The Hidden Gem of Quezon | Cagbalete Island

Jan 16, 2016
3 min read

Claimed to be the Boracay of the Pacific, Cagbalete Island offers more than just exquisite and stunning view of clear water, it will also grant you solitude and privacy you have been longing for the longest time.

Without a doubt you will surely enjoy this hidden paradise on earth with just a budget of 1,500php.

Positioned in one of the underrated places in Calabarzon, you will find this magnificent beach off the coast of Mauban, Quezon Province. With a total of 4-5 hours of land and boat ride, it is indeed a worthy place to visit. It is by far the most astonishing place I've ever been to.

OUR TRAVEL GUIDE TO CAGBALETE ISLAND

1. The most convenient way to travel to Cagbalete is to take the 3-4 hours direct bus route from Manila to Mauban. Jac Liner's, Kamias Station have two daily bus trips bound to Mauban, one is at 4AM and the other one is around 1:30PM. Make sure to come at least 1 hour before time for you not to miss the ride.

2. Once you're in Mauban, hail a tricycle ride and go directly to the Tourism office. You will be paying both the environmental fee and the boat ride in the office.

3. After paying the environmental and boat fee, the tricycle driver will take you to Mauban port. Make sure you don't lose the stab given by the officers from the tourism office. The travel time from Mauban port to Cagbalete Island is about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

4. Arriving at Sabang Port Cagbalete Island, you may opt to trek to your desired resort. Based on our experience, we decided to take another boat ride since it was raining. It took us 10 minutes to reach our destination.

WHAT TO SEE IN CAGBALETE ISLAND

WHAT TO SEE IN CAGBALETE ISLAND

We decided to stay in one of Cagbalete's most renowned resorts, which is Dona Choleng. We set our camp near the shoreline since we wanted to enjoy the sound of the waves. But they also offer rooms and cottages.

Entrance fee 50php

Overnight Stay 350php

We took a deep around noon, but unfortunately the water is too low and because of that we were not able to enjoy our swim that much.

As a budget traveler, I would say that the money we spent on Cagbalete is indeed more than we could hope for. With it's fine sand grains to its picturesque clear water, Cagbalete is indeed a must see place.

By noon, it will offer you a jaw-dropping view of the horizon, leaving you in awe of a phenomenal sunset.

This trip is indeed a friendship goal for all barkadas out there looking for a bit of fresher from the city life. This quick two days one night trip to an extraordinary place definitely has a place unto the deepest parts of our memories.

Here's the summary of our Cagbalete Beach Tour Itinerary

Meet Up Jac Liner - 3:30AM

ETD Going to Mauban, Quezon from Kamias Station- 4:30AM (4-5 Hours Ride)

ETA Mauban, Quezon - 8:30AM

Drop-by Tourisim Office 15 minutes

ETD Mauban Port via Boat Ride Ride 9:00AM (45 mins Ride)

ETA Cagbalete Islanad 9:45AM (15 mins Ride)

(Optional 10-15 mins boat ride to resort) ETA Dona Choleng 10AM

ETD going home 11AM (The next day)

ETA Home 6PM

Here's the breakdown of our expenses

220php - Bus going to Mauban

100php - Tricycle ride to Tourism Office and Mauban Port

100php - Environmental Fee and Boat Ride

37.50php - Boat ride (Shared bill of total 300php)

350php - Entrance fee for an overnight stay

300php - Additional Food and Beverages

37.50php - Boat ride (Shared bill of total 300php)

50php - Boat Ride

65php - UV From Mauban to Lucena Grand Terminal 218php - Bus from Lucena to Manila

1,478php - TOTAL EXPENSES

FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER

If you don't have your own tent it's okay they have a rental tent which will cost you around 400-500php per tent
No electricity during the day.Schedule for Electricity is between 6PM-7AM. Limited port for charging devices

Thank you!!!