By Izah Morales, Southeast Asia
The gloomy skies brought drizzles the morning after we arrived in Sta. Ana, Cagayan. But the mood swings of the weather did not dampen our desire to see the elusive Palaui Island. Still, our local guide from the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority told us that we could only proceed with the trip if the weather permitted us.
The free Wi-Fi at the lobby of Sun City, where we stayed during the night, kept us wired and entertained while we waited for the travel advice. After waiting for about two hours, we hopped on the bus and went to San Vicente Port, where the boats were waiting. The skies were still gray but the seas seemed tranquil. And so off we went to our first stop, the Siwangag Cove, an untouched marine sanctuary in the northwestern part of Palaui Island.
According to CEZA environmental specialist Ernesto Ablao, the Siwangag Cove used to protect naval ships from strong waves. But in 1994, the whole Palaui Island was declared as a protected area through the National Integrated Protected Area System Act. Since we had limited time, we headed to Cape Engaño after a few snapshots of the cove's rough beach.
We had mistakenly assumed that the seas were calm. As we sailed to our next destination, the raging waves of Palaui gave us an amusement park-type thrill. Some of us screamed throughout the boat ride. As the boat approached the six to 10 feet high waves, the other boats disappeared from our sight. The ride through the restless sea was only offset by the calming view of the rustic green hills of Palaui.
After an hour and a half, the outlines of mysterious-looking hills came closer to view. The boat finally docked on a stony white sand beach, which meets the blue green waters. Alas, we found ourselves at the foot of the hill, where Cape Engaño was built.
The gloomy skies brought drizzles the morning after we arrived in Sta. Ana, Cagayan. But the mood swings of the weather did not dampen our desire to see the elusive Palaui Island. Still, our local guide from the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority told us that we could only proceed with the trip if the weather permitted us.
The free Wi-Fi at the lobby of Sun City, where we stayed during the night, kept us wired and entertained while we waited for the travel advice. After waiting for about two hours, we hopped on the bus and went to San Vicente Port, where the boats were waiting. The skies were still gray but the seas seemed tranquil. And so off we went to our first stop, the Siwangag Cove, an untouched marine sanctuary in the northwestern part of Palaui Island.
According to CEZA environmental specialist Ernesto Ablao, the Siwangag Cove used to protect naval ships from strong waves. But in 1994, the whole Palaui Island was declared as a protected area through the National Integrated Protected Area System Act. Since we had limited time, we headed to Cape Engaño after a few snapshots of the cove's rough beach.
We had mistakenly assumed that the seas were calm. As we sailed to our next destination, the raging waves of Palaui gave us an amusement park-type thrill. Some of us screamed throughout the boat ride. As the boat approached the six to 10 feet high waves, the other boats disappeared from our sight. The ride through the restless sea was only offset by the calming view of the rustic green hills of Palaui.
After an hour and a half, the outlines of mysterious-looking hills came closer to view. The boat finally docked on a stony white sand beach, which meets the blue green waters. Alas, we found ourselves at the foot of the hill, where Cape Engaño was built.
The hike to the top of the hill was not difficult since there were concrete steps along the way. As I we went up the steps, we were treated to the grandiose sight of turquoise waters enclosed in lush greens. I hurried my way to the top to take panorama shots of the awesome scenery. I stopped on a spot which gave me the view of the rough seas facing the Pacific Ocean and the quiet cove of Palaui. It was amazing! The landscape of the island reminded me of Batanes. But of course, Palaui has a beauty of its own.
A few more steps led me to the ruins of Cape Engaño, one of the remaining Spanish-inspired lighthouses in the country. It was constructed on September 21, 1888 and was finished only after four years. I roamed around the lighthouse and noticed that had not been maintained. Nevertheless, its dilapidated look showed its character.
At the back of the lighthouse, I was astounded when I saw the majestic landscape of the Dos Hermanas Islands. Our local guide related to us the legend of the Dos
After awhile, the rain poured leaving the Lakbay Norte participants stranded in the lighthouse. We waited for about 30 minutes before we returned to our boats.
How to reach Palaui Island
By air: Fly to Tuguegarao City via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines. Travel time is around an hour and 20 minutes. When you reach Tuguegarao City, proceed to Don Domingo Bus Terminal, which is near the public market.Ride a bus going to Sta. Ana, Cagayan. Fare is 185.00. Sta. Ana is 158 kilometers away from Tuguegarao.
When you reach Sta. Ana, Cagayan, proceed to San Vicente Port, where the boats going to Palaui are stationed.
From San Vicente Port, take a pump or motorized boat (seating capacity for six to eight people) to Palaui Island, which is 10.5 kilometers away from Sta. Ana. The ride would take about 1.5 to two hours. Boat rental costs Php 2,500 (which includes trip to Cape Engano and to Anguib Beach).
By land: Ride a bus. Florida Bus Lines in Sampaloc, Manila will take you directly to Sta. Ana, Cagayan. Travel time is around 10 to 12 hours.
Essential contacts:
Cagayan Economic Zone Authority- Administration Complex , Centro Sta. Ana, Cagayan Philippines Tel. No: +6378 8581017. Manila Office: Tel. Nos: +632 636(CEZA) 2392 +632 636 5774
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Ideas tickle her imagination while photos make her jump for joy. Izah Morales is one “photoholic” journalist who aspires to travel the world. Visit her travel blog at Tripadora.com
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