Cagbalete Island Travel Guide | Lamudi

Cagbalete Island, located off the coast of Mauban in Quezon province, is a secluded island surrounded by creamy white sandbars, blue waters, and pristine beaches that can rival other beaches in the country. The beach is often calm for summertime, making it a safe destination, especially if you plan on bringing your kids with you during your summer vacation.

Traveling to Cagbalete Island

You can ride a bus from Buendia to Lucena if you come from Manila. Once in Lucena, you can ride a van or another bus to Mauban. 

From Mauban, ride a boat to Cagbalete island for 45 minutes to one hour. The public passenger or cargo boats from Mauban to Cagbalete depart only twice daily. Take note that departure times listed below are subject to change without prior notice.

• Mauban to Cagbalete Island: 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM
• Cagbalete Island to Mauban: 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM

If you miss a passenger boat, you can charter a private boat to and from Cagbalete. However, the rental fee for boats is around PhP 1,500 to PhP 5,000. 

Expenses and Accommodations

Before entering Cagbalete Island, make sure to register at the tourism office and pay the following fees:

• Environmental Fee: PhP 50
• Eco-bottles for your trash: PhP 100 (refundable)

There are numerous resorts on the island where you can rent tents, cottages, studio rooms, duplexes, bungalows, and villas for your stay. These accommodations can fit one to 20 guests, depending on their size. These accommodations have a rental fee of Php 200 to PhP 6,500 per night. Entrance fees at these resorts are around PhP 50 to PhP 200.

Exciting Things to Do on Cagbalete Island

Whether you’re traveling to relax, to find a new adventure, or to spend time with loved ones, there are plenty of things to do on Cagbalete Island. 

Island Hopping

Take a tour around the other parts of Cagbalete Island on an island hopping excursion. Some places you can see include the Yang-In sandbar and mangrove river. You can also visit Baliscar Islet, a rocky island with an old lighthouse and a fantastic view. If you love bonsai plants, you can visit Bonsai Island.

Swimming and Snorkeling

While going around Cagbalete and its nearby islands on a boat, enjoy its calm waters and discover its marine life. The island is home to coconut crabs, starfishes, and sea cucumbers. There are several snorkeling sites in Cagbalete and you can bring your own snorkeling gear or rent one on the island. If you are on vacation with your kids, they can safely swim on the beach, especially during low tide. 

Bird Watching

Since Cagbalete has plenty of trees and is less crowded, numerous birds have made this 1,640-hectare island their home. Parrots, eagles, and kingfishers are some of the birds found on Cagbalete Island. If you’re lucky, you may even get a chance to spot one of the rare birds on the island! 

Watching the Sunrise and Sunset

If you love sunrise, start your day the right way and watch the sky change colors in Cagbalete. Meanwhile, you can also watch the gorgeous sunset on the island as you swim on the beach or relax on the shore. Regardless, you’d want to have your camera around to immortalize this breathtaking scenery.

Playing at the Beach

You may set up a camp on the beach, build sand castles, or look for what’s under the sand during low tide. You can also play games with family, friends, and even other area tourists, such as football and volleyball. You can also share stories and do stargazing at night. Because Cagbalete is less crowded, you can also read a book and do some meditation.

Other Reminders

Most resorts offer package meals; you can dine there if you do not want to cook and prepare your food. A budget of PhP 800 to PhP 1,100 is ideal for three meals. However, if you want to cook your food, purchasing food items before you go to the island is best as there are few shops.

Electricity on the island is limited, and resorts often offer generators from 6 PM to 6 AM. Mobile signals are also available on the island.

Takeaway

Cagbalete Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines. If this island’s beauty has captivated your heart, you may also consider buying a property for sale in Mauban so that you can live closer to Camiguin.