Cagayan Adventure: Palaui Island

Our adventure today takes us 457 kilometers northwest of kilometer 0 in Manila. Located in the municipality of Sta. Ana in the province of Cagayan, Palaui Island is every backpacker's / island hopper's dream destination.

Palaui Island

Palaui Island Details 

Palaui Island was declared a National Marine Reserve on August 28, 1994. It is home to countless species of migratory birds, corals, fishes, and even plants. 

Palaui Island - Sta. Ana, Cagayan

Palaui Island as seen from San Vicente Port

Palaui Island got into the international spotlight after it was used as the filming location for Survivor: Cagayan and Survivor: Blood vs. Water. Not only that, but Palaui Island is also placed in the 10th spot in CNN's World's 100 Best Beaches list.

Dos Hermanos Islands as seen from Palaui Island

Panoramic view of Palaui Island from Mt. Kabo

My group visited the island to see its "raw" beauty. You see, the negative effect of becoming a popular island is the unsolicited improvements and constructions. Who knows, 3-5 years from now, Palaui Island would be one of those islands filled with resorts and other man-made structures. That's why we decided to visit it before it is too late. However, according to our guide, Kuya Nanding, it is forbidden to build structures on the island. The only inhabitants allowed to dwell on the island are the fisher folks who lived in Punta Verde years before the law prohibiting residing on the island was passed. The good thing about having them on the island is that they ensure the safety and cleanliness of the island.


Getting to Palaui Island: 


From Manila, ride a bus heading to Sta. Ana, Cagayan. From there ride a center car to San Vicente Port. Once you reach the port, rent a boat to bring you to the island.

The boats at San Vicente Port

Another option is to ride a plane going to Tuguegarao City in Cagayan. From there, you can ride a bus or a van to Sta. Ana, Cagayan then transfer to a center car to bring you to the port. I suggest you arrive early in Tuguegarao City as most vans travel from 5AM -2PM only.

Places to Visit in Palaui Island:

Cape Engano Lighthouse from the sea

The lighthouse up-close

Mt. Kabo

Cape Engano

Places to See Near Palaui Island:

Crocodile Island

Dos Hermanos Islands

Anguib Beach

Other Places to Visit:

  1. Punta Verde
  2. Fish Sanctuary
  3. Palaui Island Hidden Waterfalls

Palaui Island Tour Rates:*

Palaui Island Tour - 3500 - 4000 pesos
- Anguib Beach
- Punta Verde
- Crocodile Island
- Cape Engano Lighthouse

Other tour Packages:

Anguib Beach & Cape Engano -  3000 pesos
Anguib Beach & Punta Verde - 2200 pesos
Anguib Beach & Siwangang - 3000 pesos


*rates may change so inquire with your trusted guide first.

Palaui Island 3-day Itinerary:

Day 1

-Departure from Manila to Sta. Ana, Cagayan - Travel time 12-14 hours.
(Note: Bring plenty of food. Think about a day's supply plus your breakfast for Day 2)
-Check-in at any resort or hotel near San Vicente Port in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

Kilometer 642 -The furthest Kilometer Marker in Northern Luzon.

-You can use the remainder of the day touring the port area. I suggest you visit the 642 Kilometer Marker.
-You can also take the time to buy food for your tour on Day 2.

Day 2

- Take a very early breakfast.

Our trusted guide -Kuya Fernando

- Contact your tour guide (or arrive at the port early if you don't have one). You must leave the port early.
- Depending on your plan or the suggestion of your boatman, it's better to visit Anguib Beach first since it's the furthest and it gives you a chance to do a 360-degree tour of the island.
- After at least an hour of spelunking, you'd head to Engano Cove. You'd pass by the Dos Hermanos Islands and some islets on the way there. Sadly you can't visit the islands due to strong currents and its rocky shores. 
-It's your choice if you'd swim in Engano Cove or head directly up to Mt. Kabo.
-If you chose to swim then eat your lunch first before proceeding to Mt. Kabo. If you chose to hike Mt. Kabo then prepare to have your lunch there.

Posing at Cape Encabo Lighthouse

-You could hike Mt. Kabo in just 15 minutes but the panoramic beauty from up there would surely keep you from leaving. It's also up there that you'd find the Cape Engano Lighthouse.
- After enjoying the view, you could then proceed to the waterfalls deep inside Palaui Island. 
- Then leave Engano Cove and do a 360-degree tour of the island. Tell your boatman to bring you to Crocodile Island.
- If you have time head to Punta Verde and rent a snorkel so that you could check out the Palaui Island fish sanctuary

Jerolynda Resort

-Another place to visit is Jerolynda Resort. It has a nice beach with a nice view of Palaui Island and Crocodile Island. 

-Close your day by renting a room at any hotel or homestay near the port. Don't forget to eat your dinner.

Day 3

- Wake up early to catch the first van to Tuguegarao City. Another option is to wait for the bus in Sta. Ana that would ring you directly to Manila.


Comments

  1. Lovely photos of Palaui on a pleasant weather. It is also splendid even on a rainy season (the time I visited it). The guide is correct in saying that the island is a protected landscape and seascape.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for visiting my blog again Turista Trails!
      April and May are months where one can see Palaui Island's picture perfect beauty.
      I will try to visit it during the rainy season. However, the seas would surely be rough.

      Delete
  2. I simply LOVE travel blogs because it makes me feel like I'm there right along with you. Thank you for taking us with you on your backpack adventure :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jasmine for frequently visiting my blog. =)

      Delete
  3. The island looks absolutely magical!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well it is Sabrina. =) My photos does not give justice to its true beauty.

      Delete
  4. Palaui looks amazing. I love reading about places to travel will definitely add this to my bucket list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm really excited to see your adventure in Palaui Island. =)

      Delete
  5. Oh wow, Palaui looks so dreamy and untouched! I didn't know that's where they filmed Survivor, I used to watch that reality show.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Check out the Blood vs Water and Survivor Cagayan season.

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  6. This island looks amazing! I love how untouched it seems!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's true Chloe. That made this island a must-visit for those looking for a true escape from the city.

      Delete
  7. Gorgeous scenery! I'd love to go on a boat ride on those sparkling blue waters. Dreaming of the sea/ocean every day during these hot summer times.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nice photos and of course nice place. This is a must-visit in the Philippines!

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  9. This is amazing !!! I definitely want to visit now ! Thank you for sharing this beautiful journey ��✨

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love Survivor! It would be so cool to visit one of the locales

    ReplyDelete
  11. All the pictures of the island look amazing

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  12. Holy goodness gracious! I've been itching to go to Palaui Island for like 2 years now. I heard so many good things about it, specially Engano Cove. Do you also do the #81provincechallenge? I haven't ticked Cagayan yet, but if ever, this is going to be my first stop! Thanks for this post, kapatid!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Polly! You should come visit Palaui Island! It's a hidden paradise.
      Yup, I'm also doing the #81provincechallenge. I'm already halfway thru. How about you?

      Delete
  13. Hey,
    Thanks for the awesome post.
    I was wondering to know the things and I got the proper answer here.

    Thanks
    Aashirvad Kumar
    Email Marketing

    ReplyDelete
  14. Looks like you had a great adventure there in Cagayan! More adventures to go!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Oscar. You should come check out Palaui Island as well. =)

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  15. i've been roaming cagayan but i havent visited palaui island. will definitely bookmark this place the next time i plan to visit the province.

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  16. wow this place looks incredible :)

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  17. Didn't know of Palaui either but thanks for introducing me to this photogenic place. Would love to explore everything that you have suggested

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm happy that I got to introduce new places to you Anshul. I hope you get to visit this island soon.

      Delete
  18. The water color, clouds & the bright sunny day is looking perfect on pictures. Looks like you had lots of fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I sure had a lot of fun. You should come visit this place too. =)

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  19. I saw this in Survivor before (I forgot what year). I'm surprised that it is that beautiful. I hope the local would protect it.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Ang ganda talaga ng Palaui Island! Sana makabisita rin ako diyan.

    ReplyDelete

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