Palaui Island is a protected landscape and seascape nestled in the northeastern most part of Cagayan Valley, Philippines.
I still recall our first attempt to conquer Cape Engaño in Palaui Island back in 2010. During that time, detailed information on how to get to Palaui is limited. In fact, if you type “Palaui” online, the search engine will suggest the country “Palau”. A kind fisherman with his family approached me and my friend Angel of Lakwatsero and let us hitched in his boat without asking for anything in return. Touched by his genuine hospitality, we asked the fisherman to be our guide to trek the lighthouse. He politely refused and gave us directions instead because he opted to go fishing at night. At that time, like many locals of Palaui, he doesn’t know yet that tourism could provide them additional income. We asked for his number, and then off we went to search for the path to Cape Engaño lighthouse.
Unfortunately, we never arrived at our elusive destination. We got lost in the forest, walked nine hours around the island and ended up having badly wounded and scarred legs. We have failed, but we took home a story of finding the courage to know when to give up, and meeting kind locals.
We blogged our experience and returned 6 months after (July 2011) with our friends.
With the influx of tourists to Palaui Island due to blogs and social media, the boat of the fisherman who helped us eventually turned into a tourist boat by day. Indeed tourism helps create jobs, but like any other tourist attractions that have risen to fame, change is expected. New rules have been implemented to protect the island; the boat rate and guide fees are now regulated. I hope with all these changes, the locals of Palaui Island will still benefit from its tourism revenues. And may this marine reserve be continually conserved and protected for the benefit of future generations.
How to get to Palui Island in Cagayan from Manila
BY PLANE
If you’re taking a plane to Tuguegarao, you can just walk outside the airport, a few meters away is the highway leading to Sta. Ana. Cross the street and wait for vans or bus en route to Sta.Ana, Cagayan.
BY BUS
You can get to Palaui Island from Manila by taking a Victory Liner bus bound for Tuguegarao (Fare is Php 600) from Kamias, Sampaloc and Caloocan. At Tuguegarao City, proceed to the van terminal and ride a van to Sta. Ana, Cagayan.
CLICK HERE FOR THE MANILA -TUGUEGARAO /
TUGUEGARAO – MANILA BUS SCHEDULE
From Sta.Ana Cagayan to San Vicente port
The bus/van will stop at the Sta.Ana Commercial Center where you can buy food, water and booze. Take a quadcycle / tricycle to Sta Vicente port. Take note of the 642 kilometer, that’s the last kilometer marker up north. There is a Php 50 fee that you need to pay for before going to the island at the Tourism Visitor’s Office and you have to sign in the log book.
At San Vicente port, you can hire boats to Palaui Island. To avoid getting lost (like what happened to us) , please get a guide. Depending on the package that you paid for, or if the sea is calm, the boat can take you directly to Cape Engaño lighthouse, no trekking required.
Boatman
I highly recommend kuya Edwin Tabucol, a local of Palaui Island. Contact no: +63 926 9064 657 or +63 916 1165 850 . He has two boats that can be rented to take you to the lighthouse and to Palaui from San Vicente. He can also guide you to the lighthouse.
I just revisited Punta Verde and met up with Kuya Edwin to check on the changes in the island and how tourism has changed the life of his family.
He is now the vice president of the boatmen association (PASAMOBA Cooperative). He showed me the standardized boat rates now.
BOAT RENTAL RATES
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. Additional Php 300 for an overnight in Punta Verde.
| DESTINATION | BOAT RATE | TRAVEL TIME |
| Cape Engaño Lighthouse | Php 1,800 | 45 minutes |
| Anguib Beach | Php 1,500 | 25 minutes |
| Siwangag | Php 1,500 | 30 minutes |
| Puzurubo | Php 1,800 | 30 minutes |
| Crocodile Island | Php 500 | 5 minutes |
| Punta Verde | Php 1,000 | 25 minutes |
| Pugo Muro | Php 500 | 5 minutes |
Palaui Combination Tour Rates
DESTINATION | TOUR RATE |
| Crocodile Island | 2 hours – Php 500 6 hours – Php 800 |
| Crocodile Island + Pugo Muro Island | 30 minutes – Php 1,000 |
| Anguib + Cape Engaño | Php 3,000 |
| Punta Verde + Cape Engaño overnight | Php 2,800 |
| Punta Verde + Mabolbol Overnight | Php 2,500 |
| Crocodile + Anguib Beach | Php 1,800 |
| Cape Siwangag | Php 2,200 |
| Siwangag + Anguib | Php 3,000 |
| Cape + Crocodile | Php 2,200 |
| Punta Verde + Anguib | Php 2,200 |
| Snake Island + Crocodile | Php 1,500 |
| Punta Verde + Crocodile | Php 1,000 |
| Punta Verde (Cape trekking) | Php 2,500 |
| Special trip (Punta Verde + Cape Engaño + Crocodile Island +Anguib) | Php 3,500 |
| Special Trip Overnight (Punta Verde + Cape Engaño + Crocodile Island +Anguib) | Php 3,800 |
WHERE TO STAY IN PALAUI ISLAND
Camping near the beach or near the Cape Engaño lighthouse is no longer allowed to protect the beach and the island. I was told this is because of the lack of discipline of previous tourists (leaving trash and vandalizing). There is no resort or hotel in Palaui, your only option is homestay. Rate is Php 250 per head.
You may contact kuya Edwin: +63 926 9064 657 or +63 916 1165 850
Alternatively, you can stay overnight in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.
STA. ANA . CAGAYAN RESORTS/HOTELS
Country Inn Hotel and Restaurant
Samuk-samok, Centro, Santa Ana, Santa Ana, Cagayan
Click here to check room rates
Jotay Resort
Barangay Centro, Santa Ana, Santa Ana
Click here to check room rates
Avalon Beach Club Hotel
Dugo – San Vicente Road, Santa Ana
Click here to check room rates
Edens Lodging House
Arellano St., Centro, Santa Ana
Click here to check room rates
THINGS TO DO IN PALAUI ISLAND
- Swimming, beach bumming, snorkeling, diving, game fishing, adventure trekking, camping, sunset watching, last kilometer marker for Luzon (KM 642), colonial lighthouse Cape Engaño
- Bring your own camping equipment and flashlight, there’s no guesthouse, hotel or resort in the island, camping near or at Cape Engaño lighthouse is now prohibited. You have to stay at Punta Verde. Check out the list of accommodations above.
- Bring your own snorkeling gear since the waters around Palaui Island is part of a marine reserve
- The island is actually a watershed having several waterfalls. I was told there’s already a wash room near the lighthouse where tourists can wash up.
- On the northeast side of the island you can see two islands: the Dos Hermanas (two sisters).
- For the more adventurous soul, try hiking the East side of the Island to the West but again, make sure you have a guide with you to avoid getting lost.
- The trek to the lighthouse will take you through a coastal community, mangrove forest, inter-tidal zone, agricultural area, forest and some grassland before getting to Cape Engaño lighthouse.
PALAUI ISLAND SIDE TRIPS
Crocodile Island close to San Vicente port
Anguib Beach– is another white sand beach in Sta. Ana, Cagayan .
Cagayan Special Economic Zone- casinos, a naval camp
Palaui Island was used for Survivor TV series back in June 2013.
PALAUI ISLAND TRIP ITINERARY
This 2 days/ 1 night Palaui travel itinerary is ideal for long weekends or weekend trips. Just leave Manila Friday Night and leave early afternoon on Sunday. You can also start the trek earlier than I wrote here so you can leave early and arrive in Manila early morning.
| DAY 0 | |
| 09:30 PM | Travel to Tuguegarao from Manila |
| DAY 1 | |
| 10:30 AM | Estimated Arrival in Tuguegarao |
| 10:35 AM | Early Lunch |
| 11:00 AM | Tuguegarao to Sta.Ana by Van |
| 01:00 PM | Buy drinks, snacks and food at the market |
| 01: 20 PM | Tricycle to San Vicente Port |
| 01: 35 PM | Registerat the Tourism Office and pay the Php 50 environmental fee |
| 01:45 PM | Proceed to San Vicente Port. If you haven’t contacted a boatman yet (see my recommended boatman above) you can charter a boat at Sta.Ana Port |
| 02:00 PM | Boat ride from San Vicente Port to Punta Verde in Palaui Island |
| 02:25 PM | Arrival in Punta Verde, Palaui Island |
| 02:30 PM | Check in at Homestay or Pitch Tent at Homestay |
| 03:30 PM | Swimming |
| 04:30 PM | Explore the community, talk to the locals |
| 07:00 PM | Dinner (you can order dinner in advance from Ate Elsa (see her homestay details above) |
| 09:00 PM | Lights Out |
| DAY 02 | |
| 05:00 AM | Wake up call |
| 05:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 06:00 AM | Start of trek to Cape Engano Cove + Lighthouse in Palaui Island |
| 09:30 AM | Arrival at Cape Engano. Lighthouse Photo op + Swimming |
| 11: 30 PM | Trek back to Punta Verde community |
| 02: 30 PM | Arrival in Punta Verde. Bath and prepare stuff for check out |
| 03:30 PM | Check out |
| 03:35 PM | Boat ride from Punta Verde in Palaui Island to San Vicente Port in Sta.Ana |
| 03:55 PM | Arrival in San Vicente Port, Sta.Ana |
| 04:00 PM | Tricyle to Van Terminal near the market |
| 04:15 PM | Van ride to Tuguegarao from Sta. Ana |
| 07:15 PM | Arrival at Victory Bus Terminal in Tuguegarao |
| 07:30 PM | Bus back to Manila |
PALAUI ISLAND TRIP BUDGET
Note that this is good for 1 person. so if you are traveling with someone or with a group, trip budget is much cheaper.
| ACTIVITY | BUDGET |
| Bus Fare between Manila dn Tuguegarao (roundtrip) | Php 600 X 2 =Php 1,200 |
| Van Fare between Tuguegarao and Sta.Ana | Php 220 x 2 = Php 440 |
| Environmental Fee | Php 50 |
| Palaui Island Homestay | Php 250 |
| Boat to Punta Verde (roundtrip) | Php 1,000 |
| Guide Fee (trekking) | Php 300 + tip |
| Meals (per meal x # of meals) | Php 150 x 3 = Php 450 |
| GRAND TOTAL | Php 3,690 |
PALAUI ISLAND TRAVEL TIPS
- Wear rashguard and aqua shoes when swimming and snorkeling to avoid being stung by sea urchins, jellyfish or stone fish.
- Do not step or touch corals when snorkeling.
- Never leave your trash nor collect plants or sand.
- Bring mosquito repellent and personal medicines.
- Stack up cash (Philippine peso) as everything is on cash basis. ATMs abound in Tuguegarao, you can withdraw there before proceeding to Sta. Ana
- No restaurant in Palaui Island, you can buy food at Sta.Ana Commercial Center walking distance to the van terminal) before proceeding to San Vicente port.
- You can also text Ate Elsa (mobile # 0905 283 559), she has a homestay in Palaui, if you want to have your meals cooked.
First published : February 2011
Updated: June 2013 / June 1, 2014 / March 2016/ March 2017
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hi, we just went to palaui island.. i was so inspired to go when i saw this website.. but we didnt know that they have implemented new rules in the island.. hindi na pwde magcamp sa cape engano or anywhere near the beach.. pinag-camp kami sa compound nila and made us pay per person.. hndi man lang matanaw yon beach from the camp site.. =( we were really disappointed.. no bonfire as well.. cape engano was the perfect campsite.. sobrang ganda and sobra linis.. but u cant camp their anymore..
i’m sorry to hear about that. that’s sad news, but i;m sure they wanted to protect it cguro. 🙁
did you camp at cape engano?
below the lighthouse, sa may beach. but now, bawal na daw po mag-camp. you have to stay sa village dun sa island.
mas mura ba mag bus to tuguegarao kesa mag eroplano na naka sale? wala naman ako trabaho kaya okay lang sakin kahit tatlong araw na bus ride hehe
..we are booked to tuguegarao dis june..we are going to tuao to be specific..i am just wondering how long will it take to sta, ana from tuguegarao city…is the anguib beach at palui island also? we are planning to go there. thank yo..i am hoping you can give me information.
Planning to go to Palaui Island but will be using my car to go North. Is it advisable to do this? Where can we leave the car to explore the island? Advice please.
at San Vicente port. pero i suggest asking na lang po the resorts in Sta. Ana if you leave your car there. or inquire po at the tourism office where you need to pay the entrance tickets. enoy! 🙂
Thanks for all the INFO. BIg help in my plans.
Hi Ma’am/Sir,
I just wanna ask if is it possible to have a Private Camping at Palaui Islands for about 2-3days?
Hoping for your reply.
best Regards,
jessel
hi, camping is no longer allowed near the lighthouse. you have to camp in the village.
Hi. I’ll be visiting CDO soon and am planning of a Palaui-CDO-Camiguin itinerary for 4D/3N (early flight back to Manila on the 4th day). Is it possible to explore Palaui in just one day? I’m thinking of visiting it during our first day, then whitewater rafting at CDO on the second day, and visiting Camiguin on the third. Thank you.
hi Aiza, Palaui is not in CDO, it’s in Cagayan North po. Try Malaybalay, Bukidnon instead.
Aiza, I think you’re thinking of a different Camiguin Island. CDO and Camiguin are in Mindanao and Palaui Island and another Camiguin Island are in the northern tip of Luzon.
Hi Gael.. So inggit in your adventure.. That is my dream too.. Baka pede pasali heheheh
yes of course. will open trips soon!
I’ll include this one in my lists for this year! Excited for the lighthouse trekking, gggrrrrrr! Thank you for posting.
hello, could you let us know how much the guide fees are? are they standardized? thank you!
thanks for the info.
it really helps alot. thanks
my girl friends and i are scheduled on a trip this june. and this blog really helps alot. muah! more power and blessings!
Grabe ang laki ng minahal ng price, i was just there last December and the boat fare was just 700php for the whole day, ngayon it’s being implemented per hour na and the minimum is 1k. I don’t know but in my opinion overpriced na ang palaui, the price is so just not worth it kasi in reality you just get to spend minimum amount of time in a boat and like the rest of the day your hiking/swimming, buti sana kung katulad to ng el nido that you spend your whole day in a boat plus with buffet food, and in el nido it’s just 1.2k-1.8k ang price (regardless if your alone or not). Too greedy tsk tsk tsk. Please don’t they me ot’s because they use it to clean/maintain the place, eh para san ang environmental fee na sinisingil nila?
yung El Nido nagmahal na din. 3k na daw yung boat. 🙁
i had the best travel trip so far when i went to palaui last week…my four day stay in the island was truly memorable…my jaws dropped upon laying my eyes on the picturesque landscapes and sceneries…truly stunning and breathtaking!
Very detailed travel guide. Nice. ^^,
salamat sa magandang impormasyon maam, yung fare po ba sa boat is per head?
Hi Gael! Very helpful post, salamat po! I am just wondering about the Palaui Homestay (with Elsa); is it on the Palaui island itself? And how much would the estimated cost for food per person if we decide to avail of that service? Thanks again and hope to hear from you soon. So looking forward to visiting come January!
Hi,
Great guide, very informative and useful. But I’m still a bit confused on some information here especially that most of the places mentioned here can’t be found in google 🙁
I’m trying to google for Siwangag, Puzurubo, Pugo Muro, Mabolbol, Crocodile Island, and Snake Island but I couldn’t find any useful info about them over the internet. They are just mentioned but there are really no brief description on what you can see/experience there. There are even no pictures available for these places 🙁
If it is not too much to ask, can you please provide some descriptions of these places and what you would recommend to us to see. Surprisingly, there is no boat rates to visit all these places, I wonder why…
We plan to go in Palaui on Jan30. If we go to Palaui (hiking to the lighthouse), Anguib and some other islands/beaches, can we do this in a day (starting really early) then go back to Tuguegarao by afternoon? I’m thinking of spending the night on Pagudpud instead (bus ride from Cagayan). Is this possible?
Hope you could reply soon 🙂
“We plan to go in Palaui on Jan30. If we go to Palaui (hiking to the lighthouse), Anguib and some other islands/beaches, can we do this in a day (starting really early) then go back to Tuguegarao by afternoon? I’m thinking of spending the night on Pagudpud instead (bus ride from Cagayan). Is this possible?”
— Or at least go back to Tuguegarao by night so that we can travel to Pagudpud early in the morning the next day 🙂
possible but not sure about last trip from Cagayan to Pagudpud.
Nice blog,a great help for me coz making out our own itinerary.
Nice blog,,hope you can help me,,I’m planning to go to palaui on 18,,and anguib beach on the 19,,you were saying I need to take van or bus going to sta Ana.whats the next thing to do,,how much are the boat fare for the two beaches and is there a place to stay for the night on 18,,thanks
we are looking for people who can join us or a group we can join. Travel date is on May 23-26, 2015.
When is the best time to visit Palui Island?
summer. march to to june. 🙂
Is it really possible to go here alone? I am planning to go here alone on July. I am planning to leave at July 16 evening then leave on July 18 at dawn.
Yep. Pretty safe there naman. Pls contact the number of the boatman I posted. But it’s gonna be expensive if you are alone ha.
hi,.planning to go der on sept 5.,sabay na tayo para my ka-share sa boat…hehehe, im wd my boyfie.tnx
Guys, pwede sumabay para makatipid sa boat? June 19-22.
How about the weather and yung alon papuntang palaui during september 1st week? Hindi po ba delikado?
That’s habagat season already, check the weather update before proceeding. I suggest instead of going straight to the lighthouse and cove, you rent a boat to Punta Verde (15 mins from mainland Sta. Ana) and then hike to the cove and lighthouse. You will need a guide. Kindly contact kuya Edwin, number is on the blog.
Hello po, pag pa nag overnight sa Punta Verde, ano po ba yung i-stay_an dun??
hi, is june 2016 safe month to visit palaui island and generally the other resorts in the area. thanks
1st week is still okay usually. bUt do check the weather forecast as that is the start of the rainy season already.
very imformative maam, planning to go there with my family by 2017. I iwill include this iteneraries to my 2017 road trip from Manila – Ilocos – Cagayan – Baler – Manila. Probably to stay at my wife’s relative somewhere in Ballesteros. Maraming salamat po. God Bless always on your GALA mode all through out your life.
Welcome! enjoy kayo! 🙂
Hi Gael,
Wow. I couldn’t imagine what you and Angel went through on your first trip to Palaui.
Well, Thank you for this detailed post. We’ve been planning to go to Palaui since last year but it didn’t push through. But now, summer is near, I think we will plan again and make sure to experience Palaui. This is very helpful. Thanks
Regards,
Jon
Very informative. We’re going to palaui this weekend. Are there any changes from these info i’ve read?
As far as I know, that’s updated.
Hi! Would you know how long the boat ride from Palaui to Batanes is? And how much? Planning to go on a solo trip last week of April. Thank you! 🙂
No passenger boat from Palaui to Batanes. You will have to fly.
Hello,
Is there a bus direct from sta.ana to pagudpud?
I can’t remember. Never took that route. There is one from Aparri. I took the bus from Laoag to Aparri and then the driver dropped me off at an intersection somewhere near Aparri where I transferred to a ous bound for Sta.Ana. I’ll look for my notes again.
Take the Sta. Ana-Vigan City bus. Just alight at Pagudpud. There are tricycles along the road to take you to the beach resorts.
Super thanks for the info, PJ! 🙂
Hi Gael, I’ve been following your blog since last year. I was able to reach Mayang Todi’s Homestay in South Cotabato and told her I referred to your post about your stay with them. Btw. Would just like to us if camping is still allowed in Anguib beach. I think its a hassle if we are to go back to punta verde and proceed to the next island the following day. Thank you ver much.
Glad you visited Lake Sebu. Not so sure about camping in Anguib though. I’m sorry. But they have a Facebook page, try to message them. 🙂
Hello,
Very nice guide. Were planning to go to here. Is it possible to arrange for a sunrise, sunset and night photography shoot with the guides?
Yes. 🙂
hi is the boat fee same if rented by 2pax only?
yes
Hi! Was just wondering if September is a good time to go to Palaui Island? Thanks!
please check the weather update before proceeding. Go via Punta Verde and hike to the lighthouse instead of going directly to the lighthouse by boat.
Very informative., thanks. Keep up!!!
Thank you! Have fun! 🙂
Hi.. Were planning got go to Palaui po this January. Can I ask for ate elsa’s number po? parang kulang po kasi yung nasa blog na number nya 🙂
I don’t have an updated number na po. The boatman listed above also offers homestay