Cagayan Valley has one of the top natural attractions in Luzon and it is Palaui, one of the virgin Islands situated in the municipality of Sta. Ana. It became prominent because it was the location where the two seasons of Survivor, a hit US TV reality show, were held. It is small but, has a lot to offer, such as the historical Cape Engaño Lighthouse, the artistic rock formation of Dos Hermanas, the fine white sand of Mabolbol Shore and the flora and fauna along Siwangag and Lagunzad trails. Of course, the serenity and the breathtaking beauty are well preserved - fewer visitors due to its topographical location.
Travelling from Manila to Tuguegarao City: It was Wednesday, and while EDSA was busy, we met at the Victory Liner terminal in Kamias. Before departure: water check, jacket check, groupie check and diatabs check na check! All set! Our departure was at 7:45 PM but our tickets were already reserved five days before our adventure. Having a relaxing ambience inside the bus while travelling has been provided by Victory Liner, thus, we had ample time for sleeping. However, there were several stopovers where you could stretch your bones and muscles, eat and use the toilet.
Our estimated time of arrival in Tuguegarao City was 6 AM. Had a toilet break then walked on the street looking for a place for a sumptuous breakfast. Found a carinderia beside the Brickstone Mall. Then, proceeded to the UV Express terminal at the back of Brickstone. Rode in the van bound for Sta. Ana (250 pesos). Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours. Alighted at San Vicente fish port and met Kuya Mark, our boatman. Settled the boat fee: 3,800 pesos for four destinations at PASAMOBA office, beside the port. Had our lunch first and proceeded to our first destination. Kuya Mark can be contacted on 09759869110.
 |
| A view of Dos Hermanas on top of the lighthouse. |
Our first destination in Sta. Ana was the historical Cape Engaño Lighthouse and the Mabolbol Shore, an hour travel from San Vicente port. From afar, the long stretch of white sand shoreline is visible. Though the waves were strong, our boatmen were able to manage to dock by the shore. Then, a guide welcomed us with a smile. Registered and paid the necessary fees while on a halo-halo break.
Upon arrival at the base of the lighthouse, I was stunned by its structure. The tower and the walls are made of thick concrete with an artistic design. According to the historical marker, it was initially designed by Engineer Magin Pers y Pers who also designed Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte and Capones Lighthouse in Zambales. However, it was continued by Guillermo Brockman who designed the Capul Lighthouse in Northern Samar and was behind the completion of some lighthouses in the Philippines.
Its construction started on 21 September 1888 and was completed on 31 December 1892. Like other lighthouses, its primary function is to serve as a guide to the sea vessel navigators who are crossing the Babuyan Channel. According to the Jamorabon family, who served as the caretakers for a long time, the name Engaño was given by the Spaniards because they were stunned by its natural beauty when they first set foot on the cape. Today, it is still serving as a guide to the seafarers and local fishermen. On the tower, there's a spot where Dos Hermanas Island can be seen that serves as an amazing backdrop. We left the lighthouse at around 4:30 PM and proceeded to Crocodile Island.
Ate Elsa is the most prominent individual in in the island as her house provides a homestay, where we spent overnight. Upon arrival, she greeted us with a warm smile and proceeded to our room. The rooms at her houses are spacious and ventilated, however, there's no electricity on the island, thus, locals use generators. We rested for a few minutes and then tidied up. No worries, there are toilets and the faucet has unlimited cool water free flowing from the spring. It was 8 PM when we had our dinner and then social and slept.
Our Second Day on Palaui Island
Good Morning!!!! The air was fresh and cool. Tidy up and pack our things up for our next destination. But before that, we enjoyed the breakfast served by Ate Elsa. We made paluto for our dinner and breakfast. Ate can be contacted on 09052832559. 250 pesos for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, we settled the fees and proceeded to the I Love Palaui signboard, a few meters away from Ate Elsa's house. Departed Punta Verde and headed to the amazing cove. Travel Time: 45 minutes. It was high tide, instead of the shortcut route, our boat passed through the mangrove area and passed by a private resort owned by a senator. Then, we were astounded and welcomed by a long stretch of white sand shoreline.
 |
| A drone shot showing the crystal clear water of Anguib Cove. |
The third tourist spot on our list is Anguib Cove. It is already part of the mainland of Sta. Ana. As shown in the drone shot, the beach has a long stretch of fine white sand shoreline, surrounded by green and crystal clear water. Its breathtaking and untouched beauty is proof that it is definitely a must-visit.
Upon arrival at Anguib Beach Club, we paid the day tour entrance of 150 pesos at stayed at one of the cottages. Our visit was on a Friday, thus, there were minimal tourists in the area. We enjoyed its relaxing ambience. This cove, in general, is perfect for an island retreat and picnic by the beach with friends and family. There are abundant crustaceans and colorful corals on the shore. Toilets and baths are available. They can be contacted on 09179888964 and 09178764079. For boat rental, contact Kuya Mark on 09759869110.
After catching a glimpse of the hidden beauty of the Northern tip, we headed back to San Vicente port because Kuya Dany, the UV Express driver, was waiting for us. It was lunchtime, and instead of heading back to Tuguegarao City, we stopped by the DAMPA in Centro for a life-changing lunch. Then, back on the highway to the city for our next destination.
We alighted in Petron, not sure, or maybe Caltex, near the Victory Liner terminal. We rode in a tricycle to a trike terminal bound for Callao Cave in Peñablanca. The travel time was 45 minutes on a long winding road. We left our backpacks at the souvenir shop by the jump-off. Walked and rode on a motorized boat crossing the river (short distance).
By the entrance, we met Kuya Gary, our guide. He fed us with a lot of information and he's good at taking photos inside the cave. He knows where, when and how to get a perfect shot. Callao Cave is a seven-chamber cave located in Peñablanca - a Spanish word that means white rocks because of the limestone present in the area. Situated on the Northern foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, it is the cave where the 67,000-year-old fossilized remains of Callao Man were discovered inside the cave in 2007, a thousand years older than the Tabon Man.
After discovering the gigantic cavern of the cave, we headed back to the jump-off and shopped at the souvenir shop. The long un-concrete road doesn't have street lights, therefore, my heart did not stop pounding every time there was an uphill, downhill and turn. We alighted in front of Hotel Joselina, the cheapest hotel in Tuguegarao. Checked in. Rested. Tidy up.
Everyone was up and ready. We asked the guard and the receptionist for the best restaurant serving the best Pancit Batil Patong, a local, prominent and must-tied delicacy in Tuguegarao City. Walked on the streets and by asking the locals, we found CHONG'S PANCITERIA located at Centro 10 Riverside near the Barangay Hall. They serve the best and most mouth-watering homemade Pancit Batil Patong in Tuguegarao. For inquiries, you can contact Ate Roan on 09366668440.
 |
| The stunning facade of Tuguegarao Cathedral. |
CHONG'S PANCITERIA is a walking distance from Hotel Joselina and Tuguegarao Cathedral (photo above). Aside from the attractions listed above, Tuguegararao Cathedral is also one of the faces of the province. This cathedral is an 18th-century baroque church. It was originally built by Dominican friars 1761 to 1767. The structure was heavily destroyed during the Second World War and was rebuilt by Monsignor Bishop Constance Jurgens. HOW TO GET HERE: We walked on the streets again, bought coffee at McDo and headed back to Hotel Joselina. Then, socials and rested. The next day, it was a caving adventure in Lussok Cave, Luna, Province of Apayao.