Anguib Beach- A Paradise of the North

Location: Anguib, Sta. Ana, Cagayan, Philippines
Free Entrance, Minimally Priced Nice Cottages

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFhUxL64gnI My companion frowned at the idea of  walking on sticky mud. Thankfully, the green hills, the lush mangroves and the trees provided a heart-warming view that encourages a peaceful atmosphere, I never needed to say a word to lighten things up. Still he feared that it would not be worth the travel but I decided not to convince him to change his stand- I'll leave it to Anguib Beach to speak for itself.

Soon everything changed though once we caught sigh of the beach. I heard him say, "Wow, indeed, it's nice..". I looked at him, I'd say he started to savor the beauty of the place. Looking at the smooth, white sand on the shore, it was easy for me to understand why and be awed like he was. We were entering a beach that does not charge a cent, a real beauty to our surprise. I felt so lucky.

Dubbed as the Boracay of the North, Anguib Beach bravely fulfills it promises of fun, peace, and a bit of nature adventure. This is not like the well-advertised Philippine beach resorts that offer water activities yet, diving, boating, and to a certain extent, surfing, are good here. The waters are connected to a protected marine reserve and the area itself is used with respect by the locals. No bars and cafe's around, just one small souvenir stall that sells shell decorative pieces. We skipped the shop as we noticed we can just go to the shore and pick the shells scattered by the rushing waves. If you like to bring home a typical tropical beach souvenir made of seashells, it would be irresistible to buy one as the items are sold cheaply.

Anguib Beach provides its guests a simple, yet one of the greatest pleasures that a gorgeous nature inspires. It captivates the eyes and the soul. Truly an amazing place it is, yet it remains bare and simple- in my opinion, these are the two characteristics that set it apart from other beautiful beaches in the country. It wears an almost naked beauty so when you see it, you admire it as it is, without any added man-made structures aside from the clean nipa huts that provide shield from the bright sun.

The extraordinary experience is augmented by the warm smiles of its accommodating locals who definitely make every guest feel welcomed and 'at home'.

Located at the northern tip of the Philippines, the Anguib Beach trails along the landscaped border separating the Philippines from the Pacific waves. The Anguib beach is a stretch of white, powdery sands lined with coconut trees and the beautiful silhouette of the mountains complete one of the best panoramic tropical views in the Philippines.

Its location in Sta. Ana, Cagayan enables visitors to access it either by private cars or public rides including buses, jeepneys and vans up to the town proper where backpackers like me can get a tricycle that will drop them to the beach resorts. On the other hand, private vehicles can go directly to Anguib; otherwise, you will have to ride a tricycle, it will be the same tricycle that will fetch you and bring you back to the town center as no other transportation means is available within the area. Forget walking back, it is far.

On the way to the resort, thick and lush mangroves and forest-like environment pose on views. The resorts are accessible as the road leading to them are concreted and smooth. Yet, rains may make travel multiple times difficult once you are in the rugged, short distance terrain of about 400 meters leading to the beach. In our case, we had to leave the tricycle we were riding and walk the short, muddy distance- whilst we struggled a bit with the mud, the views of the mountains and trees we passed by compensated it all and we did not mind exerting the effort at the least, everything is worth it.

Economically speaking, the area is far from being exploited. Local seafood dishes can be sampled at very affordable prices, provided the water current allows the local fishermen to sail for a catch. In our case, we were not very lucky to sample anything as the tides were high and the wind currents were strong during our visit, making fishing impermissible. The cottages are nice, kept at low prices and the place is really clean, no trash in sight, even as you stroll along the shore. Fresh air gives every guest a constant company- oddly, no trace of 'sea smell' and the air is fresh and clean- truly captivating.

Clean Huts

 Rolling Waves with Sand

Playing in the Sand

A walk to remember? Only to be forgotten soon :P

 Panoramic shot with Sony Cybershot DSC- W570

Securing the back to avoid chills on a windy day. 

 Wanting to Stay

Next time you plan a stop for a worthwhile experience, head to Anguib Beach. It is great and you will enjoy it :)

My ratings:
safety- good
accessibility- good
views- very good
experience- very good
local accommodation- good
family-friendly? absolutely
cleanliness- very good

Language and Culture- Locals speak Ilocano (my dialect!). I find them very accommodating, polite and friendly.

Food- Bring your own to save yourself just in case the local fishermen decide not to sail and catch something they can cook for you. Cooking on the spot is allowed and thus, feel free to have some barbeque, etc. right on the shore.

Going There: 
Manila-Tuguegarao-Sta.Ana Route

From Manila:

By Plane -Short-distance flight from Manila to Tuguegarao, Cagayan

By Bus- Board Florida bus that goes straight to Sta. Ana. Otherwise, stop at Tuguegarao, Cagayan 

By Car- approximately 10 hour drive from Manila to Anguib, Sta. Ana

From Tuguegarao: (2 Hrs)

By bus- fastest way would be to take the Florida bus going to Sta. Ana that passes the city of Tuguegarao at 4AM. Otherwise, take the Florida bus going to Aparri and go down in Camalaniugan where you can take either the jeepney or van (faster but fewer) directly to Sta. Ana.

By Van- They usually leave between 5Am-6AM. All transportations will drop you at the Sta Ana Town Centre. The earlier you leave the city, the better because travel time can be tripled if you go with the rush hour. Unless you plan to go camping on the shore, it is safest to leave before nightfall as no street lights from Sta. Ana town proper going to Anguib.

From Sta. Ana to Anguib (30 minutes)

If you do not have a car, ride a tricycle. It is best to rent it and agree for a two-way fare as no regular transportation is available from the beach area. The way to the beach and the beach front itself are not residential areas, more like mangrove forests and vast paddy fields, not a single queue for public transportation anywhere near.