my PALAWAN adventure (February 2007)

This is my very first plane ride. I flew to Puerto Princesa with my dad and sister via a Cebu Pacific flight. This trip is actually my Kuya’s Christmas gift to us (one of the nicest gifts I ever received actually). Our plane took off on time and I must admit I wasn’t feeling good while it was taxiing at the Domestic Airport . But surprisingly, the fear turned to excitement when I heard the Airbus engine’s noise. Papa and ate both said the plane is now off the ground. Not a bad experience for a first timer like me, it was just fine. Better than riding that small boat going to Puerto Galera. We landed right on time. It was funny because I saw a guy raising this placard with my name on it. Right then I knew he was from the hotel we’ll be staying at for 4 days and 3 nights. Duchess Pension House (www.duchesspensionpalawan.com) turned out to be a cozy place after all. Miss Tricia, our contact, was very accommodating (the same way she is when we were still texting each other). We had a reservation for a family room (P700/day, quite a good deal), it was spacious with a big T&BR.

DAY 1 – AFTER LUNCH – CITY TOUR

Our first stop is the Butterfly Garden . It is located in the southern part of the city. After viewing a short film about butterflies, we headed to their sanctuary. If you are into these insects, you’ll surely enjoy getting a closer look at them because they come in different colors and sizes. Next destination is Crocodile Farm. The institute implements a 30-minute interval per group of tourists. Lucky us, we didn’t get to wait too long. They now have approximately 1500 baby crocodiles, bred in captivity. If you are interested to have them as pets, feel free to contact the institute. Third destination is the Iwahig Penal Colony, a.k.a. Prison Without Bars. Inmates from minimum security (color code: brown) can freely roam the 28,000 hectares of land provided they report for headcount in the morning and evening. Mitra’s Ranch, the fourth stop in the tour, is the residence of the late House Speaker Ramon Mitra, Jr., highlighting the large trunk of tree supporting the whole house. Near the ranch is Baker’s Hill—famous for its hopia and tuna pandesal. This isn’t an ordinary bakeshop. People, most especially tourists spend their merienda hours to experience freshly-baked items at super affordable prices. (Take note, one box of hopia, 10pcs regular size, only costs P26.)

DAY 2 – HONDA BAY

We settled for a hassle-free tour since we're not familiar with the barrios and municipalities of Puerto Princesa. Entry to this amazing destination is via Honda Bay Wharf. First stop is SNAKE Island (called so because it is shaped like a snake). This is a very good site for snorkeling, fish feeding and plain swimming. Next is Starfish island which is also recommended for snorkeling. By the way there are 5 Nemos (clown fish) here. Lu-Li (lulubog-lilitaw) Island is the final stop. Highlighted at Lu-Li is the diving board that guests should try (but I never did). I think the water is 10 to 15 feet deep.

Day 3 - UNDERGROUND RIVER TRIP

I must warn you that the trip to the Subterranean River is a challenge. One needs to endure a two-and-a-half-hour trip on a super rough road. The tourist guide calls it the "Palawan massage", and indeed it is. But once you get to the cave entry, the excitement will start. Paddling inside the cave, the boatman points at the various images formed by the stalactites and stalagmites. There's a giant candle, the Virgin Mary, a banana heart, the Holy Family, Smokey Mountain (yes!), the face of Jesus Christ and a lot lot more. The National Park limits the river trip to only a kilometer (the whole stretch is more that 8 kms).