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Wanderfeet: Palawan Escapade


Just as promised!

June 6 (Friday), we flew from Manila to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. We spent 3 days and 2 nights there. I spent those awesome days with these awesome girls right here…

We've been friends for years! Most of us met since we're graders. But as years have passed, our friendship just became stronger and stronger; and crazier and crazier.

Anyways, since it's been years since I haven't seen them in person, this trip is one of the precious moments for me. Besides the fact that it's a mini-reunion with friends, Puerto Princesa has full of adventurous and fun activities we really enjoyed.

Day1.

The first day was about the city. We traveled along the neighboring hotspots in the city of Puerto Princesa.

  • Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm

History has it. It was said that Puerto, Princesa used to be where offenders were exiled. However, what's interesting about this place is how the prisoners get to live with their lives. They're not your ordinary prisoners who're left inside the cell doing nothing. Here, they get to live like ordinary people. There's no bars, no high walls, nor tight security. All you'll see are acres of land full of land fields and them farming. In fact, it's like a small village inside the penal establishment.

Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm became one of the attractions of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. With its interesting back story, tourism has included this as one of their itineraries for their tourists and guests.

Going there took us 30 minutes by land. We went straight to their souvenir shop and was able to see the crafts the prisoners made. Though, it was pretty expensive compared to the local market, it was pretty impressive to see their work and dedication. We were even welcomed by them through a dance number. They were really nice and friendly.

  • Crocodile Farm

Just by thinking about it, it's already scary. But it's definitely a safe tour (because I'm still alive. HAHA)

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center is where the Crocodile Farm is. The place isn't just about crocodiles. They also have different kinds of rare animals in their "mini-zoo".

Crocodile farm is just like other farms out there that nurture animals; only, what they're taking care of are crocodiles. The farm has hundred of crocodiles. There are babies, and there are huge ones! People there even said that one of the crocodiles there once ate a human years ago. They're able to capture it and even named it after the farmer it ate. (I just forgot the name lol)

After touring around, we're able to get to feel and carry a baby croc. We even had the chance to take photo with it. Crazy, right?

  • Baker's Hill

This popular bakery shop in Puerto Princesa is way to go. They offer different kinds of delicious breads which made it popular to the crowd. It is located on top of the hill (which probably where the name came from.) And the most popular one is their own-made hopia!

  • Sabang Island (Firefly Watching)

After the city-tour, we went straight to Sabang Island to witness fireflies. This part of the tour was kinda nostalgic because it reminded me of the old days. When I was a kid, I used to play with fireflies. I remember how amazed I was everytime I see them in the dark. And just because… the tour kinda made me feel excited and made me feel like a kid again.

Upon reaching the bay, it's a 30 minute boat ride before reaching the place. Unfortunately for us, we had to stop in the middle of the sea because a strong rain poured for minutes. But, in fact, it was actually a good timing! Because more fireflies usually show up after a rain.

Right after the rain stopped, we headed our way. Few meters away from the mangroves, we transferred into a smaller boat to fit the canal. And as we're reaching the mangroves, excitement started to burst in. It was actually mixed of emotion. It's like meeting a good old friend.

As we reached the mangroves, our tour guide started flashing red lights into the trees. Then, they showed up. The fireflies! And as expected, they were magnificent! They were dashing! They're so pretty. Their lights twinkled just like of the stars. And they all looked like Christmas light decoration hanging on the mangrove trees. They brought joy to each and everyone of us in the boat. We all felt like kids amused by these little creatures. It was an amazing, nostalgic, and one-of-a-kind experience.

Then, after the firefly watching, we transferred to another boat to have our dinner. I call it, "the floating restaurant" (oh! Just like the one from One Piece. Hihi.)

Then, the day ended. It was a busy, tiring, but fun and exciting day.

Day 2.

The original plan was just about the Underground River. However, fortunately for us, we experienced more! I guess it is true that being spontaneous is always more fun and exciting!

  • Underground River

Underground River is considered as one of the 7 Wonders of the world! Definitely, this place is on the top list I can recommend.

It was a long wait before reaching the destination. By the bay, it took us an hour or two before getting a boat to reach the island where the Undeground River is located. Then, in the island, it probably took us an hour to be able to ride the canoe going the underground cave.

The boat-ride going to the island where the Underground River is located.

The island where the underground cave resides is pretty exotic. It has different kinds of animals that you'll never see in a city (but of course!). Wild life is present. You'll really feel and sense nature. Wild monkeys are rampant in the island. Surprisingly enough, they're not afraid of humans anymore. You'll see them walking pass in front of you and won't even startle of your presence. In fact, people there says that they'll even snatch anything you carry that looks like plastic (which, I guess, they thought it's food.) So, to say, don't be deceived by the cuteness of these monkeys. They're still wild after all.

Aside from the monkeys, few water monitor lizards (bayawak) are living there, too! We even witnessed a bayawak and a monkey sharing food… which is pretty amusing that these two different creatures are together, sharing food, and not trying to kill each other. (Well, of course, they're not their type of prey.)

And then, of course, there're the bats in the cave. They're all flying around and hanging up the walls and ceilings of the stones in the cave. I actually wanted to take pictures of them, but, unfortunately, I didn't possess a very good camera.

The tour inside the Underground River is an estimate of 45 minutes. A group of 10 rides into a canoe and a tour guide paddles the boat along the river of the cave.

I am not a cave explorer nor has any big interest about stones and formations. And to be honest enough, I actually did not understand some stuff while on the tour. There were terms that seems to be out of the planet (for me). But despite this, I was still swept away from its beauty. I was able to appreciate nature even more.It was fascinating and relaxing at the same time. It's a unique experience.

Truly, nature is beautiful and it needs to be protected. I still want my future kids, and the future generations, to witness and experience this, too!

  • Ugong Rock Adventure

Going back to the city from the Underground River, we stopped by the Ugong Rock Cave. (I must say, this day was a cave-kind of day.lol) The name "Ugong" is actually derived from the humming (ugong) sounds produced by some of the stones inside the cave when you tap them. Makes sense, right?

Ugong rock is managed by the Tagabinet Community Tourism Association, Inc and

was initiated by ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan

This part of the tour was actually my favorite. It gave the drive to my adventurous being. What made it special was the fact that upon reaching the top of the cave, the only exit point was to go down the hill by zip lining. And people there claimed that their zip line is the fastest in the country.

So, it wasn't just about spelunking (cave exploration). It was definitely an adventure.

And the funny part about this adventure was Jet's (one of my friends) photos during her zipline. Oh how I wish I grabbed a copy of those. Hilarious!

  • Kinabuch Bar & Grill

Dinner time!

As brave warriors of the sea and caves, we tried two of the locals' exotic foods: Tamilok and Crocodile Sisig.

And as to what I said on my previous post "Wander Feet: Philippines", yes, us friends are all crazies. And to think that I'm not a big fan of slimmy, soft foods, I am definitely (enough) crazy that I tried Tamilok.

FYI: The Tamilok, a wood worm which tastes like your familiar oyster, is a famous delicacy found in Palawan. Although it looks like a worm, it is actually a mollusk found inside rotting mangroves. The word 'tamilok' was surprisingly coined by two Americans. They started calling one of their friends - "Tommy, look!", after seeing the locals eating the tree worm. The locals adopted this term to refer to this wood worm delicacy. (http://blog.legendpalawan.com.ph/2008/06/tamilok-longest-oyster.html)

And just like what I said on the video, it tasted like soil (lupa). Well, I didn't dip it in vinegar so probably that's why it tasted like that. But I wasn't brave enough to correct my mistake and try it one more time with a vinegar. I guess once is enough, and two is too much! HAHA

As for the Crocodile Sisig, it wasn't actually bad. I liked it actually. It just tastes like chicken-- so as its tenderness. It was pretty delicious in my part. Well, how it was cooked played a big part on it I suppose. Then, my friend, Lou, kept on asking, "Is it really legal to cook crocodile?" Well… I guess so. Locals said that they have farms for these crocodiles to be delivered in the market.

  • Tiki Bar

… which I kept calling, Tiki Tiki.

My friends said that this bar is very popular in the city. So, right after dinner, we headed straight the bar and TRIED to enjoy the night.

The plan was to enjoy the night with some alcohol and just be merry. But things turned out up side down. Well, it wasn't actually bad. In fact, it was really funny and unforgettable.

I must confess, we didn't even lasted an hour or two in the bar. But, just to make things clear, we didn't get kick out of the bar.

So, here's the story…

As we arrived the bar, just like your regular customer, we ordered drinks and snacks to indulge ourselves. There was this group of women singing and dancing on stage (which I really did not enjoy because I was looking forward to see some hot guys on stage or cool dudes playing music or gays saying funny jokes.) We tried to enjoy ourselves and just kept looking around--- but no one's attractive enough *sobs*.

As for our drinks, I ordered Jagger Bomb (which I really wanted to try out ever since I saw a video on how to make it). Lou ordered Jack Daniels Coke--- I actually don't know what it's called but it has Jack Daniels and Coke. Then, Vicky ordered something that looked like a pineapple cocktail (I don't know what it's called either-- i'm terrible HAHA.)

I never knew that Jagger Bomb tastes like Robitussin! It was hilarious and disappointing at the same time. I was laughing out about its taste and yet thinking about how expensive (in Pesos stand point) that drink was. I did not finish the whole glass (I am not sick anyways. I don’t have cough!) Then, I figured to check out the menu again to grab a different drink. As I was scanning through the menu, I noticed a very interesting name, "the flaming tower." With much excitement, I shared my thoughts with my friends and we all agreed on ordering it. So, we called the waiter and placed our order. Funny, though, how the waiter reacted. Upon hearing the order, his face was painted with surprise and confusion. It was hilarious!

Few minutes after, the waiters started building the tower. It was pretty exciting. It was our first time to see it and try it. It was pretty unique. I guess, I must say, it's a work of art.

Anyways, right before the tower finishes, the three of us were arguing on who'll join me on drinking it (this kinda sounds like I'm a drunkard haha). Vicky refused to drink, so my only option was Lou (Jet wasn't around because she's with her boyfriend.) At first she didn't want to, but thankfully, I was able to push her. She joined me and we rocked the table.

That 1 minutes of my life was probably the longest. Every sip of that alcohol gets harder and harder. It wasn't a pleasant taste (but better than the Jagger Bomb I suppose.) And into the last drop of it, it was really getting bitter (just by thinking about it, it's already making me feel sick.)

Right after we finished, I didn't know what to do. The taste lingered into my mouth and it was really strong. As for Lou, she was feeling sick. She didn't know what to do either. Her stomach's hurling and really felt nauseated. So, we just all decided to head back to the hotel.

Just right before we left, I already felt the alcohol hitting me, but I was still feeling okay. Then, this turning point happened. As I was giving the waiter our payment for our bill, I accidentally tipped a guy with 500 pesos, thinking it was 50 pesos. I even proudly said, "keep the change!" The waiter can not believe it and was really surprised. I was just laughing about it and kept on insisting. And the stupid thing about it was I even checked the money 3 times and I was so positive I gave 50 pesos-- only to find out that my eyes were lying! And as my friends and I left the bar, my friends said I just gave away 500 bucks. No wonder the waiter asked me twice if I was sure to keep the change. And to be honest, I really can not tell if they're all saying the truth.

We were teased to finish the whole thing straight up and we listened. I guess that's the consequence on listening to those fools.

Day 3.

Honda Bay (Island Hopping)

The most awaited day!

My friends and I were complaining the second day that we still haven't swim in the beach. One even said that we actually went to Palawan because of the beach. True enough. And with our all the eagerness and hunger to see the beach, the day has finally arrived!

Honda Bay is comprised of several islets with shallow reefs bordering wonderful beaches which have become the much loved swimming, snorkeling, and diving destinations of local residents and tourists. (http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippine_beach/hondabay.html)

Among those islets, we're lucky enough to visit the three popular ones.

  • Starfish Island

Just like what its name denotes, this island has starfish residing its beach and water. But, surprisingly, there weren't too many starfish to be found. We're already lucky enough that we found one.

Aside from the "starfish", it also offers different kinds of fish and corals underwater. There were clown fishes, tiger fish, and the likes (I don’t know their names). And just few feet away from the shore, there's already tons of sea creatures found underwater. And since we're not swimmers, safety vests were our best friends during the whole snorkeling experience.

I was watching the video clip of the clown fishes I covered and I felt bad, though. These fishes got disturbed from their home and are all stressed out from what's happening-- too many tourists. We humans are terrible

I am sorry :(

  • Luli Island

Luli Island, derived from the words "lulubog, lilitaw" (sinking, floating), is an island only visible during low tide. Aside from snorkeling, the island offers a diving board spot. And I guess I was the only brave one among us 4 since I was the only one who was having fun on the board and did the jump 4 times.

See that kid below? He's my savior. I told him to save my vest and

grab me once I reach the water so I won't drown. HAHA

  • Cowrie Island

Unlike Starfish and Luli Islands, Cowrie doesn't have any corals close to the shore. It has a swimming area that has floating slides and playground for the guests (but you need to pay for it.) And since we're all pretty exhausted from the two previous islands, we just decided to relax there and unwind. The island has a bar in the middle of it; and we all just decided to indulge ourselves with some fruit shakes.

After all the fun, we headed back to the hotel-- rested and bathed before our flight back to Manila. It was a short vacation yet we really enjoyed every bit of it. It was indeed memorable. It was irreplaceable. It was amazing. It was fun. It was awesome. It was legendary. And what made that trip more special was because I got to enjoy an awesome place with awesome people… my best friends… my old buddies.

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