Biyaherong Barat

Ah yes, Holy Week. Who could’ve resist taking advantage of the long vacation offered by the Holy Week then extending for an additional day until the Day of Valor? From the stressful daily routine everybody takes, an extended vacation would definitely give you ample time to recharge your body. You know what’s better than recharging your body from the stress you took? Recharging your body from the stress you took in Cagbalete Island while letting Biyahe Lokal do all the work for you.

Clients asked Biyahe Lokal to arrange a trip to this island 45 minutes off the coast of Mauban, Quezon. On a regular day, arranging such trips is a walk in the park, but gathering all your resources together on a Holy Week is quite difficult since all the people goes on vacation at the same time.  Prices go up, race for reservations, and the number of people – these are some of the obstacles you have to endure just to make a booking. Nevertheless, Biyahe Lokal was able to pull it off.

The gang hit the road by 5:30 in the morning hoping to avoid the horde heading to provinces. Fortunately, most travelers are currently relaxing in their destinations. However, a build up in Laguna’s resort capital slowed down our travel, but after Laguna, it was smooth sailing until we reached the town of Mauban. The small town seemed busy that day. The number of visitors is evident by the number of cars parked along the  narrow roads of town. Along the main road is Lech Gau Eatery where we will rendezvous with the private boat assigned to pick us up from Mauban and bring us to the island.

Boarding Pansacola Beach Resort’s private boat.

Accuweather provide us with accurate weather forecast most of the time and always had helped us with our trips. Rain clouds and partly rain showers were expected making me uneasy days before the trip. However, when we arrived in Mauban, it was extremely hot, the sun was bright, and the sky was blue, and that’s good news. But weather in the Pacific is quite unpredictable so I was still on my toes even even though a the weather seems to unlikely turn. Our first Cagbalete Island experience still haunts me and I don’t want it to occur this time we’re bringing guest.

When we got to the port, we just found out that moment that they were charging environmental and port fees now, which never happened before on my visits in the island. Its probably because of the Holy Week  and the numerous visitors of the island may provide an income generating racket for whoever is in charge so might as well go on with it. Environmental fee is legal, anyway, but just now?

After a calm 45 minute voyage through Lamon Bay, we reached Cagbalete. The tide was low as usual so we have to walk on sandbars and corals about 500 meters and as much as possible try to avoid sea urchins until we reached Pansacola Beach Resort. As expected and advised, the resort’s cottages were fully booked by families and friends. Mr. Romel Pansacola and wife, Fe welcomed us asked a resort personnel to show us to our cottage, the Sasag Hut where our guest will be staying for the night.  Mattresses and pillows are provided by the resort and a private comfort room also installed inside the bi-level hut.  Sasag Hut can accommodate 12 persons, however, some of our guest maybe found it too small and preferred to stay in tents.

Low tide in front of Pansacola Beach Resort.

The tropical Sasag Hut.

Our tents (except for the tadpole type) pitched in white sand facing the beach.

Small outrigger and flat boats are provided by the resort when transporting passengers from the big boat to the shore.

After settling down, a hefty serving of Crispy Pata, Sweet & Sour Fish, Lato (seaweed salad) and Ripe Mangoes were served to our guest for lunch. The tide rose later that afternoon and after a good rest, the group took a hike on the southern side of the island in search of an isolated spot. We passed by the island’s cemetery and not far from it was a huge tree which blocked the way. The tide was coming in so we were not able to cross, nonetheless, the spot itself was a good place to where we sat down the fine white sand, and swam in its clear water. No one there, just us. I went back to check on the others and found them on the northern end of the resort sitting by a large driftwood on the beach having some laughs and sharing stories while watching the sunset. Later that evening, after having dinner, the group gathered around the camp fire, roasted smores, and had a little drink to end the tiring day.

The rising tide later that afternoon.

Cagbalete Island’s cemetery.

Sunset in Cagbalete Island

I woke up early dawn that Easter Sunday and just sat on where I slept, a  wide bamboo bench a few meters from the beach. It was quiet. Almost everyone were still asleep as I watch the Mauban Coal Power Plant as its lights flicker from afar. As the sun rose from the back of the island, people one by one got up and went out of their tents and cottages and had their breakfasts. Not so soon, the tide went down and people went to enjoy the long stretch of sandbars which is a natural attraction in the area.

Sitting by the sandbar as the tide went down by every second.

Far out in the open.

Pansacola Beach Resort’s private boat was on a tight schedule that day because more guest were arriving since later that noon. Some of resort’s guest, including us, were preparing to get back in the mainland. The back-breaking whole day transfers to and from Mauban caused some delays on schedule so we got stranded for some time. When we reached the mainland, we thought the agony was over but it only just got started. Vacationers from all over the country were starting to head their way back to Manila contributing to the large volume of traffic in main routes.

The Holy Week is a time when everyone can take a break from work, school, and daily routines. Since it’s declared a holiday in the country, people take advantage to see their relatives, and travel to destinations. As a team member of Biyahe Lokal, making reservations was not easy during the holy week. Many clients were asking for bookings unfortunately, most of the rooms and resorts were reserved. In lieu of this, we would like to extend our gratitude to Pansacola Beach Resort’s Mr. Romel and Mrs. Fe for holding the only available cottage that Black Saturday amidst the number of calls coming by the hour. Our transport provider was also fully booked that vacation season so we have to wait for an available slot. And of course, we would like to thanks our clients, Basil, Valerie, and group of “Boss” Carrie for giving us a chance to arrange their vacation.

Mission accomplished, boys. Job well done.

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Now here are some fast facts that may help you on your trip:

1. Biyahe Lokal’s Cagbalete Trip cost P2,900.00 per person only. (Prices are based on a 10 person per group rates)
Package includes:
-Transportation to and from Mauban Quezon
-Private boat transfers to and from Cagbalete Island
-Mauban Port & Environmental Fees
-Food (5 meals; 3 full meals & 2 snacks)
-Full meals consist of meat, vegetable, seafood, desert
-Snacks could be any of the local delicacy
-Overnight stay in one of Pansacola Beach Resort’s cottages

2. You might also want to see other Quezon Province destinations.

3. More pictures in and Biyahe Lokal Facebook.

4. Enjoy and have a safe trip.

5. If you like this, you might also like:

• Quezon Province destinations
• Puting Buhangin Beach, Pagbilao, Quezon
• Cagbalete Island, Quezon
• Real, Quezon
• Cagbalete Island, Quezon (East Coast)
• Cheapest Travel Package to Cagbalete Island