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
Our trip to Palaui is almost final: lodgings at Costales Lodge who is also arranging for our day pass since we’ll be arriving late at night & leaving early the following day. They’ve also arranged for our tricycle pick-up at 5:00am and boat rental so we can see the sunrise enroute and be at Palaui islands at 6:00am. Hopefully, our guide will be able to manage senior citizens up to trek to the Engano lighthouse. We aim to be back in San Vicente before noon to catch the last bus to Tuguegarao.
Anyone who wants to join our adventure? We’re looking forward to the experience.
Jj, please double.check with your itirenary with costales lodge and/or check the palaui website http://www.palaui.info for the rates. They are strictly implementing the per head charges excluded the boat fee. I hope this could help at hindi kayo mabigla sa price like the pople nakasabay namin today, kasi kami rin nabigla sa package rates nila
ty for the concern kulas. I already talked to Grace Ruiz of Visitor’s ofc, & accdg to her, we’re not covered by the new system since we made reservations in advance. The pkge is supposed to apply only for walk-ins. Also, the package has fixed time & includes guide, food, & day pass. The only cost excluded is the boat. Actually if you add the pkge + boat fare, mas mahal talaga. Except for the boat fare, we estimate to be spending only for the guide and day pass. Food will be at our expense. Anyway, sana tama nga ang pagka-intindi ko. Will keep you posted.
Hi Angel
The trekking to Engano Lighthouse, is that 2 hours to get there? then another 2 hours to get back? Is it just plain hiking or is there any steep ascents / technical climbing (hope not!)?
We are planning to go there this 2014 Holy Week.
Regards
Janet
count me in..anong date kau pupunta?..sama ako sa inyo..
Fyi po sa mga viewer nitong blogs at sayo din po lakwatsero magandang hapon po. Anyway, as of today 3/14/2014 all tour is fixed na po as package per head, min of two. Later post ko po new.package rate nila. Hindi na po uso as of now ang boat rental rito sa palaui island tour. Mas naging expensive na po lalo na sa mga mag overnight, example 4300 pesos 2 days 1 night per head with food, guide and etc. Salamat po!
Thanks sir. Please do update us of the package rate. 🙂
http://Www.palaui.info
Strictly implementing charges per head
My apology, im unable to take screenshot sa hard copy.
Totoo ba to? Bakit parang ang mahal naman? Pwede bang hindi mag avail ng package nila?
As per vistor information booth stritcly implementing sila sana magbago na just call the information center in sta ana. Number posted on the website itself. Enjoy sa palaui!!!!
planning to go there this day or tomorrow. anyone who wants to go? The boat fee is quite expensive. inform me 09355006843.
Hi…my husband and i are going to palaui on march8-10,2014 and plan to stay overnight at punta verde.Anyone who has plan going there on the same dates and wants to share boat rental so we can minimize the expenses may contact me 09297648929.
hi too bad you’re a week early. My friend & I will go to Palaui on Mar 25 at 5am & leave at 11am to catch the bus back to Tuguegarao. It’ll be ideal if you can postpone your trip to March 24-26 hehehe
good day! 🙂 to those who wanna visit sta.ana cagayan and looking for an affordable accommodation to stay in, try to stay with us at e.f.costales lodge. 🙂 for more info, check our site efcostaleslodge.jimdo.com or you may contact us – 090595901115 or 09998172799. 🙂
Who among you guys are planning to go there by april, holy week to be exact? I need companion 😀 but a budget traveller.
were going there on holyweek (apr.16-20, 2014).
email me at [email protected]
were going april 16-19.
as earlier posted, we’ll be going to Palaui island on March 25, so anyone who wants to join us pls let me know so we can share the boat ride. We plan to just go around the islands and not stay long.
Is it possible to leave San Vicente at 5am, so we can catch the sunrise? What time should we leave the island if we want to take the last bus to Tuguegarao at 1pm.
Do the boats provide life jackets? If not, can we rent it somewhere before 5am?
Where should we register if we are leaving so early in the morning?
Thanks for your help
Hi! Ask ko lng kng pwde b itrekking ang lighthouse from Punta Verde? Or separate island ang punta verde at lighthouse? Tnx
They are on the same island, yes you can trek from Punta Verde to the lighthouse.
My friend and I are going there on Sunday! The boatride is quite expensive though..
planning to go there this summer, most probably, we’ll be there on May 1-3, there will be 4 of us, any one who can share the boat ride with us is much welcome…also, may i ask anyone who have been there if there’s any official camp site in the island? are there any fees to pay and how much?thank you…
ma jane, join ako sa inyo..kindly text me 09075973693..pls, dying to be there..
hi. is it good to travel to palaui during the holy week?
hi ,
anyone can join for the tour this week. KINDLY INFORM..09397328718
Anyone planning to have a tour on 1st week of May? I’ve read a tour package which costs 3,500, here’s the details and link.
I’m still choosing between Baguio and Sta. Ana Cagayan though, comparing the expenses. 🙂
Special Trips
Cape Engaño, Crocodile Island, Anguib Beach and Punta Verde – PHP 3,500 (8 passengers maximum)
http://www.pinoyadventurista.com/2013/10/how-to-get-to-palaui-island.html
We’re 2 senior citizen ladies visiting Palaui this Mar 25. Anyone who wants to join us for the boat ride to the islands so we can split the boat fare. Contact me 09328528744
can we join you on this tour? me and my partner is looking for new place to have the adventure.
here’s my number for your reference. 0999 527 1600.
thanks,
We’re 2 senior citizen ladies planning a trip to Palaui March 25, 2014. Looking for other travelers who want to share the boat ride to the island from San Vicente, so we can minimize our boat ride expense. Any interested parties, text me 09328528744.
Hi! Very nice and informative blog! 🙂 We’re heading to Palaui next week!
I was wondering if you know what time the first bus leaves from Sta Ana?
I am hoping to get on a 6 or 7am bus from Sta Ana and be back at Tuguegarao by 11am for my 1pm flight back to Manila.
Hope to hear from you soon! Thank you very much 🙂
Hiyee!!! We’re also planning to go there by next week! Agad agad! 🙂 Anyone who is willing to join?
I was back there last January, there are some changes in the island. I updated the travel guide to reflect the changes.
nice and very helpful blog as always!!! good job sir and thank you for sharing. 🙂
Hi Cherish! Possible candidate here! When exactly next week are you scheduled to go and for how many days? Are you traveling by bus or plane? Kindly send me the details pls so I can check my sched agad agad. Haha! Thanks
planning to go to palaui island this end of month (long weekend; Jan. 31 to Feb 2). just need travel buddy to talk to and share the experience. thanks
Hello there. Will you be pursuing with your plans to go this long weekend? I was planning to go to only I can’t convince people to go along with me. By the way, how do you plan to got there? by bus or by plane?
Looking for a travel buddy too! Anyone who’s got plans of going this Feb? Im good with either bus or plane (pero pag plane, push natin ang promo haha)
I was back there last January, there are some changes in the island. I updated the travel guide to reflect the changes.
[…] Palaui Island is a protected landscape and seascape in the northeastern-most part of Cagayan Valley, an island characterized by ragged terrain, rolling hills, scenic coves and beaches, hidden waterfalls and a whole lot more! From being a mysterious secret paradise, Palaui Island today is in international spotlight. No thanks to Survivor USA for exposing this beautiful place to the world. So before the crowd flocks to Palaui Island (I hope not), make sure to visit it. […]
i would like to ask if there is a possibility that that i can meet just a travel buddy in palaui this august 20 to 26? i am a lone backpacker and it will be nice to have someone to talk to and share the experience! thanks.
were same im alone backpacker too!
that’s great!
i want to go there,..the problem is i dont know how to get there..
i just booked a flight to tuguegarao for a week’s adventure this august…i am really excited to see the rustic and tranquil beauty that is palaui island!
planning to head solo to palaui and nearby islands also for this August’s longlonggg weekend!