RLF: Five years ago, I, and my High School friends, went to Palawan; specifically, in the beautiful City of Puerto Princesa. We stayed there for 3 nights and 4 days exploring the different wonderful destinations, natural and man-made, alike.
That time, we were blessed enough to avail of two packages; one for the airplane tickets (PAL), and another for the travel itself (accommodation and tour). Individually, we only spent Six (6) Thousand Pesos for the whole duration of our vacation. That amount, of course, is non-inclusive of souvenirs and pasalubongs. By the way, our group is consisted of 9 people.
For the following reasons, I personally consider this vacation as one of the most memorable in my life:
- First time to board an aircraft
- First time to go out-of-town with my friends
- First time to snorkel
- First time to do Island hopping
- First time to enter a "barless" prison; and mingle with the inmates
- etc.
In this blog post, I will narrate the happy moments that took place in our vacation, from Day 1 to Day 4.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AND FIREFLY WATCHING
Aboard a Philippine-Airline flight, we landed in Puerto Princesa Airport at noon time. We were fetched by a Van courtesy of the Tour Agency who managed our itinerary; and brought us FRAN PENSION HOUSE. From noon time until 6:00 PM, we rested in our rooms.
At 7:00 PM, we went to Leslie's Restaurant and had dinner. After dinner, we headed to IWAHIG RIVER for firefly watching. FEAR and AMAZEMENT ruled in my heart during the watch. I was fearful because the river is so dark. The only light we had were the shining stars, the fireflies and the tiny flash flight from our tour guide/bankero. Adding to the fear was the thought that the river might be home for some predatory animals, such as crocodiles. The fear of the unknown, once more, struck me to the bones. On the other hand, I was totally amused to the vibrant communities of fireflies. They were countless. They were dancing. They were beautiful!
It was also interesting to note the presence of so many microscopic plankton in the river. These organisms were responsible for the river's glowing effect when stirred by hands.
DAY 2: CITY TOUR; VISIT TO THE UNDERGROUND RIVER; AND DINNER AT KINABUCH
At 7:00 AM, we started touring the City of Puerto Princesa. We went to Plaza Cuartel, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Baker's Hill, Mitra's Ranch, Iwahig Penal Colony, and Binuatan Creations.
The City Tour only lasted for approximately 2 hours because on that same day, we were also scheduled to go to the Underground River. And going there, according to our tour guide, will take 2 to 3 hours in travel.
Going to the Underground River was not a smooth ride; therefore, taking an antiemetic medicine (against vomiting and nausea) is a must.
We reached the Sabang Beach at around 12nn, just in time for lunch. Sabang Beach, by the way, is the converging point for those who wish to visit the Underground River. From there, it will only take a 10-minute boat ride to reach the River.
The Underground River was very beautiful. Worthy to be included in the 7 wonders of nature.
The different rock formations inside and the surrounding turquoise water were, really, astonishing! I am convinced that there is, truly, a CREATOR.
It just saddened me to know that there were little parts of the Underground River that are vandalized. According to our tour guide, those graffiti were made long time ago, long before the Underground River became a tourist hotspot. But just the same, I am marveled!
After the tour in the Underground River, we headed back to the City proper of Puerto Princesa. And, to end our long tiring day, we had dinner at KINABUCHS Grill and Bar.
DAY 3: HONDA BAY ISLAND HOPPING
Palawan is well-known by its pristine beaches and rich biodiversity. In our 3rd day, we were blessed enough to experience the richness of its natural treasures.
We went to Honda Bay and had an initial snorkeling session at the Pambato Reef 1. True to its name "pambato," it is indeed, something the Philippines can be proud of.
From Pambato Reef 1, we visited and explored 3 islands in Honda Bay, namvely: Pandan Island, Snake Island and Starfish Island.
It's a good thing that aside from the ordinary camera, we also had an underwater camera to capture the magnificent sight under the sea.
We ended our day 3 by another sumptuous dinner at KALUI'S Restaurant.
DAY 4: DEPARTURE
Our departure flight from Puerto Princesa City was early in the morning. And so, no activities were lined up for us.
It was with a heavy heart that we left Palawan.
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