The Bookworm Traveler

3D2N Cagbalete Sample Itinerary

where did the tide go?

 
This is based on my own trip itinerary (IT). From Manila, ride a bus going to Lucena City. There are buses bound to Lucena in both Pasay and Quezon City (Cubao and Kamias) Bus Stations . Some famous Lucena bound buses are JAC Liner and Lucena Lines.
Day 1

300am – ETD Manila

600am – ETA Lucena Grand Terminal

           – Eat Breakfast

700am – ETD Lucena

830am – ETA Mauban

           – Shop for food and other goods in public market

This was our first choice ever since we planned the trip with my girlfriends. One, it is less crowded. Two, one of my friends has already stayed at the other resort and she didn't like how their reservation was handled. Three, the other one is more expensive.

Booking a reservation with them is easy. We just texted the contact number in their website and they confirmed it. As if we really need a "reservation" hehe. We just pitched our tent in the ground.

the main resort house

The resort is very spacious. The main house has the fan and aircon rooms. Outside their are nipa huts. In front of the house, is a volleyball court. You can pitch your tent just anywhere within the resort area if you prefer to go camping.

sto nino altar

The main house's interior is very native. The walls and ceiling are made of sawali. The doors and floors are also made up of wood.

nice interior

The rooms are average but spacious. They were also very clean. Pillow cases and sheets will be provided when you check in, for sure it is crisp and clean.

standard rooms

They have common lavatory and bathrooms both in ground and second floors. Even if there are many guests, they make sure your needs will be fulfilled.

common area

The shower rooms and the toilets are well-cleaned and maintained.

shower room

toilet

If they are fully-booked or if you just prefer camping, you may pitch your tent anywhere in their vicinity.

camping grounds

We had fun staying here. It was so peaceful! I don't mind the long trek to get here. The caretakers were very nice and helpful. We were provided everything we needed. The entire place is clean which I liked very much. It is an excellent hideaway from the city. If you don't mind some trekking and you want an unadulterated union with nature, I highly suggest this resort. :)



Accomodation Information:
MVT Sto Niño Resort
Contact Person: Fely Ustare
Contact Nos: 09277774828, 09217275398
Website:  http://mvtstoninoresort.net/
Room Rates: PHP 1500 for Fan Rooms; PHP 2000 for Aircon Rooms; PHP 1000 Nipa Hut; PHP 250 for Tent Pitching (rooms and nipa huts are good for 4 pax)


Accomodation Rating: ♥♥♥♥




This is Part 2 of my Cagbalete travel series.

It was the Chinese New Year long weekend. We wanted to have a quick getaway somewhere not too far from Manila. We decided to go to Cagbalete Island. Our original plan was to go there with my bitches (when I say bitches, it means my closest girl friends haha!). But then, that plan did not push through and was canceled. So it became my first getaway for this year (2012).


Day 1

There are only 2 passenger boat trips going there everyday. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. We chose the former for us to have more time in the island. We rode the 3:00 AM bus going to Lucena that early Saturday morning.We arrived in Lucena Grand Terminal at around 6:00AM. Lucena is the capital city of Quezon province. The grand terminal has buses going to different towns of Quezon. Cagbalete is located at the town of  Mauban.

We still had a lot of time, so we ate breakfast in one of the fast food restaurants before riding the bus bound to Mauban. After an hour and a half of winding roads and super cold and damp air (no aircon bus), we were dropped of near the Pantalan which I think is the last stop. It is near their public market. We were overwhelmed by the fresh produce and catch that we saw in the market. Fruits, vegetables and seafood! They are dirt cheap. We shopped even if it started to pour. We ended up with a big bag full of food supplies.

Gat Uban Port

We went to the port right after we bought everything that we're going to need. All we knew was, we'll never get hungry in the island. Haha. We were an hour early so we still have a lot of time to kill. We were one of the first passengers to arrive. While waiting, we sampled the food that local vendors were selling that morning. We had pancit habhab (Lucban) and some kakanin. They were yummy! :)

trying out the local biko, yum!

Many passengers started to arrive just before 10:00 AM. We noticed that Cagbalete is also famous locally. There were a lot of groups from nearby towns heading to the island for a quick vacation as well. When all passengers were aboard we left to sail in the Pacific. The waves were big! I felt a little bit dizzy. In 45 minutes, we were there already. Since the tide in this island is always unbelievably low, we have to be transferred to a smaller boat to get to the shore.

trekking starts now

I forgot Kuya's name. One of the boatman was nice enough to guide us going to our chosen resort, MVT Sto. Niño. It was the farthest among the three resorts there, so we very much appreciated his efforts to take us there. He even carried my backpack for me even though it's not that heavy.

trees, grass, cow... pure nature

I was able to enjoy my hike more because I'm not carrying anything but my camera. I let them walk ahead of me so I can relish the surroundings and take photos without delaying them hehe. I knew we were getting near the beach resort as the trails were getting watery. It means high tide is coming in.

the wet trail

It was a 30-40 minute hike to the resort. I have to agree, this one is the farthest among the resorts there. Boats cannot dock in this part of the island. It won't make any difference. You'd still have to walk a kilometer in the sand if you do. Kuya endorsed us to the resort's caretakers who were equally nice. We were thankful to him and gave him a "tip" for his kindness. Again, helping the locals are one of those things I feel good about when traveling.


We immediately head to the kitchen to prepare our lunch. We skipped setting up our tent, food must come first haha.

paksiw kang bata ka! :)

We set up our camp after eating. We were their first guests for that weekend so the resort was all ours for a day. The other guests arrived Sunday. When our tent was all set, we laid down and we were slowly swept to dreamworld. Yes, we slept for the rest of the day! Maybe because we were too tired from the transit and we hardly had sleep the other night because we left Manila at 3:00 AM. Also, who could resist the cool sea breeze, the rustling leaves and the crashing waves? It sounded lullaby to me. :)


I woke up with the weird sound an insect was making. I was not even sure if it's an insect. It was the first time I heard something like that. It was a little creepy. I woke my partner up to prepare our dinner. It was really dark because there's no electricity there. The resort owner only have generators.


Day 2

The following day, I woke up very early. I want to take a walk and see the entire resort.

a few steps away from our tent

The mangrove population in this part of the island is bountiful. We placed our tents in the middle of the trees and beside a hut, just so we can evacuate immediately if a heavy rain pours (which they say is frequent here).

our camp

It was a bit gloomy but very peaceful morning. The skies were majorly gray. The sun didn't come out in all it's glory. The sea however, was so calm.

hues of blue and gray

love the shadow reflections in the water

coconut creek?

it was fun here :)

local kids with their bikes

Back in camp, I woke my partner up again for us to have breakfast. I told him I want to eat near the creek. Of course he obliged haha. He knows how I love being one with nature.



After lunch, we decided to go for a swim. Another set of guests arrived but they opted to stay in a hut at the other side of the resort so we're still alone in our spot.

tranquility

It was low tide and I don't want to walk a kilometer just to swim in the ocean.

are you seeing a glimpse of the ocean?

I don't! So, we just took photos and settled at the estuary. We had fun by the way. :)

this changed my idea of low tide

Day 3

The next morning, we prepared to leave already. We broke the camp and bid goodbye to the couple caretaker who looked after us for 2 days. They were so kind to us. We hurriedly started trekking back to the port. We must be on the 7:00 AM boat. It was high tide that morning, so we got a little wet on our hike back.

river crossing

Since we no longer have a guide that time, we just have to rely on our own memory. I suck at it, good thing my partner is good at remembering things. If not, we'll probably get lost haha.

pretending i remember the trail haha :)

wow layered tail haha :)

I actually noticed that the island locals were all warm and friendly. While passing by their houses, they will greet you and point you to the right direction. They will say hi or hello to you. The kids however, were very timid to visitors. When we had merienda in one of the mini-stores there, we gave some kids biscuits and candies. They shyly accepted it.


Cagbalete is the perfect place if you want a quick escape from the maddening city. It is near, very serene and it has kind people. Even though I haven't been able to swim "swim", it didn't matter. I am just up for a total nature trip and a stress-free environment. If you're into a party beach and all the noise it makes, then don't go here. It's not for you. I highly recommend this to people like me who enjoys peaceful moments with nothing but nature.


Beach Rating: ♥♥

I only gave it a two because you have to walk too far before you can swim in the ocean. Otherwise, it's all good.


This is Part 1 of my Cagbalete travel series.

6D5N Puerto Princesa-El Nido Sample Itinerary
This is based on my own trip itinerary (IT). From Manila (MNL), I flew to Puerto Princesa City (PPS). This is a very detailed IT as I already included necessary info and instructions.

Part I: Puerto Princesa

Day 1

600am – Check-in @ the airport

800am – ETD MNL

920am – ETA PPS

– Walk outside the airport for a cheaper fare going to your hotel (if your hotel does not offer free pick up)

945am – Check in to your chosen accommodation


City Tour

1000am – Start of Tour

-Palawan Butterfly Garden
-Palawan Crocodile Farm
-Rancho Sta. Monica

1200nn – Lunch

-Baker's Hill
-Puerto Princesa Baywalk
-Plaza Cuartel
-Immaculada Concepcion Cathedral

400pm – Back to Inn
600pm – Dinner

*You may hire a tric for a City Tour for PHP 400-500.
** Hotels/Inns normally offers tours as well. City Tour's fixed rate is PHP 600. This is a joining group tour so you don't have control over your time duration in each attractions.



Day 2


Contact No.: +63-906-606-4895

We chose to do the most famous Tours A and C in El Nido. We only have two days for island hopping so we just picked the most recommended ones. On the second day of our tour, we just have one tour mate. A guy from Finland named Veko. It was almost like a private tour because there were only three of us. Great! :)

We had the same boat and crew, except for one guy. It was another fine day for island hopping and I was so thrilled once again. The islands included in this tour are farther away than those that we explored in Tour A.

that lonesome rock - i wanna give it a hug :)

Our first halt for that day was the Secret Beach. The name suits it well. You can never really tell where it is haha!

can you tell where the beach is?

Our guide saw a big sea turtle around the area. So the boys left me on the boat and they all dove in to the water for a glimpse of that elusive sea turtle. It was just me and the boat captain left. The waves were too strong and we may be swayed to the big limestone rocks, we decided not to wait for them and to just dock ahead.


Oh-my-gosh, another patch of paradise! It looks like Alex Garland's description of The Beach, only smaller.

smaller version of  The Beach :)

I immediately stripped off to my swimsuit, wore my aqua shoes and jumped from the boat to join the snorkelers already having a grand time.

perfect snorkeling site

Kids can also enjoy snorkeling here because there are parts which are just waist deep. It's so amazing how there are many sea creatures here when the water is too shallow.

finding Nemo :)

The water visibility was absurd! It was marvelously clear! I snorkeled for almost two hours there. I never noticed how much time had passed.

happy snorkeler

At last, I felt exhausted haha. My arms were sore already when I stopped. I can stay there all day.

see? everyone left and i was still there haha!

It was lunch time already when we left the Secret Beach and we don't have our lunch prepared yet. Our boatmen looked for the perfect spot for our lunch. Minutes after, we got off to Star Beach.

Star Beach from a far

We docked on this part of the island even if it's rockier. The other side was crowded and shadeless. While our food was being cooked, we went snorkeling. We were so right to bring our aqua shoes here. Lime stones and reefs in this area are very sharp but that also mean more marine life. :)

this kind of fish has bitten me!

I don't know what they are called but this fish is so fierce! I was bitten by it, three times. You will barely notice them because they we're similarly colored like the corals and they don't swim as much. They are usually staying in the rocks. When you get to their territory without you noticing it, that's when they attack. I told our guide about it and he said they are really territorial. They gave me three scars in my legs. One of them has a shape of their mouth. Hehe.

another reason to wear aqua shoes

There are many sea urchins too. If you're not careful, you may also get stung by this creature as well. I was so thankful I did not step on one.

that glistening beauty

That was our view while eating lunch. I can't remember how many times I've been astonished by El Nido's charm.


When we're done eating, I decided to trek to the other side of the island. Behind some limestone cliffs, you'll find this flourishing greenery.

lush paradise

Walking further towards the beach, you'll see this stunning wonderland! And I was alone there. It was all mine!

am I in Paradise?

I was so amazed! My heart was literally jumping up and down for joy. No exaggeration. That was how I felt. The three hues of the water was bewildering. From aquamarine, to turquoise, to sapphire. Just wow... If only we can just build a house anywhere we want to. I'll build mine here. Just imagine waking up every single day seeing this.

i can stay here forever

If you want to snorkel, stay at the other side. If you just want to swim and sunbathe, stay at this side. This island have something for everyone. I ran to the water singing my heart out. But I was awaken from my dream so soon when our guide looked for me and called me. He said it was time for us to go to the next island.


Our next halt was the Hidden Beach. Geez, it was really hidden! You won't see the passage in the limestone barriers from afar. When you get closer, you'll see a hole submerged in water. The water level depends on the tide. When we got there, it was high tide. My problem was not just the tide. The part where the entrance is, is very deep. For a non-swimmer like me, it was so scary.

our guide checking out the sea bottom

Since the water was so clear, I can see how deep it was. It freaked me out even more. I was dragged inside by our guide. I was holding on to his hand and we swam together under the water. Wooooh!

yes, under this hole!

I was so relieved that there was a shallow part inside!

i found the Hidden Beach! :)

Yey, I can swim and snorkel hehe. There were fishes in this enclosed basin.

a-ok :)

Oh no, we have to go through this submerged tunnel again. I was so thankful to our guide who'd been with me and ensured my safety.

beyond this is magic :)

After that death-defying experience, were off to our next stop. Sailing in El Nido feels like you're in a dream. Everywhere you look is magical.

i want more of this :)

We got off Matinloc Island next. This one is different among those we first saw. It has unfinished structures that could've been promising if it pushed through. The architecture of the beach house looks great. We asked our guide what happened to this. According to them, the owner has been harassed by a powerful politician giving them no choice but to discontinue their planned resort. Such a sad story.

the awesome view at Matinloc's mini jetty

There is a viewing point at the top of a cliff at the right side of the island. Just be careful climbing up. The lime stones has rough and sharp edges.

overlooking ocean view

helicopter beach

The beach is not as exquisite as the others. The sand was fine but not white. The waves were bigger too. We didn't swim here anymore. We just lazed around and laid down at the sand.

me having fun :)