2nd Trip for 2011: Cagbalete Island~

Cagbalete Island attracted a myriad of travelers already and its popularity is well increasing. I have high hopes on this trip, due to the massive number of beautiful pics scattered through out the net showcasing what the place has to offer. Cagbalete here I come!

This DIY getaway  was planned for almost a month [thanks to a colleague who bugged me everyday with questions]. Meet up point was in Buendia Taft (Jack Liner station) and we took the 3A.M. ride. The bus took off at exactly 3:15. It was raining when we arrived at Lucena City Grand Terminal. Definitely not a good sign. After another one-hour ride, we reached Mauban. That was around 8A.M. and the boat going to the island usually leaves by 10 A.M. We had plenty of time to buy foods in the market. There is a talipapa (small market) just on the mini-bus drop off point, but we opted to go to the main market to have more product choices. We need not to worry for our food for the second day since I requested my dad to cook Adobo (with potatoes and eggs as extender). Unfortunately it started raining hard when we were in the market. I know how a bad weather can ruin an escapade, still it didn't stop us from going forward with the trip.

Mauban Port

It was past 10 A.M. when we got in the boat. We shared it with people from all walks of life and merchandises that should be brought to the island too.

The waves got really angry after the first 15 mins boat ride. People started getting nauseous and some threw up. So much for the excitement we hoped for. The rain stopped when Cagbalete island was already within our sight. We were not dropped off in Sabang port and we had to take another mini boat ride to reach our main destination (Cleofas), since one of the boatmen said trekking is not advisable because of the rain they experienced the other night. That's something we didn't expect, locals also said it was intensely hot the past few days.

The villa was like a ghost town when we arrived. Dried leaves are everywhere and sea weeds can be found washed ashore. The place is just gloomy and unattractive, probably because of the rain. It's still not nice to swim because of the strong waves, so we headed to the kitchen to cook first.

The water still showed no sign of calming after lunch, so we just decided to visit the nearby lake.



Bonsai Island

Ate Perly (the caretaker) told us that every afternoon is low tide even during rainy days, and we will be able to get to the bonsai island. A spot reached by a 20 minute walk where a remarkable bonsai sits steadily. We started walking late afternoon when the water was below knee high only.

The sky was already a bit dark when we reached the Bonsai Island. I think it's still best to be there when the sun is up for you to see the real beauty of the place. Night came and the wind froze us, my bad, I didn't bring my own jacket. More dismay when I found out that the Adobo my father prepared got spoiled because of the eggs!!! TT

<sigh> Showed how novice we are when it comes to DIY travels, we didn't even realize eggs will spoil real fast.

The next morning, I arranged a boat ride for snorkeling. We paid P600 but the spot really was way beyond fulfilling. I was so upset I wanted to go home already. It was just like the way to Bonsai island with waters in chest height, soo lame. The bangkero told me that the true snorkle spot is far and the current waves won't let his boat reach it. I just focused my attention on taking pictures of my colleagues under water to forget my disappointment.

After lunch, we decided that we will trek on the way to Sabang (port going back to Mauban). We walked for around 30 minutes to reach the locals place. What struck me was the beauty of the water in that port! Bummer, if I had known the difference, I would have stayed there than on the villa.The port is behind the direction of the wind so the water was totally calm and clear. I was surprised by its fine sand too (with no sea weeds being washed ashore,again because of the absence of the current). I thought that spot could be a better vacation place if there are no residents there. I asked one of the friendly locals if there is an available space or hotel I can rent on my next visit, and she told me yes. I now know what to do next time. Sad I didn't anymore have the time to swim there due to the strict departure schedule of the boat.

To sum this up, my first Cagbalete trip was an epic fail full of lessons. I felt like I've been cheated. I know Cagbalete Island still has more to offer, unfortunately I only got a glimpse of it's breathtaking side. Eer no one saw that sudden heavy rain anyway. Lemme try to have real fun next time I come back. ^^



Here is the Cagbalete shell I picked for my future sea water aquarium!



How to get there:

1. From Buendia taft, ride a Jac Liner bus going to Lucena. There will be hourly trips with 2:00 A.M. as the first trip. (Php210.00)

-travel time: 3 hours

2. Drop off at Lucena City Grand Terminal and catch a mini-bus ride going to Mauban port. First trip at 7:00 A.M. (Php50.00)

-travel time: 1hour

3. At Mauban port, look for a boat ride going to Cagbalete island. (Php40.00)

note: Trips during summer are based on the number of passengers and only two trips during off-season:

-10:00 A.M. off to Cagbalete island

-1:00 P.M. trip back to Mauban port

-travel time: 30-45mins depending on the waves.

Expenses:
Fare: Php 600
Food: Php500
Other:
     -Snorkeling gear rental (Php100/per person)
     -Boat fare (Php600 for snorkeling/7 persons max)
     -Kitchen/Condiments (Php50 per use)
     -Small Room (Php1,500/overnight) 
TOTAL: Php 1,650.00