Palaui Island : Sta. Ana, Cagayan Philippines

Palaui Island Travel Guide

At the northeastern tip of the province of Cagayan in Luzon lies Sta. Ana – a Special Economic Zone bustling with some modern industrial establishments, casinos and other urban gaming facilities. Blessed with a beautiful coastline, this small town bears the rural and laid-back lifestyle amidst some urban features. What makes this small quiet town is the island off its shore offering long stretches of white sandy beaches and coves, a century old lighthouse, concealed waterfalls and a scenic ragged terrain embraced by howling winds and huge waves. This is Palaui Island.

Palaui Island is made up of volcanic debris, lying between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is a protected area having been declared as National Marine Reserve in 1994, abundant in wildlife, marine life and timber. With only a small community living in the island, it is largely uninhabited. It is politically under the jurisdiction of Sta. Ana and it is home to a small fishing community. Palaui Island has no electricity, nor commercial accommodation. Its main attraction aside from the gorgeous beaches is the 18th century lighthouse built by the Spaniards called Farol de Cabo Engaño or Cape Engaño Lighthouse. From this lighthouse, the best view of Palaui Island is offered.

How to Get There

Visitors can get to Palaui Island by:

• Plane. AirPhil Express’ and Cebu Pacific’s flight to Tugeugarao from Manila. Travel time by airplane is about one hour.
• Bus. From Manila to Tuguegarao with daily trips every hour. Travel time by land is about 11 – 12 hours.
• Jeepneys. From Tabuk, jeepneys will take you to Tuguegarao.
• Bus from Ilocos and Abra to Tuguegarao.
• Bus from Manila direct to Sta. Ana.

From Tuguegarao, a bus or van ride will take you to Sta. Ana in approximately two hours. Barangay San Vicente in Sta. Ana town is the jump off point to Palaui Island. Fishing boats can be chartered for a short half-an hour ride to the island from San Vicente port.

THINGS TO DO:

1. Conquer the Picturesque Cape Engano Lighthouse Palaui Island
2. Beach Bumming at the Pristine White Sand Beach of Anguib
3. Meet the Locals or Trek to the Lighthouse  via Punta Verde in Palui Island
4. Explore Crocodile Island

Places to Stay in Santa Ana Cagayan:

Jotay Resort
Telephone +63 (0) 78 372 0560 (PLDT)
Reservations +63 (0) 906 478 1270
Email – jotayresort@hotmail.com
Website : http://www.jotayresort.com/index.htm

Avalon Beach Club
Website : http://www.avalon-beach-club.com/

Jerolinda White Beach
Mobile Nos.: 09341195897, 09068648227

Balai Cagayano
Mobile No.: 09175922138

Lordwins Beach Resort
Mobile Nos.: 09197010036, 09283904518

Palaui Travel Tips:

·         Visit the island during summer (February to May) to avoid rough sailing and to enjoy trekking activities.

·         If you are visiting the island on a day tour, you need to arrive at the San Vicente Port early in the morning to maximize your time.

·         Organize a group of at least 6 to minimize the cost of boat rental etc.

·         Register at the tourism office located at the San Vicente Port for security purposes.

·         If you are planning to stay overnight in the island, you need to bring camping gears and you have to inform the tourism office.

·         Bring enough trail food, drinking water, flashlight, garbage bag, first aid kit, mosquito repellant and waterproof cases to secure your electronics and valuables.

·         Help the community by hiring a travel guide, its also for your own safety.

·         (June 1, 2013 till August 2013) The island is reportedly closed for tourists due to the filming of Survivor USA Series Season 27

You should include Palaui Island in your bucket list. Visiting the island is recommended during the summer season because the waves can be treacherous during the rainy season.