Palaui Island: The Lighthouse and Snorkeling at Cape Engano

Woke up early the next day, prepared our packed lunch. The sky was so clear by the time we started the trek, paid a visit at the Navy's Office for registration (showed the Day Pass, no fees collected) then went to another house for another registration (For Hired Guide Purpose, no fees collected)

We crossed a short bridge before reaching the fork (Leonardo and Lagunzad trail). Leonardo's Trail was considered a difficult trail among the 3 trails going to Cape Engano and for us to reach Baratubot Falls we need to trek on this trail. 

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Lazardo Trail
named after the famous scientist

Upon reaching an open field, we saw migratory birds flocked a rice field across and few mountains in the background. Reaching the falls would possible covers about an hour (depends on the pacing) and need to pass a mountain. 

We agreed not to push to Baratubot Falls and Lakwatserang Pinay was not ready to trek such trail that time.

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The first half going to Lagunzad trail covers the entire trek along the shoreline. The sun shone brightly that early morning, perfect for trekking. 

Sea grasses washed along the shoreline, while from a far strong waves crushing, kissing the rocks.

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Reaching Cape Engano's Lighthouse requires to pass a mountain, though the trail is not technical in terms of difficulty and if you're not into hiking you might experience back pain and cramps. Gradual to some slopes before reaching a rice field to Lagunzad Trail sign.

Exiting Lagunzad trail welcomes you to a vast green field were Carabaos lay pastured. Amazed by the view, I was running around the place and right above the field is the Lighthouse.... I wished I brought a kite with me.

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Open Field
(click picture for larger view)

Closer look at Dos Hermanos Island

We also had a closer look of the inhabited Dos Hermanos Island. Only the locals were able to visit the island, nothing special on the island according to our guide as it is all made of rocks. Either high tide or Low, boats cannot dock properly on the island's coast since it doesn't have any shoreline.

Savoring the view, we then headed to the Lighthouse. A 260+ concrete  steps were installed for visitors. From the top, the beauty of Cape Engano can be witnessed. 

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The lighthouse is still working however the rest of the structures are now ruined. 

After few PhotoOps, we headed straight to Cape Engano where our boat was waiting for us. 

Faro de Cabo Engaño
(click photo for larger view)

View seen from The Lighthouse
(click picture for larger view)

Open Field

Dos Hermanos

Shoreline facing Dos Hermanos

Cape Engano

Cape Engano is good for snorkeling, not perfect for swimming since the sea bed is full of corals. A meter away from the shoreline, you'll see corals underneath. We spent about an hour or two snorkel until exhausted. 

It was a Forest under water, from fluffy type of corals to Brain-like one. It was indeed a colorful world down there, Blue starfish, electric blue and green colored fish every where. Unfortunately, no photos were taken because we bought DSLRs that time. 

As seen on the photo, the blueish colored portion of the cape is deep, while the brown portion on the side are actually corals. It was my first time to do snorkel, and I begun to liked it. Our next stop was Crocodile Island

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Palaui Island : Nature Village
Palaui Island : Stuck at Crocodile Island
Palaui Island : Love at First Sight - Anguib Cove