A Walk Along Cagbalete White Sand Beach

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Nestled in the heart of Quezon Province, Cagbalete Island is a gem for travelers seeking solace away from the bustling city life. With a distance of just a few hours from Manila, Cagbalete Island is renowned for its vast stretches of pristine white-sand beaches.

Unlike the more commercialized destinations like Boracay and Palawan, Cagbalete retains a rustic charm which we really love!

This article contains a collection of our photos taken while we were walking the stretch of white sand beach in Cagbalete. This is the area where most of the beach resorts are.

This entry also notes a few of our observations of the resorts based on their appearance from the shore and some things to keep in mind during your next visit.

If you need a more detailed information about Cagbalete Island, please visit our travel guide here: Cagbalete Travel Guide

How to go

Cagbalete Island is located off the coast of Mauban, Quezon, in the Calabarzon region of Luzon. Reaching the island involves land travel from Manila to Mauban, Quezon, followed by a boat ride. Travelers can opt for a private car or take public transportation to Mauban. From there, a 40-minute to 1-hour boat ride will take you directly to the island. Registration at the Cagbalete Island Tourist Port is required before boarding.

Photo Gallery

 
 
 
These photos were taken in front of Dona Choleng Camping Resort, where we stayed for 2 nights. The beachfront of our resort is probably one of the nicest among the resorts in the area as it offers its guests with a vast expanse of sand where you can laze and watch the sunrise/sunset or play beach volley with friends. It’s also one of the cleanest, based on my observation. To read more about Dona Choleng, please see my review of the resort here –> Dona Choleng: A Resort Review. 
 
 
 
I would say that Cagbalete has one the shallowest waters I’ve seen in all beaches I’ve been to. At about 10 feet from the shore, the water is still up to knee to waist deep. When we went for island hopping, we even have to walk further into the sea since our boat couldn’t come any closer to the shore. Some parts of the water are also filled with seagrasses (as seen above) but overall, it’s a good swimming area especially for kids. During early parts of the year (we were there on February 2016), low tide is at early morning and high tide is at late afternoon.
 
 
 
We walked towards the left side of the beach (when facing Dona Choleng) to watch the sun setting on the other side of the island. This area is very picturesque since there is nothing else but trees and shrubs along the beach. The waves can be quite strong and the depth unpredictable so I wouldn’t suggest swimming in the area. 
 
 
 
Villa Noe Beach Resort and Joven’s Blue Sea Beach Resort have good sandy swimming areas — not much seagrasses unlike the other parts of the beach. Villa Noe also has a balsa, which guests (and non-guests like us) can enjoy using. It is anchored somewhere under the water so no need to worry about it floating away into the deep.

Both of these resorts are noticeably clean and well-maintained. Signage and cottage/room exteriors are well-painted and seems relatively newer than the adjacent resorts. In Villa Noe, a couple of children were cleaning up the area and sweeping away astray seagrasses on the sand.

 
 
 
After walking for about 15 minutes or so from Dona Choleng, we decided to go back since it was getting dark and the tide was getting higher. Villa Cleofa’s was the last resort we saw along this stretch. As observed, the resort is not as well-maintained as Dona Choleng or Villa Noe but it does have the basic resort necessities. It also has duyans — saw about three around the vicinity — which might be a plus for some.
 
 

Activities / What to Do

Cagbalete Island is a haven for beach lovers and adventure seekers. The island’s long stretches of white sand are perfect for sunbathing, beach sports, and leisurely walks, especially during low tide when the beach extends far into the sea.

Snorkeling and island hopping are popular activities, offering glimpses of vibrant marine life and other nearby marine attractions.

For those interested in local culture, exploring the island’s interior reveals a close-knit community and rustic living.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Cagbalete Island is during the summer season, from March to May, when the weather is sunny and conducive to beach activities. However, the island’s beauty can be appreciated year-round, with each season offering a unique experience.

Tips and What to Keep in Mind

  • Start your journey early to avoid city traffic and maximize your time on the island.
  • Bring cash, as ATM access is limited in Mauban and nonexistent on the island.
  • Prepare for basic living conditions and embrace the rustic charm of island life.
  • Respect the local community and environment by minimizing waste and avoiding littering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to book accommodations in advance?
A: Yes, it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Q: Is there mobile signal on the island?
A: Mobile signal can be spotty, with some areas having stronger reception than others.

Q: Are there ATMs on the island?
A: No, there are no ATMs on Cagbalete Island. It’s advisable to withdraw cash in Mauban or before your trip.

Q: Can I bring my own food to the island?
A: Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food, especially for specific dietary needs. However, be mindful of waste disposal.

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