Cagbalete Island: A heaven for your weary mind

Of all the islands I have been to, Cagbalete is the most promising. A simple island that offered the quietude we’ve been craving for a long time.

Cagbalete is one of the crystals of the province of Quezon, an island of white sand which is located within Lamon Bay and Pacific Ocean on east side. Locals in the island are hospitable and harmless. Their main source of livelihood is fishing, farming, producing lumber, dried fish and of course, tourism is on its way.

It was third quarter of year 2009 when we first visited the island. Rainy season has already started. However, we’re fortunate on this quest that there’s no typhoon that comes along our way. It was a pleasant day of travel from Laguna down to Mauban, Quezon. Roughly three and a half hours of pavement, rough roads and lush greens. While the 45-minute boat ride was waiting at the port of Mauban, we did have the chance to buy some stuff that we’ll need in our camping in the island. Mother Nature was so good that our boat ride was smooth and relaxing. The calmness of Lamon Bay exposed its beauty and we reached the Sabang port (west side of Cagbalete) faster than expected. Upon arriving to Sabang port, some locals are offering their hands to help and assist you to where your destination is. In our case, since we brought a big cooler, we asked a local for a cart that will take away our burden especially when we cross the 1.4km hike from Sabang to Villa Cleofas which is on the other side of the island.

The ~1.4km trail from Sabang Port to Villa Cleofas

Aimee, adopted cousin Tinay, Elay, Me and Batuting "The Cagbalete-ers"

After 10 minutes of walk under the sun, we reached the quiet place of the villa. The place is so peaceful, relaxing. You can feel that you are really in a province of old Philippine times. The area has nothing so much to offer, it was really only for people who are looking for a quiet place to spend a night or two with nature. The place is not commercialized compare to other beach resorts, only few visitors, simple cottages and bamboo-made accommodations. But we chose to pitch a tent as it is allowed, you just need to approach the villa owner and pay 300 Php for a night.

After we set-up everything, we just had few minutes of walk along the beach take pleasure in the awesome view of the low tide, and surprised on the sea bed exposed its corals and white sand. At night time, we just had a couple of drinks with my cousins and friends while dreaming of the future. We didn’t notice that we slept outside our tent and the morning sun served as our alarm clock. It was one of the most beautiful morning I ever had, the reflecting rays of sunlight in Lamon Bay was amazing, great view! After preparing our breakfast, my half day in the island was spent by simply staring on the midst of the bay with tea on my side and hammock as my luxurious bed. Cagbalete Island is indeed, my favorite, as to date, an island that will surely very much loved visiting.

The Majestic Sunrise in Cagbalete Island 

How to get here and additional information

• From Laguna, take South Luzon Expressway then pass by Sto. Tomas in Batangas – San Pablo, Laguna – Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, Tayabas, Mauban in Quezon. This route has an average travel time of 3 ½ to 4 hours depending on traffic and weather condition.

• From Mauban port, private car may park safely in a guarded Dona Aurora School or in Taino’s Residence corner Quezon and Pansacola St. near the public market as recommended by Villa Cleofas management.

• Boat ride from Mauban port to Sabang port is 40 Php by that time (August 2009).

• Chartering a boat from Mauban port directly to east side of Cagbalete Island (Villa Cleofas) may be arranged too.

• However, if you want to avoid hiking a 1.4 km trail. You may charter a boat from Sabang port to east side of the island. Fee may be negotiable but commonly they charge from 400-600 Php using a small boat.

• Villa Cleofas website

Villa Cleofas cottages and pavilion ~ the Cagbalete-ers