BLANK ITINERARIES: CAGBALETE ISLAND, Mauban, Quezon

Tamed waters of Cagbalete during afternoon

CAGBALETE ISLAND | Mauban, Quezon

Cagbalete Island, part of Mauban Quezon, sits quietly amidst the open shore of the Pacific Ocean and Mauban Strait. Slowly becoming one of the tourist landmarks in the region of CALABARZON, it surely radiates beauty over and above simplicity. The accessibility and being such a budget-friendly getaway, makes it a real deal for a quick weekend backpacking flee. The unsophisticated lifestyle in the island is solely leaned towards fishing while most young adults are being associated with tourism - boatmen and tour guides; various resorts too create jobs for young adults and homemakers benefiting the local communities.

HOW TO GET TO CAGBALETE

From Manila

Ride any PUB bound for Lucena; Jac Liner in Buendia serves daily trip with a fare of Php 210; tavel time is more or less 3 1/2 hours.
From Lucena Grand Terminal, ride a mini bus (non- A/C) bound for Mauban; fare is Php 65 and travel time is about an hour and a half.
From Mauban market, ride a tricycle going to the port; fare is Php 9; travel time is just 5 minutes. ** Make sure to buy all your necessities needed for your island getaway as the resources in Cagbalete is very limited. Drop by at the Tourism Office to pay for the environmental fee - Php 50**
From the port, ride a boat bound for Cagbalete; fare is between Php 60-100, depending on the size of available boats to be used on that day; travel time is one hour.

** and as always, GET LOST **

BOAT SCHEDULE

Mauban Port to Cagbalete

10 AM and 4 PM

Cagbalete to Mauban Port

7 AM and 1 PM

** Failure to catch these schedules would mean an extended stay in the island or a possible rental of private boat which would cost you an arm **

STAY | Pansacola Beach Resort

Numerous beach resorts, scattered in Cagbalete, welcome guests and provide a variety of accommodation choices. Pansacola Beach Resort, the most accessible and the nearest resort from the port, bids a favorable ambiance and enough isolation from the mainstream spots. The resort, like all the businesses in the area, is meant to attract diverse visitors by offering different types of accommodation packages based on their preference. Whether you want to pitch your own tent or favors a hut facing the vast Pacific Ocean; and whether you avail their meal bundle or opt to practice your cooking prowess, it all boils down to rule # 1 - HAVE FUN.

POINTERS |

ELECTRICITY | Electricity runs from 6 PM to 6 AM only. Make sure to charge your gadgets before the supply runs out. The power outage during these hours provides opportunity for you to bask in the sun and dip your toes into the ocean.
SHARED | Most of the facilities are shared which makes it very ideal for big group activities. Rest rooms are well maintained, kitchen and wash areas are unconstrained. Bring enough resources if you wish to prepare your own meal - charcoal, canned goods, meat and spices. Complete set of utensils can be rented for 30/ head.
BEVERAGE | Water, soda, ice, coffee and cold beers are in full stock. Skip bringing beverages as these are readily available at the resort.
MASSAGE | An hour of full body massage at Php 250. You get to set your own spot - room service, common massage area or just along the shore.
Cagbalete beach is well known for its shallow waters. You need walk several meters to reach a favorable depth.
TOUR GUIDE | A short stroll from Cagbalete Port is required to reach Pansacola Beach Resort. Several guides would offer assistance. You may courteously decline the offer as it is not necessary. Due to the fact that there is only one trail leading to the resort plus you have the entire neighborhood to ask for directions, you won't get lost.

CAGBALETE ISLAND | The Sky, The Sea and The Sand

An extensive sand ripples revealed during sunsets

The island's exclusivity and limited to other posh essentials are probably the exact reasons why you would love or hate it. As mentioned, electricity, mobile signals and other means of recreational activities are under wraps, holding off mostly of technological dependency. These arguments too are also the same reasons why you'd fall for its traps. You get the feeling that you own the world if not the beach; since the island boasts a very wide shoreline, a few meters of stroll would give you a private area where to set up your hammock, have picnic or just plain lounge, read and dip. The absence of party life makes the sound of the waves more audible while the parting of the sun from the sky during sunsets, rewards a premiere movie ticket.