SABANG X ZIPLINE: Where everything is BLUE and GREEN

Aside from the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour, we also tried the ZIPLINE adventure in Sabang. Going there will require some calory-burning walk, because of the 30-minute trek up a hill where the starting point is located. The adventure costs around Php. 500 to 550 (forgot the exact amount). They offered two zipline positions, namely: sitting and "superman." We tried the sitting position because it is much cheaper compared to the other one. After all, one can still have a 360° view of the BLUE and GREEN environment regardless of the position.  BLUE for the ocean and sky; and GREEN for the island vegetation. 

 

Sabang Mangroves Paddle Boat Tour in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Our paddle boat tour in the protected area of sabang mangroves is really unexpected. This only came up as a suggestion from our tour guide so as not to waste our time waiting in the long queue of tourists going to the world-famous underground river (FYI: the sabang area serves as the "gateway" to the underground river). We grabbed this opportunity of exploring the area, since according to the guide, a very rich biodiversity is thriving there. The tour costs around Php. 300 to 400 per person (forgot the exact amount) and inclusive of a boatman and an exclusive local guide. It is interesting to note that the paddle boat operation there is part of a community-based forest management efforts of the local government in collaboration with some non-governmental organizations. The locals there earn, while protecting the environment. They also earn, while educating the tourists about biodiversity and conservation. 

IN PHOTOS: The Hidden and Secret Beach of EL Nido, Palawan

We just don't know, but the feeling of "PEACE" and "SOLITUDE" warm our hearts every time we see the ocean; hear the attractive sound of its waves; and play along the sand in the shore.  

Experiencing first-hand the stunning beaches in El Nido is truly a blessing from GOD.  It allows us to see, even in a bit, the mastery and majesty of GOD, the Creator of all things.  In the Nicene Creed, GOD is the Creator of the visible and the invisible, which undoubtedly includes the HIDDEN and the SECRET.

Here are some photos in El Nido's world-reknowned Hidden and Secret Beaches:


THE HIDDEN BEACH

VIDEO: Snorkeling at Talisay Island, El Nido, Palawan

Talisay Island is located near the famous Matinloc Shrine. It is one among the many breathtaking snorkeling site in El Nido. The Coral Reefs are just a meter away from the sea surface giving tourists an almost close-up encounter with the different marine species - the sessile and the mobile. 

Just be careful in your movements because one careless move can destroy the reefs and can cause you some injuries.

The Enchanting Lagoons of El Nido, Palawan

Lagoons, according to National Geographic Website, "are shallow bodies of water that may have an opening to a larger body of water, but is also protected from it by a sandbar or coral reef;"  and, in some cases, rock formations.  According to our local guide, lagoons (under standard tour package A) are one of the most visited attractions in the place.  We were able to visit three (3) of the lagoons, namely: Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. These three were uniquely beautiful in their own rights.  But, among the three, it was the serenity of the small lagoon that enchanted us the most.

The water inside the El Nido lagoons are almost always calm and tranquil due to the fact that rock formations serve as barrier from the wavy open sea. This lead us to reflect, somehow, the personification of the LORD JESUS CHRIST as the rock. Just like how the rock formations ensure the serenity of the lagoons, so as CHRIST in ensuring the peace within us amidst the uncertainties and dangers of life.

The Beautiful Coral Reefs of El Nido, Palawan

Few weeks ago, GOD gave us a wonderful opportunity of visiting EL NIDO in the Island of Palawan. One of the highlight of our tour, and for us the most interesting, was to go under water and see the diversity of marine species inhabiting the place. We tried SCUBA Diving (our second time by the way) and lots of snorkeling in different locations. We were amazed by the richness of its marine life. No wonder, Palawan is, indeed, the "last frontier" in terms of Philippine ecology. 

The surge of tourists, both local and foreign, is a testament to the popularity of the place as one of the prime eco-tourism destination of the world.  Impressively, the people of El Nido knows their economics and responsibilities to nature pretty well. According to some locals that we spoke to, they are prohibited to do commercial fishing as many of the fishing sites are considered protected areas. They are aware that the destruction of marine life would mean lesser tourists which, in turn, will result to lesser jobs. Eco-tourism is the primary source of livelihood in El Nido. 

Remembering Paradise, remembering Puerto Princesa

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.