Cagbalete Island | DIY Travel Guide

For a weekend getaway, our team from work decided to go to Mauban, Quezon and visit Cagbalete Island. The island is known for its long stretch of fine white sand beaches.

We started our journey from Manila around 2AM. We arrived in Mauban, Quezon by 6AM. Then, we registered at the Cagbalete Island Tourist Port. After registration, a representative guided us to our designated parking space and chartered boat. The boat ride to Cagbalete Island took almost an hour. Since it was a private boat, the boat docked at the entrance of our resort.

We stayed at Aquazul Resort & Hotel – one of the most developed resort in Cagbalete Island. Aquazal has amenities like pool, billiards restaurant and bar.

To maximize the time, we scheduled an island hopping that morning. Luckily, the resort allowed for an early check-in. We dropped off our bags, changed clothes and started our Cagbalete Island hopping experience.

Our first destination was San Jose River. The boat entered the river surrounded by dense mangrove forest. This is just a sightseeing activity. Forgot to take photos :D

Our next stop was the Snorkeling site. I’m not sure if this is the same snorkeling site I’ve visited during my last Cagbalete trip. But this area was way better than the one in the past. The water was clear and corals were abundant in the area.

Aside from corals, the place was teeming with marine life.

A short boat ride from the snorkeling site, is the Sandbar. When we arrived, the water hasn’t fully receded yet. I also noticed that there were several sari-sari stores in floating cottages. Before, only tour boats docked on this spot.

After that, we went back to our resort for a late lunch. Spent the remainder of the day drinking and swimming in the pool.

The next morning, tried to explore the water in front of our resort. Swam far from the entrance of the resort but only saw sand, few rocks, sea grass and some small fishes.

I still like that Cagbalete Island remained the same. It’s not commercialized – still has the laid back remote island vibe.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CAGBALETE ISLAND

The best time to visit Cagbalete Island is during summer. This is from March to May.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO CAGBALETE ISLAND

• Comfortable clothes

• Beach wear

• Swimwear

• Sandals / Slippers

• Protection from the sun

• Tumbler

• Dry bag

• Snorkel

• Fins

• Camera / Action Cam

• Powerbank

• Floaty / Bobber or Floating stick

• Toiletries

• Towel

• Beach Mat

• Cooler

• Food, Snacks, Drinks

HOW TO GET TO CAGBALETE ISLAND FROM MANILA

The fastest way to get to Cagbalete Island from Manila is via private vehicle. From Manila go to SLEX. At the end of SLEX, follow the road going to Sto. Tomas. Then turn left in Bucal Bypass Road. Drive straight until you reach Manila S. Road (National Highway) then turn right. Follow the road until you reach Pagsanjan. Turn right at the end of Rizal St. to Pagsanjan – Cavinti Road. Follow the winding road until your reach the forking road. Turn right to Cavinti - Luisiana Road. Follow the road up until you reach the crossing to Sampaloc Road (Landmark is Petron Gas Station). Turn Left to Sampaloc Road. Follow the road to Mauban. Travel time is around 3.5 to 4 hours

Go to Cagbalete Island Tourist Port to register and rent a boat.

Then a 40 minutes boat ride to Cagbalete Island.

CAGBALETE ISLAND BUDGET AND ITINERARY

The estimated budget for an overnight stay in Cagbalete island is around Php5,000 per person. This is computed based on 10 pax and on the assumption that the accommodation is Aquazul.

See expected costs below:

• Toll Fees

  • SLEX From Alabang to Calamba – Php91.00

    • SLEX

• Gas – Php2,000.00

• Boat Transfer (Round trip Mauban to Cagbalete and vice versa)

  • Php650.00 / pax

• Breakfast in Aquazul – Php230.00

• Aquazul Resort & Hotel Package

  • Php3,250 / pax (min of 10 pax)

  • Includes:

    • Overnight Accommodation

    • Lunch

    • PM Snack

    • Dinner

    • Breakfast

• Island Hopping

  • Php2,500.00 / group

You can still lower the cost if you select a cheaper accommodation and some allow guest to cook their own food.

NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING CAGBALETE ISLAND

• Cagbalete Island is part of Mauban Quezon. It is  3.5 to 4 hours drive from Manila.

• Cagbalete Island is accessible via a 40 minutes boat ride from Mauban Port.

• Cagbalete Island has limited supply of electricity. Availability of electricity is scheduled.

• Tourism office in Mauban is organized. Located near the Mauban Public Market.

• There’s a designated parking slot for tourists with cars.

• Cash basis here.

• Few banks in Mauban town. No ATMs in the island.

• Globe signal is weak in Cagbalete Island.

• Aquazul Resort & Hotel

  • website: http://aquazulresortandhotel.com/

  • eMail: qmhsalesdt@gmail.com

  • Tel Num: 0923-742-8390 / 0923-742-6208 / 0923-742-8368 

CAGBALETE ISLAND TRAVEL TIPS

• Start your journey as early as possible. This is to avoid traffic going to Mauban.

• Buy everything you need in Mauban Public Market before riding the boat to Cagbalete Island.

• For boat transfers and island hopping, rent the whole boat if you can.

• There are a handful of affordable resorts and camp site in this island but if you want the long stretch of sand ripples to be accessible, pick a resort on the south to southeast part of the island. We’ve tried MVT. Sto Nino.

• Best time to enjoy the white sand is when the sun is up and the tide is low.

• Bring cooler for drinks.

• Do not leave trash behind.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Cagbalete Island Travel Requirements

  • As of June 2022, only vaccination card is required.

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See you on my next adventure…. Peace!