Palaui road trip
Looking down the cliff reminded me of my visit to the Batanes islands. the sight of a fifty meter cliff keeps me close to the railings and on solid ground. There are two islands a couple hundred meters away to the north. And in between, rough, white top waves. Passing by the channel an hour after, was one of those boatrides where we really had to hold on. Cape engano is on this northernmost tip of the Palaui island. It serves as a beacon for seafarers. a 30 meter structure stands tall and overlooking the coast.It would be nice to talk some history about this lighthouse, but i am no hostorian nor am i a writer. I just like to make short notes about my trips on the shallowest level. That way i dont have to write anything complicated or get myself in trouble.
From the cove, it would take us a short 30 minute trek. We arrive here and meet Arnold, Odie and Fred. They are here for their second night camping. And it must have taken them two something hours from the island port on the other side of the island. We would leave them to try their luck, again, at another sunset shoot. The weather and the clouds were not on our side this time.
The boatride around Palaui showed the various characteristics of the island. On the north is the open sea. Only Camiguin and Fuga is 4 hours north on rough seas by boat. The inner coast had reefs and beaches both for diving and snorkling. Some areas have been designated as fish sanctuaries and therefore offlimits to any activity. Game fishing has so far been the common sport among the island's visitors.
Amiboy and his two boatmen prepared breakfast of Sinigang and barbequed fish over an open fire at beachside. We let them do their thing as we went around the beach to shoot anything that would catch our eye.
The day started out slow and dull. But it picked up a bit when we got to the Angib beach on the mainland. After circling Palaui Island. The weather was warm and the tide was setting out. The beach was 'ok'. Clear waters, white sand and not too much trash. Anna didnt like the seagrass though. I brought along my snorkling gear just in case we find an exceptional place to use it. For now, it was kept dry. We did not visit the snorklng areas we were told about. Again, that’ll be something to come back for.
Back at our lodge, we'd download photos taken for the day. It was a Good Friday and no people were around. And Mel's restaurant was closed for the day. We were allowed to cook our own dinner though. Maybe if we had known, we might have been more prepared. So, we had to have our dinner somewhere else. We rested early in preparation for the next day's long drive back to Manila.
As we were about to leave, we had a really long chat with Engineer Cortez. Apparently, He owns the guest house we stayed in. He also has a fleet of buses that plyed tuguegarao to sta ana. And best of all, was planning to put up a beach front resort. Now, all we need are kayaks and a very knowledgable tour guide. This got us thinking that we'd really be back soon. Of course, we had to put on the table some ideas that we'd like to have in the resort.
The drive back home was very long. We had to head back a day earlier than what we had planned. My trip to Malaysia could not be adjusted. So, maximizing the time and holidays we had, I would get 6 hours of rest before I had to be at the airport. Thats another story.
