The gloomy skies brought drizzles the morning after we arrived in Sta. Ana, Cagayan. But the mood swings of the weather did not dampen our desire to see the elusive Palaui Island. Still, our local guide from the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority told us that we could only proceed with the trip if the weather permitted us.

The free Wi-Fi at the lobby of Sun City, where we stayed during the night, kept us wired and entertained while we waited for the travel advice. After waiting for about two hours, we hopped on the bus and went to San Vicente Port, where the boats were waiting. The skies were still gray but the seas seemed tranquil. And so off we went to our first stop, the Siwangag Cove, an untouched marine sanctuary in the northwestern part of Palaui Island.

According to CEZA environmental specialist Ernesto Ablao, the Siwangag Cove used to protect naval ships from strong waves. But in 1994, the whole Palaui Island was declared as a protected area through the National Integrated Protected Area System Act. Since we had limited time, we headed to Cape Engaño after a few snapshots of the cove’s rough beach.