"My Wandering Feet" - A Secret Beauty Hidden in the North (5 of 5)

CLICK ME for an INTRODUCTION to this BLOG Series.

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Not so many people (including me!) are familiar with what Cagayan has to offer.  At the thought of Cagayan, aside from the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSZFP), I can easily recall four (4) things: (1) Enrile’s; (2) Port Irene; (3) Callao Cave; and (4) Casino.  

But when I went to Tuguegarao for a business trip, I didn’t expect that I have more exciting to do than to attend a meeting.  My Wandering Feet suddenly felt prickly and invigorated to move fast to match my adrenaline rush.  Well, who can blame My Wandering Feet! …..  The backdrop of secluded coves with pristine white sand shimmering with clear and blue waters, longest and widest river in the country, rugged terrain, virgin forested mountains, thick and lusty mangroves, mysterious caves, and picture perfect landscapes simply took my breath away.  In a nutshell, I sensed that there was only ME, NATURE and an ULTIMATE ADVENTURE.

Cagayan Province

"Palaui:  A Dream Island"

Aside from the numerous paradise islands mentioned in the previous issue, there is this one that can be considered as an ultimate dream island. Ranked by CNN as the 10th among the Top 100 beaches in the world in 2013, Palaui Island is a ‘raw beauty’ to behold. The highlights of this island are its secluded and scenic tropical shores/coves, a charming 18th century Spanish lighthouse on top of the hill, wonderfully azure underwater excellent for snorkeling, and breathtaking vistas and sceneries.

Palaui Island is a National Marine Reserve as well as Protected Landscape and Seascape.  It is part of the CSZFP and considered as a model for ecotourism development.  Palaui became known to the world when it was used as the site of the Blood and Water episode of Survivor US.

Enjoyed the massage at the Nature Village provided by the women of Punta Verde.  Punta Verde is the only inhabited portion of the island with an estimated household of 100.  The guides and the workers come from these households.

Overnight accommodations are offered at the four cottages donated by the producers of “Survivor”. The crew stayed six months on the island for two seasons of the show.

The Trekking Trails

Lagunzad trail, a two- to three-hour trek through the forest and seaside is the longest. It is recommended for beginners. 

Leonardo trail, which cuts through the island’s thick forests and steep climbs, is more difficult.

The Siwangag Trail is the shortest and ends at the west side of the island. But if you are going to the Cape, choose either the Lagunzad or Leonardo.

The Trekking Adventure: Lagunzad Trail

The breathtaking scenes along the trail.

The views while climbing up to the Cape.

The lighthouse, Cape Engaño is declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum.

The lighthouse has the best view in the island. You can gaze at the rugged mountains, white beach with crystal blue water, bird's-eye view of nearby islands of  Dos Hermanas, and catch a glimpse of Camiguin and Batanes.

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