Cagbalete Island, Mauban, Quezon

The last time I was in Mauban, Quezon was 2008. 

Back then, I was not yet a full-pledged traveler nor the thought of being a blogger came to my mind. I went to the house of my former student Mark and stayed in Mauban for just one day. I never thought that Mauban offers one of the best island resorts in Quezon until lately when I was reading my co-travelers' blog.

And I learned the tourist spot called - Cagbalete Island.

How to get there

Board a bus going to Lucena or Bicol either from Cubao, Buendia or Alabang.

From Buendia, travel time is 3-4 hours (129 kilometers/ 72 kilometers from Sto. Tomas, Batangas) and the fare is P209.50. 

Alight in Lucena Grand Central Terminal and then, board the mini-bus going to Mauban. The mini-bus leaves every 40 minutes. NCR Bus Transport is the servicing common carrier.  

Travel time to Mauban is 1 hour and 30 minutes. Fare is P50.00. Another option is to go to SM City Lucena and board the aircon vehicle to Mauban. Travel time is only 1 hour and the fare is P60.

You can enjoy the scenery on your way to Mauban.

Arriving in Mauban, go to the Pantalan (port) at Barangay Daungan and board the boat to Cagbalete Island. Fare ride using the trike to the port is only P10.

You can also contribute to their economy by paying the Environmental fee at the Tourism office for only P50.

There are only 2 schedules of the boat transportation from Mauban to Cagbalete island – 10:00 am and 3:30 pm (from Cagbalete to Mauban – 7 am and 1pm). 

Travel time is 45 minutes only and the fare is P50. It is better to arrive at the port early. During lean season, the boat leaves 10:30 but during peak season, it leaves 9:30 am.

Maximum capacity of the boat is 50 passengers only. But during my trip to Cagbalete, I know that we were overloaded. Good thing it was summer.

Again, try to go to the port early or else you might miss your ride to the island. In case you miss the 10 am ride, wait for the 3:30 ride or you can charter a boat for P1,000 to go to the island.

Leaving the port, you can look back at the town of Mauban and wonder at the scenery.

Environmental fee – P30

Terminal fee – P20

Hired Boats

P1,500/P2,000/2,500/P3,000/4,000 depending on the number of passengers 2 way

Tour around the island by boat P1,000

You can tour the island in 2-3 hours by foot.

The boat ride was pleasant. The sea was calm that day.

It took us only 45 minutes and we reached our destination.

You will pay the fare for the boat ride once you are onboard the boat. A member of the crew will be collecting the fare.

Once you are in Cagbalete Island, the experience will be different. There is no port. The passengers will be fetched by a small boat paddled by a single man. Usually, this is the scenario during low tide.

It takes 5-10 minutes before you are fetched and transported to the beach.

You have 3 options in touring the island, either by boat (P1,000), by motorcycle (no idea about the price) or by foot with a local guide (P100 only!).

Now, before we go to the resorts in Cagbalete Island, it pays to know that the island has homestays and rest houses.

Just a stone's throw from the docking area, you will find Aling Pinay's rest house (0948-547-9943). She offers the lowest accommodation in the island for P1,000, P1,500 and P2,000. 

It is not air conditioned and there is no wifi. The truth is that the lowest accommodation in the island is using tent (P300). 

It was 10:30 am, weather was around 33 degrees and we started our tour by foot wearing my jacket and my backpack. It was scorching hot!

There are several resorts in the island. They also offer homestay. The resorts are Pansacola Beach Resort, Villa Cleofas, MVT Sto. Nino Beach Resort, Joeven’s Blue Beach Resort and Villa Noe Beach Resort.

After less than 10 minutes of walking, we reached the first spot and the nearest to the docking area -

Pansacola Beach Resort

Pansacola Beach Resort

Contact Numbers

042-784-0158

0928-505-8633

0917-546-5901

Pansacola offers the best spot for your souvenir pictures. It offers the finest white sand.

You can stroll in the beach and enjoy the white sands and sand ripples during low tide! 

According to one of the locals I talked to. The low tide depends on the size of the moon. If it is a full moon, low tide is 8:00 am - 10 am and 2 pm - pm. But if it is not full moon, low tide is during midday. Honestly, it is better during high tide, since you cannot swim, snorkel or kayak during low tide. But during low tide, you can enjoy the sand ripples!

After staying for 20 minutes at Pansacola, next stop was -

Dona Choleng Camping Resort

Dona Choleng Camping Resort

The Boracay of the Pacific

Contact numbers

Office: (042) 784-0789

Smart: 0910-882-3346

Smart: 0998-352-0544

Smart: 0910-524-4370

Sun: 0932-852-5489

Globe: 0926-654-9958

Email: manaogrc@yahoo.com

donacholeng.com

donacholengcampingresort.com

It offers the best accommodation and the staff are very accommodating and cordial.

Third stop for the day -

Villa Noe Beach Resort

Villa Noe Beach Resort

0929-217-6971

0905-519-3847

facebook.com/villanoebeach

www.villanoe.com

Walking further, fourth stop -

Joeven's Blue Sea Beach Resort 

Tired and exhausted, I forgot to get their contact numbers. Villa Noe and Joeven are new resorts in Cagbalete.

Last stop for the day -

Villa Cleofas

Villa Cleofas

Tonet - 0917-839-5852

Tess - 0917-814-3475

Ed - 0919-220-5000

02-928-7934

http://www.cagbalete.net

Personally, I met both the owners of Dona Choleng and Villa Cleofas. Both of them are equally courteous, accommodating and hospitable.

For my insights, if you want to enjoy the beach, go to Pansacola and Bonsai Island.

If you want to have a nice and affordable accommodation, Dona Choleng.

If you want to have the space to relax, roam and have fun, Villa Cleofas.

Due to time constraint, I was not able to go to MVT Sto. Nino Beach Resort.

I started my tour 10:30 and and finished 12:30. Afterwards, I went back to the docking area to catch the 1 pm trip back to Mauban. I was planning to stay, but I cannot afford the accommodation due to limited budget. I went back to Lucena and stayed at Diamond Hotel and Resort and paid P1360 (with wifi, hot shower, swimming pool and cable television). 

I enjoyed my tour of the island and I'm planning to go back next year to do camping in the beach.

It's Really More Fun in Cagbalete island!

  RAV Transportation Services

Van for Hire

Derick Villegas

0998-545-0016

0917-504-0770

(043) 778-4657

(043) 703-0435

Email: rav_services@yahoo.com

Facebook: RAV Electronic Services

Address: 938 Brgy. Darasa, Tanauan City, Batangas 4232

Transportation / Tour services to any point of Luzon

Brand New Foton Traveller vehicles available

Equipped with GPS, wifi, videoke, RFID, Sky TV

Satisfaction Guaranteed! =)

Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvmmB5OnGho

Island Hopping Tour in Padre Burgos, Quezon (Borawan, Dampalitan Beach, Puting Buhangin, Kuwebang Lampas) 2014 (updated April 2016)

The plan was to go to Misimis Bay in Bicol.

I had no prior hotel reservation (P19,000/day).

I had no airline or bus booking and so I decided to skip it and instead go to Padre Burgos.

Quezon is known for two things, namely: Pahiyas Festival and its beaches!

And Padre Burgos offers one of the best beach spots in Quezon.

From Cagbalete Island, I boarded a mini-bus back to Lucena Grand Central Terminal and spent the night at Diamond Hotel and Resorts (near SM City Lucena). The following morning, I went early to the bus terminal.

How to get there

From Cubao or Buendia

Board a bus going to Lucena. Fare from Buendia to Lucena Grand Central Terminal is P209.50 (127 kilometers). Travel time is 3-4 hours from Buendia. But I am from Tanauan City, and I boarded the bus in Sto. Tomas, Batangas and the fare is only P119 (72 kilometers).

Arriving at the Lucena Grand Central Terminal, board a mini-bus to Padre Burgos. 

Jay-R is the only mini-bus servicing the route to Padre Burgos.

The fare is only P35 and normally, travel time to the jump-off point is 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The bus leaves after it has filled up majority of its seats (normally 1 hour).

Along the way, enjoy the scenery in Pagbilao, Quezon. The uphill twist and turns will surely keep you awake during the travel. Travel time depends on the traffic at the area.

It is better to go early in the morning if you want to have an island hopping tour only. You can finish it in 3-4 hours, unless you want to take a swim.

Then, alight at May Ann's Store in Barangay Marao and look for either Mang Rody or Aling Tess. 

Their house is just less than five minutes from the town of Padre Burgos. They are very cordial, accommodating and kind. In other words, you belong here. It is better to make a reservation prior to your tour/vacation. They have 6 boats. 

Boat for Hire

Mang Rody and Aling Tess Tadena - 0921-454-3137 / 0977-799-9719

Mary Ann Tadena - 0920-138-4368 / 0915-6525015

Marlon Tadena - 0909-762-5342 / 0995-532-7591

Krisha Tadena - 0935-131-2755

RAV Transportation Services

Van for Hire

Derick Villegas

0998-545-0016

0917-504-0770

(043) 778-4657

(043) 703-0435

Email: rav_services@yahoo.com

Facebook: RAV Electronic Services

Address: 938 Brgy. Darasa, Tanauan City, Batangas 4232

Transportation / Tour services to any point of Luzon

Brand New Foton Traveller vehicles available

Equipped with GPS, wifi, videoke, RFID, Sky TV

Satisfaction Guaranteed! =)

Do not bother to bring cooking utensils, plates and other kitchen materials. They will be lending it for FREE. You can even ask them in advance to reserve for you crabs, squids, fish or lobsters at an affordable price. Quezon offers the best and lowest price for sea foods. Mang Rudy and Aling Tess are simply the best!

And from their backyard, you can start looking at the grandeur of Quezon.

Island Hopping Tours (hire for the boat)

Borawan only - P800 

Borawan and Damapalitan Beach - P1,200

Borawan, Dampalitan, Kuwebang Lampas (Puting Buhangin Beach) - P1,800

Puting Buhangin only - P1,800

NEW RATES 2016

Borawan Day Tour – P150 (Student and senior citizen P120)

Borawan Overnight – P220

Putting Buhangin and Kuwebang Lampas Day Tour – P80 (Overnight – P160)

Dampalitan Day Tour – P80 (Overnight – P100)

Aling Tess and Mang Rody - the boat owner/operator

The Borawan tour includes hopping to Bagosina, Talabahan and the surrounding islands. It is a lot better to hire the boat for P1,800 and hop to ALL the islands. You can finish it in one day. Only Borawan island has a canteen. It is better if you already have your food supplies prior to going to the islands. 

Aling Tess also has a store and you can buy your supplies at a very affordable price. There are several options for your food. Option 1 - Bring the raw food and cook it yourself in the island. Option 2 - Have the packaged food prepared already by Aling Tess. Option 3 - Buy the food from the market and hire the cook for only P350.00 for the entire day/overnight.  Best time to go the islands is from March to June. Worst month is August when the waves are really strong!    

I started my tour 9:30 am and our first destination was Borawan Beach which is located in Barangay Lipata, Padre Burgos, Quezon. Environmental fee is only P20. 

I have had the island hopping tours in El Nido, Coron, Siargao, Honda Bay and Guimaras. This island hopping tour can match (but not surpass) the above-said tours and I highly recommend it not only because of the 3 islands but also it offers the cheapest of all the island tours.

From the port, it took us only less than 15 minutes before reaching Borawan. But before Borawan, you will pass Bagosina Island (there are two of them called "Malaki" and "Maliit").

I was excited upon seeing the island. 

Borawan Island

The name Borawan is a combination of Boracay  and Palawan. It has the white sand beach of Station 3 in Boracay and the limestone formations of El Nido, Palawan.

Rates

Cottage (small) - P700

Cottage (large) - P850

Overnight additional - 400

Entrance 

Day - P80

Overnight - P120

Students and Senior  - Day P60/ Overnight - P100

4 years old below - FREE

Tent space (small) - P200

Tent space (large) - P250

Tent rental - P500

Shower room - P20

Comfort room - P10

Contact persons

Cherry - 0922-300-7395 / 0998-184-9901 / 0915-682-2443 / 02-425-8212

Allan - 0920-413-3127 / 0922-899-3255 / 02-330-5897

Mar - 0921-461-8726

You can also enjoy kayaking.

A little bit of cliff jumping.

Or simply enjoy the swim!

You can even stroll at the entire beach and cover it in less than 10 minutes.

I stayed in the island for 45 minutes but I told myself that I will definitely be back.

And so I left the island with a heavy heart and a promise to fulfill.

Travel time to our next stop was less than an hour. Along the cruise, we passed by Mag-Asawang Bato Islands.

The sea was calm that day and we reached our second spot in 45 minutes. And we reached our second destination - Kuwebang Lampas (Puting Buhangin Beach). There is a power plant at the other side of the island.

Panoramic view of the island

Entrance fee is P80.00

Kuwebang Lampas

It is the best spot to do snorkeling, swimming and diving. The water is clear, pristine and calm compared to the other islands. This is my favorite spot, it reminded me of the waters of El Nido.

Kuwebang Lampas got its name since it has 2 openings.

Puting Buhangin also has the finest white sand compared to the other islands. The island also has cottages but not a canteen. But it has a mini-store.

After staying in the island for 45 minutes, we went to our last stop for the day - Dampalitan Island.

Panoramic view of the beach

Borawan and Dampalitan are 10 minutes away from each other by boat. From Puting Buhangin to Dampalitan, travel time was 40 minutes. Dampalitan Island reminded me of Anawangin Cove in Zambales. 

Rates 

Entrance fee - Regular - P60 / Students, Senior citizens, PWD - P50

chirldren 4 years old and below - exempt

Kubo (hut) Large - P1,000

Kubo medium - P850

Tent space - P200

Tent rent - P500

Water - 5 gallon P40 / Big - P50 / Drum - P400

My suggestion if you will be having a one-day tour with swimming.

Morning - Puting Buhangin (swimming, snorkeling, diving)

Lunch - Borawan (kayaking, replenish supplies/electricity, island hopping, souvenir pictures, nature photography)

Late afternoon - Dampalitan (siesta time - it has plenty of hammock, sunset viewing, camping)

Mang Rudy's camping area

Imagine, island hopping reminded me of the limestones of Palawan in Borawan, the sands of Boracay in Puting Buhangin and the pine trees of Anawangin Cove, Zambales in Dampalitan.

I also recommend camping at the beach managed by Mang Rudy. The tent space is free, tent is only P300 and you can stay for days and just pay a little bit for the water and electricity. 

Tent area is good enough for 5-6 tents. You can enjoy bonfire and there is even a hut where you can enjoy your drinking spree. During low tide, you can stroll in the beach. The beach (during low tide) stretches 150 meters and there are rock formations you can enjoy.  

 Padre Burgos, Quezon is Simply Amazing!!

Youtube related links:
Puting Buhangin/Kuwebang Lampas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI7iEmWuK_s

Dampalitan Beach - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0GTG7jJZ-E

Borawan Island - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VQZOYAkflo

Dampalitan

It's Really More Fun in Padre Burgos!! 

Summary of Expenses
Bus fare (from Buendia) to Lucena - P209.50
Bus fare to Padre Burgos - P35
Boat hire - P1,800
Entrance fees plus environmental fee - 240
Tent - P300
Food - its up to you