Quezon: Cagbalete Island Revisited

Isolated

One of the islands I have visited when I was new at travel blogging is Cagbalete Island. The trip back then brought some lasting memories... the long shoreline during low tide... the beautiful sunrise ...the captivating Bonsai Islets... and of course, traveling with "the" Dong Ho and meeting some other folks I have become friends with.

And now, almost a decade after, I was given a chance, thru an office team building outing, to once again revisit the Island of Cagbalete. Much has change... more people ... more resort ... less tranquil but still captivating.

Writings in the sand

Solitude

The jump-off to an island is through Mauban Port. Now, this place has totally changed. Due mainly to the influx of travelers to the island, there is now a registration process where each tourist has to pay Php 50 for environmental fee. You have to proceed to the basketball court where the paying booth is located. 

Beach

Almost Low Tide

Also, at the port of Mauban, there is now long stainless fences that separates the port from the sea. When we were there few years ago, there are no fence so we can sit on the elevated cemented porch while waiting for our boat ride. 

Fetch

White Sand

And speaking of boat rides, I remember then that there were only few scheduled trips to the island. On our first trip there, we have to ride a balsa-like boat where we have commodities like chickens, sacks of rice, vegetables and hardware supplies among other as co-passengers. Now, the trips are more frequent and you can even rent a private boat if you do not want to fall in line.

Sunset

Never Faded

As this is a team-building event for the office, here is our itinerary and some other things prepared:

Day 1

3:00 am – assembly time at the Medical City

4:00 am – estd Manila

8:00 am – esta at Mauban packed breakfast

9:00 am –boat ride to Cagbalete

10:00 am – esta Cagbalete

Rest of the day – set camp/ prepare lunch and dinner/ chill and relax

Day 2

6:00 am – watch sunrise, breakfast preparation, chill, relax

9:00 am – estd Cagbalete

10:00 am - estd Mauban

11:00 am – estd  to Manila

3:00 pm – esta at Manila

Food/Menu

Day 1

Breakfast – (packed) hotdog, boiled egg, dilis, rice

Lunch – (boodle fight) fried tuna, assorted gulay, ensalada kamatis/manga/bagoong, chicharon,kanin

Dinner – grilled liempo, seafoods (isda/hipon/pusit), kanin

Day 2

Breakfast – tuyo/pusit, scrambled egg, spam, fried rice

Lunch on the road

Personal Stuff – bring your own

• Toiletries and sunblock
• Tent
• Blankets
• Mosquito-repellant lotion
• Flashlight
• Maintenance Medicines
• First-aid Kit
• Swimming Gear
• Water-proof camera

If you want to have a worry-free stay in Cagbalete, you may want to check out:

JOVEN'S RESORT

Below are accommodations available, that Joven's Beach Resort offer:

ACCOMMODATION TYPE	CAPACITY	AMENITIES	PRICE
Cottage – ORANGE	6 – 8 pax	Air-conditioned with bathroom	PHP 4,500.00
Cottage – RED	4 – 6 pax	Air-conditioned with bathroom	PHP 3,500.00
Cottage – GREEN	4 – 6 pax	Air-conditioned with bathroom	PHP 3,500.00
Cottage – LILAC / YELLOW / BLUE	2 – 4 pax	Air-conditioned room	PHP 2,500.00
Duplex KUBO	15 – 20 pax	With 2 Bathrooms and 2 Electric Fans	PHP 6,000.00
Half-Duplex KUBO	10 – 12 pax	With 2 Bathrooms and 2 Electric Fans	PHP 3,500.00
KUBO w/ Balcony	2 – 4 pax	Fan Room	PHP 1,500.00
KUBO	6 pax	Fan Room with 1 Bed	PHP 2,000.00
KUBO	2 – 3 pax	Fan Room	PHP 1,300.00
TENT and space		With Mat and Pillows	PHP 950.00

On the other hand, below are the activities and amenities Joven's offer. Quite cheap I must say, just fitting for someone who is traveling on a tight budget.

ACTIVITIES	PRICE
Kayak – Single	PHP 200.00 / hour
Kayak – Double	PHP 300.00 / hour
Full Body Massage	PHP 300.00 / hour
Volleyball Court Rental	PHP 50.00 / hour
Dart	PHP 50.00 / hour
Snorkeling Gears	PHP 100.00 / hour
Frisbee	PHP 50.00 / hour
Videoke	PHP 5.00 / song
“Paluto”	PHP 200.00
Extra Pillow	PHP 25.00 / piece
Extra Towel	PHP 50.00 / piece
Extra Mat	PHP 50.00 / piece

For more details about Joven's Blue Sea Beach Resort, you may drop a message through their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/jovenresort. Or alternatively, you may contact Tita Rexie, the resort owner and caretaker, through their contact number at 0918 396 2997.