DIY Trip: Cagbalete Island

It was October of 2016 when me and my friend decided to have a weekend escapade in one of the beautiful island of Mauban, Quezon - Cagbalete. It was very peaceful & crowd-less when we visited. 

Sunrise at Cagbalete ❤

Here's an overview of our itinerary:

Day 1

12:00 AM - Departure from Buendia to Lucena via JAC Liner

04:00 AM - Arrival at Lucena Grand Terminal

05:00 AM - Departure from LGT to Mauban via green bus (I forgot the name)

07:00 AM - Arrival at Mauban Port

10:00 AM - Departure from Mauban Port to Sabang Port

11:00 AM - Arrival at Sabang Port, Cagbalete

11:15 AM - Arrival at Dona Choleng

12:00 PM - Lunch

01:00 PM - Siesta

04:00 PM - Beach Bumming

08:00 PM - Dinner

09:00 PM - Seashore movie marathon

11:00 PM - Lights out

Day 2

05:00 AM - Sunrise Sesh

06:30 AM - Start of Island Hopping - sand bar, snorkling, Buntis Island

12:00 PM - Lunch at Dona Choleng

02:00 PM - Departure from Dona Choleng to Mauban Port

03:00 PM - Arrival at Mauban Port

03:30 PM - Departure from Mauban Port to LGT via Van

04:30 PM - Departure from LGT to Cubao

09:00 PM - Arrival at Cubao

Expenses:
I forgot to itemize our expenses but as far as I can remember, we spent around 3500 overall. Not bad right? 😊

We had a smooth byahe from Buendia to Lucena. Well, we are asleep from the moment we hopped in the bus until we reached Lucena Grand Terminal. It was still dark when we arrived at Lucena. We transferred to another bus bound to Mauban, Quezon. It's both our first time to Mauban so hello, adventure! 😎

Old-school bus to Mauban, Quezon

It's a 2-hour bus ride, no air-con on the bus but it's fine because the wind is very refreshing. (Excuse me, Manila's polluted air!) Just tell the driver that you need to hop off at Mauban Port and you are bound to Cagbalete. If I remember it clearly, we dropped off somewhere near a public market and 7-11. Mauban Port is just a 5-min walking distance so no need to ride a tricycle. 😉

Mauban Boulevard, este Port

When we arrived, we proceed to their tourism hall to register, pay environmental fee and buy ticket for the boat to Cagbalete Island. We were informed that the boat will depart by 10 AM. Geez! It's still 6 AM though. 😢 We ate breakfast, tambay sa 7-11 and wait until the said schedule. We bought some snacks na din sa 7-11 because it's expensive daw sa resort. To be honest, we haven't booked any resort yet. We did a research but we didn't book yet. 

The famous Pancit Hab-hab or Pancit Lucban PHP 20.00 for breakfast 😻

When finally it's time to sail for Cagbalete, we met Kuya Ompong - a boatman and local of Cagbalete. At first we are hesitant to have a conversation with him because we are too judgy and thought that we might be scammed but God loves us so much. Kuya Ompong is very kind and friendly. He made our Cagbalete trip wonderful.

Kuya Ompong - 09129261753

He introduced us to Dona Choleng - a home away from home resort. The room cost us PHP 1000 per night and beach-front. It was a fan-room that can accommodate 4 people. It's a shared-CR but seriously, you won't mind. They served food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The price ranges from PHP 100-200. Btw, the chef is very friendly! We brought Chicken adobo and they heat it for free. Yahoo!

Some photos of Dona Choleng:

Part of the resort's beach view

Not true 😡

It was low-tide when we arrived. We explored the beach and walked slipper-less on the powdery white sand. 

Mi amiga sporting her short-hair 😊

Doing what I love most ❤

Day 2 is all about island hopping. Kuya Ompong picked us at the resort around 6AM. Prior to that, I was able to witness one of the most amazing sunrise I've ever seen. Hues of purple and pink. ❤❤❤

I'll see you again, Cagbalete! 😍