"We can't make it to the Karaoke Night and PTB Meet Up, bus will leave at 8 in the evening and we need to be there earlier than eight..." --- missing in action on this event was the topic of our small talks...well most of the time.
Road to Palaui and then some
Angel and Gael went back to Palaui to finally conquer Cape Engaño Light house. The same light house that they tried to visit the first time they set foot at Palaui, an island at the northeast most point of the Philippines. But unlike their first attempt, they invited 3 more travelers: Me, Darwin and Ed. (If you want to know their first attempt click Gael and Angel).
It was a restless night , I was never a fan of sleeping on a night bus plus being a night shifter, it didn't help to get some shut eye. Good thing Gael is awake and we got small talks once in a while, but most of the time my phone kept me busy as the bus silently traverse the long and winding road to Tuguegarao, Cagayan Valley.
I finally doze off while listening to John Mayer's "Dreaming of A Broken Heart"...
The sound of hunger awaken me around 6 in the morning, the bus was already on a halt for a short stop over on a cafeteria along the road. Went down and bought rice porridge to make me full; it will take another 4 hours before we reach our destination so eating is essential.
After 10-11 hours, "We meet again, Tuguegarao!". We took a quick lunch and boarded the earliest van bound to Sta. Ana, Cagayan. The sun was already high and the ride to Sta. Ana was sleepy and uneventful. Three hours after, we find ourselves at Centro, where you can buy your supplies and groceries for the overnight camping at the island. A short tricycle trip brought us at San Vicente Port where we meet our boatman and guide that will officially bring us to the island. Finally sea water at last!
Lagunzad Trail, My Own Kryptonite
We're told that there will be a trek part before we could reach the beach, I'm all fine with that. I've been to long walks, mountain climbing and all so a 2 hour trek would be a walk in the park ---but that wishful thinking exist only on an alternate universe. The trek to the cove on the other side of the island was funny, happy, tiring and challenging. All of this emotion led me to realize not to underestimate simple treks like this. Finally, after considering everything I call Lagunzad Trail my own Kryptonite.
It's my own Kryptonite because of the following:
* The gorgeous view you will see along the way, it changes from shores, mangrove forests, hills, beautiful view of the near by Dos Hermanas Island, farmland, and meadows. All of this on just one trail. It weakens the photographer in me, seeing this escapes all in one place, where in the world can you see these view in one setting!
* The Meadows was the best place to try self portrait, along with the rest of the Pinoy Travel Bloggers (PTB) we didn't stop taking photos of our selves. From "Artista" shots to group shots to "Wacky" shots. You name it, we got it! I never enjoyed being in front of the camera as much as I did here for the longest time. Maybe that China trip made me realize I should take photos of myself more often (lol).
* Because of the long ride to get to Palaui Island and being mentally unprepared, I consider this trail very challenging. Specially the uphill climb, don't get me wrong, I've climb Mt. Pulag and Mt. Pinatubo but being mentally prepared will surely help you on this kinds of trek. But making the situation a positive one, this is another good form of cardiovascular-exercise that I long since it was raining in Laguna the past weeks.
The moon shined brightly when we finally reach the cove, as it serves a source of light for us during the night. Setting up our tents and finishing dinner means only one thing --- night swimming it is!
Same, Same but Different
Mornings was shared with some photo sessions and a bit of small talks but the main event was the climb to the Cape Engaño Lighthouse. It will only take you a good 5-10 minutes to climb up including stops for photo ops.
As I climb the concrete stairs to the lighthouse, Palaui Island showed it's hidden beauty. The cove on your right and the cliffs on your left --- cliffs that has a resemblance with that of Batanes. Upon seeing this view I suddenly remember how people describe the Philippines when compared to the rest of Southeast Asia..."same,same but different". It applies to Palaui Island when I say it looks like Batanes. You'll have the best view of Dos Hermanas Island and the cliffs found at the back of the lighthouse.
After conquering Palaui Island, I consider this trip as one of the best on my list. It may be a long drive and a challenging trek but the feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment makes it worthwhile. Plus gaining new friends along the way makes it more legendary!
This may be my last blog entry about my trip to the northeastern island of the Philippines but I tell you this won't be the last time you hear me talk about my experience on this trip. Thanks again for the invite and nice meeting you all Gael, Angel, Ed and Darwin, 'till our next adventure!
I made short video of our trip...so Enjoy!
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9 comments:
awesome post jerome! so glad to finally get on the road at the time when I needed it the most! nice to have experienced it with other PTB members too!
thanks ed! waiting for your side of the story
wow nmn.. galing :)) mapupuntahan ko din yan!
Hindi ako nagsasawang balik-balikan yung mga side stories of our Palaui adventure. And kapag naiisip ko, parang ang bilis ng mga pangyayari but it left indelible memories. Thanks guys. The trip wouldn't be the same without you! More travels to come :))
@ Batang Lakwatsero thanks Ivan! hahaha soon makakarating ka rin dyan
@Angel agian thanks for the invite. salamat sa pagsama sa amin sa Palaui!
ganda! yeah the topography looks like Batanes. this should be in my list in the future!
Will add yours to my blog list!
@DGF thanks sir. you should visit the place. Ayus sa photography and beach is very clean
Naaliw ako masyado. Good job, Jerome! Ganda blog mo.
@ Tita Lil thanks po and thanks for dropping by
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