Cagayan Valley

Palaui Island Marine Reserve

Overview: Palaui is a volcanic island situated within one of the most treacherous bodies of waters in the country, with a shoreline running some 20.6km, and has a diverse ecosystem of coralline beaches, tall forest trees, sea grass meadows, mangroves, cliffs, tidal pools, springs, waterfalls, geological formations and endemic flora and fauna, with a protected area spanning about 7,400 hectares, with forests covering some 80% of the area. The whole island is a watershed and several falls direct fresh water to the ocean especially at rainy season. Declared a marine reserve under the category protected landscape and seascape in 1994, this well preserved frontier is also reputed to be home to species yet to be identified.

Cepaea hortensis 

Bug

Says MAYOR : “In Palaui, we found ourselves lost in the labyrinth of tall trees and thick foliage. Some trees looked fairly old; others bowed down to the ground. After sometime, we were crossing a vast dry field. Our pace was leisurely, but we were sweating under the scorching sun. We felt a desperate need for caffeine and cold soft drinks, but we ended up sucking on coffee candy. As we sat at the trail edge, a Cepaea hortensis snail displayed her effortless grace. After a while, another Scutelleridae critter appeared. We also snapped pictures of several lichens and fungi right off the trail." “Eventually, we reached the beach. The coves were lined with age-old pandanus, talisay, and agoho trees. Sea grass flourished in sizeable pools, evidenced by the large accumulation of detritus along the shores.”

Eco features: According to Mayor, “an inventory by Conservation International revealed at least two unidentified floral specimens and threatened and near-threatened species of wildlife in Palaui that include the dwarf king fisher, Terpsiphone cinnamomea, serpent eagle, and the tarictic hornbill. Some divers who conducted an underwater survey claimed to have seen species of marine sea slugs and snails that they have never seen anywhere else.”

Supporting organization: The Palaui Environmental Protector’s Association (PEPA) comprised of island resident’s monitor’s tourism related activities and other activities that can threaten the island. Klub Natur organizes guided eco tours for five to 10 persons.

How to get there: Take a Florida bus (tel:+632/743 3809, url: www.gvfloridatransport.com) from Earnshaw in Manila to Sta. Ana Cagayan terminal; then take a quadcycle (a local motorized commuter vehicle) to San Vicente Port where there are boats that can take passengers to any part of Palaui Island. When there, note that electricity is not available on the island plus cell phone signal is only on the island’s eastern side.

Where to stay: Manong Dyoni Gagote allows immersion in his home in Punta Verde, the only village in the eastern side of the island.

Photo and Article Source: Inflight Magazine (Seair)