Cagbalete Itinerary and Expenses

Jac Liner RT              510

Mauban Bus RT        108

Sabang Port RT        100

Tricycle RT                140/2

     (Mauban Bus Terminal - Sabang Port)

Jovens Resort           1500/2

     (Kubo with Balcony)

      Entrance Fee       50

Dinner                       465/2

   1KL Fresh Fish                   180

       3  Rice                              60

      Cooking fee                     150

      Water 2.5 L                        75

Breakfast                  125/2

    Bread Buns                         40

    Cheez Whiz                         85

Tip                            100/2

                              ----------

             TOTAL     P 1,933

Cagbalete Itinerary

5:00    ETD Jac Liner Buendia

8:45    ETA  Lucena Terminal

9:00    ETD  NCR Bus to Sabang Port

10:45  ETA   Sabang Port

11:00  ETD   Sabang Port to Cagbalete

12:00  ETA   Cagbalete Island

12:30  Lunch

1:30    Play on the Beach

7:00    Dinner

Day 2

5:00    Watch Sunrise

7:00    Breakfast

10:00  Checkout Hotel

12:00  ETD Cagbalete to Sabang Port

1:00    ETA  Sabang Port

2:00    ETD  Mauban

7:00    ETA   Manila

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. 

Panorama of Cagbalete

Baby got back

Jovens Blue Sea Beach Resort

www.cagbaletejovenresort.co.nr

Twitter @JovenResort

09179848505

Siquijor Expenses ( Overnight )

RT Ceres Bus                                350

    (Cebu City - Liloan Port)

RT Ferry Fare                                124

    (Liloan - Sibulan Port)            

RT Tricycle                                    200

    (Sibulan - DGTE Port)      

Ocean Ferry                                  210

    (DGTE - Siquijor Port)

Hotel Transfer/Inland Tour          1000

Hotel Accommodation                 350

    (Charisma Beach Resort)

Dinner                                          150

    (Lomi Noodles)

Bottled Water                                50

Tricycle Fare                                250

    (Hotel - Port)

Regular Ferry                              130

   (Siquijor - DGTE Port)

                                           -----------

                            TOTAL     P   2,814

Fire Ball of the Country, Siquijor Backpacker | DIY | Travel

After a night of pigging out in Cebu City, I went on to my second destination the next day, Siquijor. According to Wikepedia, Siquijor is the 3rd smallest province in the country and it was called "isla del fuego" or Island of Fire by spaniards. It is  also known as a mystical island, home of the aswang and what not but unbeknownst to many, its actually a very beautiful destination for any travel enthusiast because of its laidback lifestyle, white sand and mix of turquoise green and blue water. Its a paradise! 

Nearing the island, the famous Siquijor sea water greeted me. What ive read from other blogs were really true. The port itself was a standout.

From the port gates, tricycle drivers/ tour guides will offer you tours and hotel transfers. You need not to worry because they have fix rates for their tours and hotel transfer. I got my inland tour with hotel transfer for 1000 from Kuya Dexter. From the port we went straight to Charisma Beach Resort and Restaurant which was located in San Juan. I chose to stay in San Juan for 3 reasons. 1. Its closer to the port 2. They have a long stretch of white sand beach. 3. They have the best view of sunset. 

Charisma Beach Resort offers a cheap dorm accommodation for P350. This includes access to their pool, a locker, a bed with a pillow, blanket and towel. The dorm has fans situated at each corner and 1 shared bathroom with just cold shower. The room has 12 bunkbeds and lockers. Upon payment, they will provide you with a padlock for your locker. This is already a good value for money. The staff are friendly and very accommodating. I give them 4 stars. After checking in, i left my bag in my designated locker and then started the inland tour. 

St. Francis of Assisi Church

Bell tower near the church

Capilay Spring Park

Century Old Balete with foot spa

St. Isidore de Labrador Church

Lazi Convent

Walkway down to Cambughay Falls

3 Tier Cambughay Waterfalls

Tarzan or Jane? LOL

Free Fall

Panorama of Salagdoong Beach

Left side of the beach

Right Side of the beach

Never too young for extreme slides. 

Cliff jump anyone?

Instagram worthy beach. LOL

The entire trip was beyond amazing. It exceeded my expectation of the island and my favorite spot was Saloogdong beach. The color of the sea water is way better than what I've seen from the photos. Its a wonder on its own. I was definetely smitten by the islands beauty, though my short stay could've been perfect if the sun was out. Sigh.