Quezon Adventure: Cagbalete Island

Our adventure today takes us 98.6 kilometers southeast of Manila. Cagbalete Island is a tourist destination found in the jurisdiction of Mauban, in the province of Quezon.

Cagbalete Island Details

Cagbalete Island is defined by its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, mangrove forests, and picturesque scenery. Aside from that, it is surrounded by waters that are teeming with multitudes of colorful marine life. 

Cagbalete Island - Mauban, Quezon

Cagbalete Island's interior on the other hand is quite opposite from its picturesque beach fronts. It is full of shrubs and cogon grass. There is also an eerie forested part where only the muddy time-beat trail hints at the existence of man. 

The beautiful sunset in Cagbalete Island

The equally beautiful sunrise in Cagbalete Island

Cagbalete Island is home to about 3 thousand people. Most of their homes are concentrated around the areas near Sabang Port in the southwestern part of the island. There are also several resorts in the different parts of the island, particularly on its eastern side. 

Riding a boat in Mauban Port

Boats usually leave the Mauban port when it's full or when you rent it for your own.

Although not that remote or far from the town of Mauban, Cagbalete Island's natural beauty is quite preserved due to the fact that it is still undeveloped. As a matter of fact, there is no clear port structure in the area they call Sabang Port. It is just an area where the boats drop off locals and visitors alike by transferring them to a small banca that would eventually bring them to the beach. 

You'd transfer to this kind of banca

This is Sabang Port

If you're going to ask me, the best part of the island is its eastern side. That is where most of the resorts are situated and also where the beautiful beaches are found. During my visit to Cagbalete Island, my group stayed in MVT Sto. Nino Beach Resort is on the northeastern side of the island. It is one of the furthest resorts from Sabang Port. To get there, we chose to walk inland from the port. Lucky for us, a local volunteered his son to guide us to the resort. The walk took us around almost an hour before we got to the resort. Others would probably choose to be shuttled there by a boat which would of course cost them extra fees.

Our guide brought us to MVT Sto Nino Beach Resort via inland trail

Passing through Cagbalete Island's forested interior

While in MVT Sto. Nino Beach Resort, I discovered that electricity only runs from 6PM to 6AM. (You won't hear wannabe singers belting out songs the whole day.) We rented out a hut near the beach and I found out that it would be better if we brought our own tent. What's great about this resort, however, is that the people manning it are very accommodating.  Aside from that, there is also this area a few meters from the resort where the seawater is only 1/4 of a foot deep. It extends to about half a kilometer and probably more during the low tide. On the contrary, you would be disappointed by the numerous dogs that are loitering around the resort vicinity. These dogs are sometimes territorial and those with pups are quite aggressive and moody so beware.

Can you count the dogs guarding MVT Sto Nino Beach Resort?

If you want to tour the other parts of the island, you should talk to a boatman or the resort owners/caretakers but usually, they are the ones who would initiate these talks. 

I got to visit Cagbalete Island with my co-teachers during our mandatory summer break last April 16 -17, 2016.

Here are the places that you should see when you visit Cagbalete Island:

Cagbalete Island's Fish sanctuary

Bonsai Island

Cagbalete Island's Mangrove Forest

Cagbalete Island's Mini shoal

The long stretch of white sand beach on the eastern side of the island

Things to do in Cagbalete Island:

1. Rest, relax, and reconnect with nature
2. Swim, snorkel, and dive
3. Collect seashells
4. Camp
5. Walk around the island
6. Walk from one side of the island to the other via inland trail
7. ride a banca and tour the beachside of the island
8. drink beer under the full moon

Don't forget to befriend the locals

2-Day Cagbalete Island Itinerary:

Day 1

5AM -Departure from Manila
9AM - ETA Grand Terminal Lucena City/ transfer to a bus bound to Mauban
10AM - ETA Mauban/ head to the pantalan
10:25AM - Process fees in the port and then board the boat to the island
11:25 - ETA Cagbalete Island/ proceed to the resort/ check-in
1PM - Late lunch/ rest
3PM - Explore the resort vicinity / arrange a tour
7PM - Dinner and socials
9PM - Lights off or drink under the moonlight

Day 2

5AM: Rise and shine adventurer
5:30AM: Prepare for tour /breakfast
6AM: Check out / Tour around the island
12NN: End of tour/ head to Sabang Port*
1PM: Departure to Mauban Port
2PM ETA Mauban Port/ Departure for Lucena's Grand Terminal
3PM ETA Lucena's Grand Terminal/ Departure to Manila
8PM ETA Manila**

* during the peak season (summer) boats frequently ferry tourists and locals to and from the island however, during off-season boat trips are scheduled. 
**snacks, lunch, and toilet breaks not included

Estimated Budget:

P2500 All-in Transportation cost
P2000-P3000 Overnight hut rental (bring your own tent cost only P300-500)
P1000 food (but you can save by bringing your own food)
Overall, bring at least P6000 - P7000 pesos pax but keep in mind that the more people in the group the more you guys save. (We were 4 in the group and my budget was only P3000)

Why visit Cagbalete Island?

Cagbalete Island is one of the must-visit islands of the province of Quezon. It's an ideal weekend getaway for those living in Manila and the nearby provinces. Cagbalete island offers clean white sand beaches with matching clear waters, something that would surely release the stress brought by the hustle and bustle of city life.

Getting to Cagbalete Island:

From Manila, Cubao, or Alabang, ride a bus going to Grand Terminal in Lucena. From there, transfer to a bus going to Mauban's Terminal. Once there, proceed to the port and pay the necessary fees before riding the boat. The boat would then drop you off at Sabang Port or you may choose to pay extra for the boat to drop you off at your resort.

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