Doña Choleng Camping Resort in Cagbalete Island, Quezon
Doña Choleng is your typical humble resort in Cagbalete Island of Quezon Province where everything goes back to basic.
You may check this video first to have an idea of things you can enjoy in Cagbalete.
To make our family vacation more memorable, we decided to check out another pride of Quezon which is the Cagbalete Island. Fortunately, despite booking a bit late, we were able to get accommodations here in Doña Choleng. In this article, you'll be learning more about the place as well the beach in general. Let's begin with the amenities.
Limited amenities
As mentioned, everything goes back to basic in the island, so there are only a few amenities to enjoy.
Grilling areas
There are allotted spaces for you to grill, you just need to bring all the essential equipment and/or tools, including the charcoal of course.
Volleyball court
There is a makeshift volleyball "court" good for 2 to 4 players (ball not included). Don't count on it that much. Aside from that, all others require payment.
Camping area
Cagbalete Island is also known as a place for campers. Hence, Doña Choleng caters to these groups with its camping areas within the vicinity of the resort.
Boracay-like beach?
The water of Cagbalete beach is clear and looks very inviting. The only problem with it is it may disappear during extreme low tide. You'll end up swimming on the sands. Don't worry, the sand here is considerably fine. Locals claim that the sand is likened to that of Boracay, but I only agree at some degree. Sand here is rough probably due to the small bits of rocks and shells whereas in Boracay, it's truly soft and fine. Comparison aside, Cagbalete beach is very much beach-lover friendly.
Activities you can enjoy
Given that Cagbalete is a beach, all the activities centralize on "water". Banana Boat is available at P250 per person for a minimum group of 6. Speedboat is also available at P5,000 for 6 persons max for a two-way ride. Island hopping is at P4,000 for 6 persons max. Free activities include bird watching, nature appreciation, relaxation by the beach and swimming.
Oh, it's important to note that you can't have a bonfire in the island. It's a dream-crusher, but it's better to know this now.
Rooms and cottages
The Beach Hut (P2,000) is simple and pretty much very basic. You'll have beds, lights and electric fan. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. The good thing about this is the natural insulation from the leaves used for the huts. The downside is, you'll have tiny crawling visitors.
The air-conditioned room (P2,500) is basic as well. The additions to the Beach Hut include an air-conditioning unit, personal toilet and protection against the crawlies. Although don't expect much because you need to go all provincial with the use of pail and dipper (i.e. no shower available).
It's important to note that electricity is only available from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM, which is also the only time you can have the air-conditioning unit on. Between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, there's a chance that the generators are operating, but only the electric fans and lights will work.
Food choices
The accommodation doesn't come with free food, you need to shoulder that yourself as separate payment. There is a "restaurant" within Doña Choleng, but again, expect something humble and simple.
Halo-Halo and other refreshments are fortunately available within the area, so you have something to munch to beat the heat!
Doña Choleng Island Resort Quick Guide
Things to see/do: Experience the "Boracay" of the pacific in its simpler grandeur.
Budget needed: If you are going to camp, you'll be needing at least P400 daily for your tent rental space and food. For those who'll avail the huts or rooms, budget needed is between P800 to P1,000 (covers accommodation and food).
Is it wander-worthy? Yes, if you are coming for the first time or if you are into camping.
How to get there: You can reach Cagbalete Island by taking a 45-minute boat ride from the Mauban port. The ride may take longer than usual if the waves happen to be less still.
