Cagbalete Island is one of those islands every beach junkie deserves a visit. Though *ehem* some *ehem* glitches may be encountered along the way, the scenery will take your stress away! It is really worth it. Just be prepared and be informed of these few facts.
1. On public transportation: Be early! Instead of taking the 5am departure from Manila, take the 2am and be at Mauban port earlier. Catch a private boat if you're not a fan of trekking. 1500 back and fort service for 1-2 pax (yeah its kinda expensive) or wait for the public boat ride until its full before it sail and apparently trek for about 30mins - 2 hours. FYI, at 9am everybody descends from who knows where and flock at the waiting area of the port. It's freaking chaos!
Tip: You can share your boat with others but advisable only if your resort is the same or near each other's.
2. Low tide approximately starts at 11:30am until about 4:30-5:00pm. Don't wait for this time if you're going to take a private boat because you'll be walking on these for 20-30 mins and Im not even joking.
3. You can arrange a package with the resort you'll be staying and reserve ahead of time. Many of the tourists who doesn't own a tent decided to not push through with their Cagbalete visit since all the resorts are fully booked already (especially during summer. Take my heed, please. Don't waste resources and energy.) We got a large amount of 3 meals per day and an afternoon snack, a nice spot for our rented tents and extra smile from the staff. We stayed at Doña Choleng's where they have prepared a fire dance number and fireworks display.
4. Bring at least 4 liters of water with you. Once you're on the island, the price hikes up as much as Php 23.00 per Sakto bottle of Coca-Cola. No shit.
5. Always stay at least two nights if you're going to an island.
Just in case you're wondering:
Fare table:
Remarks
|
||
Php 218.00
|
||
Php 54.00
|
||
Php 50.00
|
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| Php 45.00-Php 50.00 | Public Boat |
Morning and Afternoon rides only
|
Php 100.00
| Environment and whatever-that-is fee | |
| Php 100.00 |
optional (but come on! they live with your tip, have a heart!)
| |
Php 100.00
| Errands for the local kids |
they will help and guide you for a tip and they are nice!
|
As mentioned earlier, we stayed at Doña Choleng's where, as per the feedback from our boat-mates, have the nicest staff among other resorts though Pansacola has the cleanest shore.
I pretty much enjoyed the trip and would definitely go back since it's only few hours away from the Metro.
XoXo
Mao
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