Travel time again.
This time to the north!
Sta Ana Cagayan it is.
Tip:: First tip, this place is more fun for groups. So bring your friends or family!
How to get here::
From Manila, ride a bus going Tuguegarao (Florida Bus Line or Victory Liner). Upon arrival at Tuguegarao city proper, take a tricycle going to the terminal of Vans going Sta Ana, embark at Sta Ana then tricycle going to your chosen hotel.
When To Go::
Summer of course is the best time to go there. But for me, First week of June is the best, simply because all the bakasyonistas during this time ay ubos na, so advantage pag nag picture picture kayo sa mga tourist spots dahil walang madaming tao sa background :)
Tip:: Stay here for at least 3 days.
Where to stay::
My Number 1 recommendation is the fabulous
Cagayan Holiday and Leisure Hotel. The hotel is composed of Villas so it is really better to go there in groups, since the hotel is expensive. You can check their rates on the link I've given above. But still, the hotel has a lot to offer and they have the best accommodation in town.
We stayed on one of their Villas, it has two rooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, dining area and a living room. Everything to need is in there, they also have a full packed refrigerator (drinks are for a cost of course). The whole Villa is fully air conditioned.
FIRST DAY
On your first day, you need to rest because of the long trip, so this hotel is totally the right one for you to relax and unwind. They have this infinity pool with a bar in the middle. So take a good swim in the morning and then relax. You can also have Water Sports like jet ski, banana boat ride and many more.
Where to eat::
There are actually a lot of restaurants near the hotel, so you can ride their cart (for free) and ask the driver to drive you up to the hotel gate. From there walk a bit until you reach the main hi-way, there's this humble restaurant in the corner so you can easily find it. Everything in there is fresh sea food and the menu is "paluto" style. Better try their Sinigang na Hipon and Buttered-Garlic Shrimp. Crabs is ideal too. You can also eat inside the hotel, but I'd rather not, it costs much.
Tip:: It is better to eat lunch along the road before you check in the hotel since the check in time is 12nn. Then have dinner in the restaurant I talked about.
In the evening, they have their Spa so you can try it. Oh I almost forgot, upon checking in, they'll give you complimentary stubs for the casino (yes, I forgot to say they have a Casino).
Second Day
What we did on our second day was to check out on our hotel early in the morning and rented a much cheaper one, because for this day, you won't be able to enjoy the hotel much, you'll be out doors. There are plenty of economic hotels there, located mostly near their "Centro" and Public Market.
Where to go::
First stop, PALAUI ISLAND. You need to get here early, so at 9am you should head out to the docks so you can reserved a boat for you and your crew. The boat usually costs P1800 good for 8-12 person plus the environmental protection fee that'll cost P50 per head (the prices may vary). You will be accompanied by one tour guide and one Bangkero. The trip is approx 1hr30mins-2hrs away.
Upon arrival, your first stop is to go up the old light house "Parola ng Cape Engaño". First look for the Magic Fruit, a fruit that can't be eaten according to the locals here. But I forgot what it's called.
You need to bring water, because the trip going up the light house is really exhausting. But the trail is friendly so for those who are heavy built, no need to worry. Due to the time of the year (June), there were no other people in this island except for our group and the husband and wife who are the care takers of this island.
Tip:: The View in the middle of the trail is really really fascinating! So better bring your best camera.
You really have to stop in the middle of the trail because you'll get tired. The tour guide will tell you when you should stop to catch a breathtaking view.
Going back down, it's a very good idea to take a swim at this coral beach, it will take care of your tired feet. So you can chill there for awhile, enjoy the view corals because you can't take it home (to preserve the island).
Next stop is to the Hidden Falls. It's hidden within the heart of this Island. The way going there is a bit hard, some of the way are steep and slippery. So don't bring your kids. I don't have pictures of the way going there, because as I said, it's kinda a hard way. So here's a picture of the fountain.
Tip:: You can drink the water here to freshen you up, just the water from the top. It's more than 6ft deep. So be careful.
One experience we can't forget is since we were a group, we were walking back to the beach from the fountain, half of our group walked in fast pace with the tour guide, while me, my boyfriend and two of our friends were walking a bit slower, together with the bangkero, because we're talking to each other. When we reached the beach, the group ahead of us were out of sight. We thought they were just hiding, so we decided to go swimming again. After 30mins or so, they come about the forest with their shirts worn inside out, they were all exhausted and laughing at the same time. So they went down to us, saying they were lost inside the forest and didn't find the way out. They were going in circles for how many times until they decided to wear their shirts inside out. Take note, they are the group with the tour guide. Creepy.
So after that, we went back to the port.
Tip:: you can buy different sea foods here in the port.
We went back to our new hotel, took a rest, then walked a little in the sea side, ate halo-halo in the market. Their halo-halo is a must try, because instead of putting leche flan on top of it, they're putting a cooked/steamed condensed milk. They also have this "unli-halo-halo" in which you can pick any ingredient that you want, unlimited.
Third Day
Again wake up early, check out from the hotel, eat breakfast somewhere there in Centro (
poblacion). The head
to Anguib Beach. From our hotel near the Market/Centro, it's a 10-15 minute drive. As for us, we have brought our car, to commute going Anguib you can rent a tricycle.
Food is not a problem here, you can buy fish from them and make 'paluto'. We have bought Tukmol fish and had it 'inihaw'.
Tip:: you can bring you own kayak or rent one.
After swimming, you can now head back home sometime after lunch.
Tip:: On your way back, don't forget to stop at Alcala to buy the famous and super yummy Alcala Candy. Don't miss this!
Photo below not mine, credits to google.
Sta Ana Cagayan Trip DONE! Hope I was of help ;)
You can comment below for questions. I'll try to answer the best I can.
