Cagbalete Island Hopping Sept 2018

Located off Mauban, Quezon is Cagbalete Island. It is an island known for it  white sand beach and   sandbar.

This island is about 4-5 hours by public ride from Buendia Bus Terminal.  The 1,640-hectare property is rich in biodiversity which makes it a must-see paradise.


One of the highly recommended things to do while in Cagbalete is going island hopping. Boat rental is around Php1,500 for 3 destinations - snorkeling, Yang-in Sandbar and Bonsai Island.

Snorkeling - you get to see lots of fishes. Bring biscuit or bread and you will attract colorful fishes.

Next, head onto Yang-In sandbar. The white sand bar is awesome. The shallow waters are clear and there are mangroves as well.

Please be mindful of the spikes as they will grow into fine mangrove.


Proceed to  Bonsai Island which is about 30 minutes from Yang-in sandbar. So named because of two very old bakawan trees that are only about 2 feet high. They appear during low tide when the water level gets really low and also you get to walk on the rockbed. Your boat may be anchored far away because of low tide around 10:00am. With waters just below your knees, you have to walk towards the rockbed , check on the trees and see petrified corals.
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So amazing that the trees are submerged during high tide and yet live.

You can see the beach from the rockbed which is about 600 meters.

After the island hopping in the morning, you can go back to your accommodation and wait for the tide to rise again at around 4pm where you can enjoy swimming.

How to get to Cagbalete Island
From Buendia - JAC Liner 4am bus goes directly to Mauban Quezon Fare Php269
From terminal, hail a tricycle going to the Registration Area  Fare Php10; just tell the driver you're going to the registration area
Pay the environmental fee Php50; Get an accommodation, representatives of resorts are in the area and it is mandatory to have a reservation before you can buy a ticket. Public boat fare is Php100 one way. Register and show your reservation.
Walk to the docking area and wait for your boat. If you're in a group, you can get a private boat at Php1500 one way
Boat ride is around 45 minutes ; If you take the public boat you will alight at the Port and can take habal habal to your destination Php100

Registration Area/ Tourist Port

Resort Representative

boardwalk

Cagbalete port

Cagbalete port

Travel Tips:

1. Bring lots of water  with you. Bottled water is expensive on the island
2. Electricity on the entire island is only available from 6am to 6pm. For some resorts they use generators to extend the electricity until 12 midnight.
3. Wifi is intermittent; you have to ask the resort where the best spot to catch a signal
4. Swimming time is best enjoyed early in the morning while it’s high tide (or late in the afternoon)
5. There’s no loud party or sound system during the night on the entire island.
6. You have the option to bring your own food and cook there; Dona Choleng resort has menu and you can order
7. Haggle for boat rental fee
8. Be mindful of the boat schedule in Cagbalete last trip is 1pm and also the bus schedules of Jac Liner (4am and 2pm) in Mauban.