Cagbalete Island Accommodation: The Old and New Resorts

Whenever I plan going on a trip, accommodation is one of the most important aspect of my research. As I was looking for the best place to stay in Cagbalete Island, I read from blogs that there are just three resorts right in the island offering accommodation. I chose the one that seems to have the best reviews, Villa Cleofas Resort. Arriving in the island, I learned that there are other three new resorts that just opened in the area, two of these I passed by when we were kayaking in the morning. More resorts mean more options and usually more options is better.

THE OLD RESORTS 

Villa Cleofas Resort

Contact #:  Tonet - +63 917-8395852 / Tess - +63 917-8143475

Website: www.cagbalete.net

Rates: Own Tent                                       Php 250/nt

           Tent Rental                                    Php 400/nt

           Bamboo Hut (6 pax)                      Php 1500/nt

           Studio type room (3 pax)               Php 2000/nt

           Small Cottage (8 pax)                    Php 2500/nt

           Medium Cottage (12 pax)              Php 3000/nt

           Big cottage(25 pax)                       Php 5500/nt

This is where we stayed. Originally, we planned on bringing our tents and camping in their grounds but sometimes, even to camping enthusiasts, the sound of being able to lie down in a soft mattress and pillows sound more appealing. Plus the fact that in getting a cottage, we would be able to recharge our phones and cameras when we need to.

These are the things I like about the resort.

-   It was very easy communicating with them. I just sent them a text message and  received a reply right away. Transacting with them is a breeze. Also, the caretakers are kind and always ready to serve.

-   The resort is lovely. There are umbrella trees dotting the beachfront with beach chairs and hammocks perfect for just lounging around, relaxation and bonding. The ground is covered with bermuda grass. The resort is so green.

-   Restrooms are not ensuite the cottages (but just located a few steps at the back of each) but I like that the shower room is separated from the comfort room. Water supply is strong.

-  They have a generator that runs from 6:30 PM to 5 AM that is probably located very far from the cottages. We didn't hear any sound from it. It was always a good night sleep.

-   They offer kayak and  volleyball activities that we enjoyed.

Things I believe the Resort Can Improve on

-   Don't expect too much on the cottage. For Php2500/nt, it is really bare except for the 2 stand fans and the floor where they will place the mattresses. It still worked well for us considering we're outside most of the time. The roof doesn't have a ceiling and that was what our problem was. There are constant particles (that looks like insect dungs) falling from the roof to our pillows and beddings. I'm sure it continually happened while we were asleep.

-  Some rates seemed unreasonable. We stayed 2 nights and cooked 5 times, cooking rice and a dish for each meal. We were charged a total of Php500 for Kitchen use/LPG,  Php100 for each meal. Thinking about it, we could buy a full tank of LPG by just adding 200 or 300 pesos and I'm quite sure we haven't used  even half of the tank. We didn't realize there's a charge for using their pots and pans too until we were about to check out and checked the charge slip. That was an additional Php200. So there, I feel that those rates are pricey.

Overall, we enjoyed our stay in Villa Cleofas. It is a lovely place. Despite feeling that we could have spent less, it is nothing compared to the beauty of the place and the fun we experienced in the island. So if asked if I'd recommend it to family and friends, ofcourse I will. Just make sure not to cook too much especially if you're not with a big group.

MVT Sto. Niño

Contact #: +63 921-7275398 / +63 927-7774828

Website: www.mvtstoninoresort.net

Rates: Tent                                              Php 250

           Bahay Kubo (2-4 pax)                 Php 1000

           Fan Room (4 pax)                        Php 1500

           Room with A/C (2 pax)                Php 2000

           Room with A/C (4 pax)                Php 2500

Pansacola Beach Resort

Contact #: +63 928-5058633

Website: www.facebook.com/pansacolabeachresort

Rates: Open Beach Hut (4 pax)                       Php 1200

           Tree House (6 pax)                              Php 2500

           Sawali House (10 pax)                         Php 2500

           Nipa Hut (10 pax)                                Php 2200

           Sasag House (12 pax)                          Php 3500 

           Agoho House (14 pax)                         Php 4000

           Buho House (20 pax)                           Php 4500

THE NEW RESORTS

An interesting fact: The owners of these three new resorts and the older Villa Cleofas Resort are all relatives. Apparently, the land was their inheritance from their grandmother. Wow! (On my wishful thinking mode: How about me being a long lost grand daughter lol!) That explains why these resorts are located right beside each other. Facing the beach, on the left most side is Villa Cleofas, on the far right is Joven Blue Sea Resort then Villa Noe. Lastly, on the right most side is Doña Choleng Resort. (Source: Ryan Manaog, owner of Doña Choleng Camping Resort)

Doña Choleng Camping Resort

Contact #: Ryan - +63 910-8823346 / Maybel - +63 928-2569919

Website: http://www.donacholeng.com/

 Rates:  Tent (2-3 pax)                                      Php400 - Php500
             Open Bali Hut                                     Php1000
               Bali Hut (with Electric Fan, 4-6 pax))        Php2000

             Room with aircon (6-8 pax)                     Php4500

             Room with aircon (18-20 pax)                  Php8000

I haven't had a chance to stay in this resort yet but Ryan, the owner of the resort offered me a free accommodation (as seen in the comments section of this blog). I thought that was very generous considering I didn't blog about Doña Choleng alone but the other resorts as well. Since I don't have definite plans on going back to Cagbalete yet and can't blog about an experience with them, I sent him a thank you text message and a request for photos and more info about their resort so I can update my blog. That way, readers would learn more about the resort and might help them in deciding where to stay. I was surprised not to receive a reply by text message, that's because he called instead. :) I appreciate the call specially when I learned that they have around hundred of guests in the resort that day. A company was having their outing in the resort. They must have been quite busy.

Doña Choleng is a fairly new resort that opened its doors only this March. Based on experience staying on hotels/resorts, new is always better. New rooms would usually entail new mattresses, new bedding and new everything - that can usually provide a more comfortable stay.

The resort is located at the Southeastern part of the island where one can have a panoramic view of sunrise. Their beachfront is on the stretch of powdery white sand and crystal clear water, thus I believe is their Slogan: The Boracay of the Pacific Ocean. I've been to Boracay too and I'd say both Boracay and Cagbalete have their own charms.

They have different accommodation options that cater to different needs of their guests. First is their Bali huts that is cooled by an electric fan and what I'm thinking is the natural air coming in from the windows. With a small double bed (based on UK and Ireland bed sizes standard) plus a bunk bed with 2 foams in both sizes, the bali huts can accommodate 4-6 people. One of their air conditioned rooms have 3 double beds (US size - also where we base our bed sizes here in the Philippines) and the allow maximum of 8 guests in this room.

From Sabang Port, one can reach it through a 15 minute trek. Worry not to get lost because the resort have their own "salubong boys" who will fetch guests from Sabang.

If you're thinking about bringing your own food, you can do so without having to pay any corkage. For some who would prefer to be pampered and do nothing but relax, you can make arrangements with the resort's staff. They could provide you a whole day's meal for Php800/head. That includes 3 meals and 2 snacks.

I've only been to Cagbalete once and stayed in Villa Cleofas, which I think had already been an institution for accommodation in the island. On my future visit, I am looking forward to stay here in Doña Choleng Resort to experience the difference. As they say, change is always exciting. :)

Joven Blue Sea Beach Resort

Contact #: +63 939-2899752/ +63 917-9848505

Email: jtbluesea@gmail.com

It is on the same stretch of beach (the same side) as of Villa Cleofas. I passed by this resort when I was kayaking but I was too far I only saw the open huts near the shore.

Villa Noe Beach Resort

I received an email from Ms. Lorie of Villa Noe last Feb 5 2014 providing their new contact numbers. Here's Villa Noe's updated contacts.

Contact #: +63 905-5193847 / +63 909-5241773 / +63 929-2176971 

Website: www.villanoe.com

Rates:  Bring your own tent                         Php100

           Tent Rental                                      Php 400 - 600/night

           Cottages                                          Php2000 - 3000/night