Underground Wonder

Day 4: Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour

We arrived at PPC at around 11 in the evening. We were very much excited because tonight we're going to try couchsurfing. Couchsurfing is a thing that travelers do in which you stay at a host's house for free so as to give an opportunity to share your life, culture, etc, with each other. People have been doing it since 2004. All you have to do is sign up at their website and look for a host based on your destination. To know more about this awesome traveling adventure, check out Couchsurfing.org.

Couchsurfing

We took a tricycle towards our host's house and we were greeted with all smiles by our generous host. He is a member of the Philippine Navy, but is currently on leave so that he can focus on doing other things that he's interested at, such as being a diving instructor. His guesthouse was really spacious with lots of rooms and common areas, where I imagine various travelers are able to share their stories. One traveler we met there told us that she's been couchsurfing for about a year now and that the one we were staying at in PPC was probably the most comfortable she's had because in other hosts, she told us that she just slept on the floor or on the couch. We settled in for the night and braced ourselves for one of the world's 7 wonders the morning after.

Common Area

Our Nipa Room

View from the top of stairs

Our couchsurfing host was the one who arranged our Underground River Tour, which was worth 1500 pesos inclusive of van and boat transfers, environmental fee, tour fee, and buffet lunch. We were fetched by the van at around 9 am, and had our 1 1/2 hour ride to the port located at Sabang Town, which is 80 km north from PPC. There is a stopover about an hour into the ride, and before arriving at Sabang Town, we stopped for a short photo ops in front of the Karst Mountain, one of the legs of the Philippine version of the Amazing Race.

Karst Mountain

Sabang Port

Sabang got its name by combining Tagalog words which mean "fresh water" and "salt water." You can choose to hike to the entrance or take a ~15 minute boat ride. Upon arrival at the port, the tour guide arranged for the boat, and we were transferred from port to the entrance of the Underground River.

At the Entrance

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a protected national park located in the St. Paul Mountain Range, bordered by St. Paul Bay to the north and Babuyan River to the east. The Cabayugan River runs for 8.2 km inside the 24 km long cave before it joins the West Philippine Sea, with only about 4.3 km of the river being navigable by boat. It became part of the New 7 Wonders of Nature last November 11, 2011.

Boat Groufie before entering the PPUR

At the mouth of PPUR

Upon entry, I was not really expecting anything since I am not really interested in caving or related activities. But I was really in awe with everything inside the cave. It is a beauty that you should see at least once in your lifetime, and in person! The tour guide was also very interactive and fun to listen to. Although you may stink of bat droppings and sweat once you leave, it is truly a great wonder of nature. All you need to bring is your brilliant imagination. Beware of using your mobile phones or other gadgets, and food is not allowed inside the cave because of the monkeys.

Entrance to PPUR

Inside one of the 7 Wonders of Nature

After what felt like a 15 minute tour or more, we headed back to the port at Sabang where we had our buffet lunch at one of the beach resorts there. Then we headed back to PPC where we asked the tour guide to drop us off at the souvenir hub.

Lunch

We bought souvenirs and then headed back to our host's house. After packing our stuff, we decided to indulge in couchsurfing. We talked to other couchsurfers staying there, and with our generous host as well. It made us regret the decision that we only stayed there for only one night because it was a really nice experience to be able to exchange stories with fellow travelers, and to make friends with all of them. I made a vow I'd go back, or would at least try couchsurfing again in my future travels.

Around 45 minutes before our flight, we headed back to the airport, and with heavy hearts, left for home.

Palawan is truly a beauty of nature, that gives you that "I-could-get-used-to-this" feeling. My experience there made me want to have a sabbatical there for around 1 month, just to find myself or as a form of spiritual retreat. The place is truly relaxing, and peaceful. I'll definitely go back for more.

Thanks for reading, and see you on my next Sun-Kissed Journeys! :)

-xo

El Nido Inland Tours

Day 3: El Nido Inland Tours

Day three of our Palawan escapade did not involve a boat. We woke up to a partly cloudy day and had our free breakfast in the inn, hoping that the day would continue with such a promising weather for exploring El Nido.

The inland tours are offered by almost all of the tricycle drivers, and the prices can vary depending on the number of participants, the season, and the places you'd like to visit. The price usually averages to 600 to 800 pesos for 2 pax, and includes visiting 2 or 3 places starting from 8 or 9 am (or later) and ending at around 4 or 5 pm. The price could go as high up as 600/pax during peak season. We chose to go to Nagkalit-Kalit Falls and the famous twin beaches of Nacpan and Calitang. We left the inn at around 10 am.

Path to the Falls

Nagkalit-Kalit Falls

 Our first stop was the Nagkalit-Kalit Falls. About 30 minutes away from the town proper, this refreshing destination requires hiking for around 30 minutes or more, depending on your speed and whether or not the terrains are slippery due to rainfall. The tricycle driver dropped us off a house by the road where we met our hiking guide to the falls. The hike involves going through 7 - 9 rivers. The 50 plus year old guide that we got told us that she has been guiding tourists to/fro the falls for 20 years now, but she doesn't look another day older than mid-30s. She was very nice, very fit and was really talkative, she was even able to tell us almost her whole life story for the duration of the trek towards the falls. Her talkativeness helped calm me down since I was scared I might see a snake or two on the way to the falls. It didn't help too that there were only 3 of us going through the eerily quite forest. But this stuff is really suitable for those who love a "closer to nature" kind of experience.

She told us that the falls got its name because the visitors usually just "comes and goes" fast. It is Bisaya for "saglit" or "mabilisan" (for just a short while) stay. The waterfalls give off lush green and blue colors, and it's either you sit by the rocks or swim in the middle where the water falls.

We stayed there for just around 20 - 30 minutes and decided to head back down. It was easier to go back down than to trek up. You have to pay for the tour guide for around 200/pax.

We then got into the tricycle again, and headed to the famous twin beaches of Nacpan and Calitang. The road was real rough and the tricycle had a hard time going through some parts of the rocky road. It was raining during our journey. There was a point near the end of the road to the beach where the tricycle can no longer pass through because of the state of the unpaved road, so we had to walk through the mud.

Nacpan Beach

When we got to Nacpan beach, it was just about time for lunch, so we opted to eat at the carinderia by the shore before going to see the twin beaches. The menu included both seafood, pork, and chicken. We decided to indulge in seafood and ordered buttered shrimp, and crab. The atmosphere was pretty relaxing, and the food was really good too. We ate at a leisure pace while we watched both locals and foreigners enjoy a game of beach volleyball.

Seafood Lunch at Nacpan Beach

 We then had a short climb up a hill at the far end of Nacpan beach for a real nice view of the twin beaches. The climb up is really slippery though because the hillside was too steep, you have to hold on to a handful of grass on each side to hoist yourself up the hill. The view is really amazing, having to see two beaches with different hues, side by side. It's almost as if they are trying to reach each other, but almost is never enough.

Twin Beaches of Nacpan and Calitang

After taking pictures of the twin beaches, we then descended the hill via another route, which was less slippery but passing through thick bushes of waist-high grass, which made me panicky since it would make you think that snakes might just make an appearance.

Nacpan Beach

We then decided to swim in Nacpan beach where the waves were really huge. The locals that were swimming with us even taught us how to safely dodge the waves by going down once it hits so that you don't get carried by it. It was really fun to do, especially with huge waves.

By 4 pm, we headed back to the town proper, where we stopped by a souvenir shop to buy souvenirs, and then back to the inn to freshen up before our van picked us up for our transport back to Puerto Prinsesa.

Sunnies at Nacpan Beach

Mermaids

Day 2: Mermaids

When I was younger, I wasn't really much of a beach-goer. First of all, my skin easily turns shades darker after the sun, or even just the wind, touches my skin. Secondly, I grew up in Central Luzon, which has a scarcity of beaches as we all know. I also preferred swimming pools since you don't need goggles for protection when you open your eyes underwater. So I never really had a chance to experience island hopping back then.

Novies Tourist Inn Facade

Novies Entrance

On our second day in Palawan, we woke up to the sound of heavy rain thundering the roof of our room, and immediately, our hearts sank. We planned on taking Tour A for today since El Nido is pretty much famous for island hopping, among many others. Tour A was already included in the package that we afforded for El Nido from a contact person that our friend gave us. Since we didn't plan anything for El Nido, we had no choice but to get the package. Our only goal was to explore El Nido with only a good 3000 pesos to spare.

The package that we got for El Nido included the following:

> accommodations for 2D and 2N with free breakfast = 800

(We stayed at the very homey and comfy Novies Tourist Inn. During our stay, they were giving off discount rates for the rooms. So we got a huge room, which can accommodate around 4 pax, for only 400 pesos per night.)

> round trip van transfers (PPC <-> El Nido) = 1000

(You can arrange for the van to fetch you from any point in PPC and drop you anywhere in El Nido as well)

> Tour A Island Hopping = 1000

(Environmental fee, 4 destinations plus lunch, boat fee)

Dining Area

Common Area

Stairway to our room

Although the sky didn't show any signs of stopping from raining, B1 was still very optimistic that the sun would shine on our parade. For the island hopping tour, we were supposed to avail the combined Tours A and C for only 1200 per pax. But due to the weather conditions, we were only able to avail Tour A. We were fetched by a tricycle and dropped off at one island hopping tour shop in town, where we met the other participants of the tour we availed. We  then headed to the beachfront where our boat was waiting.

Off to Island Hopping

Our Tour A originally includes visiting the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Secret Beach. However, since the current was relatively strong because of the rains brought about by the passing Vongfong typhoon, we had to cancel our visit to Secret Beach for safety reasons. We then proceeded to 7 Commandos beach instead for our last stop.

The Gang

While I boarded the boat, I couldn't help but squeal with excitement. The views from the beachfront are breathtaking themselves, it made me very excited to see what the islands have in store for us. Furthermore, the rain has almost stopped, with only a few drizzles here and there, and the skies are starting to show signs of clearing its clouds, we were definitely in high spirits.

The tour guides on board are very friendly and funny. They are relatively fluent in the English language, which was very helpful for the foreigners on board with us. They gave out facts or commentaries about the tour, El Nido, and etc, as we travel from one nature's beauty to another.

Limestone Formation near Small Lagoon

The limestone formations are really something! I am not very much of a 'nature' person, but when I saw the formations, they gave me goosebumps, and made me glorify the Creator evermore for being the genius behind it all.

Limestone Formation near Big Lagoon

Our first stop was the Small Lagoon, but it was pretty crowded when we got there, so we decided to proceed to the Big Lagoon first where we stayed for a while. We swam there, and it was fun to enjoy points in the lagoon where the water is warm, but mostly, the water was really refreshingly cool. The water was pretty much deep and displayed vibrant shades of green.

Groufie with the Gang

Swimming in the deep Big Lagoon

We then headed to Shimizu Island where we were served with scrumptious seafood lunch. You can actually snorkel while you wait for the food, take pictures or just wade or swim in the beach.

Lunch is Served

The lunch included a menu that was simply cooked, but pretty satisfying and very well decorated. It was also fun to tell the foreigners about the food. And the amount were more than enough for all of us, so I wasn't able to contain myself and had to pig out.

Fooooood

Touch down at Shimizu

Shimizu Island

Rocks and a Tree at Shimizu

B1's Photo with the Rocks at Shimizu

We then headed back to check out the Small Lagoon. The fun part is that you have to swim or kayak through a narrow crevice in between limestone formations to be able to enter the lagoon. The water was clear and was significantly shallower compared to that in the Big Lagoon that you can actually see the bottom. You can snorkel here as well, but the bottom is pretty much bare of corals or fishes that there isn't much to see. However, both lagoons are elegantly built by nature that it reminds you of the lagoon in Peter Pan and make you think that you're pretty much one of the lucky mermaids who live there.

Going out of Big Lagoon

Friendship Pose at Big Lagoon

After swimming for a while in the Small Lagoon, we then headed to 7 Commandos beach. There is a bar there where you can order refreshing drinks, a beach volleyball court, a hammock to lounge on, and some cottages for chilling out. We swam for a while and then headed back to the town proper. Our tour began at around 10 in the morning, and we were back in town at around before 4 pm.

We took a tricycle to our Inn where we freshened up and rested for a while before we went to explore the nightlife in town.

Altrove Entrance

Dinner was served in Altrove, which was famous for its brick-oven baked pizza. We ordered the Margarita Pizza, and All' Arrabiatta. The pizza was really chewy, but in a good way. The crust was relatively thin, and was pretty tasty as well. Although the pasta was not remarkable, we were still able to satisfy our hunger for about 270 pesos per pax. The interiors of the restaurant was a bit dim at night, but simply and smartly furnished. You're not allowed to wear any footwear while inside the restaurant, so you'd be asked to leave your footwear at their shoe rack. Usually, the place is crowded, so you'd normally wait for around 15-30 minutes to a maximum of 1 hour before you get seated.

Reggae Band at Pukka Bar

After dinner, we walked around for a while exploring the different small but accommodating streets of El Nido. There are lots of food places to choose from; from waffles, cronuts, bagels, carinderia type, semi-fine dining, to chill places, bars, burgers, seafoods; the town explodes with such. We then headed to the beachfront for some nightlife experience. The bars are situated a few feet from the water, so in some bars, you'd actually feel the rush of the sea to your feet while you enjoy a chill night of drinks, food and reggae music. We chose to hang out at Pukka Bar, which was recommended to us by one of the travelers we met in our Inn. The place is known for great reggae music, with relatively cheap drinks and food. What's really fun is that they have a small dance floor where both locals and tourists can have fun dancing. We also noted that almost all of the tourists there seemingly know each other already.

Dance Floor at Pukka Bar

At around 2 am, we decided to hail a tricycle to go back to the Inn and call it a night; we were, after all, pretty tired from island hopping.

Sunny Disposition

Sun-Kissed Journeys: Palawan Adventures

THE NEST

Palawan's Symbol

I can still remember those days back in elementary or high school when I get to read about Palawan, and how it is famous for its beautiful beaches. Since then, I always thought that traveling to such places is very far-fetched because we didn't have money to spare for such leisure activities. Fortunately, budget airlines made it possible by offering up promos. Although the airfare is just one aspect of the expenses to consider, it still helped save a huge deal of money.

Day 1: Sunny Disposition

My travel buddy, B1, and I arrived at the Puerto Princesa Airport at around 11 in the morning. When we got there, the first thing that we did was bombard the person in charge of the tourist information counter with questions. The airport is really small, so that when you enter it upon your arrival, you'll immediately see the tourist information counter. Since we didn't make any plans for this trip, the obvious thing to do was to ask questions. Fortunately, the person on duty that day was very accommodating. He answered all of our questions with glee even though we were just Filipino travelers. He even gave us a city map and recommended some spots to visit.

Singaporean Garlic Shrimp

Mexican Pork Ribs

 We headed first to  Turissimo Garden Hotel where we decided to have our lunch. The hotel was just a 5-minute walk or less from the airport, and is situated just in front. The place was really comfy, what with all the vintage decorations happening in the four corners of the resto. The staff are very cheerful and would immediately cater to customer needs. The place, however, is open and is not air-conditioned. Thus, flies may pester you occasionally as you eat. But what made this lunch experience awesome was the food that they serve. We ordered Mexican pork ribs and Singaporean garlic shrimps, each served with rice. Each serving of viand was good for two. So, we shared the meal, which was worth ~185 pesos per person. The food was really tasty; the shrimp was crunchy and the serving was generous; the pork ribs were huge, tender, and really juicy. For a reasonable price, we got our tummies full and happy.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Entrance to Plaza Cuartel

We then headed to do some exploring of the city. Word of caution, though, if the tricycle drivers know that you're just a tourist or a traveler, they would take advantage of it. According to our friend who lives in PPC, tricycle ride is only worth 8 pesos per person and could go as high as 10 pesos. But normally, if you're gonna go to the airport, it can go as high as 25 pesos per person. We first went to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, then to the Plaza Cuartel just in front and to the side of the church. The blue cathedral is the perfect example of a simply built Gothic church. During our visit, it was under renovation, so the facade was not really picturesque.









The Plaza Cuartel features newly restored ruins of an old garrison during the Japanese invasion. Although the park looked simple and green, it holds a horrific historical event in which around 150 prisoners of war inside a tunnel were burned alive by the Japanese. A statue now stands erect there bearing the names of all the victims.

Plaza Cuartel Commemorative Statue

Citybay Walk

Citybay Walk

After taking some pictures at the plaza, we walked towards the seaside to visit the Citybay Walk. It was a rainy day, so we didn't get to fully appreciate the views of the bay. Also, the locals recommend that you visit the latter 2 spots at night since there are lots of gimmick there come sundown, more especially, in Citybay Walk. The city is pretty small and the tourist spots are pretty much at around walking distance from each other, so you can just opt to walk from one destination to another.

Cookies and Cream Smoothie

Since, as I have mentioned, it was a rainy day, we decided to head to one of the best coffee places of the city, Cafe Itoy's. The place is rustic and comfy, and has 2 sections; an air-conditioned section, and an outdoor section where you can puff some smoke while you chat with your friends. They offer a wide variety of drinks, and pastries for the same prices as that of Starbucks. It was where we finalized our itinerary for the rest of our Palawan trip.

Cafe Itoy's Interior

Souvenir Hub

At around late in the afternoon, we proceeded to Mercado del San Miguel to check out Delma Pearl and Souvenir Shop, and the newly opened souvenir hub just in front of the former.We browsed some souvenirs for a while so that we know where we can come back on our last day to buy pasalubong. The place also includes an art cafe, an Island Souvenir branch, a convenience store, etc.

Mercado del San Miguel

Come sundown, since we had to have a taste of the local food, we went to Kinabuch's Grill and Bar and ordered their best seller, Croc Sisig, and a serving of Tamilok. As was mentioned to me by my travel buddy, there are only 2 places here in the Philippines where you are really allowed to eat crocodile sisig, and it's in Davao and Palawan. So we really had to try it.

However, there was really nothing special about the meat, which for me, tasted like chicken. Although, I'd have to add that Kinabuch's offers really tasty sisig. The Tamilok on the other hand, which allegedly got it's name from 2 Americans who were conversing (one was pointing the famous woodworm to his companion while saying, "Tommy, look!" Hence, the name), tasted just like oyster, except it was long and thin. Fifteen minutes after eating such delicacy, I had to go to the bathroom.






So as a word of caution, make sure you have a strong tummy before you try this one, or make sure that you don't have a long journey after tasting it so as not to torture yourself all throughout the journey.

Tamilok

Croc Sisig

We were then fetched by our van for a 5-hour ride to El Nido. It was still raining by that time, which was already 8 in the evening. We were caught in a moderate to heavy traffic while around the vicinity of Robinson's because of some flooded areas, and since a lot of people were trying to get home.

The trip was very tiring, which may be due to the fact that we drove too fast; the van felt like it was flying while we traversed sharply curving roads; so I didn't really dare let myself sleep because I worry that we might get into an accident. There are 2 stop-overs from PPC to El Nido: one at Roxas, and another one is at Taytay. We arrived at our Inn in El Nido at around 1 in the morning. We just unloaded some stuff as we settled in at our comfy room, which highly exceeded our expectations, and then retired for the night.

Here are some snapshots of our room.

Bathroom

Couch at the corner

View of the outside from the bed

Couch for chilling

THE Bed

Watch out for the stories of the remaining days of our stay in Palawan.

- xo