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Baratubut Falls: A Relaxing Dip Amid Trekking Palaui

Baratubut Falls gave us a refreshing treat before we fully go to a  tiresome trek to Engaño Lighthouse. It’s not as widely popular as the lighthouse nor Dos Hermanas Islands, but going to the falls is definitely one of the must do’s while in Palaui Island.

December 10, 2016 — There are two trails that lead to Cape Engaño Lighthouse: one is Leonardo trail and the other, Lagunzad trail. Leonardo trail passes by Baratubut Falls and continues through a challenging forest trail and steep hill climbs going to the lighthouse. For this side trip, we took Leonardo’s trail just so we can witness the beautiful cascading waterfalls that Palaui takes pride in and then went back to trek via Lagunzad trail.

 

Baratubut Falls, Palaui, Cagayan Valley

Baratubut Falls, Palaui, Cagayan Valley

Baratubut Falls, Palaui, Cagayan Valley

Baratubut Falls, Palaui, Cagayan Valley

Baratubut Falls, Palaui, Cagayan Valley

 

We started first by passing through the center of the village that houses the community garden, pre-school and also what seemed like the official Registration Area where we have arranged the payment for our tour guides – Ate Fe and Ate Vergie. After the settlement, we crossed a shaky hanging bridge – walking pass by a mangrove area.

At the early phase, we’ve passed by flat grassy terrains – an easy walk which leads to a gradual muddy slope where the challenge is keeping our feet balanced despite the slipperiness.

The trek could have been easier if the soil was dry. We weren’t prepared for the swampy trek, so there were moments when we just took off our sandals and walked barefoot, letting our skin be covered in dirt and clay. When we came across small streams of running water, we washed our feet from time to time to remove the chunks of mud from our toes. (Lesson: Wear trekking shoes! Haha!)

 

Baratubut Falls, Palaui, Cagayan Valley

 

After 10-15 minutes of walking, we can already hear the gush of water. We’ve approached the first level of the waterfalls.

 

Baratubut Falls, Palaui, Cagayan Valley

Baratubut Falls, Palaui, Cagayan Valley

 

Hiking up further, we marveled at the sight of cool mountain water flowing through huge rocks, cascading down the small basin. Tourists can sit down on the rocks and let the chilling water refresh their exhaustion. As for us, we went back to the Lagunzad trail leading to the lighthouse.

 

Baratubut Falls, Palaui, Cagayan Valley

 

 

Guide to Baratubut Falls, Cagayan Valley

  • During rainy season, make sure to bring a raincoat. If none, buy an oversized plastic bag at Tita Leoning ‘s near the PASAMOBA office.
  • Bring water during the hike.
  • Wear trekking shoes/sandals especially on muddy pathways to avoid slipping.
  • Always listen to the advice of boatmen and tour guides.

 

Things to Bring

  • Sunblock lotion
  • Scarf, cap or shades
  • Raincoat (just in case)
  • Waterproof bag / dry bag
  • Waterproof casing for phones and action cameras
  • Water-resistant bag covers
  • Sturdy high friction sandals for trekking

 

Contact Persons

Palaui Island Tour Operator (c/o PASAMOBA)

Person to look for: Kuya Edwin
Mobile number: 0926-906-4657

 

Eden’s Lodge (Accommodation in Sta. Ana)

Person to look for: JR
Mobile number: 0977-827-6391)

 

Elsa’s Homestay (Accommodation in Punta Verde)

Person to look for: Ate Elsa
Mobile number: 0905-283-2559

 

Itinerary and Budget

Note: This itinerary was based on a group of 6 persons during a 2016 trip.

 

Day 1 (December 9) 11:00 AM ETD Tuguegarao Airport from Manila ₱ 1,400/head (Roundtrip Tickets)
12:10 AM ETA Tuguegarao City / Eat Early Lunch at Jomar’s Panciteria ₱ 90/head (Super Special Pancit)
1:15 AM ETD Callao Cave, Penablanca ₱ 250/head (Tricycle Service)
2:30 PM ETA at Pinacauan River to Callao Cave/explore ₱ 20/head (Boat Ride to Cave); ₱ 20/head (Callao Cave Entrance); ₱ 50/head (Tour Guide Fee)
4:30 PM ETD to Van Terminal Bound to Sta. Ana
5:30 PM ETA to Van Terminal / ETD to Sta. Ana Town Proper ₱ 180/head (Van Fare)
8:50 PM Check in at Eden’s Lodge overnight ₱ 342/head (Accommodation)
9:30 PM Dinner / Socials / Sleep time
Day 2 (December 10) 6:00 AM Wake up / Prep time
6:45 AM ETD from Eden’s Lodge to San Vicente Port ₱ 20/head (Tricycle)
7:00 AM ETA San Vicente Port / Talk to PASAMOBA Kuya Jun ₱ 1,167/head (Tour Package); ₱ 70/head (Environmental Fee)
7:30 AM Breakfast at Tita Leoning’s
8:40 AM ETD Punta Verde, Palaui
9:05 AM ETA Punta Verde, Palaui, Checked in at Ate Elsa’s Homestay ₱ 250/head (Homestay)
9:40 AM Trek to Baratubut Falls and trek along Mabolbol Shore ₱ 117/head (Tour Guide Fee)
2:00 PM Lunch at Cape Engano ₱ 150/head (Lunch)
4:30 PM ETD back to Boat
5:30 PM ETA to Boat / Pass by Siwangag Cove and Fuga Moro Island
7:00 PM Elsa’s Homestay Punta Verde / Eat Dinner ₱ 150/head (Dinner)
8:00 PM Socials/Shower/Sleep
Day 3 (December 11) 6:00 AM Wake up/Prep/Breakfast
8:30 AM ETD to Crocodile Island
9:00 AM ETA in Crocodile Island
12:30 PM ETD Crocodile Island to Anguib Beach / Mangrove Area
1:00 PM ETA Anguib Beach / Eat Lunch ₱ 100/head (Beach Entrance Fee); ₱ 150/head (Lunch)
4:00 PM ETD San Vicente Port via Boat
5:00 PM ETA Sta. Ana / Checked in at Kat-Kat Lodge/Shower ₱ 10/head (Tricycle); ₱ 167/head (Accommodation)
7:00 PM Dinner at Noodle House in Cagayan Leisure and Resort
8:00 PM Socials
11:00 PM Sleep
Day 4 (December 12) 2:30 AM Wake up call/Prep
3:00 AM ETD Tuguegarao Airport via Van ₱ 180/head (Van Fare)
6:00 AM ETA Tuguegarao Town Proper / Eat Breakfast /Buy Pasalubong
7:00 AM ETA Airport
10:00 AM ETD to Manila
ESTIMATED BUDGET ₱ 4,883 / head

 

 

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Relevant Searches

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