JP'sTravelogue.. my journey: Romancing Cagbalete

Sabado, Setyembre 10, 2011

Romancing Cagbalete

Finally… After numerous plans of going to Quezon and some of the islands within Quezon my dream has finally come true.

The island of Cagbalete rests east of Quezon Province, along Lamon Bay and the Pacific Ocean. This property provides just the ideal spot for a hideaway: lush coconut plantation, crystal-clear waters, white sand… plus it gives one just the most breathtaking view of the sunrise. Of course, my paranoia was completely unfounded. Yes, I maintain that Cagbalete Island is mysterious and strangely beautiful, but underneath all the enigma, it really is just a beautiful quiet island inhabited by peaceful and friendly people. Cagbalete Island is nothing but the perfect getaway from the hassles of urban living. Practically an undiscovered paradise, this unchartered island will surely capture both the young and young-at-heart, adventurous, and nature-loving city-dwellers. Cagbalete Island does not have the busy bars and restaurants and high end resorts but its simple and natural beauty may just be its main attraction.

My to-do list when in the island is plain and simple: when the sun is up, go bask in the golden sunshine on the island's terrific beach; on high tide, swim or dive on its amazing clear blue waters; on low tide, walk barefooted on sandbars that seem endless and unrelenting; or, when you are tired, just sit back, relax, feel the island's cool summer breeze and just stare at the amazing landscape.

I Catch the bus going to Lucena City. Went early to Cubao/Kamias Station and take the first trip which is at 4:00 a.m to Lucena Grand Terminal. Travel time is approximately 4 hours (including traffic and passenger pick-up along the way since the bus leaves at exactly 3:00 a.m at the terminal regardless of the number of passengers who boarded). Fare Cost is around Php218.

At the Lucena Grand Terminal Station, I take the bus bound to Mauban. It's a non-aircon bus, more like a mini-bus. Travel time is one(1) hour. Fare is P54.00. The bus is located very close to where JAC/JAM Bus will drop you off. I also take my first meal of the day.

The 1-hour-long drive will take you through a long stretch of Quezon's scenic views of lush-green environment and lush coconut plantation.

Upon reaching the Mauban Terminal, take a tricycle (P9.00) to "bayan" or the wet market where you can buy provisions for you island trip, before heading to the next stop.

From the wet market, I walk to "pantalan" (around 5 minutes). It's hard to miss. The statue is going to be your landmark. When you see this statue, just walk toward the direction the statue is facing. That's "pantalan" or Mauban port. Make sure to be at the "pantalan" before 10:00 a.m. Public boat only travels twice a day. 10:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m. Boat fare is P40.00 and travel time is less than an hour.

A few meter's away from Cagbalete Island, from the main boat, you disembark onto a smaller boat that will bring you Sabang Port.

At Sabang Port, locals will approach you and offer their services to take you to the resorts in Cagbalete. There are only three resorts on this island, Villa Cleofas, Pansacola Resort, and MVT Sto. Nino. Boat fare going straight from Sabang Port to Villa Cleofas (which is on the opposite side on Sabang port) is P300.If you find the boat fare too expensive, just walk. Simply ask the local kids to guide you and pay them atleast P40. It's a 1.4km hike (around 20 minutes of leisurely walk under scorching heat).

Where To Stay:

Villa Cleofas - 0919 220-5000

Pansacola Beach Resort - 0928 505-8633

MVT Sto. Nino - 0921 727-5398

Villa Cleofas

The room I got at Villa Cleofas is a complete room. It costs P1500 a night, good for 4 pax. No aircon, no fan. Pretty basic accommodation. Electricity runs from 6:00p.m - 1 a.m. Bring your own food as Villa Cleofas do not have a restaurant, you cant ask them to cook food for you as well unlike other resorts. In my case, i just brought canned goods and asked the resort to cook the rice I brought with me. I paid P50.

Amenities are pretty basic. The water is really shallow even on hightide. The view of the beach on lowtide is spectacular.

Going out of the island

Only two trips of public boats are available going out of the island of Cagbalete. 8:00a.m and 1:00 p.m. I Take the 8:00 a.m boat ride and make sure to be there before 8:00 am as the boat can fill out quickly.

It is certainly different from Boracay and Puerto Galera, where nightlife and abundance of people and entertainment are the highlights. Also very different from regular beaches where all you get is sand and water. Cagbalete Island is something else. It's quiet, you get to commune with nature, here time takes a slow turn and you can enjoy the peace and quiet.