Sentinela Cove: A Secret Beach in Claveria, Cagayan

Sentinela Cove is the home of the legendary Ubing-ubing. Ubing-ubing is believed to be the son of the legendary Lakay-lakay and Baket-baket that turned into stones due to their greediness. The cove is located in Brgy. D. Leaño that can be reached thru public and private transportation. The travel time from the town proper of Claveria will take about 15-20 minutes.

Near the cove is the prominent hill known as Bantay Kalbo which is good for a couple of minutes hiking. The view at the top is definitely breathtaking. Sentinela Cove is filled with fine off-white sands that flanked by interesting huge rock formations. There is also a mini-cave wherein you can hide from the heat of the sun. The coves' rugged beauty made this place serene. 

Bantay Kalbo on the background.

Mini-cave.

Every time my relatives visits our hometown for vacation, we always find time to visit the beach. We usually visit the famous Taggat Blue Lagoon and stroll along Claveria Beach in the town proper so I suggested that we visit Sentinela Cove for a change. 

My relatives enjoyed the place. We took pictures for good memories. The sea waves are very inviting so we also went swimming. We stayed longer and gazed on the waves crashing down the shore and rock formations. We waited until the sun sets. 

It's suffice to say that Sentinela Cove is a secret beach. Aside from its breathtaking beauty, the place is not crowded. No resorts situated along the beach. You can really have the beach all yourself.

If ever you will visit up-north and headed to Claveria, find time to visit this place to experience this for yourself. You only need few cash for the fare expenses and food to eat when you get hungry. One more very interesting thing, there is no entrance fee! Visit the cove and you will definitely like its serenity. Have you been to this place? Share me your thoughts my dear readers! 

Experiencing Why Cagayan is called "The Smiling Land of Beauty"

Traveling together once in a while is a bonding moment of our family. Being the jet-setter, I suggested that we explore our home province for a change. This experience is one for the record because it was their first time to visit other parts of Cagayan. Below are the different places we visited that proves why Cagayan is called "The Smiling Land of Beauty". 

MAGAPIT HANGING BRIDGE

Magapit Hanging Bridge is located in Lallo, Cagayan which is 72 kms from Tuguegarao City. It is the first of its kind in Asia and serves as the gateway to the Ilocos Region through the Cagayan-Ilocos Norte inter-provincial highway. Lallo town is also home to the St. Dominic Spanish Colonial Church, the former seat of "Ciudad Nueva Segovia". Ciudad Nueva Segovia is featured in the annals of Philippine History as one of the four oldest cities in the country. 

BASILICA MINORE OF OUR LADY OF PIAT

It is also called as "The Lady of the Visitation" and is located 35 kms from Tuguegarao City. It was originally called the Lady of the Holy Rosary, perhaps because the devotees of the Rosary, the Dominican Friars, supposedly brought it from Macao to the Philippines in 1604. This more than four-centuries old image was first enshrined in Nueva Segovia now called Lallo. The image is famous in the country and abroad as the Black Mary making Piat the Pilgrimage Center in the Cagayan Valley Region. 

CALLAO CAVES

The seven-chambered Callao Cave boasts of massive limestone formations, skylights and a chapel. Its cave entrance is accessible by climbing the 184-cemented steps. This famous cave is located in Peñablanca, Cagayan. 

Pinacanauan River at the background.

184-uphill steps is not for the weak-heart. You have your cardio tested as you go up while enjoying the view of Pinacanauan River and the other parts of Peñablanca, Cagayan. If you are into caving, you will enjoy your visit here. Limestone formations are very inviting for picture-taking.

Exactly 184-cemented steps!

Cave chapel on the background.

After caving, try cruising the Pinacanauan River. It is conducive for kayaking, boating, and swimming while the mountains on its sides are perfect for trekking and mountaineering. The daily phenomenon of the circadian flight of insect-eating bats from a bat cave occur at dusk enthralling visitors. 

With our friendly tour guides. 

These are just 3 reasons why Cagayan is called as "The Smiling Land of Beauty". I believe, Cagayan is not just about bridges, churches, rivers and caves. This wonderful province has more to offer that will make everyone smile. 

Labig "Palma Brava" Festival of Claveria, Cagayan

Your blogger in front of Claveria Town Hall

This is how my hometown celebrate Labig "Palma Brava" Festival.

Claveria Beach: Claveria, Cagayan

There is no place like home as they say. My hometown, Claveria, is one proof on that! It is being dubbed as the "Coastal Paradise of the North". Now I will show you why by just sharing pictures of our pride, The Claveria Beach. Oh well, this is just one of the many reasons why I can't resist to go home during summer season. Now take a look at our beach and you'll see how will it take your breath away. 

So far, how do you like it?! Not a crowded type of beach right? Definitely yes! If you're looking for a beach wherein you just want to swim and relax then most likely you will enjoy your stay here. It's a long stretch of gray sand and big waves enough to make you crazy while just sitting down on the shore. There's a lot of resorts situated along the boulevard so there is no problem with accommodations.

Panoramic View: Claveria Beach

Now I will ask you, will you include this on your itinerary for the next summer?! If yes, I maybe willing to tour you around in case I will also be having my vacation at that time. As I've mentioned earlier, it's raw so don't expect motorized water sports. (How I wish I have enough investment for that!) People are very much free to spend the night along the shores though there is no night life like those on Boracay or Puerto Galera. Visitors can also enjoy bonfires!

Nephew: Charlemagne, Brother: William, Niece: Mercelyn

With my pamangkins!

Sunset view on the beach is spectacular! Now I am sharing the pictures we took during sunset. Time to dip on the beach. Most of the tourists and locals go on swimming during sunset because it's not too hot. Oh well memories, during my high school days, we used to hit the beach after class and stay on the beach til dinner (kilig moments LOL) My last vacation there, I've spent a sunset with my younger brother, nephews and niece. Such a great way to spend my vacation with them.... made me feel I am young once in a while.

Will you visit this place soon?! Might see you there! Who knows I will bump on you there once. Just make sure you hit this place during summer so you'll enjoy. Not a good place to visit during rainy seasons because waves are huge enough to capsize you. Just be safe everyone! Just try and spend one summer vacation and definitely you'll have one memorable experience.

How to get there:

           Land: 12 hours (night trip only)

           RCJ Lines and Florida Transport at Lacson Ave. cor Earshaw St. Manila 

           Air: (more or less 1 hour)

           Plane to Laoag International Airport then 3 hours bus or van ride bound to Claveria, Cagayan.