TRIP TO PUERTO PRINCESA TOWN, DOS PALMAS HONDA BAY, AND PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER ( NEW 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD )

January 30, 2014 – We arrived at Puerto Princesa town in the morning. My friend and I checked in at the Blue Lagoon Inn & Suites. It is a hotel with basic room amenities ( Flat TV, air con, minibar ), but it has a really nice pool and Jacuzzi. Upon arrival at Puerto Princesa airport, we were picked up by the hotel van ( the hotel has a free shuttle to and from the airport, most hotels in Puerto Princesa City have this). The hotel is just a 5 minute trip from the airport. I really recommend this hotel for the value for money, and it is near to the airport and centrally located to all restaurants ( Kinabuchs is of walking distance ). Although from the hotel to the main road, there is a short 2min walk on a non-cemented road, but it is very safe. Just outside the Blue Lagoon Hotel, there is a nice Fish Spa, which I also recommend.

After checking in at the Blue Lagoon Hotel, we rented a motorcycle ( the hotel can also do the arrangement for you). It costs Php 500 a day. We had an entire day free, so we rented this and biked around Puerto Princesa.

Bamboo bridge above the mangroves on the way to Badjao Seafod Restaurant

Badjao Seafood Restaurant

We opted to have lunch at the BADJAO SEAFOOD RESTAURANT. A must go! From the hotel to Badjao, we rode our motorcycle ( a 15 minute trip also by tricycle ) in a small barrio called Sikat which can be found along Abueg Road. The easiest description for the location would be, it is the road just in front of the airport. It is a small road going to the small not so busy barrio. But the trip is worth it. Have your tricycle driver wait for you as it is difficult to get one after from the restaurant because there is not much tricycle passing by. The road going there is quite interesting because you will see a few BAHAY KUBO (native Philippine homes made of nipa huts) along the way). And on the tiny little road from the mainroad going to the restaurant, you will pass by a house that have a family of ostrich as pets! I even took a photo with some of them! Anyone passing by can see them as they are kept on a gate in the backyard of someone’s home. Badjao Seafood Restaurant offers a variety of Seafood, and is a very popular dining place in Puerto Princesa. So popular in fact that the Prince of York, Prince Albert, went there to eat when he visited Puerto Princesa. Its not just the food that is worth visiting, but the place itself is so beautiful. From the entrance ,one would have to walk on the bridge or bamboo stilts, best to describe it…above some surrounding mangroves! The restaurant is decorated with colorful fabrics which are used for VINTAS. A vinta is a boat used by the Badjao Tribe in the southern provinces of the Philippines. I was so happy to be seated overlooking the sea, and the view with the mangroves is spectacular. We went there on lunch time, that It was such a clear day and the water is so clear I saw some little fishes on the water beneath the stilts.

Sta Monica Ranch aka Mitra's Ranch

Relaxing at Mitra's Farm

 After lunch, around 15-20 minutes from the city center, we then went to the Sta Monica Ranch or best known as Mitra’s Ranch located uphill of Sta Monica, Puerto Princesa. It is a very popular tourist destination as it has a nice view of the town. It has no entrance fee, and we were greeted by the sight of cows and goats. A beautiful place to just sit and relax and savor the fresh air. Its an ideal picture taking site too! My friend commented that it’s a bit rundown, seems like no one is taking much care of it, but anyways it is still pretty. And beside, it is free of charge as the Mitra famiy open it for public to enjoy.

Curious peacock at Baker's Hill

 On the way back from Mitra’s Ranch back to Puerto Princesa town, we dropped by BAKER’S HILL. I really recommend this for tourists to visit! The owner, opens its house to public for free as well. Inside you will enjoy having pictures taken to many statues of different characters such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and also of statues of animals (crocs and monkeys). The place is so much fun and romantic. There is a beautiful garden with hearts for couples to have their picture taken. And it has a mini - zoo where you can see birds. I enjoyed taking picture of the peacocks the most!

Only for the adventurouse....the TAMILOK

 Came dinner time, for first timers to Puerto Princesa, I recommend you go to KINABUCHS restaurant! Aside from their normal menu, they also serve exotic menus! I suggest you try their sizzling crocodile ( my favorite! ). But for those who are more adventurous, try the TAMILOK. The native wood worm. I ordered it served raw in vinegar, but when I tried it, it was hard for me to digest it. It tasted like oyster, but it is a very slimy. So slimy that you can actually feel it in your throat when you swallow it. I tried so hard to just swallow it, but even though I am an adventurous eater ( snakes, frogs , crocodiles, insects ). This one, was a bit hard. I tried to finish, but I surrendered. The waiter gladly took it back and suggested they have it fried, like an onion ring. So I asked them to do so. And voila! When they came back with a friend Tamilok, It did tasted and looked like a squid ring. If you all come in groups, this would be a fun game. Maybe bet on someone who can finish an entire raw serving. Definitely , only the brave can do it.

Arriving at the Dos Palmas Resort and Spa

The next day was exciting for me because we had to go to DOS PALMAS ISLAND RESORT AND SPA Araceffi Island in Honda Bay. Instead of a day tour ( the island also offers day tours at around Php 2500 / person, we opted to go an overnight in the island for 7800 per night in Agoda. But now, I learned they have promo rates of Php 6500 per night. It is so worth the rate. I would say since I have been to many island resorts in the Palawan ( Visited most of the El Nido Resorts – Miniloc, Lagen, Apulit ) , some Island resorts in Coron too ( El Rio Y Mar and Club Paradise Palawan ), this, so far, is the most AFFORDABLE. With the rate comes your free shuttle from the airport / PP to Honda bay wharf, and free boat trip from wharf to the resort), and also free use of their non-motorized water sports. So, we arranged to be picked up in their office in Puerto Princesa, which is not so far from our hotel. It was about 10 minutes by tricycle, located at 89 Lacao St, Puerto Princesa City. On arrival in their office, we were asked to wait for some others. Do not expect to receive the same VIP treatment as one usually have when waiting from El Nido Resort Airports to their resorts. Since the rate for Dos Palmas is affordable, there is NOT MUCH VIP TREATMENT. No hot towels, drinks in their offices. Nonetheless, its understandable as we didn’t paid much. So, we had the van bring us from the office, together with some other resort visitors ( Mostly for DAY TOURS), on a 30- 45 mins drive to Honda Bay Wharf. In Honda Bay Wharf, you would see a lot of little shops in the wharf selling from sunblocks, hats and clothes. I guess looking at it, it is not that difficult to do a DIY tour in Honda Bay. If you are traveling alone, you can do a DIY tour. But if you come in groups, it would also be cheaper if you join a tour. Be aware though that the toilets in Honda Bay Wharf is dirty. I wish that Puerto Princesa will make it cleaner because there are so many tourists visiting this place it would be nice if the public toilets are clean. I heard plenty of tourists make comments about the toilets. Boat trip from Wharf to Dos Palmas Resort was an hour. I slept most of the time during the trip that I cannot share much about the islands of Honda Bay that we passed by as I was in deep sleep on the boat trip.

Dos Palmas Areccefi Island Resort and Spa

 Upon arrival, my companions were so excited to see the beautiful island. It is a very pretty island. With a beautiful beach. Although i cant help but compare with other island resorts, this one, has an eerie feel to it. It is because the water cottage are empty, damaged and in much need of a renovation. Later, a staff told me that they closed the water cottages because the wood that serves as stilts are corroded it is dangerous to have it occupied. Also, I was told, during the raid by the Abu Sayyaf in the island ( the popular kidnapping incident ), they only took the guests who were occupied in the water cottages. I guess that’s why it has an eerie feel to it. As we walked to the resort, we were given hot towels and it felt so good after a long boat trip. We were told to go straight to reception, and we were given our welcome drinks, and a very fast check in to our room. Our room is on a cottage near the mangroves. We were given the farthest cottage! It was full of guests that time. There is a free multi-cab type shuttle to Dos Palmas Reception and Pool Area from the room anytime, just call Reception and they will easily send the shuttle to pick you up. Also, from the reception to our room ( a 2 minute shuttle ride or about 4-5 minutes walk ), there are little gardens where they plant vegetables. Also the resort have billiards, darts, bikes that you can borrow for free, and a tennis court). They offer a lot of activities for free. We checked in the room, and the room is very spacious! I was so delighte to see our view of the mangroves and it was such a relaxing view that I said I can imagine myself just sitting in the balcony with the view with some coffee. But I decided to take a nap as I was so tired from the trip ( and I had a busy work week previous to that too!), that the nap became a 3 hour nap. We woke up and went to have lunch. Their restaurant is not bad! So many ala-carte choices and very affordable too! Menus range from 150- 500 pesos. Pasta costs around 200. Not bad for an island resort. After which we joined the snorkeling group. Our guide, brought us to snorkel and I was so happy! I saw a stingray the size of a little piglet! I saw nemo, and many kinds of fishes! And the coral reef is just so beautiful! I am definitely coming back for a dive! The guide also brought us to see an airplane wreck. The airplane wreck was so old it has now become a home for the fishes like the corals. It was so pretty that the next day I plan to join their island hopping ( resort offers for free ). After our snorkel, I went to enjoy the sunset in the beach. The beach has so many fishes and sometimes they go near to people. We changed and had dinner by 8pm. The restaurant have shows ( fire dancing and dance shows done by staffs ). The food is also yummy. After dinner we opted to have an early night in, as I was expecting to do a lot of island activities the next day. But by 4 am, the storm came. It suddenly was raining hard. The reception called by 7 am and informed us that there is a storm coming, so we had to cut our trip short, if we want to go back to town, the next trip is at 9am. Puerto Princesa sea authorities will not allow boat trips after 10 am because of the coming storm. So we hurriedly packed our staff, had a quick breakfast, and went to ride the boat. Everyone looked sad to leave the island. It was raining hard already when our boat left. I was sad to cut my trip short that I plan to come back again. Indeed I am coming back again, this time with my best friend Ivy from London, this coming June 2014.  

For Dos Palmas Resort, it is best to book thru their website www.dospalmas.com.ph Or contact them at mobile +63 9175904442.

The shuttle bus arrived in the wharf and brought us back to Puerto Princesa town in 30 minutes. We stayed most of the day in the resort because it was raining bad. Luckily the storm stop and we heard on the news it left Palawan by 6 pm. It stopped raining hard too. As we are back in the Blue Lagoon Hotel and Inn, I went for a dip in the hotel’s Jacuzzi. Ahh, it felt nice after a long day, I remember.

Puerto Princesa Baywalk

Unicorn Fish at Baywalk Puerto Princesa

We then went for dinner in Baywalk. Puerto Princesa Baywalk does not have a lot of tourists. Baywalk is about 15 minutes by tricycle from our hotel near the airport. It does have a lot of little simple streetside restaurants for the “cowboys”. But, according to my friend, definitely the best dinner during our stay in PP. Amongst the many streetside restos, we went for K’na Boyet sa Baywalk. They have so many choices of seafood and meat for bbq. We ordered the UNICORN FISH. It was my first time to try this grilled Unicorn Fish. And it was so delicious!

After which, we then again went for an early night since we have a full day the next day to our PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER TOUR.

I arranged the tour through EPHESIANS TRAVEL AND TOURS. I saw on an ad in a flight magazine that they were having a promo for Php 1200 per person for the tour with the coupon. ( Regular rate is Php 1,500). So I called and arranged our trip with the tour manager, Mr. ERIC. A great guy who can answer your queries and he will always try to make arrangements for you! I really recommend this tour agency because of the good customer service that Eric gave us. To contact Ephesians Travel and Tours : mobile + 63906 2796653 or (smart) +63 918 2890566.

Eric arranged a very good tour for us! It is best you get a tour, because they can arrange your transportation, plus all the license to the Underground River Tour. There were so many tourists doing the tour on the date that we went. I was told there is a cut-off of 1000 guests for the underground river in a day, so better join a tour group so less hassle in getting in the cut-off guests. Arrange with the tour operator at least a 2 days or a day before you plan to go. So, we were picked up by the tour van at 6 am. By 6 am we were readily waiting and they were on time! Our tour guide was a very funny lady, named Sharon. She was so funny she makes us laugh all the time! So all in all we were a group of 10, all coming from different countries, from the US, Taiwan, Philippines and Australia. The trip from PP- Underground River Wharf is about 2 hours. Halfway, we stopped by a place to use the toilet, and has a nice view for picture taking.

At the stopover from PP Town to the Underground River

Sabang Beach on a stormy day

The road to Underground River is in the mountains and if you are not familiar you will easily get lost. So its always best to get the tour. Or hire a van. The road trip is very scenic. We passed by massive and tall trees. When we arrived in the wharf, it was raining bad. There were so many tourists because the trips on the previous day was cancelled due to the storm. On the wharf there are so many vendors selling shorts, plastic raincoats and food. I bought a plastic raincoat for Php 50 because it was raining so bad. Also, I bought a shorts! I went to the trip on a bikini with long beach pants and string strap top. I have learned my lesson and will advise friends who will go to Underground River to go in shorts! Otherwise you will get wet, or you will end forced to buy shorts because you will feel so wet with a wet long pants / skirt. I will definitely advise those who plan to visit not to go there wearing a Sun-dress! We arrived at 8 am, and we waited without lunch.

While waiting for our boat to the Underground River in Sabang Wharf

The view during the bumpy boat ride from Sabang wharf to the Underground River

While waiting for our paddle boat to go inside the Underground River

We were next in line by 1145 am that our group opted to wait. By 12 we made it in line! There are many bangkas going in/out from the wharf to the island for the underground river. You cant just hop on to be next in line, because everyone is in a queue. First come, first serve. The trip from the wharf to the island is 15 minutes on a VERY BUMPY BOAT RIDE. Our guide Sharon told us that it was normal for the trip. When I mean bumpy, It was sooo bumpy the boat is raising from the water a meter high up/down. So for those prone to seasickness, take a medicine before you go do the trip. I am a seasoned boat traveler as I also travel ( frequently in Bangka ) from Iloilo to Guimaras. I go on sailing in many places like Boracay and Ibiza too. But this one, scared me to death. I was scared we might sink, but our guide assured us it is NORMAL. Upon arriving the island, you definitely know it is worth the effort! The view is spectacular! Rock and mountain formations like that in El Nido, Palawan. So we jumped off the boat, had our picture taken.

On the beach, you will be welcomed by many monkeys. Beware of the monkeys! They like to grab your things so make sure you don’t have any plastics with you as they tend to grab it. Put everything in your bag, and try not to put anything on your pocket. Also, they are prone to grabbing plastics as they think you might have food in it. They are not dangerous, but since they are wild animals, try not to be so near them. Also, you can take their pictures but try NOT TO SMILE! Monkeys think that when you show your teeth, you are getting mad. And that’s no joke. Monkeys, when mad or angry, show off their teeth.

While waiting for our turn, I am very lucky to see a monitor lizard roaming around the island

The cheeky monkey

nasty monkey who took the bag of one of the tourists and after which the monkey just threw it away from the tree. So I made sure that I don’t leave anything but always have things in my bag.

 Our group was called. It was our turn. We went to ride the small paddle boat in groups of 12 seated in pairs. The passengers in the first row ( front row ) will be asked to hold the flashlight the entire trip in the underground river. I didn’t do much of spelunking before, but this one made me hook for it! So the cave trip was great. Around 15 minutes I guess. Our guide showed us some caves, stalactites, and some descriptions and look alikes of the stalactite formations. The person holidng the flashlight in the front was Taiwanese, so she was always delayed in following the boatman/guide’s instructor as she didn’t understand much English. The boatman always will instruct the person holding the flashlight to go left/right/up/down with the flashlight so it is best if the person holding it understands the instructions. After an unforgettable 15-20 minutes of spelunking (paddle boat ride) we were back from the cave to the beach. During the trip make sure you smile to photographers taking pics as you can buy the pictures at the booth before going out.

 

 

On the way to the cave

Another boat approaching inside the cave at the Puerto Princesa Underground River

Stalactite here. Stalagmite there. The best spelunking Ive ever done! What do you think this looks like?

We then jumped back to the boat and went back the wharf for lunch. Lunch is included in our tour package. We were so hungry it was already 1.30pm. The buffet choices was a lot, mostly Philippine food. Soup, rice, meats and veggies with a softdrink/ water. After lunch we waited in the restaurant as a pair in our group went to go for THE SABANG ZIPLINE. Theres a zipline in the location, and they told us that they really enjoyed it as it’s a bit different from other ziplines that they did because of the view of the ocean. But I was so full, and still dizzy from the boat trip that I am not really in the mood to do a zipline. While waiting for them my companion and I walked along the beach.

There are so many resorts nearby, but the nicest one is the SHERIDAN BEACH RESORT in Sabang. Sabang beach though is not recommended for swimming because of the big waves. On the day that we went there, there was a RED flag on the beach. It means a “NO SWIM” due to the big waves. They are very strict with this as there was an accident last year. Someone drowned in the beach. But Sheridan resort has a nice pool. So I sat in the resort, and they were having so many guests that day. A group of guys were playing Frisbee in the resort, and they have a nice restaurant by the beach. Our group then rode our van back to PP town by 3 pm. Everyone was mostly asleep during the 2 hour trip. The van dropped us off back to our hotel.

We arrived about quarter to 5pm. We were so tired that we had dinner at Kinabuchs Restaurant nearby, and then the FISH SPA at the PURPLE BAMBOO SPA, just outside our hotel, BLUE LAGOON INN AND SUITES. We then had our well deserved massage at the Purple Bamboo Spa. Last guest is by 11 pm. They close by 12midnight. The staff are mostly from my hometown of Iloilo, and they were very friendly.

The next morning, before our flight by noon…we went for some souvenir shopping in the city. Make sure to do some shopping in TIANGGE TIANGGE OF PALAWAN. Ask any tricycle driver to bring you there, its in the city center. They sell all souvenirs of Palawan that you can get, from tshirts, beads, bracelets, pearls to crocodile meat.Afterwards, we went back to the hotel. On the way back, we passed by a little Vietnamese ( streetside restaurant ). Oooh they serve really nice authentic Vietnamese Noodles. Vietnamese used to stay in Puerto Princesa, but has now left. And thanks to those who stayed, we have the nice Vietnamese Restaurants. And for some Vietnamese fix – I discovered RENE’S SAIGON. It is in Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa’s main road. The road to the airport. The Vietnamese streetside restaurant / stall is located in Rizal Avenue, just beside JGM
Finance Corporation Puerto Princesa. .

Also, another restaurant worth mentioning in Rizal Avenue as well very near Kinabuchs...is Ka Inato... there local version of  Veggie Salad is worth a try! Its made of okra , tomatoes, kangkong and many other local boiled veggies with Bagoong as the sauce!