Travel Diary : Better Cagbalete than Ever

This is another beach entry to cap off my 2015 - my beachiest year to date.! June may be the kick off of the rainy season but that did not hinder me from going to not one but two ( 2 ) beach getaways: Kwebang Lampas ) and Cagbalete.


In need of Vitamin Sea but been to Batangas countless times? Or would like to experience a piece of Boracay but doesn't want to dent your wallet? Great news loveys! Somewhere in Quezon is another hidden gem with an amazing view of sunset/sunrise, budget friendly accommodations and unspoiled beach; perfect for a calm and relaxing getaway. Oh did I mention they have a magic tree?

Cagbalete  is a 1,640 hectare island home to pristine beach and sandbar with diverse ecosystem. It is located in Mauban Quezon, a 5-hour bus ride from Manila and just an hour trip from Lucena. We rented a jeep and left Lucena arounf 4:30 am. When I was about 4 or 5 years old, I remember tagging along with my father during his trips within Quezon province. I know I've been to Mauban several times but can't seem to recall anyone mentioning white beach and fine sand.
It was a bit foggy on our way to Mauban which came as a surprise as I'd only get to experience that in Baguio or Bicol. Mauban is a tranquil, little town known for old houses and simplicity. People here are warm and hospitable.

We reached the port about 6:00 am and was welcomed by the beautiful sunrise. Photos can not do justice to the beauty of the sun as it breaks the dawn, gradually shedding light to anything within its reach.



After half an hour and post registration, we were then taken to the ferry.  As it's way early to board a public boat schedule is at 10:00 am and last trip is at 3:00 pm ), we decided to rent a private boat instead. More information on rates and boat schedule on this link ( How To Get There )

After 45 minutes and a lot of boat photos later, we reached the beautiful and serene resort of  Nilandingan Cove







"Protected by Mangroves on both the left and right sides of the beach, Nilandingan is one of the most private and secluded spots of Cagbalete Island.
Known in the early 1900's as the place where locals made boats for seafaring, it got its name Nilandingan (pronounced as Neelan-DEE-ngan) when a submarine apparently found its way there before.
Home to the last few untouched mini-forests in Cagbalete Island, Nilandingan Cove also has some of the largest and oldest standing trees, a swamp where you can witness "Lambanog" being made from the extracts of the Sasa plant, a fishpond where you can catch uncultured fish and other marine life, explore the Mangrove Forests, watch the flying fish glide beside your boat, see the underwater landscape through its crystal clear waters, watch fireflies flutter around your bed at night and hear the monkeys jumping from tree to tree under the moonlight. Not to mention, the Sunrise which would probably land itself among the top places to view it in the country."

We booked for a day trip as most of us are heading back to our corporate jobs the next day. Nilandingan offers several accommodations and food packages depending on your preference. Our group opted to rent a nipa hut ( 1000 php ) and the food package ( 750 php/head ). If you are after convenience, I would recommend getting their package, it was well worth it and you didn't really have to bring anything to the island except your beach must-haves of course.


To make the most of out this trip, we decided to get the island hopping package. It's priced at 150php/head. Our first stop was the Yang -in Sandbar. It is best to come here between 12nn-4pm as this beauty is only visible during low tide. The water is waist deep and the long stretch is visible which serves as a perfect backdrop for those IG-worthy snapshots.While you're here do not forget to do your barkada jump shots or the run-splash-water shot ( like what we did ).








Nilandingan is the only resort with a Magic Tree. Now, don't get too excited because I am not speaking literally. It's referred to as a Magic Tree as locals believe that as it is secluded from all the mangroves, if you wholeheartedly whisper your wish, it might just come true. An old folklore, but I'll leave it you guys should want to give it a try. I did quite the opposite and climbed it like a true blue probinsyana. Thanks to my childhood years of climbing mango trees and alatires, this sure is just an easy feat.



It was bittersweet to say goodbye to Cagbalete. It certainly is one of the roads less traveled but undoubtedly one of the most rewarding. So take a detour from your usual weekend road trips and head south. Feast your eyes and blow your mind in the serenity and beauty Cagbalete island has to offer.

Travel Diary : Kwebang Lampas

I know the title may seem odd to some but don't let it put you off because once you get to experience this unspoiled paradise, I can assure you that you will also find that little piece of heaven somewhere not far from home.



I grew up in the province of Quezon and spent almost every summer at the beach. I remember the black, coarse sands and salty wind. The pungent smell of the sea as fishermen brought their haul to the shores with the awaiting buyers and sellers. I didn't mind that salt water turned my hair into a dry mess nor that my skin is burnt because there's something about the vast waters that feels like a safe place, a solace.


Kwebang Lampas has been gaining rave reviews on social media and I was surprised to learn that this majestic beauty is only an hour from where I live. I've lived in Quezon most of my life and it felt like this paradise is right under my nose yet I failed to recognize it. So when I finally got the chance to go home last June, I've requested my family to join me on this adventure. I've looked up the photos and I still couldn't believe my eyes that somewhere so close to my hometown is a paradise patiently waiting to be discovered.




We hired a jeepney to take us to the Capascapas near the power station, this is the jump off to Kwebang Lampas. At the jump off, there's a lake clad by mangrove. You can hire a boat for 25php to take you to the other side. If you're into trekking then you can hike your way to Kwebang Lampas. Flex those legs and walk for a good 10-15 minutes. The road is a bit tricky, though safe. There were lot of scattered branches and it can be slippery during off season.
You can opt to take the shorter route with a price of course. With 250php you can reach the pristine beach by boat in about 3-5 minutes.







It was mid June and contrary to the rainy weather forecast, it felt like summer. We literally had the entire island to ourselves. I took a deep breath and decided to float in the water for a few minutes. I felt a sense of freedom.I spent the entire morning basking under the scorching heat of the sun while bumming around with my siblings and their children. My parents watched us patiently under the nipa hut.





The island is a stretch of white, fine sand with a mix of scuba blue and lucite green clear waters. It is surrounded by tall, coconut trees and nipa huts.. The bermuda grass under the shade of the coconut trees was indeed a surprise. I lay there for a couple of hours, eyes closed while listening to the sound of the waves, disconnected from the digital world.







At the far end of the island is a small cave surrounded by rocks. It is easily accessible via a short swim or trek among the rocks. The cave which spans through under a cliff protruding out from the mountain ranges.It’s a relatively small cave that has an opening out to sea. The water inside the cave is shallow and noticeably warmer than the waters of the cove . The openings on both ends of the cave serve to illuminate its interior.






Kwebang Lampas is certainly a quick beach escapade whether you're residing in the Metro or somewhere in Quezon Province. By 5pm, we found ourselves in an outrigger ready to head back to the city. With smile on our lips, we bid goodbye to Kwebang Lampas. It was a whole day of laughter, family bonding and tons of photographs.Being there with my loved ones was an added bonus to this new found gem.With its unspoiled beach and pristine waters, it felt like it's a secret you wish you could keep in the hope of preserving its true nature. Truly a paradise worth visiting over and over again.