It seems I’ve been scaling deeper up north a lot lately and I really don’t mind. It’s time to get past the ever popular Ilocos region and cross the border just a step to Cagayan Region and explore the next town of Claveria. Known as the gateway to the Babuyanes Islands, Claveria is a small town with its livelihood revolving around fishing. First time I went here during the Lakbay Norte 2, we rode through here under heavy rain but it didn’t dampen the magnificent rock formations the place holds. So I went back with a few friends and discovered a lot more.
Claveria is found at the North-Western Part of Cagayan, the idea of the traveling 613km way past Ilocos was somewhat intimidating. But it’s a challenge we took and the good thing is, Florida Transit offered some comfortable wide seats and comfort rooms inside their deluxe buses making it easy. The route was through the western part Manila-Laoag-Sanchez-Mira. The travel time expected was 12 hours on a night bus.
We left Manila by 8pm and the bus was filled with a few workers needed to be in Pagudpud took the least comfortable seats on the aisle. They were troopers to take the long bus ride on the small seats. Fortunately there were a few stops and as always, Florida has good food stops along the way.
We arrived at Claveria Town proper by 7am which was a lot earlier than expected. We missed a stop which was supposed to be in front of the church but we did got off at a Petron Station just before we reached Sanchez-Mira. It was a beautiful bright day when we arrived, just perfect weather for a little sight seeing.
Now lets go for some important rundown on our route and adding alternative routes to Claveria.
Essentials:
From Manila:
We took the Florida Bus with routes going Manila-Laoag-Sanchez-Mira. Fare is P750 one-way. Bus leaves 8pm.
From Laoag or Tuguegarao
Maria De Leon Transit and GMW Liner operates a Laoag-Tuguegarao Route and passes through Claveria. Just ask the driver to drop you off at Claveria Town Center
Claveria Tours Bus also has buses to Claveria leaving from 5am in the morning from Laoag straight to Claveria.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.