Cagbalete Island Travel Guide 2019

Mauban Quezon Province, Philippines

Cagbalete Island is a 1,640-hectare property located east of Quezon Province (in Luzon, north of the Philippines), with size of the island comparable to Boracay. Merely 4.5 hours of land travel from Manila and 45 to 60 minutes of boat ride and you will reach your destination.

This is one of my favourite weekend getaway due to its proximity and accessibility. Best way to escape from the city plus pollution is a travel to the beach. Swim and beach bum for days!

FYI - Cagbalete Island is not a place that you can just go anytime you wanted, there has to be a plan and things you need to consider before going here such as boat schedules, reservations especially during peak season etc.

Gentle reminder, it’s always good to have a solid plan than nothing which may lead you dissapointments.

How to get to Cagbalete Island?

Manila - Mauban, Quezon - Cagbalete Island

Via Straight to Mauban

Kamias, Cubao to Mauban, Quezon - Bus fare: 328 php

Mauban, Quezon - Ride a tricycle from Mauban Bus terminal to Cagbalete Island tourist port

Fare: 50 group of 4

Note: only Jac Liner bus company have straight travel to Mauban Quezon.

Routes and schedules <--

We booked our bus ticket through www.biyaheroes.com

Via Lucena then Mauban

Departure: Kamias, Cubao

Get any bus that travels to Lucena Grand terminal. Drop off to SM City Lucena UV express (Van) terminal to get to Mauban Quezon ( fare is 70 php)

Mauban, Quezon - Ride a tricycle from Mauban Bus terminal to Cagbalete Island tourist port

Where to Stay in Cagbalete Island?

Pansacola Beach

Contact numbers: 09285058633 | 09175465901 | 09186239982

Dona Choleng

Contact numbers: 09108823346 | 09465108952 | 09300169349

Casita Verde

Contact numbers: 09079198650 | 09178212796

Aguho Playa

Contact numbers: 09484488836 | 09162516386

Villa Cleofas

Contact numbers: 09178395852 | 09194953545

Aquazul

Contact numbers: 09237428368 | 09237426208

Villa Noe

Contact numbers: 09217849062 | 09151820018

Nilandingan

Contact numbers: 09184658924 | 09177910889

Joven's Place

Contact numbers: 09183962997

MVT

Contact numbers: 09176787080

Tent Place

Contact numbers: 09162438315 | 09399252616

Cagbalete Island tourist guide ( must follow)

Step 1: Resort booking and package tour

Step 2: Register

Step 3: Environmental fee payments

Step 4: Tourist boat reservation / Passenger boat

Step 1: Resort booking and package tour

Accommodation would cost you around 2,000 php per night /group 4 for standard fan room or as low as 300 php per night / pair for tent rental. Inside the Cagbalete Island tourist port, there are hotel representatives to assist you with your accommodation if you have not booked in advance so no worries travellers! Payment can be done through the representative and will give you receipt to be shown to the hotel of your choice.

Step 2: Register

Once settled, then you need to register at the counter (still inside the tourist port). You will need to list down your Name, Age and your days of stay in the Island. They will also provide you a plastic container (A Project of Cagbalete) for your trash that cost 100 php ( 1 per group) FYI - this is refundable when you get back to the port after your stay in the Island.

Step 3: Environmental fee payments

Pay environmental fee of 50 php per head.

Step 4: Tourist boat reservation / Passenger boat

Public boat: 100 php - Schedules may vary depending on tourists but its twice daily which are 10am and 1pm (ask locals for changes in schedules)

Semi private boat: arrangement ( small boat with strangers) : price ranges from 150-200 php

Private boat prices below in php

What to do in Cagbalete Island?

Camping — 200 - 300 php per tent

Beach bum

Island hopping ( Mangroves, Snorkeling and Sand Bar) — 1500 php for 4 pax

Sunrise watching

How about the food? Where to buy?

Some Hotel and Resorts have restaurants of their own which you can order a meal package which price ranges about 800 to 1,000 php per day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) and some have dishes made by order but quite expensive given that you know "transportation" since it is an Island after all . But you don't need to worry if you are budget traveler like me— get to the Mauban Market, buy food before heading to the Island to save money plus you get to eat what you want! Most resorts offers cooking set rental price ranges from 150 to 250 php that includes all the things you need to cook your meal.

Tips:

Bring mosquito repellent

Make sure you have powerbanks, yes with "s" - electricity is limited in the Island, only from 6pm to 6am