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I Got Charmed in Cagbalete

I Got Charmed in Cagbalete

Our vessel sliced and diced through the dancing waves. The boat seemed to be ticklish as she jumped every now and then, the waves constantly teasing her from underneath, causing a mad dash of water being constantly thrown at the passengers sitting at the front, including me and my friend Chie. I was actually recalling before embarking on our ride if I had seen any signs at the port reading: Warning: You may get wet.

The porters were not kidding and did not fail in reminding us that we will actually get wet. I am saying not just a mere shower or a slight drizzle here! About mid-way to Cagbalete Island, we were already soaked from head to foot! It was a combination of Space Shuttle and Splash Island experience!



After paying the P 40.00 fee for the boat ride, we transferred to a smaller boat since the larger one we rode in coming from Mauban port, Quezon couldn’t dock at the shallow waters of Sabang Port. We planned to stay at Villa Cleofas which is on the other side of the island. Other passengers opted to hire a banca but we trekked our way to the resort. We met a young boy who volunteered to be our chaperone/porter/guide. For those who will visit this place, the local kids are really friendly. You can call on anyone and they’d be happy to assist you. Just give them a small tip or treat them for merienda and they will reward you with their sweet, innocent smiles.
 


At past two in the afternoon, it was smoking hot and lying down inside our tent was the first thing we have in mind. After setting camp beneath the trees (with a horse neighing not far from our tent) and a quick lunch, we donned on our swimwear and waited for the low-tide to commence. Cagbalete Island is famous for this. At low-tide, I think you can walk as far as 1 km from the shore and still the water level would not even reach your waist (or depends on how tall you are 😀).


 

Several families and barkadas checked-in together with us. At 300 PHP tent fee and P50 entrance fee per head, this island get-away is perfect for budget travelers. There are lots of trees where you can tie your hammock as well. If you’re coming from Manila, take the Lucena City buses. From Lucena City Grand Terminal, look for buses plying the Lucena-Mauban route (NCR Lines), fare is now at P 54.00. The boat trips going to Cagbalete Island now has a schedule of 10 AM and 2 PM. I failed to inquire though if there is another trip late in the afternoon.

While on the bus ride to Mauban, we observed three friends wearing sunglasses, their legs hugging several recyclable bags loaded with snacks and bottled water. I guessed correct again as I told Chie those guys will be going to Cagbalete Island too It was confirmed since we heard one reminding the bus conductor to drop them off at the port. Chie and I exchanged secret smiles. We even thought she was a travel blogger since she constantly wrote in her little notepad. I could no longer resist it so I asked her if they were going to the same place as we are. Turns out they will be meeting friends who are waiting for them at the port. Such a nice way of gaining new acquaintances.
 

With Sharee, the pretty gal we met (2nd to the left), Chie (2nd from the right) and company

We spent an hour taking photographs of the area. Then we spent the warm afternoon taking a dip in the biggest kiddie pool I’ve been to. We swam and swam and swam and pretended we were giants trolling around. (You see, the water level during this time did not even reach my knees). We just lazed around and did people-watching.   


 


Evening came early. Stars spread out on the almost clear evening sky. What I have observed is that the island is constantly buffeted by the wind coming from
Lamon Bay, transforming the humid afternoon into a romantic evening. A stroll along the beach, underneath the twinkling lights would be perfect. A candlelit dinner would be an option too!

This island has her unique beauty. The serenity it offers, the under-developed environment, would definitely charm you, in her own little way.


14 thoughts on “I Got Charmed in Cagbalete”

  • Be careful! There are lots of crawling creatures live in the beach sand but are colored in a way that makes them difficult to see.lol! I got bitten by these crawling creatures! itchy! itchy! 😛

  • I miss Cagbalete. What a great place to visit. Ang babaw lang ng tubig during low tide. You need to walk several meters para makalangoy.Where did you stay nga pala?

    • Me too! Para ngang mas matagal pang travel time sa stay eh! 🙂 We stayed at Villa Cleofas nag-camping kami para mura…Oo nga flat yung island all the way through! Haha! very unique!

    • Hi Iamsuperserah :-). Sarap talaga dito lalo na pag lowlowlowtide. hahaha. We stayed at Villa Cleofas they have a camp site. If you are into camping, all you have to pay is the P50 per head for the entrance fee then P250 for camping fee. We bought our own tent para mas mura. IF you don't have one, they provide tents for rent at 400 PHP. You can also bring your own cooking tools. Hindi sila mahigpit.

      They also have huts/cottages if you don't like to camp. You can check cagbalete.com.

  • RENT A BOAT IN AFFORDABLE PRICE FROM FISHPORT, PARACALE GOING TO MAHABANG BUHANGIN BEACH AT CALAGUAS ISLAND JUST CONTACT ME OF FOLLOWING NUMBERS 09486793920, 09099039214 or SEND MESSAGE TO MY E MAIL & MY FACEBOOK ACCOUNT at granhier@yahoo.com…THANK YOU

    • Well Kuya Jack thanks for the info! Sana sa Calaguas mo ito nilagay para mabasa agad ng readers 🙂 Do you have a facebook profile? I tried searching you but I can't find you…

  • RENT A BOAT IN AFFORDABLE PRICE FROM FISHPORT, PARACALE GOING TO MAHABANG BUHANGIN BEACH AT CALAGUAS ISLAND JUST CONTACT ME OF THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS 09486793920, 09099039214 or SEND MESSAGE TO MY E MAIL & MY FACEBOOK ACCOUNT at granhier@yahoo.com…THANK YOU

    • Hi Gabz! Oo nga eh I miss it too…haay may di lang maganda nangyari dito saken but otherwise it was a really nice stay! 🙂

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