The initial plan was just in Dipaculao but further researching about aurora, I got my itinerary stretched all the way to Dilasag (In fact, if only time could permit, I would have changed the plan to Palanan, Isabela, after reading that there are boats in Dilasag bound for Palanan).
Then again, with the commuting mishaps, I had to cut the trip to Casiguran, aurora instead.
Casiguran wasn't so bad after all. Very early in the morning, I scouted for a tricycle that would take us to casapsapan beach (I initially planned getting a single motorbike instead so I can have a faster, and more sights to see trip, but as I will be with some 3 other fellows, I looked for a tricycle instead.) The other 3 travellers I've met in the van were supposed to have rented the van again for P2400 just for Casapsapan beach from the town, but as I've offered them the option of sharing a tricycle instead for just P500, they bought in.)
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| the road to casapsapan beach from casiguran town proper |
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| the road to casapsapan beach from casiguran town proper |
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| the road to casapsapan beach from casiguran town proper |
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| the road to casapsapan beach from casiguran town proper |
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| the road to casapsapan beach from casiguran town proper |
It was a bumpy uphill and downhill. There were some river crossing, and at some points, we had to get off the trike so it can climb the steep trail.
The driver dropped us in Casapsapan beach (resort), where he told the caretakers that we'd just be taking pictures. We weren't thinking of any charges til that time as there was no plan of staying long. After surveying the place, while the other 2 fellows are still taking their pics, I and their lead thought about scouting some food; The trike driver drove us to the nearby barangay, where, when we got there, there was no more fish to buy; Everything's delivered to the market.
I roamed around the village next to the shore to see if any fisherman has any leftover. Unfortunately, there was none left. Every person I ask points me to another until I got to a sari sari store; What I got: TUYO! Then, I can't eat tuyo alone. However, I see some homegrown vegetables in the sari sari store's backyard so I asked to buy the squash, which, they thankfully sold me for P10. I thought we can ask it cooked in coconut milk. Other than that, I got some eggplants (torta), etc. There was no choice anyway, as that's the only option versus starving.
We drove back to the resort and gave it to the caretakers for them to cook. We also asked if they can get us fresh coconuts which they did for P15 a piece (asked for a minimum of 10). Meanwhile, I asked the driver to show us around further in the trail. We drove through, and we broke through a number of unattended picnic areas. A few more pictures, then we drove back. Just a little while later, we were told food is ready.
It did not take us more than 20 mins to munch on our poorman's meal. And, since there's not much to do anymore in the beach, we decided to leave. I walked back towards the caretaker's cabin and asked how much we owe them. I was surprised I was being asked P300 for the table charge. I was ready to pay entrance charges, but I must admit, I did not pay attention on what they charge for the rest. The caretakers pointed us to the Rates Board posted on a tree, which I've come across several times but did not really pay attention to. It was only when they were charging us that I had a look at what's written.
Their rooms are overly basic if I were to stay there, I'd rather lay on the sand. Their toilets are as public as can be. In the end, I ended up paying only the buko (150) + table (300) + cooked rice (50) and only P50 for cooking charge... nothing extra thought necessary.
Casapsapan beach resort is the only resort in the vicinity.. the rest is an open entrance. Unless you are staying overnight, and don't mind paying their rates, consider just getting to the beach without having to pass through casapsapan beach resort. Besides, their beachfront is rocky and filled with sea urchins. You'll just end up walking til you tire, give up, and just walk back. In case you'd like to try the water, go past the beach resort.
Also, check out the shore near the village. The water flowing from basin to basin looks nice (pics below)...
The driver dropped us in Casapsapan beach (resort), where he told the caretakers that we'd just be taking pictures. We weren't thinking of any charges til that time as there was no plan of staying long. After surveying the place, while the other 2 fellows are still taking their pics, I and their lead thought about scouting some food; The trike driver drove us to the nearby barangay, where, when we got there, there was no more fish to buy; Everything's delivered to the market.
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| The P1000/night rooms |
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| Casapsapan Beach Resort from the shore |
I roamed around the village next to the shore to see if any fisherman has any leftover. Unfortunately, there was none left. Every person I ask points me to another until I got to a sari sari store; What I got: TUYO! Then, I can't eat tuyo alone. However, I see some homegrown vegetables in the sari sari store's backyard so I asked to buy the squash, which, they thankfully sold me for P10. I thought we can ask it cooked in coconut milk. Other than that, I got some eggplants (torta), etc. There was no choice anyway, as that's the only option versus starving.
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| the fish dealer's pit in the village |
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| basketball court in the village |
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| shoreline of the village |
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| some fishermen I asked have asked me for a toss |
We drove back to the resort and gave it to the caretakers for them to cook. We also asked if they can get us fresh coconuts which they did for P15 a piece (asked for a minimum of 10). Meanwhile, I asked the driver to show us around further in the trail. We drove through, and we broke through a number of unattended picnic areas. A few more pictures, then we drove back. Just a little while later, we were told food is ready.
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| driving further from casapsapan beach resort |
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| taken from the unattended picnic site |
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| the better beach past casapsapan beach resort |
It did not take us more than 20 mins to munch on our poorman's meal. And, since there's not much to do anymore in the beach, we decided to leave. I walked back towards the caretaker's cabin and asked how much we owe them. I was surprised I was being asked P300 for the table charge. I was ready to pay entrance charges, but I must admit, I did not pay attention on what they charge for the rest. The caretakers pointed us to the Rates Board posted on a tree, which I've come across several times but did not really pay attention to. It was only when they were charging us that I had a look at what's written.
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| fresh picks |
Their rooms are overly basic if I were to stay there, I'd rather lay on the sand. Their toilets are as public as can be. In the end, I ended up paying only the buko (150) + table (300) + cooked rice (50) and only P50 for cooking charge... nothing extra thought necessary.
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| shoreline in casapsapan beach resort |
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| shoreline in casapsapan beach resort |
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| shoreline in casapsapan beach resort |
Casapsapan beach resort is the only resort in the vicinity.. the rest is an open entrance. Unless you are staying overnight, and don't mind paying their rates, consider just getting to the beach without having to pass through casapsapan beach resort. Besides, their beachfront is rocky and filled with sea urchins. You'll just end up walking til you tire, give up, and just walk back. In case you'd like to try the water, go past the beach resort.
Also, check out the shore near the village. The water flowing from basin to basin looks nice (pics below)...
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5 hours ang byahe from Baler to Casiguran? How much at saan sasakay? Pagdating mo sa Casiguran, how much tricycle going to Casapsapan Beach?
ReplyDelete2 hours lang supposedly pero depende kasi sa panahon. Minsan matagal din mapuno, at mas matagal pa hintayan.500 binayad nmin sa trike, tho nagdagdag kami ng 100 after dhil nagpunta pa kami motyong beach.
ReplyDeleteask q lng kung mganda ung place coz we do have plan to there last week of feb
ReplyDeletewow ang ganda! :)
ReplyDeletewagas ka jc
DeleteHi, what other beaches can you recommend in Casiguran? Yung wala masyado sea urchins :) we're goin there tomorrow. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, what other beaches can you recommend in Casiguran? Yung wala masyado sea urchins :) we're goin there tomorrow. :)
ReplyDeletei must say these beaches in the northern pacific aren't really for swimming.. more for viewing. You can try motyong beach... it's the swimming beach.
ReplyDeleteFor the readers of this forum, I suggest check out PUNTA SIERRA VERDE RESORT in Dinalungan , Aurora just a town away from Casiguran. Checked out the fotos in FB. Type puntasierraverde.
ReplyDelete