Palaui Island: Rainy in December (with sample Itinerary and estimated budget)

It was November last year when we planned this trip. At first I wasn’t really excited about it til I read good reviews of the place. I got really ecstatic about the idea of being able to visit Cape Engaño Lighthouse. When we got to the Island..damn.. Palaui Island is far more than what was written about it. The trek itself gave me an unforgettable adventure. The Island is so picturesque it almost feels like I’m looking at a painting.

Although it was raining when we visited this very famous island, we still manage to enjoy its beauty. It was a post birthday celebration of a friend. Palaui Island has a wide variety of activities to offer. There’s island hopping, trek to Cape Engaño Lighthouse, swimming and snorkeling in Anguib beach and many more. And how can I forget, Survivor was also filmed here.

Transportation:

 The best way to get to Palaui is by taking a bus going to Sta. Ana. We took a bus from Victory Liner going to Tuguegarao. Be wary of the bus departure schedule because sometimes they are strict. We were 5 mins late and the bus conductor didn’t allow us to board in. They had to give the seats to chance passengers.

You can also go by plane.

From Sta. Ana you can take a tricycle going to Sta. Vicente Port, I’m not sure how much would it cost (We used the van owned by a friend). Before going to the Island you have to sign in a log book  at punta verde also located at Sta. Vicente Port. You would need to rent a boat to Palaui Island and hire a guide. The boat can go directly to Cape Engaño or you have an option to trek.

Food Trip:

We were very fortunate to have a friend living in Lasam. Food was not a problem, it was literally over flowing. (thanks to the Cabutajes)

There are also lots of local eateries around that serve really good foods. You can never go wrong their famous Pancit Batil Patong.

Places to Visit:

-       When you’re in Tuguegarao you can go on a side trip to Calloa Cave. It’s where one of the scenes in the movie The Mistress was shot.

-       Cape Engaño Lighthouse

-       Anguib Beach

-       Crocodile Island

ITINERARY:

PALAUI TRIP (December 26-29)

December 26 (Day 0)

12:00 Assembly Victory Liner Kamuning

13:00 ETD Manila-Tuguegarao

December 27 (Day 1)

04:00 ETA Tuguegarao
05:00 Bound to Sta. Ana
09:00 ETA in Sta. Ana
Register at the visitors' office
Arrange a boat for island hopping the following day
10:00 Check-in at the Lodge
12:00 Lunch
13:00 Rest, Explore San Vicente
20:00 Dinner
23:00 Sleep

December 28 (Day 2)

05:00 Wake-up
06:00 Breakfast
07:00 Go to San Vicente Port
Depart for Palaui Island
Trek to Cape Engaño Lighthouse
Explore, picture taking
Depart for Anguib Beach
Beach bumming, swimming, explore
Lunch at the beach
Depart for Punta Verde
Swim or explore the place, meet the locals
Depart for Crocodile Island
Swim, explore, climb the rock formation
Depart for San Vicente Port
Check-out Lodge

Visit Lasam, Cagayan.

December 29 (Day 3)

14:00 ETD Lasam-Manila

December 30

05:00 ETA Manila

ESTIMATED EXPENSES:

Bus - P750 (Manila-Tuguegarao)
Tricycle to San Vicente Port - 15.00 / person
Registration / Day pass at the visitor's center - 50.00 / person
Accommodation @ Costales Lodge - 600.00 / night
Food (2 days) - 500.00 / person
Boat Rental (Special Trip) - P438 /person @ 3,500.00 (8 passengers maximum)
Entrance fee in Anguib Beach - 100.00 / head
Tricycle to Town center - 15.00 / person
Bus (Lasam-Manila) - P850

ESTIMATED TOTAL: P3,318

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Photo credits to Marvin Cabutaje