Palawan is an unspoiled island rich in luscious white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. I believe it is in every Pinoy wanderlust's bucket list. Last February 21-24, 2015, I was blessed enough to explore Palawan's capital, Puerto Prinsesa City with my former office mates.
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| The Rosario Family, my trip buddies! |
We coordinated with our host Marian Home Inn for a guided tour for a 3D/2N stay. The inclusions of the package arranged by Marian include accommodation with free breakfast, air-conditioned van for transportation, boat rides, services of a licensed tour guide, entrance fees and cottage fees.
Basically, this was how our tour went:
DAY 1:
AM - Arrival at Puerto Prinsesa City, a representative from Marian Fetch us at the airport
PM - Half day City Tour which includes historic sites and pasalubong centers
- Bay walk (Local version of bay walk of manila)
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral
- Souvenir Shop/Market
- Mitra’s Ranch
- Baker’s Hill - famous for their Hopia
- Binuatan Weaving Center - See materials from indigenous grasses and plants hand woven and designed into colorful table runners, bags, and other works of art
- Crocodile Farm
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| Jose Mari at Crocodile Farm |
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| Baker's Hill have these life-size statues of cartoon characters and colorful ornaments around. |
We were served light snacks during our stop at Baker's Hill.
DAY 2:
The second day of out IT was allotted for the Puerto Prinsesa Underground River Tour. We started our day early and had a 2-3 hours travel to Sabang via aircon van on a rugged and winding road while enjoying the scenic beauty of the countryside. We inserted had a stopover at Ugong Rock Adventures to experience caving and spelunking since it's along the way. Spell tough fun!
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| Before the trek to the cave |
Fast forward to arriving at Sabang, the jump off spot going to PPUR. We ate our buffet lunch at a restaurant by the beach. We even tried tamilok (wood worm) there. Gosh, it was slimy!!! >_<
After lunch, we headed to the waiting area for our boat ride which lasted for around 20-30 minutes I think. There also were native monkeys in the waiting area which caught our interest. Mind you, those little fellows are quite naughty to don't leave your valuables, even water bottles, unattended.
Then, another waiting time for the cave exploration. The tour inside the cave was around 30-45 minutes. It's funny how the boatmen were well-rehearsed on explaining rock formations inside the cave. Same script, different delivery.
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| On the way to PPUR |
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While waiting for the boat ride to the cave...
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DAY 3:
Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour. The activities we did include:
- fish feeding - my favorite part! friendly amazing fishes swim to you when you have food nomnom
- snorkeling
- eating every food our tour guide cooked for us
- picture taking
- more picture taking
Unfortunately, I don't have pictures in my camera on that day because I got too lazy so I just relied on my friends' shots. We almost have the same set of pictures anyway.
*****
Some of us actually stayed there for 4 days, however, Day 4 was like a 'free day' and it's up to us where and how to spend it. In our case, we just bought some pasalubong at Baker's Hill and killed the remaining time at the inn watching Animal Planet and Nat Geo. ;)
After the trip, I had loved three things about Puerto Prinsesa... or Palawan in general:
- fresh and cheap sea foods
- scenic beaches
- chill province life
There is still Coron and El Nido as reasons for going back to Palawan and yes, definitely I will go back hopefully in the coming months. Ahem! Piso fare Ceb Pac or Air Asia pleaaase! :3 Wait for me, Palawan!
Shout out to the courteous and reliable staff of Marian Home Inn. Thank you so much for accomodating us! For a cozy and homey feeling without a guilt of being ripped off while at Puerto Prinsesa, I recommend you to stay at Marian's Home Inn. It's very accessible and the pay is worth it. And no, this is not an ad. :)