Cagbalete Island - Weekend Get Away.

We spent last weekend, May 14-15, in Cagbalete Island, Mauban Quezon. I read several blogs about what to expect on the island and am relieved that the majority of the blogs I've read have positive reviews. What we did not anticipate was the number of visitors to the island. Because it was a Saturday, there were a lot of locals, foreign and local tourists, and us who came to visit the place that weekend. When we arrived around 0745, Mauban Port was completely packed! We haven't booked our accommodations yet because I wanted to book it directly with the property or check which resort offers the best deals. I stood in line for our tickets, but I was told that we needed to book a resort first before they could give us the tickets. So I went to the booths and was told that they were completely sold out. My oh my! Joven's was the last booth I saw. I was told that, like the other resorts, they are fully booked, but they can offer us tents (500php) and space for 200php (space) if we bring our own tent. We were fortunate to have brought one. So we paid 700php in advance and returned to the cashier. Our tickets were handed to me, and we are number 120! I went to another window and paid the environmental fee (50php per person By the way, I lined up for the public boat since it only cost 70php/each. 1000am came, no public boats yet. While waiting, we bought Pancit habhab (10php) and chicken empanada (10php). 

I've heard that a number of private boats are available for 150php each. So I waited in line once more to write our names. While waiting for my turn, I noticed one of the boatmen looking for more passengers, so I told him we'd get four seats. We left the port around midday.

Private Boat to the Resort

It was a 45-minute boat ride. It was low tide when we arrived at Joven's resort, so we had to transfer to another boat for another 20php. The locals call it "baroto." It was only a short ride of about 2-3 minutes. After an hour, we had our tents set up and our lunch. The food is very expensive! We ordered two grilled liempo (250php each), chopseuy (90), grilled parrot fish – catch of the day (180), and rice, of course. We were extremely hungry at the time, so we devoured it in no time! Hahaha:)

We went to the beach, but since it’s low tide, I haven’t gotten any good splash! Hahaha.

I was so busy chilling at the bar, drinking a couple bottles of beer, that I forgot I hadn't had dinner yet. I went to the resort's kitchen – where we order our food – and yes, there is no more food for me; fine, I have junk foods, chocolates, and cookies anyway. I went to the beach with my bottle of beer, potato chips, chocolates, and cookies and let the salty breeze kiss my cheek. After a half-hour, I heard my brother calling me and telling me that he already had the food. Yey! He ordered before me – sinigang na baboy (180) and a can of tuna.  After dinner, we stayed at the bar and waited for the evening jam.

Someone from another table approached us and offered us free bagnet and grilled bangus. Those are "maubanin" people who are also chilling out that night. We thanked them for the yummy pulutan. , I returned to my tent by 12 p.m (Cinderella?!)  I left my brother and his girlfriend at the bar.

I got up as early as 5 a.m. and went to the beach to photograph the sunrise. I spent the morning at the beach, well, not swimming because it's still low tide.

Sunrise

Favorite Pose :) 

We hired a private boat around 1pm (1000php), I don’t want to walk to the sabang port for 15-20mins. I was too tired and sleepy.

Floating Restaurant

We decided to stop by the famous "kamayan sa palaisadaan" before returning home. Oh, and it was Pahiyas sa Lucban that Sunday, so there was a lot of traffic. But it's all worth it. Cagbalete is peaceful and laidback. No need to rush. You just have to enjoy every moment of your stay. You deserve a good weekend get away, anyway.

Travel Tips: 

-Don’t forget your sunscreen lotion

-Bring your own food –cooked or canned goods. It is way cheaper than the food at the resort

Or buy fresh fish/seafoods (local fishermen)

-Check the boat’s schedule as it varies depending on the season

-Expect numbers of visitors during the weekend esp in Summer Season, so be there as early as you can so you wont stay long at the port.

-Bring lots of water. Rehydrate. 

-There is no electricity at the Island except for the generators used by the resort that is avail from 6pm to 6am the next day.

xx

Ash