If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of city life - Cagbalete Island is the ideal spot for a perfect getaway. A paradise surrounded by off-white sand, crystal clear waters and a breathtaking view of the sunrise.
About Cagbalete Island
Cagbalete Island is a 1,640 hectare property located off the coastal town of Mauban in Quezon province. It is home to a diverse ecosystem with rich marine life and variety of birds can be seen flying over the island. Just 3-4hrs from Manila, the undiscovered paradise of Cagbalete Island will surely be an unforgettable island experience.
How to Get There
Mauban,Quezon
Depending on the area you're coming from, take a Lucena bound bus (JAM Liner/JAC Liner/Lucena Lines) in Kamias or in Buendia, Taft Station. The approximate travel time is around 3 hours and an estimated fare would be around 250-300Php.
From Lucena Grand Terminal take a non aircon mini-bus to Mauban, the two hours travel cost around 60Php. Another alternative would be taking an aircon bus in SM Lucena which cost around 80Php that takes only an hour of travel time compare to the mini bus.
After arriving in the town of Mauban, take a short walk or hire a trike going to the port (Pantalan), where the passenger boats to Cagbalete Island (Sabang Port) is stationed. Passenger boats to Cagbalete Island is around 40Php per person for a 45mins boat ride. Take note of the passenger boat ride schedule,
Mauban- Cagbalete
First Trip - 10AM
Last Trip - 4PM
*If you missed the schedule you can arrange a private boat going straight to Villa Cleofas for 4300Php(Two-Way), the boat can accommodate 20 people during summertime.
From Sabang Port you have an option to take a flat boat for 200Php/5 pax or take a 30 minute walk going to Villa Cleofas. If you chose to walk going to Villa Cleofas there are kids who will guide and help you carry your baggage off to the resort.
Where to Stay
Being the budget traveler we just decided to camp although there are number or resorts tucked in various areas of the island (Pansacola Beach Resort, MVT Sto. Nino and of course Villa Cleofas). The tent accomodation is probably the best way to experience the island's tranquility. Villa Cleofas offers various cottages and rooms (visit their site for the rates). As for the camping along the beach, tent cost 250Php and 50Php/head for the entrance. There are public toilets/baths which are definitely better compare to those of Anawangin Cove.
What to Bring
It's back to basics in the island - no commercial establishments or even electricity, it is advisable to bring the essential camping gears (tent, cooking equipment,flashlight etc) and of course the camera for the scenery. Stop by the Sabang Market to buy some food/ingredients or you can asked the people in the resort to cooked your food for you.
Suggested Activities
Besides the usual island life, Villa Cleofas offers a few activities other than swimming here are some of things/places to do in the island:
Bonsai Island
1. Take a walk to Bonsai Island home to the century old bonsai trees located just in front of the resort.2. Ilog/Bukana which is 600m away from the resort, ideal for leisurely swimming and pictorials.
Bukana
3. Visit Baliscar Island and its lighthouse which is 30 mins away from the resort. 4. Fishing/Boat that would cost around 500Php for the duration of 2-3hrs excluding gas
5. Snorkling is around 100Php/head good for 1-2hrs
6. Horseback riding is 100Php for half an hour.
If you're looking for a place to relax and unwind I highly recommend going to Cagbalete Island. Enjoy the unexplored white sand beaches and life simple pleasures.
Low Tide
For more info visit www.cagbalete.com. I'll be posting our detailed iterinary in the upcoming post.
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