a sweet memory from a leisure escape: The road less travelled: Cagbalete Island

Sunday, February 15, 2015

The road less travelled: Cagbalete Island

I wanted to celebrate Valentines Day at the beach to make it extra romantic. Ive thought of so many options but Cagbalete stood out the most. The photos from the internet was really the one that sold to me to choose this island. Apprehensive at first because of the weather but i pushed through with my decision since im insane like that. LOL.

I took the 5am JAC Liner bus in Buendia to Lucena Terminal, then a non aircon bus from Lucena to Mauban Sabang Port and then an hour public boat transfer from Sabang Port to Cagbalete Island. Total travel time was 7 Hours.

The islands passenger boat

On board with the locals

Before reaching the beautiful island i faced big waves and extreme sea sickness. The passenger boat was seriously fighting its way through them big waves. It was a tough ride and i just couldnt imagine how those smaller boats got pass through them.

The passenger boat can't go near the sea shore so we were transferred through a smaller boat. And upon reaching the shoreline we were greeted by the locals who were corteously offering service to guide guests to their respective resorts. They have a number system so everyone gets a turn.

All resorts are located at the right side of the port and you need to walk 15 minutes to get there. You have the option to hire a boat and transfer you directly to your resort but hey, a short walk won't kill you. Thing is it was raining all day so the road to the resort was all wet and muddy.

I informed our guide that we dont have any reservations and he suggested Jovens Blue Sea Beach Resort. Ive read good reviews about the resort so i checked in and I booked their Nipa Hut with Balcony P1500/overnight. I planned to camp at first but because it was raining i had no choice but to stay inside the Nipa Hut. Maybe some other time.

Electricity is available from 6pm-6am so make use of this time to charge your gadgets. Food wouldn't be problem because the restaurant can cook for you or you can rent their utensils and can cook on your own. There are also locals that sell fresh seafood for a reasonable price. Its still best that you buy food and drinks prior to getting to the island. Its cheaper and less hassle.

Shared CR

Beach Volleyball anyone?

They have Karaoke. Its a sing off!

Open Cottage

Sandbar

During low tides, sandbars will appear from almost everywhere. They serve as sand bridge to Bonsai Island located at the left side of the resort. There's also a river mouth right beside MV Sto Nino Resort. Its at the far left side of the island. Its about 20minutes walking distance from Jovens Resort.