The Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape is a protected area and national park in the town of Santa Ana in Cagayan, Philippines. It is located off the northeastern extremity of Luzon Island, the largest island in the country

Palaui Island can be found on the northern most tip of Cagayan in Northern Philippines and not on Cagayan De Oro in Mindanao which is on the southern part of the Philippines. It is a part of the town of Santa Ana, Cagayan. For the moderators of Tripadvisor kindly change the location as stated in the post to Santa Ana, Cagayan, Philippines. Thank you!

This island is a protected area thus making the place pristine with its crystal clear waters. There’s a Spanish era lighthouse located on the highest point of the island. It is still functional powered by solar batteries and an automatic switch with time delay. The island has 1 family and 3 carabaos as permanent inhabitants. Since its declaration as a protected area, no additional inhabitant was allowed on the island eversince.

Visitors can go to the island via boats which can be rented off the main island port. Boat rental fee is PHP1800. Boatman can tag along with rentee or can pick/drop visitors on a specified time.

People can choose to go directly to Cape Engaño Beach or trek going there from Punta Verde dock. Trek time is more or least 3 hours depending on the phase of the trekkers.

Rock climbers can also be challenged on the island. There are no accomodations on the island but visitors can bring tents and camp on one of the beaches. Cape Engaño Beach is the best place for campers.

There are also snorkeling areas around the island, just ask the boatman to take you there

Palaui Island is a beautiful island situated off the northeastern end of Luzon Island. It lies off the northwestern part of a big promontory in San Vicente. As per Presidential Proclamation, this Island is declared as a protected seascape and landscape. Since its declaration as a protected area, no additional inhabitant was allowed to live in the island. (This post aims to provide basic Palaui Island travel guide which includes information on how to get there, things to do and see, where to stay, Palaui Island Tour Itinerary and other important details that you will need for your travel planning.)

Sunrise on Palaui: Palaui Travel Guide

In 2012, CNNGo’s website described Palaui Island in Sta Ana Cagayan as an “isolated island which is a natural secret — only the brave and persevering bother to visit. Glorious white sands surrounded by volcanic rocks on one side kiss blue-green waters on the other. Snorkeling and diving brings you face to face with coral gardens and a rich marine reserve.”

The Island offers great sights, breathtaking vistas, a light house, secluded beaches and a lot more adventure activities like sailing and boating, camping, snorkeling and diving, beach bumming and rafting. Camping in the Island will give visitors a very thrilling experience. Those who like to camp have to bring their own tents, earth pad, portable stove, blankets, and trail food.

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Activities in Palaui Island

Visitors to this place also have opportunities for trekking. Your visit to the island is not complete without trekking to Cape Engaño Lighthouse – a historic lighthouse located in the island. If you want an easy route, you can ask your boatman to bring you to Cape Engano by boat.

Snorkeling and diving are the other attractions here. These activities help visitors enjoy the magical beauty of the sea. Different species of colorful fishes can be seen. Starfish and corals can also be seen around this Island, which is a marine sanctuary that is protected by the Philippine National Navy.

Through boating and sailing, the guide takes the tourists to all sides of the Island. The beautiful beach on the eastern side of the Island and Dos Hermanas Island on the north of the Island can be viewed by boating. Tourists can also visit the beautiful Crocodile Island. The jungle and the rainforest are the other main attractions of this Island.

Things to do and see

• Visit Anguib Beach
• Trek to Cape Engano Lighthouse
• Catch the sunrise at Crocodile Island
• Visit Cape Engano Falls
• Explore Punta Verde Falls
• Stopover at Crocodile Island
• Visit Crocodile Island
• Camping in the Wild
• Diving and Snorkeling
• Bird Watching

Crocodile Island

How to get there

Tourists reach here either by land or by air. PAL Express and Cebu Pacific are the flights that take visitors from Manila to Tuguegarao City – the Capital of Cagayan Valley Province. It will take about one hour to reach Tuguegarao by Air.

It will take you about 14-16 hours to reach Sta Ana Cagayan by Bus. Recommended Bus Companies are Victory Liner and Florida Bus Liner (02)743-3809.

Upon arrival in Tuguegarao City, you need to take another Bus ride to reach Sta. Ana Cagayan. You can either take a Van or Bus bound to Aparri or Sta Ana Cagayan. It will take about 3-4 hours to reach Sta. Ana.

From the town of Sta Ana, you need to ride a tricyle (P15 per passenger) to reach the port of San Vicente.

Visitors can go to the island via boats which can be rented at the port. Boat rental fee depends on your desired destinations. Tourists are required to visit Punta Verde to register and pay P50 for the environmental fee.

Melo in Manidad Island 2004

Where to Stay

There are many resorts, restaurants and hotels in Sta Ana Cagayan. If you want to save more money, check out home stay programs near the Punta Verde resort. The best place to stay is Mang Jony’s Place, which is another main camp of the Island. It has two rooms that that is good for four persons. People who love home stay can choose this place.

Fresh Catch Octopus for Lunch

Places to Stay in Santa Ana Cagayan:

Jotay Resort
Telephone +63 (0) 78 372 0560 (PLDT)
Reservations +63 (0) 906 478 1270
Email – jotayresort@hotmail.com
Website : http://www.jotayresort.com/index.htm

Avalon Beach Club
Website : http://www.avalon-beach-club.com/

Jerolinda White Beach
Mobile Nos.: 09341195897, 09068648227

Balai Cagayano
Mobile No.: 09175922138

Lordwins Beach Resort
Mobile Nos.: 09197010036, 09283904518

CLICK HERE to Find more hotels in Sta Ana Cagayan

Palaui Island Circa 2004

Palaui Travel Tips:

• Visit the island during summer (February to May) to avoid rough sailing and to enjoy trekking activities.
• If you are visiting the island on a day tour, you need to arrive at the San Vicente Port early in the morning to maximize your time.
• Organize a group of at least 6 to minimize the cost of boat rental etc.
• Register at the tourism office located at the San Vicente Port for security purposes.
• If you are planning to stay overnight in the island, you need to bring camping gears and you have to inform the tourism office.
• Bring enough trail food, drinking water, flashlight, garbage bag, first aid kit, mosquito repellant and waterproof cases to secure your electronics and valuables.
• Help the community by hiring a travel guide, its also for your own safety.
• (June 1, 2013 till August 2013) The island is reportedly closed for tourists due to the filming of Survivor USA Series Season 27

You should include Palaui Island in your bucket list. Visiting the island is recommended during the summer season because the waves can be treacherous during the rainy season.

Coron is the third-largest island in the Calamian Islands in northern Palawan in the Philippines. The island is part of the larger municipality of the same name. It is about 170 nautical miles southwest of Manila and is known for several Japanese shipwrecks of World War II vintage.

The 10 BEST Things to do in Coron

Coron is a limestone island located in the province of Palawan. It boasts seven lakes, one of which happens to be nationally-acclaimed as the cleanest lake in the Philippines, and is  home to some of the world’s most beautiful white sand beaches and clear blue waters. It’s one of those places that will remind you that paradise really does exist! Coron is especially famous for its World War II wreck diving sites – many of which have put Coron on multiple lists ranking among the top dive spots around the globe. Although a lot of the beauty of Coron lies beneath the surface, there’s no shortage of gorgeous scenery above the surface! The following are the 10 best things to do in Coron:

1. Island Hop

Island hopping is an absolute must do in Palawan. With Coron or El Nido you’ll get your fix and then some, but if you want to get the most out of these gorgeous places you really can’t skip either one. That’s just how it goes in the Philippines given that there are thousands of islands and each one has its own special beauty.

Many of the places listed below can be reached via island hopping and if you choose to book privately you can pick which ones you visit. Tours in Coron aren’t as systematic as El Nido but there are some great options and day trips that you can book online or in the town. If you are traveling with a group, it is a huge advantage to see these places through a private tour because you can pick your own itinerary and mix and match the destinations – as well as have better chances of avoiding crowds. This is what I did and even splitting the boat only in half pricewise was still worth it to me. You can read all about island hopping in Coron, including how to book a private boat, here.

2. Scuba Dive at the Best Sites in the Philippines

Diving is an awesome activity for so many reasons – I love that it’s something that you can pick up at pretty much any point in your life and it will undoubtedly show you a new perspective of the world. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking “I wish I could do that” or “I wish I would have learned that”… you can! There are dive schools and sites all over the Philippines that cater to beginning divers and advanced divers alike, including in Coron. For Coron’s wrecks, however, you’ll need your advanced open water certification, and Nitrox wouldn’t hurt.

Coron offers six large, intact WWII shipwreck dives as well as one of the world’s most unique lake diving locations. From underwater mountains in Kayangan Lake to wrecks covered in corals and sponges, there is a lot to see beneath the surface in Coron. I’ve dived all of the above and saw turtles, sharks, tons of fish, and some beautiful, big wrecks. You can learn more about my liveaboard diving experience here. However you can dive from town as well if you’re not ready to commit to a boat.

3. Swim/Snorkel at the Twin Lagoon

Twin Lagoon gets its name because of the limestone wall dividing the water into two lagoons. Entering the lagoon, expect to be completely blown away by the towering cliffs above, and the fish surrounding their bases below. The wall that separates the lagoon into two “twin” lagoons can be swum through during low tide, or climbed over with a ladder to reach a hidden lagoon on the other side. This is a destination on one of the island hopping tours, but I’m reminding you of it because it is really a place you shouldn’t miss in Coron! You can read my full review + tips for visiting the Twin Lagoon here.

4. Visit Kayangan and/or Barracuda Lake

Kayangan Lake is one of the most popular and photographed places in Coron – for good reason of course. It is an absolutely gorgeous mix of lush forest scenery and sparkling water that is 70% freshwater and 30% saltwater. Because of the popularity of this place, the key to getting the most enjoyment out of it is to beat the crowds and go early. The hike up is short, but you’re in the Philippines, so yes, it is going to get hot and sweaty… nothing a dip in the lake can’t fix!

I visited early in the morning the first time I went and there was nobody around. I went in the afternoon this time around and was blown away by how crowded it was! Alternatively, head to Barracuda Lake in the afternoon. The tour boats have often moved on by then and it’s just as pretty, if not more or less the same thing, IMHO.

5. Enjoy Banul Beach

When it comes to perfectly white sandy beaches, Banul delivers. It’s best to aim for this beach after the tours have left, which is after lunch, so that you can get it all to yourself. The unique rocks on the shore make for a stunning photo op, and I just loved how laid back it was in comparison to the other major beach stops on Coron Island – CYC and Beach 91.

6. Hike Mt. Tapyas

This short and sweet hike is a perfect first adventure when arriving in Coron town. It is always nice to see a new place from its highest viewpoint to take it all in, and to help you understand the lay of the land a little. From town, take the 742 steps up to Mt. Tapyas, particularly for sunset. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to get to the summit so if that doesn’t get you your hiking fix, you can walk out the back for a while to explore the trails that pass through the rolling hills.

7. Unwind in Maquinit Hot Springs

If your legs are feeling the burn from the Mt. Tapyas hike or if you just need to relax after a long day of island hopping, find your way to Maquinit Hot Springs. One of the only few saltwater hot springs in the world, Maquinit is a two-tiered pool built into a mangrove forest filled with natural hot water that is fed by an underground volcano. Maquinit is located about 20-30 minutes outside of Coron town and easily reachable by tricycle or scooter. The best time to visit is in the evening when the sun’s heat is less intense, plus going later in the day is a double win because Maquinit is home to some stunning sunsets. Entry to the springs is 200 PHP and an hour is plenty of time for most people. There’s also an interesting little half day trip that will take you to Mt. Tapyas, the hot springs, and a few other Coron landmarks for only 10 USD if you’d rather not organize transport on your own.

8. Try a Boodle Fight

Experiencing local food and the traditional ways of consuming it is a great way to invite a culture into your life and your travels. A boodle fight is generally a large meal that uses no silverware and no dishes. Basically, a bounty of food spread along a table that is protected by banana leaves.Rice, fish, veggies, meats, and a variety of other seafood are typical of what you would expect to see in a boodle fight. It’s messy, tasty, and most likely something you wouldn’t attempt at home. You’ll find options for this in El Nido, too.

9. Visit the secluded Black Island

This is another one to add to the list of places in the Philippines that are magical and completely otherworldly. Breathtaking blues, awe-striking greens, endless limestone cliffs – does this even sound real? Plus, Black Island has far fewer visitors than the other islands around Coron. For me that was a huge win, and meant I stayed nearly all day. This is honestly one of the best things to do in Coron.

There’s great snorkeling, trees for shade, and best of all, there’s a cave with a lagoon you can swim in! I had it all to myself for almost an hour.

Now usually, a boat here from Coron town would be pretty expensive, but if you stay on the other side of Busuanga (the island Coron town is located on) for a couple of days, you can get a boat for MUCH cheaper. That brings me to my next tip:

10. Stay in a Treehouse

The Sanctuaria Treehouse was a highlight of my Coron experience. I loved how far it was from the hustle and bustle of Coron town. I had a sweeping view over the mangroves, which I went swimming in at dusk, an easy-to-organize boat to Black Island for less than half of what it cost in town, and a laid back, magical experience for a couple of days. I highly recommend spending some time here and island hopping from this vantage point for a different Coron experience than what most people have.

Manjuyod Sandbar: The ‘Maldives of the Philippines‘ See the world-class beauty of this quiet island in Negros Oriental. … For instance, when travelers think of Negros Oriental, Dumaguete City instantly comes to mind. But this province has so much more to offer, like the so-called “Maldives of the Philippines.”

We Found “the Maldives of the Philippines” and It’s Absolutely Breathtaking

Although internet-famous as the “Maldives of the Philippines,” Manjuyod Sandbar remains far from the madding crowd.

INSTAGRAM: natluperte

A spectacular 7-kilometer stretch of white sand awaits those who travel to Negros Oriental just to see this island. There are no palm trees in sight, so your usual tropical aesthetic gets changed up—but that’s a good thing because the cottages directly perched on the waters are a refreshing element. With the cool breeze in your hair and fine white sand beneath your feet, this paradise makes it so easy to leave your urban worries behind. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Getting There

IMAGE: Martin Calderon

If there’s one thing you should know before going to Manjuyod Sandbar, it’s that your trip’s level of fun may depend on the level of the tides. During high tide, the strip of sand is covered, so checking your weather apps and coming early make a world of difference. If you’re all good, it’s time to fly to Dumaguete Airport. Upon arriving, take a tricycle to Ceres Terminal and ride a bus to Bais City. After around an hour, alight at Barangay Calindagan and ride a trike for another 15 minutes to Capiñahan Wharf. To get to Manjuyod Sandbar, you can rent a boat from the local boatmen or pre-book one from the tourism office. A day tour costs around ₱3,500 to ₱4,000, but it can already accommodate a maximum of 15 people, so you can join other groups if you want to save money. A day tour also includes other trips and treats like Dolphin Watching and a stop at the Bais City Bird Sanctuary & Mangrove Forest. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins when you pass by Tañon Strait en route to Manjuyod Sandbar!

Accomodations

INSTAGRAM: happytravels

Since it’s not commercialized, Manjuyod Sandbar makes you appreciate simple beauty; it doesn’t offer posh accommodations and hotel-like services. To get the full Maldives feels, it’s best to rent one of the cottages. A day’s rent costs ₱3,000, while staying the night and for 24 hours amount to ₱4,000 and ₱6,000, respectively. To stay within your budget, there’s also plenty of space in the rental boats to eat and lounge in.

Fun in the Sun

INSTAGRAM: kimcaaaaryl

There’s just something about grabbing a bite beachside that relaxes you. There are no restaurants around the area, so if food isn’t included in your tour, you can make a picnic out of it by bringing drinking water and packing your go-to weekend getaway meals. The boatmen can even set you up for a barbecue, so you might want to bring a cooler with lots of meat and a few beers. You can also get the full island experience and support the local vendors by buying harvested coconuts and some seafood (think wild oysters, fresh fish, and sea urchins!). Afterwards, you can ride a banana boat, go swimming in the clear blue waters, or snorkel to see the wonders below. Of course, this divine beauty of nature is perfect even just for reading a book or having a do-nothing day. If you plan on having a photo shoot for the ‘gram, don’t forget your power banks because there’s no electricity in the area.

Exploring the Area

Bais City Bird Sanctuary & Mangrove Forest

INSTAGRAM: peytfull

After journeying through a 100-meter bamboo walkway constructed by the local government, travelers end up at Negros Oriental’s very own Narnia: Bais City Bird Sanctuary & Mangrove Forest. This 400-hectare safe haven for various species of birds and other animals is included in the Manjuyod Sandbar day tour, making for a perfect trip to be one with nature. It also has the usual charms of an eco park: mangroves, picnic areas, and a sandy space for some beach volleyball during low tide.

Bais City Tourism Office
(035) 402 8338
baistourism@gmail.com

Gabby’s Bed & Breakfast

INSTAGRAM: yoko_travelbook

If you want to stay overnight at Dumaguete City, look no further than this local gem conveniently located 5-10 minutes from the town proper, airport, and seaport by tricycle. The cozy and colorful Gabby’s Bed & Breakfast is known for its uniquely-designed rooms and bistro. You can find random art collections—such as spoon collections and retro Happy Meal collectibles—in different corners, while paintings and mosaics decorate the walls. The rooms are designed to feel like home, throwing in free parking, internet, and breakfast. Even if you don’t stay at the B&B, the equally-quaint café is worth going to for pictures. Don’t forget to sample their big, delicious servings of Filipino and American breakfast that start at ₱150. Their delectable tuyo and crispy hash browns are tasty, memorable experiences!

Gabby’s Bistro
Gabby’s B&B, E Rovira Dr, Bantayan, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
(035) 422 0827

Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries

INSTAGRAM: maryanjelly

Dumaguete is home to the most famous sans rival and silvanas in the country, so visitors simply can’t leave without buying some for pasalubong. Established in 1997, Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries has been serving their namesake dessert cake with its melt-in-your-mouth layers of meringue, cashews, and buttercream for years. Their silvanas are also worth the hype with its creamy and crunchy goodness that have just the right amount of sweetness! If you don’t have a sweet tooth, you can opt for their heavier snacks like burgers, sandwiches, or pasta. You might have to line up, but their delicious goods are inexpensive and indeed without rival.

Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries
San Jose St, Dumaguete, 6200 Negros Oriental
(035) 421 1524

Whatever strikes your fancy, a visit to Negros Oriental and Manjuyod Sandbar is sure to let some sunshine stream into your life. Don’t forget to wear your sunscreen, sunglasses, and biggest smiles!

Manjuyod Tourism Office
(0915) 892 1822

Want to explore more of Negros’ hidden gems? Find inspiration here.

For exclusive deals and stories about local travel, sign up for Deal Grocer!About MarionneMarionne Dominique Uy Mancol is a filmmaker and freelance writer from Samar. She graduated cum laude from Ateneo de Manila where she studied AB Communication on full scholarship and won Best Thesis for their campaign on women’s empowerment against sexual harassment. Her heart smiles for Jesus, her family and friends, chicken wings, dancing, traveling, and coming home.

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