10 Things to do in Camarines Norte

Camarines Norte is a province located in the Bicol region (Region V) of the Philippines with its capital Daet. The province borders Quezon to the west, Camarines Sur to the south, and the Philippine Sea to the north.

Cam Norte is composed of 12 municipalities, namely: Vinzons, Capalonga, Daet, Jose Panganiban, Labo, Mercedes, Paracale, San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente, Sta. Elena, Talisay, and Basud. Last month I was able to visit the province for the first time and it was worth the trip! 👌

Here are the 10 places I visited in Camarines Norte:

1. Calaguas Island

I've been to Boracay for a lot of times but Calaguas looks much better!  Famous for its powdery white sand and crystal clear water, The Calaguas Group of Island includes the major islands of Tinaga Island and Guintinua Island, the minor Maculabo Island, as well as several other minor islands. The instagram-worthy Mahabang Buhangin is actually located in Tinaga Island.

This island is so picturesque it looks like it came out of a postcard! The 9-hours trip from Manila and 2-hours boat ride from Vinsons Port was worth it! 💗

2. Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol

This 400-year old Roman Catholic church also known as the St. Peter the Apostle Church is located in the municipality of Vinzons (formerly Indan) It is the oldest church in Camarines Norte built by the Franciscan friars in 1611. This Spanish-era Church is characterized by a plain and traditional facade, which is a triangular pediment and a a flat wall, and a square bell tower.

In December 2012, the church was destroyed by a fire and the historical artifacts of church were not saved. The 400 year old limestone church was restored in 15th Century setting and was inaugurated on June 2015 on the feast of its Patron Saint.

3. Vinzons Ancestral House

Owned by a mogul Ramon Pajarillo,  this 100-year old ancestral house is fast becoming a tourist spot in Vinzons. Though looks like an ordinary house from the outside,  this home has museum-worthy antique pieces inside. This one is located just a few walks away from Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol. You should see this house up-close to appreciate it.

4. The Black Nazarene Church of Capalonga

The Black Nazarene of Capalonga was said to be centuries-old, like the one in Quiapo, Manila. The shrine is currently located in the 3rd class municipality of Capalonga, Camarines Norte,  76 kilometers from Daet, the capital town of CamNorte.

Currently ongoing is the construction of the new Black Nazarene church in a hilltop shrine in Brgy. Talagpucao, that will overlook the sea beside the coastal  road. The new location was expected to attract more pilgrims and bolster the tourism in the municipality.

5. Estela's Garden

We had a short stop-over here before heading to Capalonga. Aside from the sumptuous  food especially their version of japchae and sinantol, I had fun touring around their garden where I saw a rare violet chili. Even their comfort rooms is a sight to behold.

Estela's Garden is located at Purok 6, Poblacion 3, 427 Sto. Intierro St. Vinzons, Camarines Norte 4603.

6. Mommy Terry's Bulaluhan, ATBP

When I visited Bangkok two months ago,  I see to it that I try the food they offer on the streets! Its cheap, authentic and loved by the local. This is also true in Camarines Norte,  the best tasting food can't be found on posh hotels but in usual carinderia-type of eateries just like here in Mommy Terry's Bulaluhan, ATBP. Their sinigang is to die for! Tastes like home.  😱

7. Dulzenia in Daet

Dulzenia Restaurant is our last stop before braving the 9-hour drive back to Manila. They serve the usual food faves like sisig,  pansit canton, chicken, etc but what sets them apart from other is their meticulously-prepared frappes perfect for Instagram. YUM!

8. Prime Suite Hotel in Daet

This 2-star hotel, located in Maharlika Highway in Daet, Camarines Norte is where we stayed overnight before heading to Calaguas Group of Islands the next morning. Our stay was OK,  this hotel covers all your basic needs. They provide decent wi-fi,  has hot showers option, comfy beds and functioning air-con which is the things I look for in a hotel. 😂

The complimentary breakfast at Prime Suite Hotel is also OK.  There's also a 7-11 convenience store nearby where you can buy stuffs that you need. Their cheapest rooms starts at P1,500 good for 2 pax with free breakfast.

9. Sabang Beach in Capalonga

Camarines Norte has a lot of hidden wonders (read: not mainstream)  and of one them is the Sabang Beach located in the quiet coastal town of Capalonga. Right now, there are no hotels or resorts here,  so you don't have a place to shower or change clothes after you swim. So if you want to change to dry clothes you can nicely ask a local resident to accommodate you, which we did.

10. Jannah's Pasalubong

A visit to Camarines Norte will not be complete without buying pasalubong like ref magnets, key chain and goodies. Jannah's Pasalubong located at Sta. Magdalena St. Vinzons, Camarines Norte has all that and more! Pili tarts is ❤

How to go to Camarines Norte?

• Via public bus: - Bus lines like DLTB, Philtranco, and Superlines have daily trips to Daet  (9 to 10 hours). 
• Via plane: - From NAIA, there are regular flights to Naga. - From Naga, ride a bus or van going to Daet (2 hours).

For more info on Camarines Norte, you can contact the Camarines Norte Provincial Tourism Operations Division at the https://www.facebook.com/CometoCamNorte/