RETURN TO CAGBALETE – PART 1 OF 2

Cagbalete Island is a 45 to 60-minute boat ride from the port of Mauban, Quezon. The travel time in getting to Mauban from Manila is 5 times more than the aforementioned route. That’s two bus rides. The first is a 4 to 5-hour travel from Manila to Lucena, Quezon (PHP 210-240). Then, an hour ride from Lucena’s Grand Terminal to Mauban (PHP 54). Alternatively, you can take a van in Lucena.

Located at the eastern side of the Quezon Province, the island is known for its fine white sands, longer shores during low tides, and crystal clear water. This is the second time that I’ve been to Cagbalete, the first was last year where we stayed at Villa Cleofas, which is located at the eastern side. This time, I, together with my friends, stayed at the western side of the island, facing the island of Luzon. There are fewer resorts there as compared to the other side.

Just a few minutes after we arrived, the pump boat from Villa Pilarosa, the resort we’re staying, arrived to pick us up. I’m glad that it did so that we need not get off the boat and wait at the port. By the way, for those staying at the eastern side of the island, resorts such as Villa Cleofas, Dona Choleng, Villa Noe and specially MVT Sto Nino, it is highly recommended that you rent a boat to get there. There are plenty of boatmen who will offer their transport service once you arrive in Cagbalete. The fee ranges from PHP 300 to 400 per boat.

After 30 minutes, we arrived at Villa Pilarosa. We were the last group to arrive. When we got there, the other guests were already enjoying the crystal clear beach. The best part, it was just waist deep.  :)

How we got there?

1. Boarded a bus bound for Lucena (Grand Terminal) in JAC Liner Terminal, Kamuning, Quezon City. Bus left the terminal at 11:15 PM. Bus fare is PHP 210-220. Please note that there’s no definite bus schedule being followed.
2. At 3:30 AM, we took a non air-conditioned bus bound for Mauban, Quezon at the Grand Terminal. Bus fare is PHP 54. No definite schedule here as well. We just waited for the next bus.
3. We were already in Mauban before 5 AM and waited for the port to open.
4. Upon entering the port, we paid PHP 50 for the environmental fee at the tourism office.
5. Boarded MV St. Anthony before 8 AM. Boat fare is PHP 50. Before we boarded, the Coast Guards were strictly controlling the number of passengers per boat. The other boat, MV Neneng, was just a few minutes ahead of us.
6. Quarter to 9, we were already in Cagbalete Island. Waited a few minutes for our pump boat to pick us up. The boat is good for 8 pax only.
7. 30 mins later, we were already in Villa Pilarosa.

Tips:

1. Villa Pilarosa offers paluto, a Filipino term for cooking service. We find this convenient since it gives us more time to rest and enjoy the beach. Upon knowing this, we already brought the ingredients that we need. Some of the ingredients were bought at the Mauban market.
2. Bring sufficient drinkable water and lots of ice. You can buy a styro box at the Mauban market.
3. Electricity (genset) is available at Villa Pilarosa but is being scheduled. Sufficient time to charge our phone and camera batteries.
4. The only available phone/mobile signal there is SMART. The data signal is really slow.

Exchange Rate

1 USD = 44.27 PHP

Location