Cagbalete

Cagbalete – a new island to rediscover in the Philippines. Found at the eastern part of Quezon Province, it is well known for it’s elegant and wide sand bars that stretch farther during low tides! It’s a distinct feature on  Cagbalete and it’s nearby islands where you could actually walk quite a distance just to see the plunge in deep water. It’s also worth noting that locals here sell freshly catch fishes – from giant Lapu-Lapu, clams, Coconut crabs etc. You could even ask them to cook it for you 🙂

How to Get Here

Via Public Transportation

1. Station to Lucena Grand Terminal – Take JAM/JAC Liner buses that have hourly trips. Occasional vans also drop by here and could be rented (could also take you directly to Mauban) especially if you’re in a large group.
2. Lucena Grand Terminal to Mauban Town Proper – From the Grand Terminal, take buses going directly to Mauban. It’s an hourly trip so no worries. Vans are also available but will cost you more.
3. Mauban to Cagbalete Island – At Mauban, register at the tourism office (currently at the covered court) and you could choose to ride the public ferry or take a private boat. Private boat is advisable since the public ferry is often used by locals and are mostly over-packed.

Where to Stay

There are 7 available resorts to stay on the island, though you could also opt to stay at Mauban and just travel to Cagbalete for a day trip. There are also tent areas in the resorts which will cost you less than renting a room. So….your choice. 🙂 If you prefer not staying on resorts, you could camp anywhere on the shores – though of course you won’t be able to use their restrooms, cooking area, and tables.

Personal preference is to camp out at Dona Choleng since it has the widest and whitest sand bars (IMO). Though whichever you pick, you could actually circle the island and explore them all. 🙂

Budget

Values below does not include any food or miscellaneous expenses. Also this will only include expenses that we had incurred along the trip. Rates are as of this post’s writing.

1. Transportation

• Buendia Terminal to Lucena Terminal: Bus (209php ea), Van (300php ea)
• Lucena Terminal to Mauban: Bus (50php ea), Van (200php ea)
• Mauban to Cagbalete Island (private boat ride):
  • 1-2 pax – 1000php (one way) – 1500 (two way)
  • 3 pax – 1500php (one way) – 2000 (two way)
  • 4 pax – 2000php (one way) – 2500 (two way)
  • 5-6 pax – 2500php (one way) – 3000 (two way)
  • 7-8 pax – 3000php (one way) – 3500 (two way)
  • 9-15 pax – 3500php (one way) – 4000 (two way)
  • 16-20 pax – 5000php (two way)
• Mauban to Cagbalete Island (public ferry): 50php ea (though this is first come first serve) – If you plan to take this option, you will be dropped of at Sabang Port in Cagbalete island. You may have to walk to your desired resort or take a boat ride (high tide) or cross a river or ride a carabao! Here are the prices from Sabang port to specific resorts via boat ride.
  • Pansacola Beach Resort: 300php per trip
  • Dona Choleng Beach Resort: 500php per trip
  • Villa Noe Beach Resort: 500php per trip
  • Joven’s Blue Sea Beach Resort: 500php per trip
  • Villa Cleopas Beach Resort: 500php per trip
  • MVT Sto. Nino Beach Resort: 700php per trip
  • Nilandingan Cove Resort: 700php per trip

2. Resorts

• Prices vary depending on room type but ranges from 1000php – 3000php per night
• You could rent a tent space for just 300php per tent (varies slightly)
• Kayak rates vary

3. Tours

• Island Hopping (Bonsai island, mangroves, and other nearby islets near Cagbalete): 150php per pax (min of 12 people)

Keep in mind..

If you don’t plan to bring food and cook on the island, you could call the resort you will be staying and ask them for Food Packages in which you would pay in advance upon booking.

If you plan to cook food here, (which is what I recommend especially in a group) you could buy food before leaving Mauban. Now, the fun starts, you could look for locals in the area that actually tour the island selling freshly-catched fishes/crabs/clams/squid etc. You could cook them yourselves or ask them to cook it for you! They prepare dishes really well so we found it a very great experience.