Palaui Island, Sta. Ana

After 15 hours or more of bus journey, who could resist this fantastic view?

Out of excitement, I took as many pictures as I could, 

never care if my battery drained (I got 2 more spare.. yeehaw!), 

never care if i hit my camera on the rocks,  

never care if the sea water get into my "all-weather" camera. 

Palaui Island is at the northeast tip of Luzon, the waves are moderate to somewhat harsh. Be brave to endure the meter high waves as you approach the coastline to Cape Engano. 

After the bombarding of waves in the outrigger boat, there is this feeling of a "real winner".

The pristine water, the white sand, the green surroundings, and your picture with the 18th century colonial structure, is your trophy.  The Faro de Cabo Engano was first lighted on December 31, 1892.

 

 

Exploring the olden settlement, you won't let the a moment pass without taking a picture of everything that catches your attention. 

Everything seems so beautiful that there are no words to describe what is in there that you felt. Seeing the Dos Hermanos island and the Camiguin de Babuyanes not far from sight.

 The fascination just won't last. It's like a dream. 

The charm of Lighthouses are simply irresistible. Their stories are captivating.

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Santa Ana, Cagayan

To reach this town of Santa Ana, Cagayan, one must ready himself for the 15 hour bus ride from Manila.
This town might be simple in the eyes of many and might also be unpopular, but it holds surprisingly costly resorts and casinos.

According to history, this town of Santa Ana was not named after a saint, but of their local officials. The word "Santa" was just attached to make it more conventional.

 

Home to numerous marine species, Santa Ana is also a dive spot. Lots of adventure activities can be done. Braving the waves alone going to Palaui maybe as exciting as paddling a boat in the rapids. 

The sunrise in this part of the town is majestic, the bursting colors of sunrising is rejuvenating. The waves reaching the shoreline is quiet. Unlike any other beaches, the waves are somewhat "noiseless".

Life is indeed simple here in Santa Ana. The beauty of this humble town is hidden unless you explore it, just like every other sleepy places.

Santa Ana, is also home to the Cagayan Freeport Zone. To get here, Florida Bus in Sampaloc and Cubao offered direct limited trip to Santa Ana and vice versa. Or from Tuguegarao, you can opt to take the shuttle vans to Santa Ana. Drop off point is the central terminal, just across the public market of Santa Ana. Mode of transportations from the town center is tricyle.