I guess no other place in the Philippines radiates so much mystique than Palaui Island, a small yet fascinating island off the coast of the town of Santa Ana in the province of Cagayan. The island has reopened to tourists. Let this Palaui Travel Guide brings you one step closer to fulfilling your dream to visit the island. Provided in this travel guide are latest information on how to get there, accommodation, activities, sample itinerary, budget and more.
Discover Palaui Island
Palaui Island lies on the northeastern tip of mainland Luzon under the jurisdiction the town of Sta. Ana, a special economic zone bustling with modern industrial establishments and blessed with beautiful coastline. Despite the developments, Sta. Ana is still rural and laid back, projecting contrasting features that add to its mystique.
But what makes Sta. Ana more beautiful is Palaui, the island off its shore that offers so much – white sandy beaches and panoramic coves, a century old lighthouse, hidden waterfalls and lovely people, all in a scenic ragged terrain surrounded with huge waves and echoing wind.
With a land area of more than 3,000 hectares, Palaui Island is made up of volcanic debris. It is home to a fishing community without electricity and commercial accommodation. Its main attraction aside from its beaches is the Farol de Cabo Engaño, an 18th century lighthouse built by the Spaniards that guides ships entering and leaving Sta. Ana specially those using Port Irene and San Vicente, as well as those traversing the Babuyan Channel and Philippine Sea.
Palaui Island is a place built by wind, sculpted by waves and nurtured by time. Discover the distinct charm of its scenic ragged terrain; chorus with the howling music of its gigantic waves; explore and experience the mystique of Palaui Island.
How to Get to Palaui Island
Tuguegarao – Santa Ana
Make your way to Tuguegarao, the capital city of Cagayan Province. From there, ride a bus (~P240 as of December 2016) or van (P250 as of February 2017) going to Santa Ana, travel time is around three hours.
Santa Ana to Palaui Island
In Santa Ana, proceed to PASAMOBA office in San Vicente port for registration and to charter a boat to the island. San Vicente port is a short trike ride from Sta. Ana town proper (P15 per passenger).
Standard Boat (As of 2023)
Single Destination
| Destination | Standard Rates | Remarks |
| Cape Engaño, Palaui Island | P2,000 | Maximum of 5 hours. Additional P150 for every succeeding hours. Maximum 8 passengers. |
| Anguib Beach | P1,800 | Additional P500 for overnight. Maximum 8 passengers. |
| Punta Verde | P1,500 | Maximum of 4 hours. Additional P150 for every succeeding hours. Maximum 8 passengers. |
| Crocodile Island | P800 | Maximum of 2 hours. Additional P150 for every succeeding hours. Maximum 8 passengers. |
Combination
| Destination | Standard Rates | Remarks |
| Cape Engaño, Anguib Beach, Crocodile Island, Punta Verde (Special Trip 1) | P4,500 | Whole-day tour. Additional P500 for overnight. Maximum 8 passengers. |
| Cape Engaño, Crocodile Island, Anguib Beach (Special Trip 2) | P4,000 | Whole-day tour. Additional P500 for overnight. Maximum 8 passengers. |
| Cape Engaño, Anguib Beach | P3,500 | Whole-day tour. Additional P500 for overnight. Maximum 8 passengers. |
| Cape Engaño, Crocodile Island, Punta Verde | P3,500 | Whole-day tour. Maximum 8 passengers. |
| Punta Verde, Crocodile Island, Anguib Beach | P3,500 | Whole-day tour. Additional P500 for overnight. Maximum 8 passengers. |
| Cape Engaño, Crocodile Island | P2,500 | Maximum of 5 hours. Maximum 8 passengers. |
| Anguib Beach, Punta Verde | P2,500 | Maximum of 5 hours. Maximum 8 passengers. |
| Anguib Beach, Crocodile Island | P2,300 | Maximum of 5 hours. Additional P500 for overnight. Maximum 8 passengers. |
| Crocodile Island, Punta Verde | P1,800 | Maximum of 5 hours. Additional P500 for overnight. Maximum 8 passengers. |
Manila to Tuguegarao
By Plane
Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly to Tuguegarao from Manila, travel time is approximately an hour.
By Bus
From Manila, Victory Liner and Florida Liner have daily trips to Tuguegarao everyday almost every hour. It is around 485 kilometers north of Metro Manila; travel time is about 11 to 12 hours and fare starts from P886 for regular airconditioned bus andP994 for deluxe bus (as of March 2022).
If you are coming from Tabuk, jeepneys are available in Kalabaw Intersection (in front of St. William Cathedral), fare is P70 (as of 2016). From Ilocos and Abra, GMW Liner and Florida Liner have trips to Tuguegarao.
You can book your bus or flight from Manila to Tuguegarao and vice versa below.
BOOK YOUR BUS/FLIGHT FROM MANILA TO TUGUEGARAO
Manila to Sta. Ana, Cagayan (Direct)
Florida Liner is the only bus company that goes direct to Sta. Ana, Cagayan. Daily trips to Sta. Ana leave Sampaloc at 12PM and 3PM.
Where to Stay in Palaui Island
There is no high-end resorts in Palaui Island. Tourists who opt to stay overnight in the island can look for home stays or pitch a tent in Punta Verde. A local government resolution restricts camping in any other areas in Palaui Island except in Punta Verde.
Homestays in Punta Verde, Palaui Island
Dream Island E Tabucol Homestay
Punta Verde, Palaui Island
P500/person (Kids under 10 years are free)
Contact No: Kuya Edwin Tabucol at +639161165850/+639657845332
Where to Stay in Santa Ana (Cagayan)
There are numerous hotels, inns and lodges in Santa Ana. here are some:
Top-Rated Budget Accommodations in Santa Ana, Cagayan
Jotay Resort |
Edens Lodging House |
Top-Rated Middle Rate Accommodations in Santa Ana, Cagayan
RAI Atrium Suites |
Party Beach Resort |
List of accommodations in Santa Ana, Cagayan:
- Balai Cagayano
- Cagayan Holiday Resort
- Ceza Guest House
Centro, Sta. Ana, Cagayan
Contact: (63)-78-585-1021 - Country-Inn By The Sea
- Costa Carina Beach Front
- Costales Lodging House
- Jotay Resort
Centro, Sta. Ana, Cagayan
Contact: +63906-4781270 - Tres Rosas Beach Resort
Diora-Zinungan, Sta. Ana, Cagayan - Orquidia Beach Resort
Diora-Zinungan, Sta. Ana, Cagayan - St. Anthony’s Resort
Rapuli, Sta. Ana, Cagayan - El Cortez Beach Resort
Diora- Zinungan, Sta. Ana, Cagayan - Eden’s Lodging House
Centro, Sta. Ana, Cagayan - Lordwins Beach Resort
Sta. Cruz, Sta. Ana, Cagayan - M&E Lodging House
San Vicente, Sta. Ana, Cagayan - Mel & Jay Lodge
San Vicente, Sta. Ana, Cagayan - Jerolinda Beach Resort
San Vicente, Sta. Ana, Cagayan - Phil. Game Fishing Foundation
San Vicente, Sta. Ana, Cagayan
BOOK ACCOMMODATION IN STA. ANA (CAGAYAN)
Activities in Palaui Island and Nearby
- Trek to Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Cape Engaño Point
- Check out Siwangag Cove
- Swimming and beach hopping
- Find its hidden waterfalls
- Snorkeling/Scuba Diving (bring your own equipment)
- Kayaking (Outdoorplay recommends paddlingpalau.net)
- Fishing (bring your own equipment)
- Bird Watching
- Hiking
- Camping/Picnic
- Beach Volleyball/Frisbee
- Skimboarding (bring your own board)
- Watch the sunrise and sunset
- Visit Anguib Beach, Nangaramoan Beach, Pozo Robo Beach, Jerolinda Beach and Buacag Falls in mainland Sta. Ana
- See the Gotan mangrove forest and waterfalls
- Visit the nearby Crocodile, Mapurao and Manidad Islands
- Experience Viray Festival held yearly from May 26 to 30
Palaui Island Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: Enroute to Tuguegarao
2100H Assembly in Florida Bus Sampaloc
2130H Bus from Manila to Tuguegarao
Day 2: Welcome to Palaui
1000H Arrive in Tuguegarao / Brunch / Proceed to Van Terminal
1100H Van: Tuguegarao to Santa Ana
1300H Arrive in Santa Ana / Shop for food, snacks, drinks / Proceed to San Vicente Port
1330H Arrive in San Vicente Port / Register
1400H Boat to Crocodile Island
1410H Arrival in Crocodile Island
1500H Boat to Punta Verde
1510H Arrive in Punta Verde / Setup camp/ Free time
1800H Prepare dinner
1900H Dinner
2030H Socials
1400H Boat to Crocodile Island
Day 3: Morning in Palaui + Travel Bacl
0530H Call Time / Sunrise / Breakfast
0700H Trek to Cape Engaño and Lighthouse
0900H Arrive in Cape Engaño / Proceed to Lighthouse / Free time
1030H Trek back to Punta Verde
1230H Back in Punta Verde / Break Camp / Boat to San Vicente
1330H Arrive in San Vicente Port / Proceed to Santa Ana / Lunch
1430H Van: Santa Ana to Tuguegarao
1700H Arrival in Tuguegarao / Proceed to Bus Terminal
1730H Dinner
1800H Bus: Tuguegarao to Manila
Day 4: Back in Manila
0600H Arrive in Manila
Budget Estimate: ~P4,000/person
Tips
- The best way to reach the town of Sta. Ana from Manila by land is via the night bus of Florida Liner direct to Sta. Ana
- If you are trekking Cape Engaño Lighthouse by land, please GET A LOCAL GUIDE! Guide fee is only P300, for one to four person; P600, for five to six person; and P900, for eight to 12 person. The trek takes at least two (2) hours. There are two trails going to the lighthouse: the easier Lagunzad’s Trail and the more challenging Leonardo’s Trail.
- All guests should register in Ecozone Visitor Center, the local government arm that manages tourism in Sta. Ana. Registration fee is P50 per person, advance reservation is not necessary but encouraged. Contact Ms. Roselyn Foronda at 0917-7809302.
- I, highly recommend Kuya Edwin Tabucol, a local of Palaui Island. Contact no: +639269064657. He has a boat that can be rented to take you to the lighthouse and to Palaui from San Vicente. He can also guide you to the lighthouse. (All tours are now handled by the Ecozone Visitor Center, if they happen to assign Kuya Edwin to you as guide, say hello to him for me! :D)
- If you plan to head north to Babuyan Islands, there is a ferry the leaves every morning of Tuesdays and Fridays from San Vicente Port to Camiguin. Camiguin is around three (3) hours from San Vicente Port, fare is P320 as of December 2010. (Schedule is subject to change.)
- Ferry from San Vicente Port going to Batanes is seasonal and operates only during summer/calm seas and weather (usually April and May)
- The last trip of van going to Sta. Ana from Tuguegarao is 530PM
- The last trip of van going to Tuguegarao from Sta. Ana is 1PM
- The 27th and 28th seasons of reality show Survivor US Edition already finished shooting in the island
*First Publication: 03-Mar-2011 | Updates: 14-Jun-2011; 01-Jun-2013; 06-Feb-2014; 09-Aug-2017; 14-Aug-2018; 20-Feb-2020; 07-Apr-2022
Hello, thanks for the great blog. We’re traveling to Philippines next month and because of the typhoon it seems that we need to change our travel plans (we were supposed to go to Cebu and Malapascua island.. so sorry to see all the terrible photos and videos online and hear how many victims the storm has :/ ). Now we’ve been thinking of traveling around Luzon region but we’re missing some great “paradise island”, beaches, nature etc.. So Palaui seems worth visiting for!
Is there any restaurants etc in Palaui island or u need to take the food with u from the mainland (i.e. if planning on spending a whole day in the island)?
[…] no other place in the Philippines radiates so much mystique as Palaui, a small yet fascinating island off the coast of Sta. Ana in the northern province of […]
can you go up the lighthouse? think this is a nice place for a pre-nup session
Yes you can! 🙂
punta kami in palaui and anguib dis august..may ma recommend ba kau na place to stay?..and nabasa q may survivor filming there til wen sila jan?any idea?
Hello. I am visiting the Philippines this coming August. I wonder if this is a good month for sea travel 🙂
thanks
Ricky
it will be rainy season starting june-oct usually. but it still depends on where you are going
good information. it really helps especially individuals looking for unique trips, like Palaui- our next target of visit. by the way what the best time to on that island…? …. thanks… HOW ABOUT THE BANAUE RICE TERRACES…?
So there really is a camiguin island up north. I thought google maps had it wrong.
Thanks for this blog entry. Planning on checking Palaui on my next trip to the Philippines!
[…] 6. Travel Guide: Palaui Island […]
Hi. I was just wondering about the boat that’ll take people to Palaui. Kailangan bang arkilahin yung buong boat? Or maghihintay lang ng ibang passengers?
wow..how can we go there if we’re from pampanga?wt is da easiest trip if we dont like to go to manila anymore?
There are Victory Liner buses bound to Tuguegarao via SCTEX, they stop at Dau and Tarlac. You should take that bus.
sana it will be long before they develop the place…..
wonderful wonderful blog and good information…well done..nakak..enganyo….beautiful place.thanks for sharing..:) (from negros)
I’VE BEEN HERE A COUPLE MONTHS AGO and I <3 STA. ANA!!! 🙂
it is safe to camp and spend overnight in palaui island ?
Yes it is 🙂
Just visited days ago the island and Sta. Ana, Cagayan! ANG GANDA!!!!!!!!!! Lalo na yung Cape and Anguib Beach! Lima lang kami nagsiswimming. They have future plans to develop commercially the place at buti na lang napuntahan ko na before it becomes na parang Subic and Boracay. Ibig sabihin, mamahal na yung mga bayad. But, more job opportunities for the Sta. Ana locals naman.
Thank you for this travel guide by the way!
I am glad that you loved the place 🙂 I hope the place remains as what it is now though.
I agree. Boat prices have increased since the first time i went there from 500 to 2500 this time.
2500 na ang chartered boat to transfer from sta ana to the island? tsk. di na pwede solohin? thanks!
I love to see the light house and if lucky, discover the richness of the flora and fauna of the island. Hopefully me and my friends in Isabela will visit Palaui soon.
You should 🙂
Hi,
My boyfriend and I are planning to have a road trip. We’ve been planning to visit this place since last year but never found the time. I’m meeting him at Ilocos Sur then we’ll drive to Sta. Ana. Can we leave the car at a hotel where we plan to stay? Is this advisable? I’ll appreciate your advise on this.
Hello, Sir! Just want to ask where did you stay during your trip there. Is Jotay Resort the only accommodation located in front of the beach> Thank you!
planning to go there this april – your blog is so helpful! thanks!
hi..do u know by any chance if Palaui Island is already lined up to be granted a power supply?.thank u..:)
hi Jules, sorry I have no idea.