TRAVEL GUIDE: Palaui

Palaui Island is at the northwestern part of the town of San Vicente. It boasts of waters teeming with marine life protected by the Philippine Navy.

"For now, my brain's gonna stop thinking and just stare solemnly in all angles."

How to get there :
By plane:

• Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific have daily routes to Tuguegarao. 
• Tricycles are available within the airport premises.Fare to downtown should be around Php50-70 depending on your haggling skills.
•  If you'll be spending the night in Tuguegarao like we did,most hotels offer free airport transfer services.

The mighty Cagayan River like a snake slithering through the valley

Touchdown CAGAYAN! Sik-katruk nga nggana  (I can speak a little Ibanag hihi but majority of the people here can speak Tagalag so no worries )

By Bus :

• Bus companies like Florida, Ballesteros and Dalin in Sampaloc have regular trips to Sta. Ana.Fare is usually Php700-900 and travel time is 14-16 hours. 
• Alternatively, there are regular trips to Tuguegarao are also available.Travel time is 10-12hours.

628 Kms from Roxas Boulevard :))

From Tuguegarao : 

• In the Sto. Domingo market there are vans that head to Sta.Ana. First trip leaves between 5 am - 5:30 am. Fare to Sta.Ana is Php 180 and travel time is approximately 4 hours.
• From the Sta.Ana Public Market you can buy the supplies you would need for the trip.
• There are tricycles available that can bring you to San Vicente Port. Fare is around Php 30 - 40.

Seeing Cape Engaño for the first time

Once you arrived in San Vicente Port,you can ask the local fishermen for boat services or better yet contact Kuya Edwin Tabucol at 09269064657. Its better to contact him ahead of time so that he can make the necessary preparations. We used his older brother's boat and spent the night in his older sister's house.

The serene cove enroute Cape Engaño

 
Rate was Php2500 which includes San Vicente - Punta Verde - Cape Engaño - Punta Verde-San Vicente route. Alternatively, the boat ride to Punta Verde is Php 750 and if you decide to trek for 2-3 hours and see the rolling hills of Palaui, guide fee is Php250.

Cape Engaño's facade fronting the Dos Hermanos Islets

There are several guesthouses and beach resorts in Sta. Ana but no resorts or man made structures specifically made for tourists. We slept in a spare bedroom for Php 200/head.

Where to Stay in Sta. Ana

• Cagayan Holiday & Leisure Resort
• Reception: (0917)5889916
• Marketing: (0915)492878, (0939)3746148
• Website here   
• Eastern Hawaii Leisure Resort & Casino
• Contact Numbers: (0918)9160645, (0927)8085432, (0917)4482123
• Country-Inn By The Sea
• Contact Number : (0917)8094236
• Costa Carina Beach Front
• Contact Number: 788449534
• Jotay Resort
• Contact Number: (0906)478-1270
• Jerolinda White Beach
• Contact Numbers: (0934)1195897, (0906)8648227
• Balai Cagayano
• Contact Number: (0917)5922138
• Lordwin's Beach Resort
• Contact Numbers : (0919)7010036, (0928)3904518
• Eden’s Lodging House Lodging House Centro

• Contact Numbers : 
• (0917)5685235

Panorama: Verdant and fresh

 "Who cares what anyone else thinks. Just look into you heart and do whatever the hell makes you happy." - Bob Kelso