Cagbalete Island

About

Cagbalete is the big, wild beach island of Quezon, and its low-tide sandbar is the star! When the water pulls back, a huge stretch of pale sand opens up, and you can walk far out into Lamon Bay. Take the boat from Mauban Port, settle into a rustic beachfront resort or pitch a tent, then spend the day swimming, kayaking and snorkeling. Cruise the mangrove river, hunt for rock formations at Sitio Buntis, and stay up for a sky full of stars. Stay overnight because the trip from Manila is long and the boat times are fixed. Book your resort before you go, since the port follows a strict no booking, no sailing rule.

Rain likely until 1 PM. Head out after.
Overnight (2D1N); 3D2N for a slow tripTime to spend
March to May for calm seas and the best sandbar days; go overnight and plan around the low tide.Best time to go
About ₱50 per personValue · Great value
Take a direct JAC Liner bus from Kamias (Quezon City) to Mauban, about 5 hours, or ride a bus to Lucena Grand Terminal and transfer to a van or mini-bus to Mauban.Getting there

What to do here

Walk the low-tide sandbar
Cruise the mangrove river
See the rock formations at Sitio Buntis
Snorkel or kayak off the beach
Camp on the beach and stargaze

Know before you go

Watch the tide; the water comes back fast after low tide, so do not wander too far out on the sandbar late in the day.

Skip the trip when PAGASA raises a gale warning or a storm signal, since small boats will not sail.

Paid overnight parking near Mauban Port (around ₱160-300 per car per night as listed in 2026); no cars on the island.

Environmental fee about ₱50 per person plus a refundable ₱100 eco-bottle deposit at Mauban Port; resort entrance usually ₱50-200; public boat about ₱100-140 one way; private boat about ₱2,000-6,000 depending on group size; tent pitching about ₱200-300 per night (Lakbay Pinas 2026 guide and Two Monkeys Travel guide updated 2026).

When the water pulls back, a huge stretch of pale sand opens up, and you can walk far out into Lamon Bay.

Where it is

Cagbalete Island, Lamon Bay, Mauban, Quezon (boats leave from Mauban Port)

By commuteTake a direct JAC Liner bus from Kamias (Quezon City) to Mauban, about 5 hours, or ride a bus to Lucena Grand Terminal and transfer to a van or mini-bus to Mauban. Register at the Mauban Port tourism desk, then ride the public passenger boat (Mauban to Cagbalete at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM; back at 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM) or hire a private boat. The crossing takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour.

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FAQ

How do I get to Cagbalete Island?

Travel to Mauban, Quezon by bus, register at Mauban Port, then take the public or private boat. The crossing takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour.

When is the sandbar visible?

The sandbar shows at low tide. Check the tide table for your date and plan your beach walk around it.

Do I need a booking before going?

Yes. Mauban Port enforces a no booking, no sailing rule, so reserve an accredited resort first.

Is there electricity on the island?

Yes. A Meralco hybrid microgrid launched in December 2025 now brings round-the-clock power to the island.

Facts from outoftownblog.com · lakbaypinas.com · twomonkeystravelgroup.com · jontotheworld.com · lakbaypinas.com

Prices, hours and access can change, and weather can close a spot fast. Check the official page and PAGASA or PHIVOLCS advisories before you go. GalaTayo is not affiliated with this place. Disclaimer

Photo credits and removal (3)

1. Say Bernardo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons · Request removal
2. User:Lawrence ruiz · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons · Request removal
3. Lawrence Ruiz (Epi Fabonan III) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons · Request removal

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From₱50

Best: March to May for calm seas…