Palaui Island Trip Day 3: Exploring the Island

On our last day at Palaui, my sister and I decided to just explore the island and trek to some of its hidden gems. We arranged from Nature Village for an island guide who will accompany us around the island. Ate Maricar was assigned to us. We told her that we want the see the nearest waterfalls and to trek to some of the islands nearby beaches.

Waking up with this beautiful view!

She then led the way along the shore until we reached a structure (a shed of some sort) that according to her was the place where the TV Survivor tribal council meetings were held. The hut was still in great shape, but is now plagued with hermit crabs. So that makes it Survivor, Palaui Island: Hermit Crab Edition. We took some pictures and played with the hermit crabs for a while (hermit crab racing) before we continued on with our trek.

Survivor Palaui Island!

We left the shore and went deeper into the island where we met the Aeta Community. Since we were there during the weekdays, we were given an opportunity to observe one of the Aeta children classes. There was only one classroom and about 20 students so it was not clear to us if they have grade levels. The teacher who was in front of the class was also an Aeta and she was teaching the kids about Mathematics. I guess counting was important to them since that would come in handy during trade and doing business with other communities.

Palaui Island Trip Day 2: Island Hopping Tour

My sister and I woke up early the next day to attend the INC Sunday morning worship service. After the service, we texted our boatman and hired a trike to San Vicente Port, where we will meet them. At the port, Manong Peralta was already waiting for us and we were introduced to our guide and boatmen for the Palaui Island Tour.

The first stop for our Palaui Island Tour was at Engano Cove.

The rocky part of the alluring Cape Engano Cove!

It was the starting point for the short hike to Cape Engano Lighthouse. Upon arriving at the cove, we were directed to a booth where we were required to hire a guide worth Php300.00. One guide is only good for 4 tourists. Much as I want not to hire a guide since the lighthouse is already visible from where we were standing. We decided against it because on a second thought, the guide fee will help the locals especially those whose only source of income is the budding tourism of the island.

The Batanes-esque feel of Palaui Island!