03 December 2012

Hips don't lie but sometimes photos do. Sorry, not sorry. This photo struck me so hard that I was decided to go to Cagbalete Island with or without a companion. 

This is a classic example of one of the evils of Photoshop. Then again, it serves as a reminder to not expect too much based on photos alone ;)
Cagbalete Island during low tide.
How to go Cagbalete Island:

If you're coming from the south, Jac Liner terminal is about 30 steps north-bound from Kamias road, Cubao. For bus schedules visit their website or text 0917-JACLINE(5225463). 

1. Option 1: Take Jac Liner buses to Lucena that leave by the hour. Travel time about 3 hours. Then From Lucena Grand Central Terminal, there are non-air con mini buses travelling to Mauban, fare is around P50-60. Travel time another 1.5-2 hours. 

Option 2: Take Jac Liner bus that goes directly to Mauban which leaves at exactly 5AM.  Travel time MNL - Mauban runs a grueling 5 hours. But at least you don't have to transfer buses :P

2. Arriving in Mauban, ride a trike and go to Mauban Port. Let the driver know you are to go to Cagbalete Island and the ferry boat's name is Neneng. Tricycle fare is 9 pesos per head. 

3. At the Mauban Port, ride a public ferry that will take you to Sabang Port. There are only 2 trips daily from Mauban Port to Sabang Port. 10am and 3:30pm. Pay 50 pesos per head and travel time is 45 minutes. 

4. Arriving at Sabang Port, you can walk the stretch to Pansacola Beach Resort or ride a smaller boat. That's where we stayed. I'd suggest you walk. Sobrang malapit lang. If you're staying in Villa Cleofas, you might have to ride a boat. Not sure about MVT Sto. Niño. Trips from Sabang back to Mauban leaves at 7:30am and 1:00pm.

Accommodations: There are three resorts on the island.
Pansacola Beach Resort - Rommel Pansacola 0928-505-8633
Villa Cleofas - Ed Jacob  0919-220-5000
MVT Sto. Niño - Ryan 0910-882-3346

We originally booked the tree house for 2,000 pesos in Pansacola Resort but when we realized it was too open, we asked for another hut and we got transferred to a newly-made nipa-hut for the same price. They were able to grant our request even if the other hut was reserved because the other guest/s did not send any cash deposit.

Do not forget to bring deposit slip to avoid any fuss. Manong Rommel is easier to talk to. You need to pay for pretty much everything, like cup of hot water 10.00, mais con yelo35.00, rice that is good for 2-3 persons 80.00 (that's the minimum). They also offer meal packages but we did not avail of that.

Sea weeds galore :P

I was a bit disappointed with all the weeds on the shore. They said it's normally not like this. The beach has loamy parts. In short, burak hehe. But some parts have better sands. There are areas where masochists will enjoy with all the flat rocks and dead corals. They could really hurt your feet. The funny thing is no matter how far out we have walked the water is still knee-high. Kaya naupo na lang kami para mabasa hanggang bewang. Magdala ng tabo kung gustong mabasa hanggang ulo.


Their common restrooms are OK except for one whose door gets jammed every now and then. Nakulong ako dun. Unsure how I can get out because it doesn't have a handle from the inside. Kumatok na lang ako mula sa loob. Na sinagot naman ng kasama kong nasa labas ng "Pasok.." -____-


The which was open til the wee hours of the morning was a bit annoying. Videokes should be banned in places like these. It woke us up at around 2 in the morning.

Sunset here was pretty awesome though.

The photos below are only taken using a camera phone and no manipulation was done except for the frames and watermark. They're a bit dark but at that time it seemed pretty awesome. We're all fans of sunsets.

Coconut Trees During Sunset.

Yep, that part of the day was nice =)

2 Sunsets:

Gabz said...

Makes me miss Cagbalete! :) Bad trip naman yung videoke. I stayed naman at Villa Cleofas, good thing ako lang mag-isang guest kaya solo ko ang buong resort. :)

Maruya said...

Uy another solo traveler! Apir! :) Oo nga medyo panira yung videoke hehe