Cagbalete Island

Our family went to Cagbalete Island in Quezon last April 1-3. It was such a beautiful place that really provided time to relax and just enjoy nature at its best. We stayed at Villa Cleofas and we enjoyed the fact that we had to go through some new and exciting experiences just to get there. It was a really enjoyable vacation for the family.

When we arrived at Mauban Port we thought it was going to be an easy boat ride. Little did we know that because it was a private boat and would take us directly in front of the resort, we went against the tide and so we already experienced the saltwater early on. Getting nearer the island, we realized that it was already low tide hence we had to transfer to a smaller boat to be transported nearer to shore, when the small boat got to us, the waves were acting up so it was an extreme act of balance to transfer! Still, we had to do some trekking to get to the shore.

Our cottage was airy. We were comfortable while waiting for the tide to get back in so that we could have a dip. The first night was very quiet and relaxing. Although electricity was cut off by 1a.m., it was alright because it was really cold the whole night.

Early the next morning, it was high tide and we immediately went in. The water was refreshing! It was amazing how even though we were so far from the beach, the water did not become very deep making it easy for all of us to just enjoy swimming.

When it was again low tide, we decided to walk to the Bonsai Island and see the sights. Before that, we prayed the rosary and then took some pictures. It was really beautiful! 

The third day marked our journey back home. My son described the experience as death-defying as we had to walk all the way back to the edge of the Bonsai Island to get to our private boat. Before getting to the private boat though, we had to hop onto the small boat again and cross to the bigger boat very carefully to avoid falling into the very deep water as it was beyond the Bonsai Island already. At the port, we could not find a "parking" slot for our boat that is near enough to the stairs so once again, we had to do something "exciting" to climb--rock climbing! It was scary yet fun!

All in all, it was quite an experience for all of us. We enjoyed simply being together and spending some quiet time with the family. As early as now, we are already planning on returning to the island.