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The Cagbalete Island Experience (2017)

  • JericRN
  • May 6, 2017
  • 3 min read

There's no such things as summer in the Philippines. Only wet and dry season. But Filipinos love the concept of summer. And most of us spend summer in the beach. Philippines is very blessed to have a lot of amazing and incomparable beaches. More than 98 miles away southeast from the Metro, the Island of Cagbalete in Mauban Quezon Province is a must destination for those who loves to travel and experience crystal clear water and long sand bar beach, but with a tight budget.

Cagbalete Island Sand Bar

Fronting the Pacific Ocean, Cagbalete Island lies within the waters of Lamon Bay and is surrounded by white sands during low tide, and crystal clear water when it's high tide that you can experience in a day. It is known for the "Boracay of Quezon Province" and I must disagree because it is more peaceful and quiet. (Not crowded too!)

Cagbalete Sand Bar (During Low Tide)

The Island is not yet fully developed that's why it is a perfect place to disconnect to the stressful life of the urban cities. No WIFI and fast internet, but mobile signals is reliable (sometimes it hits 3G). From 6pm up to 6am is the only time you get electricity so I suggest that you have to bring power banks for your gadgets. Most of the resorts are affordable and you have plenty of choices.

Me and my girl stayed at Villa Cleofas for 2 days and 1 night. We only got the tent accommodation (we pay 1,400 for the TENT) because all of the rooms and any accommodation in all the resorts that time is fully book (April 29-30, 2017). Also, the reason why it is expensive is because of their event. They had Dj's, Live Acoustic (which is funny), Fire Dancers, Free Breakfast etc., which happens every last weekends of every month.

Villa Cleofas has a very accommodating receptionists. They even offered us a drink when we arrived. Cheers! The only cons is the foods. It is limited. I suggest that you asked for the locals where to find the best spot for food trip.

Tent is not bad unless it rains. I suggest that if you plan to stay with the tent, you bring your personal and trusted tent. The one's that they provide are not in good shape.

All in all, our experience on the Island was very memorable specially surviving the night inside the Tent during thunderstorm. I suggest that you checked the weather first so you can anticipate where you have to stay. My girl learned how to swim and she's excited to comeback. For me, it was not the best but it is one of the place you remember because of it's beauty and atmosphere.

Here's some preview video of what we experience.

How to get to the Island?

(I suggest that you choose public transport because it's cheaper.)

Ride a Bus to Lucena. We are from Laguna so we took the Bus from Turbina Terminal. If you're from Metro, the only terminal I know with Lucena route is Buendia Terminal.

Turbina Terminal - Lucena Grand Terminal - 130.00 Php

Lucena Grand Terminal - Mauban Port - 50.00 Php

Mauban Port - Cagbalete Island - 70 Php

Tip: When you arrived at Mauban Port, head straight to tourism office and pay 50.00 Php for environmental fee. (I'm so sad that they charged every tourist but there's no improvement or any development on the port and on the island of Cagbalete). After paying the environmental fee, they will give you your passenger number so you can ride the public boat to Cagbalete Island.

Also, since Villa Cleofas is far from the drop point, we have to ride motorcycle or what they call Habal- habal for 50.00 php each. Or you can walk. (at least 15-20 mins of walking)

Our total expenses back and fort including the accommodation is 1,300 Php/pax which is not really bad. (Excluding the foods)

Got questions? Email me. abalosjericobermudez@gmail.com

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