Cagbalete Island – How to Get There by Public Transportation

Cagbalete is a dreamy, windswept island located about 14 kilometers off the coast of Mauban Town in Quezon Province. Delightfully affordable, the island is a favorite destination of budget travelers. However, getting there isn’t simple, it involves a series of transfers from cab to bus to van to boat, and finally to motorcycle or to another mini boat. To prepare for this epic journey, below are some useful tips.

First Leg

The first leg of the journey is a 4.5-hour bus ride from Buendia, Taft Avenue to Lucena City in Quezon Province. Many bus lines offer this route, Jac Liner is a good option. They offer hourly trips to Lucena Grand Terminal, but if you want to arrive in Cagbalete before noon, take the 4 a.m. bus.

Second Leg

The second leg of the journey is a 1.5-hour trip by van from Lucena Grand Terminal to Mauban Port. When you get to Lucena Terminal, take a short walk to the van terminal on the other side of the compound, then, get on a van bound for Mauban Port.

Once you and other passengers are settled in the van like sardines in a can, you’ll soon realize that this is going to be the most uncomfortable leg of the journey. Overloading is the norm here and don’t be surprised if they can manage to fit 20 passengers into a 15-seater van. Unfortunately, if you’re commuting, there’s practically no other alternative because the mini-buses that supposedly ply this route are very rare. Fortunately, despite the discomfort, the landscapes along the way are pleasant.

There are no set schedules and the vans leave as soon as they’re suffocatingly full. When you arrive at Mauban, the driver will drop you off at a street corner a few steps away from the port. 

Third Leg

The third leg of the journey is a one-hour boat trip from Mauban Port to Cagbalete Island. Rustic and humble, the outrigger boats here, just like in other small coastal towns don’t offer the comforts of climate controlled cabins with cushioned seats, but after a formidable road trip, the open-air boat ride will be refreshing. If you get motion sickness make a metal note to pack some Bonamine because the sea can be quite turbulent even in fair weather.

Also, before hopping on the boat you’ll need to register at the tourist desk at Mauban Port and pay an environmental fee. On peak days there are many trips to the island. However, on off-peak days like weekdays, there are only two trips, one in the morning at 10:30 a.m. and another in the afternoon at 3:30 p.m, so if you go on a off-peak day, be at the port by 9:30-10 a.m. to catch the morning trip.

Public Boats Schedule:

Weekdays — 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Weekends and Holidays — 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.

Fourth Leg

The fourth and final leg of the journey is a short trip from the island’s main port to your resort. Travelers can either go by boat or by habal-habal (motorcycle). Habal-habals are the cheaper option but are not for the faint of heart. Many parts of the island remain undeveloped and for some travelers, the bumpy and infinitely rugged terrain habal-habals take en route to the resorts may be too much to handle. Fortunately, the trip only takes about eight to ten minutes depending on the location of your resort. Larger groups usually hire a boat since they can share the cost.

Habal-habal Fare P50 per person

Boat Fare – See photo below

Altogether, the journey to Cagbalete from Manila could take seven to eight hours depending on stopovers and queues. Much like the Amazing Race, there will be pitiful stops and rigorous challenges. Nonetheless, if your heart is set on traveling to Cagbalete, take note of the tips above and find inspiration in the promise of sun-dappled beaches, immaculate sandbars, and glorious sunsets that await on the island.

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Check out these travel guides for more info on Cagbalete island and other top beaches to visit in Quezon province

A busy day at Cagbalete Port

An equally busy day at Mauban Port

By mid-afternoon the tide goes out and reveals picture-perfect sandbars. However, by this time there won’t be much ocean left to swim in, so it’s best to swim to your heart’s content in the morning.

Low tide in Cagbalete Island