The Partido Riviera @ Patitinan, Sagñay

hidden jewel of Partido...

After swimming in Nato beach, my cousin Michael suggested that we visit the Sagñay (pronounced "Sangay") view deck in Patitinan, near the Camarines Sur and Albay border, about 20 minutes away from Nato. It’s another case of ignoring what’s in my backyard… I’ve lived around this area for part of my childhood and teens and I’ve never been here before!

so very lovely...

snail-like Atulayan Island

Goodness, I felt like I’ve missed a lot by not being aware of the beautiful vistas of the so-called “Partido Riviera” sooner. I guess better late than never… the view was just so gorgeous and peaceful. It was great driving up the steep road and looking out the window with the awe-inspiring view of Atulayan Bay with Atulayan Island at its center. 

Bongalon port with ferry to Caramoan

the Fuentebella property... nice, huh?

We trooped to the view deck (overlooking the controversial property of CamSur 4^th district Congressman Fuentebella) and just enjoyed the amazing view. It’s just too bad that the rest room here was ruined by vandals that it’s not usable anymore (yep, my bladder's still holding a grudge).

at the Sagñay view deck with the family

nice roads

I’m quite impressed with the roads here; the locals said it’s paved up to Tiwi, Albay. I wish the roads in Caramoan are this good too, it could have saved us a lot of aches and pains due to the bumpy rides we endured when we traveled there.

This was a special way to end the day for us. We would have driven straight to Albay since we were so close, but we didn’t have enough gas in the car and there were young kids with us, so we contented ourselves driving down the mountain and stopping by the side of the road to take pictures of the wonderful view. Patitinan, it’s nice to have met you at last!

Nato Beach, Sagñay

great times...

Nato beach is one of my favorite beaches to visit. I know it’s not as pretty as the other famous ones in Bicol (hello Caramoan & Calaguas!), but I’ve had fond memories of going to Nato when I was growing up. Some of my siblings and cousins would even play hooky just to come here and hang out with their friends. I was never as adventurous though, so there are no wild Nato stories to tell you, unfortunately.

It’s just a 20-minute drive from our place in Tigaon (via Hoyon-hoyon), so when I’m home from Manila--rain or shine--I’d be splashing around here (and occasionally singing horribly bad karaoke) like the year before and the year before that. It just wouldn’t feel like I’ve been home without visiting Nato. I’m just that predictable.

umm, you're supposed to jump, ma!

My cousins Mike and Michelle married into families who own resorts adjacent to each other too, and that just encouraged our gang to visit Nato more often. The cottages here are around ₱100-200, but if you don't want to rent one, you can put a blanket in the sand and you're good to go. You can also buy some blue marlin from the fishermen really cheap and have it grilled right on the beach!

Atulayan island in the background...

Nato beach is also a jump-off point to nearby Atulayan Island, which has a creamy white sandy beach. So if you’d like something more picturesque, it’s just a 30-minute boat ride from here. Also there is a new roll-on/ roll-off (ro-ro) ferry service that leaves daily at 6:30 am for the Caramoan Peninsula, if you're feeling even more adventurous.

Aguirangan Island (Rose Islet), Presentacion

Aguirangan or Rose Islet, is a small island off the coast of Presentacion town in Camarines Sur. It's about 30 minutes away by boat from Sabang port. If you came in too late to catch the last boat to Caramoan at 2pm, I highly recommend visiting this beautiful island whilst waiting for the next available trip to the Caramoan Peninsula.

I was still in high school when I first visited this island and it's so small--about 1.5 hectares--that you can leisurely explore the whole island in less than an hour. If you want to stay overnight, you can check in at the Aguirangan View Hotel, right across the island in barangay Maangas. Also in a bright, clear day you can get a glimpse of the near-perfect cone of the Mayon Volcano from here.