* Cagbalete Island, Quezon Province

After several months since the Ilocos Trip last May I can say finally me and my friends are able to go out, bring out cameras and take photos. Traveling and taking photos of the places that we have been is really one of the best things to do. Anyways for this month the original plan was supposed to be in Caliraya Lake then San Pablo Laguna and we had a change of plans and one of my friends Alex recommended for us to try Cagbalete in Quezon.

arrival at Cagbalete

walk to resort with the local kids

It was my first time going there, after my work I went straight to the bus terminal in Alabang (Lucena Grand Terminal) Air-conditioned bus is not available during the morning so I have no choice but to take the ordinary bus to Lucena. Left Alabang around 5:45am and I arrived Lucena around 9am *phew*. We took a mini bus from Lucena to Mauban Quezon (50 pesos) but we recommend to take van/fx which is faster (60 pesos). Arrived around 11:30am at Mauban Quezon and we went to Gat Uban (Mauba Port) where the boat to Cagbalete Island is located. Take note that the boat from Mauban to Cagbalete is only twice a day 10am and 4pm (40 pesos one way). It would be around 20 minutes ride from Mauban to Cagbalete and people or visitors from other places are called "Bisita/Visitors" in Cagbalete. A group of kids would come in the boat and ask us that they would they us in the resort and some of them would ask to carry our bags but take note it's not free (20-30 bucks/kid). We arrived at Villa Cleofas around lunch time after a 15 minute walk. Owner is really friendly and the low tide view is awesome. We rest for a bit then we took photos of the beach (low tide) and since it was around 12nn - 1pm it was so hot and at the same time we are starving so we decide to go back to the resort and have lunch first.

low tide

We rest for a bit (siesta time) and around afternoon we went to this part where the beach and lake is connected. Take photos of the place and ourselves and around 5am we noticed that it's high tide already.

lake connected to the sea

jump shot :)

We rented a small cottage which is good for I think 10 people. Room has 1 electric fan, 2 "kulambo for mosquito" and 2 bed. I can say it's kinda hot because electricity is gone by 1am and we are only sharing 1 fan. We woke up around 5am to take a photo of the Sunrise, it was nice we are able to capture it but around 5:40am it rains and the moment is gone haha.

Sunrise at Cagbalete

We packed our things after taking photos of the Sunrise. I can say that there is a lot of things to be developed in Cagabalete and a lot of things are limited but I can say I did enjoy going to the island and at least I was able to take a few good photos. Even captured a Rainbow because the rain was on and off during the weekends.

Rainbow

What to expect:
- No electricity so charge your batteries (camera/phone)
- Signal is on/off (Smart and Globe) and no signal for Sun
- Generator is on from 6pm-1am in Villa Cleofas not sure with the other resorts.
- A lot of mosquitoes (bring off lotion)
- Bring your own food, the store is far away from the Resort and the resort only offers Paluto (they will cook your the food for you) and Drinks.