Philippines: Parola Island, Camarines Norte's Pink Beach

With our quest to discover the province of Camarines Norte one of the places we went to is an island called Parola Island

check out my travelogue here

Visiting a province known for its amazing beaches and islands, it was (a bit) shame that we end up being on a trip during a storm signal no. 1. Good thing, after a day of roaming around municipalities under an umbrella, the following day we were given one of the clearest skies of the week.

[caption id="attachment_5410" align="alignnone" width="800"] Drone shot of Parola Island courtesy of CamNorte Tourism Office[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5411" align="alignnone" width="800"] Another drone shot of the island courtesy of Camarines Norte Tourism Office[/caption]

When I heard about this ‘PINK BEACH’ located in the town of Jose Panganiban, I knew already that we shouldn’t miss visiting it. Some of the locals even said that it can compete with the now very famous Calaguas Island which also can be found in Camarines Norte.

When we had a go signal from the coast guard (remember, there was a storm the day before, that is why we needed to wait for the coast guard’s advice) we immediately packed dry bags and we set to go.

GOING TO THE ISLAND

From the town of Daet, we drove to the municipality of Jose Panganiban and hop on a boat going to Parola Island (see where to book at the end of the blog). Our journey was very smooth, surprisingly, the water was very calm.

[caption id="attachment_5376" align="alignnone" width="800"] The boat ride going to Parola Island[/caption]

Package trips going to Parola Island

Php 2,200.00/head pick up Jose Panganiban (min. of 12pax)
Php 2,500.00/head pick up Daet (min. of 12pax)

Inclusions:
– Port Fee
– Environmental Fee
– Boat Transfer
– 3 camp meals (buffet)
– 1 plated meal at Turayog Resort
– Resort Entrance fees
– Life Jacket
– Unli Cocktail drinks (Mobile Bar)
– Land Transfers from port to Turayog and Bulalacao Beach

I was so excited to know that this island isn’t as famous that Boracay and Calaguas Island (yet), and not everyone knows that there is actually a “pink beach" located just a drive away (also a few minutes boat ride) from Manila.

Although there were already a bunch of people when we arrived in the island, I didn’t mind it. I still felt the remoteness and (at some level) untouched paradise the moment my feet touched the sand. Some of them were tourists who camped overnight while the others were locals from the province.

[caption id="attachment_5408" align="alignnone" width="800"] The only cottage in the island. Our home for the day.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5401" align="alignnone" width="800"] Can't wait to run down the beach and swim.[/caption]

There's only one cottage in the whole island, good thing, it was reserved for us (YEY—PERKS). To make sure that you’ll be able to use the cottage and have a smooth stay in the island, contact the local tourism office of Jose Panganiban before you plan your trip (details at the end of the blog).

PINK BEACH

Let’s talk about the pink sand that the locals were raving about….ermmmmm…how can say this, well, it was a very shy pink to be honest. I don’t know if we were in a wrong season or it will be the same all year round. Also just a disclaimer, it was the first time that I visited a pink sanded beach, so I don't have any reference.

[caption id="attachment_5405" align="alignnone" width="800"] The Pink Sand[/caption]



The longer we stay, the more the sand looks pink. It’s either my eyes worked really hard for my expectations to be met, or the sun’s position (and angle of sight) really helps to show the pink pigment in the sand. This rare sand color happens when a red coral dries up and washed to the shore.

….. ok ok ok… In their defense, as the sun sets, the pink shade started to show

Without focusing on the pinkness of the sand, THIS ISLAND IS STILL B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L !!!

[caption id="attachment_5409" align="alignnone" width="800"] During low-tide, a sand bar will let you access this island on foot[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5375" align="alignnone" width="800"] Can you see the pink now?[/caption]

Crystal clear water surrounds the island and if you’ll visit on a low tide, you’ll experience walking on a sand bar connecting 2 islands.

No inhabitants (as the island is too small to create a community), No electricity, No bars, No restaurants just a simple island as your play ground (with data coverage ^^). Just the way I like my island!

[caption id="attachment_5407" align="alignnone" width="800"] Look who's happy being in Parola?[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5406" align="alignnone" width="800"] Traveling with my new Cabin Zero Urban Carry On. This bag is water resistant (link on my Cabin Zero review here).[/caption]

Read also: Packing tips from the Pros: Kenneth Surat

PAROLA

The island is called Parola because of its light house (parola means lighthouse in Filipino). I love how the pathway going to the lighthouse seems like you are on your way to Survivor’s Tribal Council Area (oops, favorite reality show reference). Located at the head (and probably the highest point of the island), doing a side trip from your island getaway to visit the lighthouse is highly recommended.

[caption id="attachment_5365" align="alignnone" width="800"] The mysterious pathway going to the lighthouse[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5402" align="alignnone" width="800"] The parola[/caption]

I really don't have any historical notes about the lighthouse and I can't find it in google as well, if you somehow know, please share it at the comment section below.

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Parola Island was surprising. Aside from the pink sand beach, I wasn’t really expecting a lot. But I think that is its charm, there weren’t a lot happening in the island. It gives you an opportunity to enjoy the island for being…well…an island. I love every moment we were there.

As the island is gearing up to be the next Calaguas Island of Cam Norte, the hope is for the local tourism office to provide a clear regulation in protecting the beauty of Parola Island, at the same time, for tourists to become partners in its preservation.

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TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON ITINERARIES AND RATES

Provincial Tourism Office:

Come2camnote@yahoo.com

(054) 440-0034

Tourism Office of Jose Panganiban:

Ruth Marie P. Forteza

ruthmarieforteza@outlook.com

Van For Hire

Northlink Events and Travel Services

Darius Mirasol.

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This post was in partnership with the Camarines Norte Provincial Tourism Office and Katooga.ph .Check out all social media posts at #KatoogaCam and #ComeToCamNorte