THE WORKROOM

“What a wonderful getaway for both of us! We’ve just spent our Heart’s day in an island and it’s super awesome!”

En Route

Pantalan

We went to Cagbalete Island specifically in Pansacola Beach Resort at Mauban, Quezon Province. We decided to go here because we wanted to try a new Valentine’s date experience that we never been done before. Moreover, it’s also part of my advanced treat for my girlfriend’s birthday that would be two weeks after the Valentine’s day.

Going to the place is one heck of adventure. Packing plenty of energy is a must. Expect long hours of travelling and long hours of sitting as well – approximately 8 and a half hours coming from Manila – which will surely gives you an ass and back pain experience along the way but don’t worry, set aside these things, as you get into the island and witness its beauty it will be all worth it. – so aside from energy that you pack you might as well include extra bag of patience with you.

Our itinerary for this getaway is to leave Manila by dawn, be in Lucena Grand Terminal by morning, be in “pantalan” and in the island by afternoon.

Itinerary

We took AB Liner in Pureza, Sta. Mesa by 4:00AM going to Lucena Grand Terminal. The bus was old and has no air-condition neither Wi-fi. The bus leave the terminal by passed 4;30AM and took the route going to SLEX. In what we experienced, the bus had a approximately 30 minutes stop-over in Alabang and Balintawak – to filled up the bus with passengers. By roughly around 8:30AM we arrived in Lucena Grand Terminal and rode another bus going to “pantalan” for one (1) and a half hour. As we reached the “pantalan” by 10AM we waited for the boat that will transfer us to Cagbalete Island. Thirty (30) minutes after, the boat arrived, got filled up and started to transfer us.

The Shore and the Community living in the island

Finally!

After an 8 hours of travel, seeing the Island from the boat was so refreshing! It was, indeed, magnificent! We had a blast of joy as it goes nearer to the island. At last! We finally made it! We successfully landed our feet on the islands’ soil by 12:30PM . The island’s beauty swept all our tiring and back-breaking travel away. It was so legit and it’s enormously big! Really big for an island that we have in mind. in fact, there’s already a small community living there. So, from the shore we had a 15 minutes walked to Pansacola’s Beach Resort. We decided to take the route crossing the community to have an extra adventure and to explore their community. As we reached the resort we immediately looked for Mr. Pansacola – the owner of the resort. We had a little chat together with her wife. After that, we went to our hut where we will be staying.

Hut for Budget

The hut that we reserved was the budget hut. it’s a small hut which is good for two persons only. It’s just a simple hut that has no air-condition, no fan, no table, no chair even a window shields and a door. It’s totally nothing in it but purely insects like bugs and spiders! It was an open hut very suited for people – like us – who wants to feel and experience the exquisiteness of the island – maybe it sounded weird but we really enjoyed it!

View of the backshore from the offshore

Perception about the Resort

As Mr. Pansacola was finally done showing our hut. He politely leaved us to prepare our lunch. So, as we waited for it to get served, we decided to have a resort tour. We found the resort very simple – don’t expect too much about their facilities The resort, unlike others, has no grand facilities. It is just barely soil and guest’s huts with a big chair in the middle as their main attraction – that’s all! Moreover, aside from volleyball, there are no more activities offered neither snorkeling, banana boat ride, and other fun stuffs. Its literally just nature and its exquisiteness – which made me think that maybe the owner like to keep it that way where it is just pure natural beauty over extravagant things.

Low tide scenery

One of the best feature of the place is the expansion of the offshore every low tide. It expands approximately 50 meters away from the backshore in where it makes a little desert like scenery that has an spectacular view of the sea and the horizon.

Eating Time!

After our resort tour, we went to the cottage where they served our food. Guess what’s on the table? It’s Crispy Pata, Tuna and Squid! but let’s all focus to the Crispy Pata. This might be the best food that was served to us for our entire getaway! No resort can offer this food but them alone! So, I really like to commend them for this one they really made us happy. Moreover, all their food was ultimately great in servings so be ready for a food challenge when you get here!

Sunset

Starry Night

The night here is totally authentic! Very rural! By the time the clock hits 12:00AM it will be complete darkness in the resort. The owner turns off the lights at this time. It is only the light coming from the lighthouse that you will see and also, the stars and the moon in the sky that looks like a night scene in the movie ‘Life of Pi’ for its beauty. By 4:00AM the lights will be turned on again and life in the resort will continue.

The Summary

Our bus going to Pantalan. Let’s go!

Mauban, Quezon Province! Yikes!

Simply, Pantalan!

On our way to Cagbalete Island!

Touchdown!

This mini tarpaulin will greet you once you landed your feet on the resorts’ soil. Since this is the only thing where the resort’s name is printed maybe having a selfie or group selfie is a nice idea.