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
yooooh! meron ba jan puntang palaui dis coming june12?
thank you for writing down this blog. I can now plan my trip to Palaui properly on Nov.21-26. Going solo!
has anyone availed of the packages from the palaui ecozone center?
I’m planning a trip for Palaui and as I understand it, you can only go to the island through them. So some feedback on their packages would be much appreciated
I believe this plan packaged tours of the ecozone center didn’t push through.
Hi,
Pupunta kaming Palaui/Anguib on June 7-9. We’re just three in the group. Who wants to join? Kindly contact me. Nga pala, sino ang nakakaalam kung ano ang earliest schedule ng alis ng bus from Sta. Ana to Tuguegarao. Thanks in advance.
Hi Laniard,
My sister and I are also planning to go to Palaui this June, can you send me a mail for your contact details,, baka pwede makisabay sa inyo to cut the cost (especially yung boat :)) eto pala email address ko.. [email protected] or you can add me sa facebook (Abelardo Dulay Jr.), tapos PM me nlng,,. Thanks!
I would like to join your group, how ca I contact you?
hi who wants to join us on palaui island on May 11, 2014. we are only two persons and in need companions for the boat ride. please contact me at 09155061619. thanks
we will go to palaui island on 18-19May…we are only 3… pls txt 09228132570 if somebody wants to join..
sa June 5 ng 8:30pm balak namin pumunta dun
Hi, can I join you? Im planning to go to palaui island solo on the same date.
Hi guys.. me and my friend will tour around palaui on May 7-8.. boat rental is for 3500 for 5 destinations including cape engano. The boat can load up to 8 pax and since there’s just 2 of us we’re looking for group of not more than 6 who would like to join us to cut expenses. Please text me 09174475809 – ange
Hello!!!!
How much money do you need to go to Cagayan? thank you po!!
You mean Palaui? For a weekend trip there, 3K is a good budget.
Hi! Is it possible na 2days lng para sa callao cave & palaui island? Thanks!
if you’re arriving by plane ETA 12:55 get a tricycle or car fr a/port & go straight to Callao Caves, then be sure to be in TUG to catch the last van to Sta Ana/San Vicente at 5:00pm. Stay overnight at San Vicente (if u stay at EFCostales, its walking distance to pier) & take the boat b4 6:00am (i don’t know though if they now allow DIY tours to Palaui) be back to Sta Ana b4 noon to catch last van to TUG 1:00pm. You’ll arrive at TUG about 4:00pm so plenty of time to see TUG proper before catching the bus at 7:00pm to MNL, arriving 7:00am the next day.
Thanks a lot..this is a big help! (and relief as well ^^)
Me and 3 of my companions will be going to Palaui on May 28 2014, anyone who wanna tag along? Contact me, 09157718962 =)
For affordable 3Days 2Nights CAGAYAN VALLEY Tour package w/ Palaui Island, Callao Cave and many more! Check our facebook page; http://www.facebook.com/thetravekagencyphfirst, our facebook community; http://www.facebook.com/groups/phfirst and our website; http://www.phfirsttravel.com.ph (under construction)
Who’s going to Sta. Ana or Palaui on April 15-17? Me and my two friends are going to Sta. Ana on april 15-19.. April 15-17 will be to sta ana/palaui and then after 17-19 in Tuguegarao will be going to visit callao cave..
Pls contact me at 09053077778
Hi, Is it allowed in the island to have bonfire..
http://www.palaui.info/tour-packages.html
kay, if you’re going to the Lighthouse from Cape Engano itself (45 min boat ride fr San Vicente), it’s easy. Even senior citizens like us managed to go up in sandals. If you’re treking fr Punta Verde, it’ll be 2-3 hrs. I don’t know how the terrain is.
Soo excited for our tour (Holy Week) 😉
hi anyone who would be goin to palaui this april 6-7? looking for travel buddies. I just checked on the website of palaui. So if u rent a boat dpat may package na ksama lagi? no walk inn na starting april 1 eh. di pa kc ngrereply ung sa info ctr. thanks
Just got back from TUG: the trip to Palaui was short but worth the 4-hr trip fr Tuguegarao to San Vicente. Stayed at EFCostales Lodge who were helpful enough to get us our Day Pass & arrange for our boatman, since we arrived late Monday evening, and was leaving 5am the following day. Costales Lodge is walking distance to the pier. I suggest people go to Cape Engano Lighthouse early to avoid the crowd as the pathway to the lighthouse is good for single file only. The view is breathtaking. Another recommendation also for those staying in Tuguegarao: go to Villa Blanca Hotel. They have promo for aircon twin room for P750 w/free b/fast & airport transfers. Anyone who is interested in the contact nos.,let me know.
hello JJ wer group of 15 any suggestion/reccomendations where to stay in TUG, wer leaving on April 1 6am (Manila)..on the ff day going to sta ana cagayan:) thanks for helping
for Tuguegarao I suggest you go to Villa Blanca Hotel contact: Janet 09178615161 email:[email protected] website http://www.villablancahotel.com.ph/ they hv dormitory type for P250/head. Airport transfer is also free. I know they hv a coaster that can accommodate a big group. For Sta Ana, I suggest you go straight to San Vicente where the pier for Palaui Island is just walking distance. Contact Ela of EFCostales Lodge 09059590115 or 09998172799 email [email protected] website: http://efcostaleslodge.jimdo.com/ They also have rooms w/own kitchen. for boatman, you can contact Hamil 09168259612. Each boat carries only 8 people. But starting Apr 1, there is a new policy where travelers can join package tour w/c is cheaper & includes food. The only hitch is there is a fixed schedule of visit to Palaui Island.
I was happy w/Villa Blanca http://www.villablancahotel.com.ph/rates.htm. I know they hv dorm-type accommodation & free a/port transfers If you’re going to Palaui, suggest you go stay in San Vicente EF Costales Lodge http://efcostaleslodge.jimdo.com/. they hv rms w/own kitchen. they can also help u arrange for Day Pass & boat service.
750pesos? Per pax ba yan?
hi, my friend and i were planning to go there on march 30, anyone who’s gonna be there and open for boat sharing?
Hi my sister and i plans to go there this march 29-30 too. wanna tag along?
Wanted: Palaui Trip Joiner
it’s just my sister and I, original plan is that when we get companions this coming March 28-30, we will go there, the boat trips are quite expensive so if you guys are looking for joiners we are in.
if there will be no joiners this coming March we plan to move it on April Holy Week (April 17-20), anyone interested can contact me at this mobile number 0917802743 or leave a comment. 🙂
im interested po
when are you going to explore the light house,…. we will be arriving in palaui on the 29th and we will leave the island on the 30th in the afternoon…..
I cant contact Ms. Roselyn on her CP # posted here….
can i get another # of the tourisim officer for PALAUI?
can we go straight ahead to punta verde?
u can contact Grace Ruiz of Ecozone Visitor Centre cp#09175937139.
you can make Punta Verde your first stop, stay overnight camping (its the only place in Palaui Island they allow tourists to stay overnight), then do a 2-3hr trek from Punta Verde to Cape Engano Lighthouse, then go back direct to san vicente. you talk to your boatman about pick up arrangements. But before you take the boat for Palaui you must first get the Day Pass for yourselves & your boatmen.
hi, is it a rough trek to cape engano lighthouse? do we need hike/trek shoes or plain rubbershoes will do?
many thanks.
your number is incomplete. my friends are interested to join.
Hi! Kuya Edwin will be my boatman to Palaui on March 22. Thanks for all the informations. It was very helpful.
Say my regards to Kuya Edwin! 🙂
We’re going to Palaui on April 18-20. Anyone wanna join? Contact me at 0917 591 2528.