Palaui Island, Cagayan

Where: Anguib Beach - Palaui Island - Crocodile Island - Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley, Philippines
Who: Mr & Mrs. Wanderlust
When: April 2014
What: SURVIVING PALAUI!

Tips & More info click read more

How to get there:

By Air
    There are daily flights from Manila to Tuguegarao through different airlines. This is the fastest way to get to your destination as the flight will just be an hour or less (except for delays). Then just another 3 hour van from Tuguegarao to Sta. Ana. But airfare is a lot more expensive (unless you got it on sale or something) so if you are on a tighter budget, read on.

By Land
     A total of 15 hour land travel from Manila to Santa Ana, Cagayan. Bus lines from its terminals in Manila are always readily available, except for peak seasons where you might want to reserve seats. There are also 'first class' buses available with free Wi-Fi and seats with more space.

Where to stay:

     
     In the municipality of Sta. Ana, Cagayan which serves as a jump off point to Palaui Island, there are several Inn's, Resorts & Lodges where you can stay, just do your research which will serve your needs and budget. However, if you want to stay in Palaui Island, there are no commercial places in the island, choices are camping, or homestay from locals on a sitio in a different area of the Island.

Mr & Mrs Wanderlust's Reviews

Jotay Resort

Has swimming pool
Near the beach
10 minute tricycle ride to San Vicente Port
Has free WIFI
TV / AC / private shower / toilet
Good aura of bar / restaurant, also nice food.

***Rating:

Price:  $ (around 1,500php - 2,000php) 
Service: 3 star
Facilities & Amenities: 3 star
Restaurant (foods): 4 star
Bar: 4 star
________________________________
Overall: 4.5 / 5

What to do:

In Sta Ana, Cagayan there are unusual number of casinos around so if you like gambling, good! Of course the usual island hopping / beach bumming activities ;)

I just have to quote the very descriptive words PH's tourism site itsmorefuninthephilippines.com

Mainland Sta. Ana has its share of natural attractions. Buacag Falls is for the back-to-basics nature lover, while Anguib Beach is for the seaside sun-worshipper.

Some of the most interesting things about Sta. Ana are just off its coast. There are deserted white sand beaches. There’s the National Marine Reserve of Palaui Island with its brilliantly iridescent underwater life, wonderfully scenic coastline, and delightfully charming lighthouse. The top of the centuries-old Cape Engaño Lighthouse has the best view of the island. You can see neighboring volcanic islands, towering mountains draped in wilderness, and streaks of white beach surrounded by cerulean and emerald waters. Try scouting for the best place to pitch a tent.

Go island-hopping around Palaui Island also have pristine white sand beaches. We recommend catching the sunrise at Crocodile Island.

If you’re looking for the simple life with a safety net of modern conveniences nearby, Sta. Ana delivers.

**NOTE: For boating activities make sure you hire a PASAMOBA boat (its like their cooperative for safety and security purposes). And if you need contact we highly recommend  our boatmen Rodel & Sammy who were also by the way, were hired by the survivor production crew to help out in their Survivor Cagayan season project last year. You may contact Rodel at his number +63 905 770 7894

Pricing:

Dining - Seafood Meal with Local Green Salad Php 250
Dining - Chicken Barbecue Meal Php 150
Accommodations - Hostel Bed Php 400+
Accommodations - Hotel Bed Php 800 - 1,000+
Accommodations - Family Room Php 1,900 - 2,500+
Accommodations - Resort Room (3-room villa) Php 10,500
Transportation - 10 min. Tricycle Ride Php 10 / person
Transportation - Jeepney Ride Php 25

Boat Rates:

For the rates listed below as of the summer of 2014. Maximum of 8 passengers. Good for 6 hours only from the time of boarding to arrival.  An additional fee of Php 100 for every extended hour of service. 

Cape Engaño Lighthouse ( travel time is 45 minutes)  – Php 1,800
Anguib Beach (travel time is 25 minutes) – Php 1,500
Crocodile Island (travel time is 5 minutes) – Php 500


They also offer combination tour packages:


Anguib + Cape Engaño – Php 3,000

Crocodile + Anguib Beach – Php 1,800

Special trip  (Punta Verde + Cape Engaño + Crocodile+Anguib) – Php 3,500 (+300 if overnight)

Bonus: Our Travel Video Montage in Sta. Ana, Cagayan - ENJOI!