. Ano daw talaga kun may perlas man kita mahanap igdi? Hahaha

 2. Unamed Fruit?

Sige daw. Ano ang ngaran kaini? Ta dae ko aram ni. Hahaha

 3. Oysters

Aram nindo na kadakol din igdi oysters na nadukot sa mga gapo? Kaya dapat din talaga ingat ka sa pag kapot sa mga gapo igdi ta matarom an shells ninda asin nakakalugad. Proven and tested na po yan.

4. Baby Hermit Crab

Did you know that when you heated the shell, the hermit crab cannot withstand a very hot temperature? It will crawl out of the shell, leave it and find another shell to be its new home.

Travel tips for this kind of adventure: 1. Use this kind of sandals kasi it really helps in maintaing balance while rock climbing and walking at rocky seashore.

2. For girls, di talaga advisable mag ganitong travel adventure pag red day mo kasi limited mga galaw mo at conscious and paranoid ka all the time. Wala rin cr dun. Nasa Caloco Beach ang may cr.

3. Bring food and water if you plan to stay at Pintados Cove for the day instead of Caloco Beach.

4. If you will be having side trip here, monitor the tide. If it is no longer low tide and the tide rises slowly. it is a sign to go back to Caloco Beach. You might get stranded there or have trouble going back if it is already high tide. 

5. Uphold the principles of ecotourism:

How to get there via public transportation:

From CBS Terminal, take the tricycle going to Naga City Integrated Northbound Jeep Terminal at Queborac then look for the jeep/van going to Tinambac and tell the driver to drop you off at the corner of the barangay going to Caloco Beach. You can take motorcycle or walk going there at Caloco Elementary School. From there, you will be asked to register in their log book and pay an environmental fee of P35.00/head with free use of CR. You can take a boat or walk going to the beach if it is low tide.

CALOCO BEACH

The Caloco Beach is a newly discovered tourist attraction in the municipality of Tinambac. It started to become known when someone posted about it online and became viral last year. It was an instant boom in tourism for Tinambac. This pristine beach is a good weekend getaway for those looking for a new refuge from the hustle of the city. You can retreat in a cottage or bring your own tent and set it up under the shade of the palm trees. This unspoiled beauty will bring you tranquility at its finest.

Reminders:

Better bring your own food and water if going for an excursion because convenience stores are away from the beach. Also, keep the surroundings clean. Clean as you go. Take your trash with you home. 

There are only 2 bathrooms available at the beach and the water available is sea water. Though, you can also pay P50 so that the residents can help you fetch clean water nearby for “banlaw”.  

Walking to and from the beach is not advisable if you have a lot of baggage with you because you will get to pass by a bridge made of bamboos and still not that stable. But during high tide, you have no choice because it is the only way.

The last trip of jeep in Tinambac is 3pm so do not stay out too late or you will have to stay overnight there.