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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"]CAMARINES NORTE PHILIPPINES COMETOCAMNORTE TRAVEL BLOG, DUBAI TRAVEL BLOGGER, BEACH CALAGUAS ISLAND PAROLA BEACH Drone shot of Parola Island courtesy of CamNorte Tourism Office[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5411" align="alignnone" width="800"]CAMARINES NORTE PHILIPPINES COMETOCAMNORTE TRAVEL BLOG, DUBAI TRAVEL BLOGGER, BEACH CALAGUAS ISLAND PAROLA BEACH 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"]CAMARINES NORTE PHILIPPINES COMETOCAMNORTE TRAVEL BLOG, DUBAI TRAVEL BLOGGER, BEACH CALAGUAS ISLAND PAROLA BEACH 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"]CAMARINES NORTE PHILIPPINES COMETOCAMNORTE TRAVEL BLOG, DUBAI TRAVEL BLOGGER, BEACH CALAGUAS ISLAND PAROLA BEACH The only cottage in the island. Our home for the day.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5401" align="alignnone" width="800"]CAMARINES NORTE PHILIPPINES COMETOCAMNORTE TRAVEL BLOG, DUBAI TRAVEL BLOGGER, BEACH CALAGUAS ISLAND PAROLA BEACH 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"]CAMARINES NORTE PHILIPPINES COMETOCAMNORTE TRAVEL BLOG, DUBAI TRAVEL BLOGGER, BEACH CALAGUAS ISLAND PAROLA BEACH The Pink Sand[/caption]

CAMARINES NORTE PHILIPPINES COMETOCAMNORTE TRAVEL BLOG, DUBAI TRAVEL BLOGGER, BEACH CALAGUAS ISLAND PAROLA BEACH

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"]CAMARINES NORTE PHILIPPINES COMETOCAMNORTE TRAVEL BLOG, DUBAI TRAVEL BLOGGER, BEACH CALAGUAS ISLAND PAROLA BEACH During low-tide, a sand bar will let you access this island on foot[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5375" align="alignnone" width="800"]CAMARINES NORTE PHILIPPINES COMETOCAMNORTE TRAVEL BLOG, DUBAI TRAVEL BLOGGER, BEACH CALAGUAS ISLAND PAROLA BEACH 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"]CAMARINES NORTE PHILIPPINES COMETOCAMNORTE TRAVEL BLOG, DUBAI TRAVEL BLOGGER, BEACH CALAGUAS ISLAND PAROLA BEACH Look who's happy being in Parola?[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5406" align="alignnone" width="800"]CAMARINES NORTE PHILIPPINES COMETOCAMNORTE TRAVEL BLOG, DUBAI TRAVEL BLOGGER, BEACH CALAGUAS ISLAND PAROLA BEACH 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"]CAMARINES NORTE PHILIPPINES COMETOCAMNORTE TRAVEL BLOG, DUBAI TRAVEL BLOGGER, BEACH CALAGUAS ISLAND PAROLA BEACH The mysterious pathway going to the lighthouse[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5402" align="alignnone" width="800"]CAMARINES NORTE PHILIPPINES COMETOCAMNORTE TRAVEL BLOG, DUBAI TRAVEL BLOGGER, BEACH CALAGUAS ISLAND PAROLA BEACH 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.




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.




 
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.







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

kenneth surat Dubai Travel Blogger Philippines

 

18 comments

  1. Whenever I read about the Phillipines I want to book a flight ASAP! I love the pink beach. It is amazing!

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  2. Can't wait for next March to be there! I'm definitely going to keep your blog as a reference.One thing that I'm actually looking forward to is in fact the pink beach! I read somewhere though that it's not the actually sand that will be pink, but a hue that is emitted from the sea, thus you saw it pinker in the evening. I might be mistaken :)

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  3. Funny enough it was just today I was talking to a work Colleague about my travels over the last 6 years and I was telling him the Philippines will be either my next or second destination once I start traveling again. So this post has come at a great time and instantly been book marked. I want to do an Island hop once I'm there, and I have to say your pictures have really enticed me to make this my next destination :D

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  4. Yet another gem of a place in the Philippines. Always amazed at the sheer number of beaches and islands of this country, and each of them seem better than the other. Parola island seems really gorgeous. Your drone shots of the islands are really stunning.

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  5. First of all, let me commend you for having great photos, everything looks amazing, especially that first drone shot. The blue water is incredible. The photos alone is enough to convince me to go there. I have never been to Camarines Norte, (only in CamSur), and I have always wondered what to see there. At least I got a partial answer now. This pink beach is a must-see, speaking of I have never been to a pink beach in my life, I'm naturally curious. Glad that you included contact persons in this post, it would make things easy for me to plan my trip there.

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  6. I hate to see posts about the Philippines because I want to go there so hard and I didn't make it work yet. What a paradise, your pictures are amazing, I feel that I am there right now!

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  7. The another hidden gem of Philippines. We love such remote places especially the Islands with no light and internet connectivity. And moreover, this is Pink beach which we haven't seen till day. I was able to spot the pink sand only after few seconds but still, the place is so worthy.

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  8. Mej pricey ahh 2,200 per pax. Pero kamusta ang bangka? Ilang hours o minutes?

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  9. Ooh you are coming nice! I think the sun as well helps, so during sunset, the sun is more orange making the sand more pinkish. When it is noon time, everything seems white haha.

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  10. oooh nice. Come. Let us know when you are coming maybe we can all do as big trip together

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  11. Thanks! Believe it or not, I am very much fascinated as well (even overwhelmed) on the number of beaches we have in the Philippines

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  12. Thank you very much. The drone shot was c/o of the tourism office cause we didnt bring any drone with us. CamSUr is the more popular one.

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  13. Thanks. If you somehow visit the PH, you'll be surprised on the number of beaches we have.

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  14. Well check out what's included kasi haha.

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  15. I love your photos! So so beautiful! Been wanting to go here for a while now since I saw a viral post on Facebook about this "pink" beach in the Philippines. Price is not bad too!

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  16. Yeah it is cheaper if you go on groups.

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