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Published: December 11th 2012
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Those kids were effortlessly swimming along the few boats anchored near the coast; the clear blue sea was calm and inviting. The young ones swarmed towards us as we sailed nearer to the shore. There was really no proper port so we were relayed to a smaller boat without an outrigger to be transported to the dry land. Residential houses lined just a few meters away which didn’t look very appealing to me. Not that they made the coast look messy but I really like my privacy, I don’t want to be swimming on view of a residential village.
A tourism officer met us eager to know our whereabouts, perhaps we were looking lost. She was too persistent I actually thought we’ll get ripped off in the end, but I was wrong. Enthusiastically she offered to show the way to our resort happily chatting away. We headed to the opposite side of the island, it was bright and warm we walked about fifteen minutes through grassland toasting under the hot sun.
We arrived at Villa Cleofas Resort with the owner welcoming us and preparing our lovely lunch shortly after. We were aiming for some R & R and took
Cagbalete Island
Coastal Village - I was quite impressed that though it was a residential area, they were still able to maintain cleanliness. No rubbish floating in the sea! the much needed siesta before exploring the resort later in the afternoon. The cold wind breeze through our semi-open cottage, our bed was thin mattresses laid on the floor.
Driftwood and drying sea grass scatter by the shore, the white sand was coarse with bits of coral and sea shells. If they just clear the shore of those dried seaweeds it would surely look neater. The other side of the island definitely looked more swimming friendly but then I still prefer privacy. The food was good, we were barely leaving leftovers and Kuya Tonet, his wife, and the staff was very nice and welcoming. They even gave us free breakfast the next morning and unlimited coconut juice on our first lunch. We also got to hang out with one of the staff’s 5 year old kid, Dave.
That night Martin, Joel, Jade, Janet, and Dell had massage outdoors facing the sea with the big mustard-yellow moon perching on the horizon. I opted out since I never really had any good experience with body massages. Later on was the wine drinking session and a serious(ish) personal talk about personal stuff, I try and dodge them away and laugh. It
Cagbalete Island
the water was like telling me to jump in! always feels nice being with these guys, nice and relaxing, not really stressing about stuff.
There were only three groups in the resort including ours; of course one has to be the bothersome bunch unfortunately they were the ones in the cottage next to ours. It was bearable somehow and we still had our peaceful space, except for their occasional trespassing in our bathroom (baths/toilets were separate units adjacent to the cottages).
This side of the island was too windy. We went to swim in the morning which lasted for just about 15 minutes! It was cold.
Nothing fancy, but it was a fine time of Rest and Relaxation...
Trip Information •
Villa Cleofas 2 Days/1 Night Package at 1,500PHP per person
Inclusion:
··· overnite accommodation (room/cottage sharing)
··· 3 budget meals (lunch, dinner, and brunch)
··· entrance fee
··· choice of activities ( kayak, horseback, snorkelling )
• 3 – 4 hrs. bus ride from Manila to Lucena City Grand Terminal
··· JAC Liner (Kamias Station) 218PHP per person
• 45 minutes – 1 hour bus ride from Lucena Grand Terminal to Mauban Quezon on a local bus
low tide at Villa Cleofas Resort
this is around noon, a bit of a long walk before you can take a proper dip. without AC at 54PHP per person
• 1 hour boat ride from Mauban port to Cagbalete Island at 180PHP / two-way fare
Note: Going back to Lucena City, you can take the van at 60PHP, it's faster. Parking area is beside the Mauban Church.
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Anastasia78
Anastasia78
Just beautiful
I hope I can visit the Philippine islands one day. I've really enjoyed reading your blogs about them and seeing all your beautiful photos. Before I started following you I hadn't given much thought to the Philippines but now visiting all those gorgeous islands is on my "to do" list. So thanks!