The “Raw” Beauty of Palaui (And How To Get There)

Palaui Island, ranked as the 10^th best island in the world by CNN because of it’s “raw” beauty, is indeed a place to behold. Located in Santa Ana Cagayan, this protected seascape and landscape  is  a 15-hour road trip from Manila, and a boat ride from San Vicente port . It’s a destination that the adventurous and nature lovers will surely love, however, as CNN puts it, “(Palaui is all about raw beauty.) But it takes some work to get there.”  

There are two ways to reach Cape Engaño, the island’s main attraction where the 18-century lighthouse is seen: boating and trekking. Trekking to the island requires passing through  muddy, slippery ground and a mangrove forest while boating requires sailing across the ocean with the risk of wild, huge waves when windy. The destination? So beautiful. Picture this: a white-coral beach in blue-green water surrounded by ruggedly breathtaking landscape!

My husband’s relatives had long been raving to see the island and so in our recent vacation, we decided to finally go. There were several of us who went to Sta. Ana  in Cagayan (2 vans full!). And since there were kids who couldn’t join the Palaui tour, we checked in at a resort in Sta. Ana. We booked at Lordwinds Resort where we left the young ones together with their attendees.  Read: You may, but it is not recommended to take your kids to Palaui because the journey to the island is not easy.

From the resort, it took us exactly an hour in a small boat (which could only accommodate 8 passengers)  to go to the island (it only takes about half an hour if you’re coming from other areas).  Luckily, the water was calm. There were rough waves in some parts, but generally calm. Our well experienced boatman, Kagayawad Edwin Tobias, was able to navigate us smoothly. My dad also went there in December but vowed to never go to the island  via boat again because he said the waves were huge and scary!

If you’re going to see Palaui, the journey to the island is in itself a treat. You’ll be amazed by the beautiful landscape that you’ll pass by, plus the beautiful seascape! Not only that, if you’ll be lucky, they say that you can spot whales and dolphins along the way!

I know it could be challenging for us moms to plan a trip to Palaui due to our busy mommy schedule and so here’s a taste of what to see in the Island. =)

Palaui  is rich in sea corals, sea urchins, aquarium fishes, sea cucumbers, seaweeds and grasses and other marine resources. There is also a rich variety of flora and fauna in the forest. The eastern part of the island where the mangrove area is, serves as refuge and breeding ground for marine life and migratory birds.

We enjoyed the place so, so much!

Things to observe when in Palaui Island:

• Do not leave any garbage behind. Take them with you upon leaving the island.
• Do not harm or disturb wildlife. You can observe and appreciate them.
• Avoid making loud noise in the forest. Be quiet so you can hear the music of nature.
• Do not collect plant or animals found in or around the island. It is where they belong.
• Hide or snorkel with island guide always. This is for your safety and enjoyment always.
• Stay on the trail and tread lightly so that you can minimize your impact on nature.
• Do not build bonfires on the beach or in the forest, the sand will be darkened by soot and the forest may catch fire and burn.
• Do not break bottles anywhere.
• No vandalism and graffiti anywhere. Leave no trace so that others can experience the island in its clean and pristine state.
• Respect the community. It is their home. Help them in preserving and protecting the island.

From: PIPLS, CEZA, LGU and DENR  

 

How to go to Palaui Island in Sta Ana, Cagayan

1. Via Airplane: Manila to Tuguegarao, Cagayan (Travel time: Approximately 1 hour)

• From the airport,  go to Balsain or Pengue (via tricycle)  where you can get a van that will take you directly to San Vicente Port in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, the  jump-off point to Palaui Island. Travel time from Tuguegarao City to Sta. Ana is approximately 2.5 hours.
• From San Vicente Port, hire a boat going to Palaui. Rates: P1,500- P2,000 (Should you want to circumnavigate the island, pay P3,500). When the waves are rough, you may also hike from Punta Verde to Cape Engano.

2. Via Bus: Manila to  Tuguegarao City (Ballesteros and Victory Liner can take you directly to Sta. Ana)  (Travel time: Approximately 15 hours)

• Buses to Cagayan Valley: Victory Liner, Dalin and Ballesteros Liner
• From the bus station,  go to Balsain or Pengue (via tricycle) where you can get a van that will take you directly to San Vicente Port in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, the  jump-off point to Palaui Island. Travel time from Tuguegarao City to Sta. Ana is approximately 2.5 hours.
• From San Vicente Port, hire a boat going to Palaui. Rates: P1,500- P2,000 (Should you want to circumnavigate the island, pay P3,500). When the waves are rough, you may also hike from Punta Verde to Cape Engano.

Prelude to a Post: The Lighthouse  in Cape Engaño, Palaui Island

I can’t wait to tell you about this 18th-century lighthouse located on top of a hill in Palaui, with a good overlooking view of the island. This will be on the blog very soon.  Meanwhile, here’s the sneak preview:

Update: The Cape Engaño Lighthouse post is now published on the blog.View it here:

THE MAGNIFICENT CAPE ENGAÑO LIGHTHOUSE, PALAUI ISLAND

For more information about Palaui Island, contact:
Sta. Ana Tourism Officers, Sta. Ana Cagayan
E-mail: sta.ana_tourism@yahoo.com

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