2019 • 02 • 20

Calayan Island is one of the last few frontier destinations in the Philippines. A trip as far as this is incomplete without stopping by Caniwara Beach. It will serve as an idyllic backdrop to your summer soundtrack with its raw beauty characterized by the powdery sand, rolling hills, rock formations, and turquoise waters.

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 5AM to 7AM 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

• Caniwara Beach’s remoteness makes it the ideal destination for those who want to relax, unwind, and leave the stress of city life behind. Sink your toes into the powdery sand and laze on the beach for an afternoon.
• The shore is big enough to play volleyball or Frisbee to pass the time.
• Go up the hill to see the cove and Sibang Beach; wait until sunset to watch the skies turn from blue to a fiery red.

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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 a volleyball or Frisbee to pass the time while in Caniwara.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to do this activity while in Calayan.
• Bring food and drinks to the beach if you plan to have a picnic, but always leave no trace behind.
• The waters can get rough, so be careful whenever you swim.

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If You Have More Time and Budget

• After Caniwara Beach, visit Sibang Cove and Cababaan Beach for another extra hours or day of beach bumming and swimming.
• After your days on Calayan Island, head back and stop by Palaui Island for island hopping activities or travel to different places in the north such as Baguio, Batad and/or Banaue, Ilocos, 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