Want to spend a weekend sleeping under the stars? How about listening to the sound of the waves before going to sleep? We can also watch the sunrise or sunset.
Let's go beach camping then!
Beach camping can be a truly great experience even without television or air conditioning. Everything is back to basic. You bring your own shade. You pack your bed. You cook your own food. Don't worry though. It is easy to do. All you need is a well laid out plan and a great attitude to tide you over when things go off the rails.
Here are some things to remember:
Beach camping can be a truly great experience even without television or air conditioning. Everything is back to basic. You bring your own shade. You pack your bed. You cook your own food. Don't worry though. It is easy to do. All you need is a well laid out plan and a great attitude to tide you over when things go off the rails.
Here are some things to remember:
1) Do extensive research
You can either read blogs or ask friends who are from that place
or have been there. First thing to find out is if the campgrounds are safe or
camping is allowed. The first time we
visited Puting Buhangin in Quezon, overnight camping was not allowed for
security reasons. Now, it is a popular
camping ground.
Get all necessary phone numbers like the land or banca owners
and make arrangements. Know also the bus
schedules if you are taking public transportation or driving directions.
Find
out if there is a water source or if there is a place nearby where you can
clean up.
It is also good to have alternative plans, just in case. Have
extra cash to accommodate changes in plans.
2) Plan activities and
side trips
I know there are lots of exciting discoveries on the road so
keep your eyes open for it. But it is also good if you already have your
itinerary planned out like where to have your breakfast, where to market, or
where to have side trips.
If camping with kids or newfound friends, plan also games to
make your outing more memorable. Our
group has a set of camp games we usually play when we have newbies so that we
warm up with each other faster. Bring
props if necessary.
3) Make a checklist of things to bring and make sure to have
them all
Unlike booking in resorts or hotels, in beach camping you bring
everything, including your bedroom and kitchen.
Make sure your tent is sturdy so it can protect you from all
weather. Bring also sleeping bags and packable mattress to make sleep more
comfortable. It can also get cold at night.
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| Potipot Island, Zambales |
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| Buktot Beach, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro |
If you have a hammock, you can use that instead of a tent or you can bring both and have sleeping options. Hammocks are not so heavy anyway.
There are packable stoves and cook sets available for sale in
outdoor shops. If you are bringing a car and it is okay not to travel light,
then you can bring other things to make your camping trip more comfortable like
coolers, camp chairs, extra tarps, etc.
Don't forget other personal essentials like extra clothes,
sunblock, hygiene materials and medicine. Don’t forget the mosquito repellants.
Insect bites can ruin a perfectly good vacation.
Ready your gadgets also. Charge all your batteries. Bring your powerbanks. Be ready also to camp in places where there
are no cell phone signals. Make sure to
finish all business before you leave for a worry free vacation.
If you are taking a banca to your destination, make sure to
waterproof all your things. Be ready
also to leave no trace. We want the next
batch to enjoy a clean beach. Bring your own trash bag.
4) Pack enough food and water but always ask around for
fresh catch
Have a meal plan and decide where you want to source out the
ingredients. Some you can buy
ahead. Others you can purchase at the
local market. What we usually do is we
just bring enough and then we are on the lookout for fisher folks so we can have
fresh seafood. Just remember not to
bargain too much. Let our fishermen friends enjoy a little income. It is also
your little way of helping them.
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| Casiguran Aurora |
Remember also to bring water to drink. Most beach camps do not
have potable water supply and stores for last minute buys. Beach weather can
get too hot and we need lots of water to stay hydrated.
There are portable filters available now but have them only as a
backup.
5) Designate a camp
manager
This person’s role is to make sure everything is okay. This is the person who should remain sober
when everyone is drinking. He has to
make sure everyone is inside his or her tent during lights out. He should also make sure all trash is properly collected and that all stuff is properly stowed.
On the drinking part, be mindful of other campers.
6) Choose a good camping ground
Be sure to choose the space
you will pitch your tent on. Make sure
it is elevated. I experienced of
a flash flood at Anawangin after incessant rain. My camp buddies lost some of their
stuff. Consult locals or camp owners on
this.
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Culebra Island, Dasol, Pangasinan
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Choose also a site that will
protect your tent from the damaging rays of the sun. It can make your flysheet brittle. Of course, camping under the shade of the
tree is much cooler but not coconut trees of course, unless it doesn’t have fruit.
Make sure also you free up the
space that can damage the tent like twigs and rocks.
7) Tell family or friends
where you are
Remember the lesson from the movie 127 hours. Aron Ralston, played by James Franco,
took off to a remote location without letting anyone know where he was
headed. He ended up cutting his arm.
Let people close to you know where you are going. Leave number of travel companions. Let them know also the exact date you are
arriving and if there are changes, alert them so they will not worry.
8) Check the weather
This is very important. Before you hit the road, make sure the
weather is good. It pays to be safe. It
is not just about comfort.
2 comments
Kelly, I really enjoyed your photos and commentary. This is a helpful and enjoyable site.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much!
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