Cagbalete Island morning at Joven's Beach Resort
Sunny morning in front of Joven's Beach Resort

Cagbalete Island Travel Guide – About the Island

Cagbalete Island sits off the coast of Mauban, a municipality in the province of Quezon, on the eastern Pacific side of the Philippines. Mauban is some 150 kilometers southeast of Manila. Here’s our Cagbalete Island travel guide and tips to help you plan your Cagbalete Island itinerary and budget.

 

Rock pools on Cagbalete's Bonsai Island
Rock pools on Cagbalete’s Bonsai Island

Getting to Cagbalete Island

A. From Metro Manila to Mauban

1. From Metro Manila direct to Mauban (1 ride)

JAC Liner has two trips daily from its Quezon City terminal (Kamias Road cor EDSA) direct to Mauban town. The bus departs at 5:00 AM and 1:00 PM. There are no reservations, therefore seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis. It’s best to arrive at the terminal by 4:00 AM or earlier to stake out your seats. Once the bus is full it may leave earlier than 5:00 AM. Travel time varies between 4-5 hours and the fare is around Php 280.00. Our bus left Manila at 4:33 AM and arrived in Mauban at 9:38 AM. The bus offloads passengers at the outskirts of the town, so after you get off, take a 10-minute tricycle ride to the port or “pantalan” at Barangay Daungan for Php 50.00.

2. From Metro Manila to Lucena City to Mauban (2 rides)

JAC Liner, JAM Liner and Lucena Lines have hourly trips to Lucena City from their terminals in Quezon City (Kamias Road corner EDSA) and in Pasay City (Buendia Avenue corner Taft Avenue).  Travel time varies between 3-4 hours. All buses will unload Lucena-bound passengers at the Lucena City Grand Terminal. From here, there are non-airconditioned mini-buses run by NCR Bus Lines that leaves for Mauban on an hourly interval, with the first trip at 5:00 AM and the last trip at 6:00 PM. Travel time is roughly 1.5 hours and the fare is Php 60.00.

If you would like to take the Lucena-Mauban leg of the trip in cooler comfort, then you may take a 15-seater air-conditioned van. From the Grand Terminal, take a jeepney to the SM Lucena Mall or Pacific Mall. There you’ll find the GT Express vans bound for Mauban. Fare is Php 70.00. Since the van has a smaller capacity, there are fewer stops, therefore you can cut travel time by about 30 minutes.

If you’re bringing your own vehicle, then your travel time to Mauban is cut down to 2.5 hours as there’s no need to dogleg through Lucena City. Park your vehicle at the church compound in Mauban town and take a tricycle to the port at Barangay Daungan. There’s also the Antipolo route, via Rizal Province, which makes for a very scenic drive.

 

Banca at Joven's Beach Resort
Banca at Joven’s Beach Resort

B. From Mauban to Cagbalete Island

At the Barangay Daungan port, proceed to the Tourism Information and Ticketing Booth. Pay the Php 40.00 terminal fee and the Php 30.00 environmental fee.

There are two scheduled public commuter banca trips from Mauban port to Cagbalete Sabang port daily, one at 10:30 AM and another at 4:00 PM. From Cagbalete Sabang port, the scheduled trips back to Mauban are at 7:30 AM and 1:00 PM. You’ll be taking either the M/B Neneng or M/B Anthony. M/B stands for Motorized Banca. These bancas have a passenger capacity of 40 persons each. We enjoyed the ride with chickens, concrete hollow blocks and cartons of peanut butter. The Php 50.00 ferry ride takes about 45 minutes.

If the tide is low at the time of your approach to Cagbalete Sabang port, you’ll be transferred from the banca to shore by a flat-hulled boat. This is moment you’ll be thankful you brought a drybag or waterproofed your bags with large trashbags. From there, it’s about a 10-20 minute trek to your resort of choice. Sabang is in a small fishing village, so expect a lot of kids and a handful of adults to come up to you offering porterage and guide services. Turn the kids down down if it’s school hours and get an adult instead. We got a kid named Marco, since we went during the summer vacation and we were his for the duration.

Alternatively, if you want to avoid the 1.5 kilometer trek or so, there are small bancas for rent at Sabang that can bring you to your resort. Rates depend on the resort’s location, on the average it’s like Php 50.00 per person.

 

Cagbalete Villa Noe's beachfront
Villa Noe’s beachfront

 

Just in case you miss the public commuter banca trips, no worries – there are private motorized bancas for hire and the good thing is the community standardized the rates:

  • 1-5 passenger capacity banca – Php 1000 one-way / Php 1500 two-way
  • 6-8 passenger capacity banca – Php 1500 one-way / Php 2000 two-way
  • 9-12 passenger capacity banca – Php 2000 one-way / Php 2500 two-way
  • 13-16 passenger capacity banca – Php 2500 one-way / Php 3000 two-way
  • 17-20 passenger capacity banca – Php 3000 one-way / Php 4000 two-way

Packing tip: Bring a large drybag to keep your important gear dry while in in the banca. In a pinch, trash bags will waterproof your larger bags. Bring purified drinking water by the gallon and mosquito repellant.

UPDATE: According to a reader’s recent visit to Cagbalete Is;and, the banca rates indicated above have doubled as of January 2015. Please see the comments section below.

At maxed out capacity, the price per head is at least twice the commuter rate, but hey – you’re on vacation! Two things make a private hire convenient: 1. The banca will drop you off in front of your resort (not at Sabang) and 2. It’s up to you to decide when you want to be picked up to leave the island.

 

Cagbalete's blue skies, clear waters, white sands
Cagbalete’s blue skies, clear waters, white sands

Our first visit to Cagbalete was in April, 2014, which is the middle of summer in the Philippines. Blue skies, calm waters and sunny all around.

On our next visit, there were four of us, in January 2015, which is usually a cold but dry month. But we got hit with slate gray skies, rain and strong gusts of wind when we arrived in Mauban. The waves  at Barangay Daungan Port were crashing against the pier which is most probably why all the bancas were tied down on the pier or were ashore when we got there.

Oh well – it looked like we were going to be stuck for the day in Mauban. A young couple was hanging around inside the port’s passenger terminal. They were also headed to Cagbalete Island but couldn’t find a boatman willing to brave the seas. We all made fast friends and explored the town of Mauban in search of brunch.

The weather hadn’t changed when we returned to the passenger terminal around noon. But there was a large family there waiting too. The father approached us inquiring if we were going to Cagbalete too and if we had a boat already. When we replied that we were and we didn’t, he offered that he was able to convince a (crazy) boatman to head out to sea and take them to Cagbalete. The private banca that they had chartered had extra seats for all of us and that we were welcome to join.

So we paid our share and waited to get aboard. I think the boat ride was the scariest 2 hours for all of us. The waves were about 3 feet high, tossing and pitching the banca with the bow nose-diving into the water. With the outriggers flapping and crashing, it was a small miracle they didn’t break off. It would have capsized us if they had. Anyway, we arrived in Cagbalete all drenched after that harrowing ride. Thankfully the rest of our days there had good weather. Moral of the story – exercise good judgment.

The Amihan wind was prevailing during our second visit which washed ashore a lot of dead seaweeds on the southeastern part of Cagbalete Island.

Update: This episode has generated concern from several readers interested in going to Cagbalete Island, asking if the boat trip to Cagbalete is safe. So to allay your fears, the answer is yes, as long as the weather’s good. Same way it would or should be if, let’s say if we’re taking a boat from Batangas City to Puerto Galera or Vinzons to the Calaguas Islands.

 

Children playing in the waters of Sabang, Cagbalete Island
Children playing in the waters of Sabang, Cagbalete Island

Where to Stay – Hotels and Beach Resorts in Cagbalete Island

First off, there are no “hotels”. There are 5 beach resorts but if you are looking for luxury, you will not find it in any of them. I listed them in the order they appear on the map below. We stayed a night each at Villa Noe and Joven’s. We found out the same clan owns the string of properties on the eastern side. There is no electricity on the island. Resort power is provided by private generator sets running from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Remarkably, we never heard the generators running at all while we were at Villa Noe’s and Joven’s.

Cagbalate Beach Resort Map
Cagbalate Beach Resort Map

Food choices at the resorts are sparse and a bit pricey as you can deduce from the food packages below. If you want to cut down on costs, bring a cookset and burner and cook your own food, or go to the barangay/Centro and eat at any of the carinderias there. Most resorts also have outdoor grills that guests may use for free. But you have to bring/buy your charcoal briquettes.

Most accommodations do not have en suite showers and toilets. Some are outhouses that you’ll be sharing them with other guests. Make sure you confirm that with the resort when you make your booking.

 

Cagbalete Technicolor rooms at Joven's Beach Resort
Technicolor rooms at Joven’s Beach Resort

 

Pansacola Beach Resort

  • Website: www.facebook.com/pansacolabeachresort
  • Phone: +63 42 7840158 Phone: +63 928 5058633
  • Phone: +63 917 5465901

Accommodations

  • Main House w/T&B (20 pax) Php 5,000.00 per night
  • Buho House w/T&B w/Kitchen (20 pax) Php 4,500.00 per night
  • Agoho House w/T&B (14 pax) Php 4,000.00 per night
  • Sasag House 1 w/T&B (10 pax) Php 3,000.00 per night
  • Sasag House 2 w/T&B (12 pax) Php 3,500.00 per night
  • Sasag House 3 w/T&B (12 pax) Php 3,500.00 per night
  • Nipa Hut 1 (10 pax) Php 2,200.00 per night
  • Nipa Hut 2 (10 pax) Php 2,200.00 per night
  • Nipa Hut 3 (10 pax) Php 2,200.00 per night
  • Sawali House w/Kitchen (10 pax) Php 2,500.00 per night
  • Tree House (6 pax) Php 2,500.00 per night
  • Open Beach Hut/Kubo 1 (4 pax) Php 1,200.00 per night
  • Open Beach Hut/Kubo 2 (4 pax) Php 1,200.00 per night

Food packages – includes 3 meals and 2 meriendas (snacks)

  • 2-3pax Php 1,000.00/pax 4-6pax Php 950.00/pax
  • 7-9pax Php 900.00/pax 10pax+ Php 850.00/pax

 

Sunrise in Cagbalete
Sunrise in Cagbalete

Doña Choleng Camping Resort

  • Website: www.cagbaletedonacholeng.com/
  • Website: www.facebook.com/dona.choleng
  • Email: manaogrc@yahoo.com
  • Email: info@donacholeng.com
  • Phone: +63 910 8823346
  • Phone: +63 910 5244370
  • Phone: +63 916 4270487
  • Phone: +63 926 6549958
  • Phone: +63 927 9680690
  • Phone: +63 928 2569919
  • Phone: +63 932 8525489
  • Phone: +63 998 3520544

Accommodations

  • Tent (2-3 pax) Php 400.00 – Php500.00  per night
  • Open Bali Hut Php 1000.00 per night
  • Bali Hut (with Electric Fan, 4-6 pax) Php 2000.00 per night
  • Room with aircon (6-8 pax) Php 4500.00 per night
  • Room with aircon (18-20 pax) Php 8000.00 per night

 

Cagbalete Some of the larger cottages at Villa Noe Beach Resort
Some of the larger cottages at Villa Noe Beach Resort

 

Villa Noe Resort

  • Website: www.villanoe.com
  • Website: www.facebook.com/VillaNoeBeach
  • Email: reservations@villanoe.com
  • Phone: +63 929 217 6971
  • Phone: +63 905 519 3847
  • Phone: +63 909 524 1773
  • Phone: +63 910 416 2536

Accommodations

  • Cottage 10-12 pax Php 4,000.00 per night
  • Cottage 8-10 pax Php 3,500.00 per night
  • Cottage 6-8 pax Php 3,000.00 per night
  • Cottage 4-6 pax Php 2,500.00 per night
  • Cottage 2-4 pax Php 1,500.00 – PHP 2,000.00 per night
  • Cottage 2 pax Php 1,000.00 per night
  • Picnic Huts Php 500.00 – PHP 800.00 per day (for daytrippers)
  • Tent Php 300.00 – Php 600.00 per night depending on tent capacity
  • Pitching Fee Php 200.00 per night (if you’re bringing your own tent)
  • Cooking/grilling area is available for free if you wish to cook your own food.
  • Food package (3 meals and 1 meryenda) – Php 750.00/pax/day
  • Cooking Fee (Paluto) – Php 150.00 (If you want the resort’s kitchen to cook food that you brought along)

 

Villa Noe Beach Resort
Villa Noe Beach Resort

Joven’s Blue Sea Beach Resort

  • Website: www.cagbaletejovenresort.co.nr
  • Website: www.facebook.com/jovenresort
  • Email: jtbluesea@gmail.com
  • Phone: +63 939 2899752
  • Phone: +63 917 9848505
  • Phone: +63 907 1739016

Accommodations

  • Kubo 2 pax Php 1500.00 per night
  • Yellow/Lilac Cabana 2 pax Php 1500.00 per night
  • Yellow/Lilac Cabana 3-5 pax Php 2000.00 per night
  • Red Cabana 2 pax Php 2000.00 per night
  • Red Cabana 3-5 pax Php 3000.00 per night
  • Orange Cabana 6 pax & up Php 3500.00 per night

 

Cagbalete Joven's Blue Sea Beach Resort
Joven’s Blue Sea Beach Resort

 

Villa Cleofas Resort

  • Website: www.cagbalete.net
  • Website: cagbalete.webs.com/
  • Website: www.facebook.com/pages/Discover-Villa-Cleofas-in-Cagbalete-Island/135844236476318
  • Email: etjacob11@yahoo.com
  • Email: treyeg01@yahoo.com.ph
  • Phone: +63 917 8395852
  • Phone: +63 917 8143475

Accommodations

  • Big cottage (25 pax) Php 5,500.00 per night
  • Medium cottage (12 pax) Php 3,000.00 per night
  • Small cottage (8 pax) Php 2,500.00 per night
  • Studio-type rooms w/T&B (3 pax) Php 2,000.00 per night
  • Bamboo Hut (6 pax) Php 1,500.00 per night
  • Tents (3 pax) Php 400.00 per night
  • Tents (own) Php 250.00 per night

 

Cagbalete Villa Cleofas
Cagbalete Island’s Villa Cleofas

 

MVT Sto. Niño Resort

  • Website: www.mvtstoninoresort.net
  • Website: www.facebook.com/pages/MVT-Sto-Nino-Beach-Resort-Cagbalete-Island/102078703219513
  • Phone: +63 921 7275398
  • Phone: +63 927 7774828

Accommodations

  • Tent Php 250.00 per night
  • Cottage Small Php 500.00 per night
  • Cottage Big Php 1000.00 per night
  • Bahay Kubo (2-4 pax) Php 1000.00 per night
  • Fan Room (4 pax) Php 1500.00 per night
  • Room with A/C (2 pax) Php 2000.00 per night
  • Room with A/C (4 pax) Php 2500.00 per night

 

Near the estuary with MVT Sto Nino hidden in the treeline
Near the estuary with MVT Sto Nino hidden in the treeline

Nilandingan Cove

I haven’t been there yet, but Nilandingan Cove has been mentioned by several readers. See the comments below. It appears to be on the other side of the island – a new area to explore!?

  • Website: nilandingancoveph.weebly.com
  • Cottage (4-5 pax) max Php 3000.00 per night
  • Tent (2 pax) Php 500.00 per night
  • Tent (4 pax) Php 1000.00 per night

 

Cagbalete A row of cottages at Villa Cleofas
A row of cottages at Villa Cleofas

 

Sights To See & Things To Do In Cagbalete

 

Try out these activities during your Cagbalete Island adventure!

  • Walk the sandbar to Bonsai Island right in front of Villa Cleofas
  • Frolic at Ilog Bukana near MVT Sto. Niño resort
  • Rent a banca and island hop to Baliscar Island and go snorkeling
  • Get a massage right on the beach
  • Rent a kayak and paddle out
  • Go birdwatching
  • Explore the inland trails riding a pony
  • Bring your bicycle and explore the inland trails
  • Rent a banca and chug around Cagbalete Island or head to Baliscar Island.
  • Play beach volleyball or ultimate frisbee
  • Videoke – PHP 5 per song or PHP 500 for 4 hours of non-stop singing
  • Visit Barangay Uno/Centro, mingle with the locals and try out the local eateries

 

Cagbalete kids selling stuffed fishes
Cagbalete kids selling stuffed fishes

Sights To See & Things To Do In Mauban

Check out these attractions before going to, or after leaving, Cagbalete Island.

  • Take a bath at the Spanish-era public bath built in 1725
  • Clamber up Rizal Hill Park and see the Rizal monument built in 1925
  • Take a walk around town and see the old ancestral houses of prominent (and once-prominent?) Mauban families
  • Stroll along the Mauban sea wall where the statue of Gat Uban is located. According to a signboard, this was the entry point of the Japanese Army in World War II.
  • Visit the Saint Bonaventure Parish Church
  • Take in some history at the Museo ng Mauban
  • Slurp up some pancit habhab drenched with vinegar

 

A couple of friends enjoying pancit habhab in Mauban
A couple of friends enjoying pancit habhab in Mauban

 

How was your visit to Cagbalete Island? Did you find anything new?

Chief Instant Coffee Maker
  1. enjoyed reading about your cagbalete trip, and thanks for the very detailed information you provided, will help us a lot in planning our trip!

  2. of all the other blogsites i’ve read this is the most detailed and helpful so far… good job and thank you so much!!!

  3. Hello travelers! I just came from my solo backpacking in the beautiful place of Pagudpud, and Im so lucky to have Kuya Levi Jim as my tour guide. You’ll see how well he takes care of his tricycle and passengers. I guarantee your safety and he will not overcharge you (he even gave me huge discount).

    ps.Ive been to different places and im not used in making efforts on posting such info, but kuya Levi deserves this. :))

    Kuya Levi – 0910-7415291
    Enjoy and Happy trip!!!

  4. Thanks for replying. I’m torn between Calaguas & Cagbalete. Looking at your pics, different blogs, IG, Google images, etc. It looks like Calaguas has more to offer in terms of water activities. I hate asking this question but I have to just to make the decision process easier: which island do you prefer and why (pros & cons). Thanks for your patience and kind understanding on this matter ��

    1. Both offer that laid-back, camp-vibe, away-from-it-all experience so you have to do both! 🙂 Coming from Metro Manila, land and sea travel to Calaguas takes much longer. I’d say do Cagbalete first, then Calaguas next! 🙂

  5. Hi. Just wanna ask if there’s a boat from Cagbalete to Mauban at 4PM? We’re planning a day tour instead of overnight.:-)
    Thank you in advance.

    1. not sure:) but the commuter boats have a 40-person capacity, you can have your pick for the private ones. at the very least, insist on a well-kept flotation vest. the waves can get choppy!

  6. Hi there! i really want to visit cagbalete but i do have a 7 year old kid. is this trip safe or suited for kids? hope for your response. thank you! 🙂

  7. I cannot recommend this place. People in this place are tend to take advantage of the tourist they tend to overprice almost everything. From a overpriced private boat worth 3000 php two way and 2500 for 1 way for small group (4-6 person) and the price increase as your group member increase (for instance 12 person for 5500 on way trip) imagine!!!!!!. To a very simple favor you might ask to the local…. almost everything has a price……. One thing more some people in this place trickster in nature even a kid….. But to be fare the view of this island are great…… But it is enough that I see this Islands once I will not go back anymore…….

    1. Thanks for you feedback . I was planning to go there this Lenten season but because of you feed back i think twice -_-

    2. The price you paid for the boat is indeed higher than the standardized rates posted at the port when we last visited. Unless there’s been an increase since then. Could you let us know? That is an unfortunate experience with the local you encountered. I myself wouldn’t condone duplicity. However generally, I wouldn’t mind a reasonable payment/tip for a simple service. glad you enjoyed the view!

  8. You might wanna go to Nilandingan Cove. My family and I went there just this February. What I love about our stay is their warm welcome. We’ve felt that we’re part of their family. They have lots of free activities that I must say, one of the highlights of our trip. The Magic Tree is beyond amazing. You all have to see it.

  9. Hi thank you for your blog it’s so helpful.. 🙂 but can I ask when it comes to food, malayo ba ung prng sabi mong barangay central? coz I donthave plan of cooking sna dun kya I wanted to know yung mga option s food aside dun s resort kc pricey sila.. thank you dear 🙂

  10. Hi Sir, you mention you can bring your bike to Cagbalete? Is it possible to do mountain biking there? Thanks!

    1. I think you could, not sure how much the banca would charge for it though. There’s a network of foot trails that you can explore on your bike all the way to the other side of the island. Let us know how it goes! 🙂

  11. Hello Sir, Id like to update you about the Boat prices, we were there Mar 22-23. yes it definitely went up, double compared to what you posted. This is bec the boats are now registered to Marina, yup its government charges. Im good in haggling but did not succeed bec the boatmen is obliged to pay Marina for permits etc. The public boat is still P50 per head. We were a group of 7 and the rate was 3500, roundtrip no sidetrips included. If you want to go to the mangroves its P1000 then to the other side another P1000. hope this helps. The rates just recently changed January 2015 according to the tourism office.

    1. HI! I just want to clarify the boat charges. You said the fee for the public ferry still costs Php 50.00/head and you were a group of 7 so the fee was suppose to be Php350.00. or did u try the private ferry? I hope you can still reply anytime this week as we are planning this trip after holy week. thanks!

    2. Hi, i think she meant that they hired a private boat at 3500(roundtrip). the rate for the commuter banca is 50.00 per head. Thanks

  12. Hi. Im planning a trip to cagbalete for two coming from sta.rosa laguna. Do you think 5,000 pesos at least would be enough for a 3days 2nights stay? Planning to go for tents

    And do you think it would still be sunny and enjoyable at the last week of may?

  13. Stay away from Dona Choleng’s Resort during peak season.

    We were here for 4 days and 3 nights. Stayed in their nipa hut for 3 days and since i’m prepping my daughter for our Pulag climb next year, brought my tent and availed their tent accommodation on our last day, I’m not sure how this resort is handled but by the looks of it, either their staff are under paid or they don’t know what customer service is all about.
    I travel occasionally, approx. 4 times a year and had some shares of bad customer service but just kept it to myself. It takes a lot for me to vent out online so this means that’s how horrible their service is, in my honest opinion. I have high regards with the hospitality of people from Quezon (and Batangas) amongst their Luzon counterparts but this ALMOST changed it.

    Things you need to watch out for:
    – Security is almost nonexistent. There are shifting roving guards (as I observe, 1 per shift) but they took it literally, yes, just roving. Swimming clothes left to dry and towels were stolen outside of our hut, which they claimed they ran after but wasn’t able to catch up. To think our hut is right infront of their restaurant where the roving guards usually stay. Later we found out that there’s another guest complaining of the same reason. The culprit was an apparent Cagbalete resident who they know but the resort did not take action about it and heck, did not even apologize for being incompetent securing their place.
    – Water smells funny and is intermittent. It takes approximately 10-15mins for them to restore water, so good luck to you when water runs out while taking a bath. For the funny smell, it resembles the smell of a septic tank (for lack of better comparison) but tolerable.
    – Restrooms are not maintained well. Few faucets are defective, clogged sink, leaking sink pipes, trash on trash bins are rarely disposed, some ventilation panel on the doors are missing / damaged leaving a hint on what you are up to to those people on queue, there were also cockroaches sharing the same bathroom with you. These are just to name a few.
    – Restaurant rates are way off mark compare to the prices they have in the port/palenke area. This I can tolerate if food quality is better than the ones in the port/palenke area. They don’t have service water which for is must when you run a restaurant.
    – In-house restaurant can’t accomodate much and not systematic during peak hours. One example is giving your orders to others in line (right away) when you are called while you stepped out real quick.
    – Lack of coordination with local authorities when it comes to cancellation of boat trips going out of Cagbalete due to inclement weather. Their typical answer to guests is, “baka payagan kayo dahil maganda ang panahon”, giving you false hopes. You need to go to the port area which is around 1km usually by foot from the resort for you to validate their claims. Well, that’s because they’re done with their business with you.
    – Unkept shoreline. I read a blog saying it’s futile for them to clean seaweeds on their shores during off peak season and usually does it during peak season but I did not see any part of the shoreline without seaweeds. Was wondering if they dont consider holy week a peak season. In addition, we saw few trash and driftwood floating but not all their fault since they share their shoreline with other resorts which I heard is also owned by their relatives.
    – And the last but not the least, after going thru these all, don’t expect to get an ice cold beer or even ice! But it’s ironic to see a halo-halo stall set up inside their resort. I have a small generator at home which runs 1 liter of gas an hour that can power up a mid size fridge during outages so I am not sure how they can’t do the same especially that they mark up their goods higher than the ones at the port area.

    1. Thanks Pau. this helps me to ensure that we pick the right resort, that is within our budget but still with quality customer service and without the fear of losing our things and not getting diarrhea drinking non-bottled water

  14. hi! thank you so much for the detail you included here. Very helpful!

    You mentioned about a church compound where we can park and leave our vehicles in Mauban… do you have the exact address or a landmark? Do you know of any other secured place where we can leave our vehicles near the port area in Mauban? Do you have any idea how much it is per night? Thanks in advance!

    1. Hi, it’s St. Bonaventure Church, in the town proper. Not sure about the address, but since Mauban is a small town, I’m sure a friendly local can easily direct you to it. I haven’t tried it, but you could check out the 7-11 store and see if it’s a good spot for overnight parking. Thanks for reading!

  15. Thanks for the detailed review, would like to ask some ques.
    What resort in cagbalete would you suggest for a family trip? as in 40+ pax. and which one of those resorts you will best choose/suggest? in terms of accomodation, near the beach best view? etc. please help me decide in organizing or family trip there. Thanks so much in Advance.

    1. Hi! As long as they have the rooms/cottages to spare, all can accommodate 40+ pax. So it’s best to take care of reservations way in advance. However, my pick would be Villa Cleofas because of their spacious grounds. Bonsai Island’s right in front of it too! Enjoy your trip!

  16. This blog entice me to go to cagbalete! Yay! But first, i would love to visit there during the weekdays to avoid the crowd and i plan to go alone. Do you think my 5k budget will be enough for an overnight stay? I hope you can help me on this one, thanks!

  17. Where is the best place to stay on the island?
    Someone told me Pansacola is the best area to stay at, is this true? If not pls recommend a place where sand and view is beautiful. We prefer to stay in a room.

    Kindly include if it’s easy to get there.

    Thank you! 🙂

    1. The beaches fronting all the resorts in Cagbalete are equally beautiful. However the seasons may affect what you find when you get there. For example, we visited last January and Pansacola’s beachfront was full of seaweeds that washed ashore (and we had a very choppy boat ride). On a previous visit, their beachfront was pristine. My personal preference is Joven’s.

  18. Hi! Thank you for the detailed review. May i ask the ff question? Thanks in advance.

    1. How about going back to manila by bus? do they have also terminal on maubang?
    2. In sabang, It is ok to buy our supplies or much better in maubang?

  19. I suggest, you might wanna go to NILANDINGAN COVE, My wife and I went there just a couple of days back… and stayed there for 3 days…Superb… as if nature is talking you… plus… the very warm welcome from the owner herself (Dona Lyn Del Banco) .. Thank you Tita Lyn and Tito Teody! wala po kaming masabi… As if ka pamilya & kapuso ka nila! Likewise, the resort staff….ito ang masasabi kong, Customer Service at it’s best…

    1. Nilandingan Cove is the 2015 Best Recreational Beach Resort in Quezon, awarded by the prestigious Golden Globe Annual Awards for Business Excellence last (April 11) at the Centennial Ballroom of the Manila Hotel.

  20. Hi Author! Thank you for this informative blog. 🙂
    May Plan po pala kami pumunta ng Cagbalete Island pero balak naming magdala ng Tent or mag-camp. May mga konting katanungan lang po.

    1. San po ang suggested resort for pitching tent? and magkano po ang fees?
    2. If ever po na ang accommodation mo ay sa isang specific resort pwede ka po bang maglakad sa ibang resort? or seashore?

    Thank you!
    P.S Everyone who have been there can answer/suggest. Thanks!

  21. My family with some family friends are going to Cagbalete Island this May 2015. Your site surely did make me so excited for our trip.

  22. Hi,

    We are planning a trip to go here, would you recommend this as a trip for a family with toddlers (18mos, 2 y/o)? Thank you!

  23. Hi 🙂 Your blog really caught my attention 🙂 i was just wondering if you have some tips regarding my plan on celebrating my girlfriend and I’s 2nd year anniversary 🙂 so far my running budget is still 8k, would that be enough? 🙂 From may 3rd to 5th, and i noticed that nilandingan resort is brought up multiple times, and i was wondering if it’s really that good 🙂 thanks, looking forward on your reply 🙂 still looking up on activities for the itinerary 🙂

  24. Hi! 🙂 just a reply to the author, thanks by the way 🙂 but right now choosing between mvt sto nino or nilandingan for our may 3-5 trip 🙂

    1. Hey there! Resort food will set you back php 150.00 php 200.00 per meal.If you bring your own to cook, they’ll most likely charge you for using their LPG stove, unless you plan on bringing your own burner. Most resorts have outdoor grills for guests to use, but you’d have to buy your own charcoal. It’s pretty hard to light up when it’s windy, but it’s fun messing up your grilling with friends! So, cost-wise, they’d even up. Time-wise, resort food wins. Enjoy Cagbalete!

    2. Hi sir Jay, May I ask another question? We are thinking of bringing a car and leaving it in the port. Do you have any idea if there’s an available and safe parking space there?

      Thank you very much for your quick response

  25. Hello author! I would like to know more about the bangka ride. Medyo takot kasi ko sa alon, safe po ba ung travel? I mean maalon po ba or calm lang un dagat? Thanks!

    1. Hi, on a good day, sunny and all, the waters are calm. It’s just one time last January when it way rainy and windy that we experienced that very choppy banca ride. But to always be safe, ask for a well maintained life vest. Happy travels!

  26. Hi 🙂 just wanted to know if aside from nilandingan, what would be the best resort to go to if you have your own tent? 🙂

    1. Hi there, Villa Cleofas has expansive grounds, it’d be a good idea to pitch your tent there.

    1. Hi there, yes Cagbalete’s safe for kids and they’ll enjoy it! Bring your 4-year old her own life jacket, as those provided by the boats are usually adult-sized. Travel time depends on the banca’s engine, usually ranging from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Happy travels!

    1. Hi, try to check at the Barangay, but don’t be surprised if they don’t have any at the time you check. Maybe you can arrange that too with your resort.

  27. Hello there, I am planning to go to Cagbalete this June 11 and I’m afraid that it is already a typhoon season. Is travelling to Cagbalete feasible with the said month? Also, among the resorts you’ve provided, can you give me which is the best in terms of price and convenience. Thanks much!

    1. Hi there, I’d be chancing it myself if I were to visit Cagbalete this June. What I’d probably do is check the weather forecast 5 days before I plan to go. In terms of amenities and prices, all the resorts I’ve been to there are comparable. No resort really stands out.
      However, I prefer staying at Joven’s 🙂

  28. hi.. is it wiser to have a resort booking in advance? or can we just find a resort in the island?
    we are planning to visit by june 12 since its a long weekend. hope to hear form you guys.
    thanks

    1. Hey there, June 12’s the tail end of summer, I’d recommend on booking in advance, otherwise you might find all accommodations taken.

  29. i just came from Cagbalete it is indeed beautiful but food is pricey and not that good.. You have to bring your own food at least. The different resorts are owned by the same family so it is monopolized, even hot water comes for a price. at the Mauban Port it is just sad how the deal there, if you are traveling solo you get the brunt of it. 1500 for rtp boat trip for 2 people but if there are 4 of you it is 3500.if there are more than 6 people it just gets higher, if you see other people and share a boat they know what to do with you and will still price the boats higher, which is crazy. And the tricycle is just 9-10 pesos even from JAC liner terminal but some shady tricycle driver will charge you much more especially if you are a tourist, which is just sad. They need to get some seminar on sustainability. Even the tourist center is offering the same thing. They will even tell you different times of when the public banca arrives so you will get confuse and just go with private boats. people there needs to be educated of sustaining tourism through friendly and HONEST service. But there are concerned honest residents who will tell you or forewarn you you but what if you never get the chance to get warned? always know about where you are going and go to blogsites like this so you know what to do..

  30. Hello there!
    My friends and I are planning to go here (Cagbalete) on the first week of November. My questions, is it alright to got there on the month of November? Does anyone visited the place on that month? Thanks in advance!

  31. Hi there i really want to visit the place but i have a 1 and 1/2 year old son.can i bring him with me?is it safe to travel there with a toddler?we also have a private car naman .thanks in advance

  32. Thank you Jay Zee for sharing your story and itinerary in Cagbalete Island. Just wanna know if its okay to bring our own tent para ma lessen yung expenses namin instead of renting a cottage?

  33. Your blog sure is helpful if it were updated. This island and its people in the port area really do not know a thing about sustainable tourism. We are definitely not going back to this forsaken island. All rates mentioned above are not what the resorts and port people charged our group. Food is too pricey for its fame or infamy and it’s bland. Cottages are pricey as well. And entrance fees are highway robbery as they know you don’t have a choice as you’re there already.

    And most important of all that you forgot to mention. If it’s low tide, which pretty much happens most of the time at noon, there is no beach to swim in anymore and you’ll be stuck in your cottage for the rest of the day regretting going there in the first place. There are also portions of the beach that are murky. As in ‘amoy sukal’ or with ‘putik’. White sand on top and dark whatever underneath that smells of sewerage. You’ll feel it once you step on that portion of the beach. ‘Malagkit sa paa’ to describe in tagalog.

    Overall, this island is not worth your time, money, effort, and resources. It’s only good in pictures.

    Note: our group numbered 20pax including children

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