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
going on april 1 and 2
5 pax kami
Hi everyone ! I’m planning to go there by last week of april . Sino pa po my plano punta there by last week of april ? Pasabay . haha 😀
[…] Palaui Island is a protected landscape and seascape in the northeastern-most part of Cagayan Valley, an island characterized by rugged 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. […]
Would like go in Sta Ana on May and probably will go to Palaui either 8 or 9. Im a solo traveller and willing to join other solo or group traveller. Anyone? Thanks!
Hi! My wife and I are planning to go to Palaui this may.. Maybe we could join you on those dates..
Hi, gusto mo may 26 to 30 nalang para sabay sa festival nila? dalawa lang din kami.
The experience is surreal. I will definitely go back. Gotta love my sunburns. Went there last feb27-mar2.
Sino kaya pwede kashare sa boat sa Palaui on weekends? Text me 0906.887.7232
I texted some of the boatmen and accommodations, they discouraged me from giving downpayment to Ms. Cora Tangcora due to mishandling of money of PASAMOBA. I am not sure if she was relieved of her post in that cooperative.
Tuguegarao @Feb 25 1pm then straight to Palaui until Feb 26 or 27. Sino interesado to join/share?
Hello, ilan kayo?
Feb 25-27 ako sa palaui. Sino pede kashare?
Good Day Sir!
Ask lang po if my contact info po kayo ng Mel & JM’S Inn?
Many thanks!
Will be in Sta. Ana this February 18 until 20. Am travelling alone. If there’s a group who can still fit in one more for the boat, I would be happy to join. 09178572206
I’ll be in Palaui on Feb 27-Mar1 and traveling alone. Siguro mag stay sa Jotay resort, sino pwede ka share sa mga boat fares & adventures? txt pls 9493664885. Thanks!
feb. 19 to 21 by plane kami.. 🙂 excited na nga..
Likewise! are you friends with Roanne? 🙂
Hi! Anyone who’s planning to go this year?
hi.. kame sana.. join ka?
hi roanne,
I might join you. email me at [email protected] or [email protected]
Thank you.
hi Jaja! i sent u an email on both accounts… sana there’s room for two pa sa group nyo, pa join kami… thanks in advance! 🙂
hi everyone i have ITI already and im solo traveler anyone sna na my plan din pra sharing na lng sa bangka going PALAUI.. heres my ITI:
Feb 28- Mar 2 = Baguio
Mar 2-3 = Vigan
Mar 3-4 = Laoag/ Pagudpod
Mar 4-5 = Palaui
Mar 6-7 = Tuguegarao
Mar 8 = Manila
lemme know po: 3500 po kz bangka sa palaui, gz2 q lng po sna my mka share sa RENT sa bangka. nothin’ else,, thankyou!
0915-370-8967
I’m planning to go this summer.. April or May.. what about you?
ngayon february na sana,.. sa feb 19-22
hi roanne,
Planning on same date too or pwede din pasabit sa lakad nyo. Hehe. ^__^
Hi guys! Naku, pwede ako by Feb. 20-23(morning, may pasok ng gabi kasi).
Magkano kaya budget dun? 🙂
@roanne, jaja – by bus ba biyahe niyo? 🙂
my friend and i are planning to visit palaui this holy week…anyone going that we can join…thanks
hi.. yup, by bus lang .. wala kasi promo airfare ngayon eh.
Hi Roanne,
Ilang kayo? solo traveller ako nag-aaya pa ko sa mga kaibigan ko. the more the merrier the less expenses tayo hehe.
Hi Red,
Sunod ka na lang. hehe
hi diwatalakwatsera.. 3 lang kme.. nareceive mo ba email ko? yup.. sana may maaya ka ..para mas masaya.. at the same time tipid na rn 🙂 ano date ba plano mo?
Yep and replied na din. Hehe.
Feb18-21 sana. Aya pa din ibang friends. Hehe.
Hi @DiwataLakwatsera – Sayang, Di ako available sa dates niyo. 🙁
Hello, we are planning to go to Palaui Island this December but my wife is worried that the waves are dangerous this time of the year? What do you think?
Thanks!!
sir we are planning to go this coming dec 26 …
Thanks Angel for the blog. Really helpfull.. 🙂
Anyone who’d like to join me on Nov 22-25 to cut down boat rentals? Please send me an email at [email protected]. Thanks! See you there!
Your site is so beautiful i can find easy!
We went there last July 26 to 28. It was as I imagined, and maybe even more. Crocodile Island is a surprise. I thought it was just a patch of land but it truly looks like a huge crocodile buried halfway in the sand. The view from the top… Wow! And the coral garden just 3 meters from the shore… Amazing! Anguib? Cape Engano? What more can be said? Captivating!!! Plus, the secret coral garden (ask Hamil)!!!
For those who wish to do island hopping, a tip. Get the services of Hamil JHon Ayuyang. He owns one of the, if not the, biggest, sturdiest and fastest boat (with twin engines, so lesser chances of getting stranded in the middle of the sea). He also maneuvers the waves as if they weren’t there. You can hardly feel the boat swaying on the waves. Not to mention his great character. Call him in advance to book to assure availability – 09158629786/09168259612. Also, make sure to tell Hamil to bring his sidekick, best cook and guide(land and water) – Danilo Cabutin (09358944860. Great character too! Very attentive to your needs. You can ask them to cook your lunch meals. They can even buy all you need for the boat trip(from mineral water to snacks to whatever you want to eat… lobsters, crabs, squids and huge fish!!!- as long as available in the area, hehe). They will even be willing to do your groceries for the day, hehe. They truly are a perfect combination and whatever outside services (outside the resort, hehe) you will ever need.
For the resort, try Cagayan Holiday and Leisure Resort. Not as expensive as I thought for such a facility. And service is good!
let me know
[…] For more information on Palaui Island, check out Lakwatsero’s Travel Guide to Palaui. […]
[…] For more information about the place, check out Lakwatsero’s Travel Guide to Palaui Island. […]