Cagbalete Trip 2019

The trip to Cagbalete Island was a very relaxing experience - not so much visitors, fine weather, good food and with the right company. The beach has fine white sand, clear waters, and no rocks and corals to step on while dipping or swimming, only some parts with seaweeds. The 5-hour trip (including the waits) was so worth it and was even faster than going to Zambales or La Union. Watch the video below and see part of the experience and the beauty of the place. (Pardon the camera quality.)

How to Get There

Here is a travel guide on how to get there by commuting:

• Take a bus ride going to Mauban, Quezon from any Jac Liner terminal in Metro Manila - Kamias or Buendia with the following schedule HERE. Travel time is around 4-5 hours, ideally.
• In Mauban, you can take a tricycle ride going to Mauban Port for around Php 20.00 (for 2 persons) or walk all the way for 10-15 mins. Pay for the environmental fee of Php 50.00 at the local tourism office and if you are travelling with your vehicle, you can ask the people in the office where to park safely for about Php 200.00 - 250.00 per vehicle per night.
• Take a boat ride that costs Php 70.00 per person going to Cagbalete Island and travel time will take 45 mins. tops on a fine weather. Trips are scheduled at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM daily.
• Upon reaching Sabang Port in Cagabalete Island, you can take habal-habal ride for Php 50.00 per person (2 passengers per motorcycle), or if you are travelling in group and have excessive luggage, you can rent a boat ranging from Php 400 to Php 1,500 per trip (depending on the size of the boat).

Where We Stayed

We stayed in Pansacola Beach Resort which is the first beach resort on the island, according to our colleague who was with us during the trip. The rates are reasonable; accommodating staff; wide shoreline and cozy cottages.

The only downside for me is that electricity comes only from 5:00 PM until 5:00 AM (some says that it's from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM but this is what I've experienced when I was there) and that you need to bring everything you need like food and drink because the island has limited resources. There are stores that sell beverages and liquors though but with only limited stocks. The resort has places for cooking and dining, but you will have to pay for the utensils and everything else extra - extra towel, extra bed sheets, extra pillows, etc.

What to Do

There's no night life on the island. Videoke and bonfire are also prohibited - purely for rest and relaxation. You may want to bring your bluetooth speakers and card or board games to do some activities. No need to worry uploading your "MyDay" and "at the moment" photos and/or videos though, Globe and Smart [Telecom] signals are fairly strong on the island. Just bring your powerbank with you to stay connected until electricity comes late in the afternoon. You can also contact a masseuse for a full body massage for only P300 an hour if you want to have that ultimate relaxation experience.

What Else to Bring

Take your toiletries with you; as said earlier, everything extra will also cost extra. You might also want to bring a mosquito net or an insect repellent because there are insects, mostly mosquitoes, at night while you sleep. And of course, bring some medicine or an emergency kit because there are no pharmacies on the island.


I loved the place so far. The two-night stay was good enough to be stress- and worry-free. I will definitely go back to this place if given a chance. If you want to have that peaceful and relaxing getaway that is just near the metro, this is a place for you.


If you have any comments, suggestions or want to share the same experience, please feel free to write down below.