2019 • 02 • 20

Sibang Cove is a pristine destination on Calayan Island; it has powdery sand that slithers between your toes and fingers, azure waters, and a stunning beachscape that will leave you in awe for the first few seconds or minutes upon seeing it. The cove and the beach are must-adds to your itinerary, especially if you’re looking for frontier places to visit in the Philippines.

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: Tuguegarao Airport (Cagayan)

By Air

1. The closest airport in Tuguegarao City to the island isn’t exactly near. You still have to travel for a couple of more hours to get to the island. Major airlines have regular flights to and from Manila and Tuguegarao.
2. Once in the city, you can board buses bound for Aparri, Claveria, or Santa Ana.
3. Once you arrive at the port of either Aparri or Claveria, look for motorized boats bound for Calayan. Most of these only leave in the early morning around 5 AM to 7 AM because of favorable weather. The fare costs around P500 per person and may take up to 7 hours depending on the weather.

By Land

1. If you were unable to get cheap flights to Tuguegarao City, you can board a bus bound for Claveria for around P740, Aparri for approximately P600, or Santa Ana. All of which are in Cagayan.
2. Once you arrive at the port of either Aparri or Claveria, look for motorized boats bound for Calayan.
3. Once you arrive at the port of either Aparri or Claveria, look for motorized boats bound for Calayan. Most of these only leave in the early morning around 5 AM to 7 AM because of favorable weather. The fare costs around P500 per person and may take up to 7 hours depending on the weather.

 

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Entrance Fee and Other Charges

• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Camping Fee: It depends on the area. Ask permission first.
• Boat Rental Rate: Around P2500 to P3000 (for destinations such as Sibang Cove and some beaches)
• Others: Bicycle Rental (P25/hr); RT Habal-habal to Sibang Cove (Around P250); Whole Day Habal-habal with Driver (Around P500)

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Don’t Miss

• Climb up Nagudungan Hill to get a spectacular overlooking view of Sibang Cove.
• The beach of Sibang is pristine and has powdery sand where you can sink your toes in.
• The azure waters will entice you to take a dip and refresh your body after a hot day of going around the island.
• The beachscape is simply beautiful, with verdant rolling hills and a clear blue sky serving as a backdrop.

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Don’t Forget

• You’ll need to bring more than enough cash for your trip, so withdraw as much as you can before departing Manila or Tuguegarao City because there is a real chance of getting stranded.
• The trip to the island is bumpy as the boat passes through choppy waters, so prepare to get wet; bring a raincoat and enough plastic bags and a dry bag to keep your things dry.
• Electricity does not operate 24/7; bring a power bank and extra batteries to keep your gadgets charged.
• Bring food and drinks to the beach if you plan to have a picnic, but always leave no trace behind.

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If You Have More Time and Budget

• Sibang Cove is nothing short of spectacular; after enjoying the beach and the views, you can visit other attractions on the island such as Caniwara Beach and Cababaan Beach for another extra hours or day of beach bumming and swimming.
• If you don’t get stranded and have a few extra days to spare, include an island hopping escapade to Palaui Island or visit the historical attractions in Ilocos or Tugugarao City. You can also travel to different places in the north such as Baguio, Batad and/or Banaue, or Abra.

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Where to Stay

If you have other places to visit in Cagayan after your Calayan Island trip, the municipality of Sta Ana offers plenty of choices. Here are some of the top hotels in Sta. Ana according to Agoda users, in no particular order.

• Avalon Beach Club. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Country Inn Hotel and Restaurant. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Jotay Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• RAI Atrium Suites. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Santa Ana Hotels