How I Did Puerto Princesa

Into: Before I actually log my thoughts here, I might as well just share this backstory. Palawan has been a place to go to on my bucket list. I always thought going there would be a dream come true. The first time I had the chance, it was June of 2016. My co-workers (I used to work) and I booked a flight to Coron, Palawan as part of our team's annual summer outing. Unfortunately, we booked our flight at an unlucky day. It was raining too hard, making it impossible to land. We ended up going back to Manila and refunding the whole trip. I kind of lost hope after that. I thought maybe I'm not supposed to get there anytime soon. I was willing to wait, until another opportunity came.

I came with a friend of mine from law school. She loves to travel as much as I do. We booked our flight to Puerto Princesa, Palawan months away. We originally planned to depart from Manila on November 29, 2016. Unfortunately, to our dismay, we have to rebook the whole trip because our school made some last minute changes to our final exam schedule. We left Manila November 30, 2016 and left Palawan on December 2, 2016. We stayed there for 3 days and 2 nights, and every minute spent there was worth every intake of oxygen. It was a remarkable experience.

DAY 1

Our first day was a city tour. But we didn't book any professional tours from travel agencies. We did it our way. We found some cool spots to visit and we planned the whole itinerary ourselves. We actually didn't have a clue how to get from one point to another, but for some miracle, we found someone (a tricycle driver) to help us. We arrived at Puerto Princesa, Palawan around 9am. (Sidenote: We saw Bo Sanchez at the airport!) A van from Go Hotels (where we stayed) picked us up. Check in was at 2pm, so we left our bags there and went on with our adventure.

Tricycles are the best way to get around. They are literally everywhere! (Sidenote: We recommend you to find tricycles that have flowers around their windshield. They are actually tasked to accompany tourists. They will help answer your queries and maybe you can negotiate a deal) In our case, the tricycle driver who helped us initiated to drop us off anywhere we'd like. He waited with us, and dropped us off another. Basically, it's like we rented him for the day. This would be convenient for you, as it did for us, because it saved us time with hailing tricycles here and there. We also saved money by negotiating a fixed price for the whole day.

My friend and I shared an appetite. Majority of the places we went to were restaurants. We had our breakfast at Gypsy Lair Art Cafe and it was magical. It's like entering a dwarf or elf lair. Displayed around the area are paintings and other artworks (some a bit eerie), and the food was absolutely amazing. The menu covered a lot of options and the prices were remarkable. Each meal costs around Php 100-200 average, which is quite unusual for a decent meal around Manila (PS. for an artsy place). Only downside of the place is the size. We came really early, so we were the first ones to dine. But image more people were there, we probably wouldn't be able to move.

(INSERT GYPSY PICS)

We went to the neighboring souvenir shops but we didn't linger too long. We left right away.

Next, we went to Baker's Hill. Now this is a must stop for anyone coming into Puerto Princesa. They sell native delicacies and they offer a picturesque park for tourists. It's like entering a themed park. They have statues, landscapes, bird aviaries, and they even have Shrek's swamp in there. Perfect spot for families who have little kids.

(INSERT BAKER'S HILL)

Baker's Hill sells delicacies, ranging from Php100-300 in price. I say you should try their Casoy (Puerto Princesa's pride) packaged in a jar, and their Hopia. The hopia was the star of the shop.  It was selling nonstop. Everyone was grabbing baskets full. In fact, they were probably refilling the rack twice in every hour. 

If you're big on your photo skill gig (Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, Flickr, etc.) try Baker's Hill for real. I, myself, managed to get some cool shots.

After Baker's Hill, we went back to Go Hotels to check in. And around 3pm, we met with our tricycle driver again and headed straight to another food destination: Badjao Seafront.

Badjao Seafront is truly a gem. If you're into a serene place with good food and good view, this is a must go to. Do not attempt to get there by foot. You will get lost. You have to have some sort of transportation, especially if you're dining at night. If you decide to ride a tricycle, make sure he stays to transport you back. The restaurant is located far away from civilization. But don't be scared. You're off to an adventure.

The food ranges from Php200-500 average (depending if you're getting ala carte, or sharing with a group), which isn't really that bad. Your Php200 will get you a really good meal. To our further amusement, the selection didn't just cover seafood (which would be ironic because it's a seafood restaurant). I was clearly surprised that they also serve meat there. I am allergic to seafood (I know, smh), but I took the risk going there because Google encouraged me. The place is overlooking some body of water with floating trees and stuff (ok, I don't know how to describe it). Just see the photos below.

(INSERT BADJAO)

After stuffing our stomachs with good food, we decided to stop by at the beach. We asked our tricycle driver where we could find the nearest beach and he took us to Pristine Beach. I don't recommend swimming there. It's not that it's bad or anything. But you're bound for a better view. We basically just took some pictures and lingered around the seashore for a few minutes. There is a Php50 entrance fee that you have to pay. We went around 5pm and clearly there was no one around. I'm sure if people actually there, or we just picked the wrong day. \

(INSERT PRISTINE)

After some moments with the ocean, we went back to our hotel to freshen up, charge our cameras and phones, and get ready for dinner. Our next destination recommends a prior reservation. We stopped by earlier and booked the 8pm table. THIS IS THE MOST CROWDED RESTAURANT WE'VE BEEN TO IN PUERTO PRINCESA. It was swarming of tourists. Thank goodness our tricycle driver was kind enough to tell us to book prior, or else we'd be among the others lined up at the entrance. The place is called KaLui Seafood Restaurant. A noteworthy experience would be taking our shoes off before getting placed to our table. KaLui also features an art gallery worth checking out after eating. At this point we were clearly blown away by everything Puerto Princesa.

The food was amazing, although the selection was limited. The pricing wasn't that bad, considering the demand for the place. I was originally expecting a fine dining cost, but it didn't even reach halfway. Make sure you visit the place when you come to Puerto Princesa. It's also a must go to.

(INSERT KALUI)

Finally as our last stop for the day, we went to the Baywalk, quite similar to Manila's baywalk and Mall of Asia's baywalk. Overlooking the ocean, stall paraded the area. Our timing was perfect because we found a bazaar nearby. Hello Christmas season! If you want a less formal dinner, I recommend going here and getting barbecue. There's something about barbecue at night by the ocean. I also got myself a henna tattoo while we were here.

We didn't do much, only walked around, before going back to our hotel to wrap up the day.

DAY 2

Our second day started at around 8am. We were picked up by our tour guide who will be taking us to the Underground River. Of course, you can do this on your own. But we highly suggest you book a tour beforehand. The Underground River is the main attraction to Puerto Princesa. Named as one of the 7 wonders of the world, tourists naturally swarm the area. The path to the island sports strong tides, so make sure you book a tour at a good season. We went December and the tides were a little uncooperative. If such a case, make sure you come early. Apparently, tides are harsher in the afternoon. In fact, prior to ours that day, the Underground River closed down to the public. We were lucky.

Some tips: Make sure to bring a water resistant bag and phone case, because water drips from the cave. There is no swimming allowed in the area, so save your bikini. And make sure to eat breakfast because there will be a lot of waiting.

The cue was crazy. We had to wait hours to get to our boat which will take us to the island. From there, we have to wait another hour to get boarded the actual trip inside the Underground River. This is the highlight of our Puerto Princesa trip. Going to the Underground River is worth the cross mark in your bucket list. It was beyond expectations.

It's pitched black inside the cave, but don't worry, the water is so cool you wouldn't feel a sweat break down your face. It was actually very soothing. That, and given the drips of water you'll hear as background.

Upon entry to the island, you will be handed out some sort of recording device where you will be hearing the information from while inside the cave (Don't worry, you get a fresh headphones along with it and it's yours to keep). It's synchronized with the entire tour, so whatever is explained in the device, the boat man will direct a flashlight on. The tour guide who brought us there was kind enough to explain this practice. Apparently before, the boat man used to be the one to explain the wonders of the cave, but they figured out that any noise made might affect the natural formation of the stalactites. You're also not allowed to touch anything, because oil extracted from human skin can also affect its natural formation. It's amazing to think of it, like the entire cave is actually alive and it responds directly to its surroundings.

The best part of the tour is the aftermath. Most tours include a buffet lunch as a package. So don't worry because the local restaurant got you covered.

Our tour guide offered us an alternative trip for the afternoon, but we decided to pass. We were dropped off at our hotel around 3pm and we took this time to bath and get ready for the Firefly watching happening that same night.

I highly recommend doing this after the Underground River, while you still have that lingering feeling of sea withdrawals. The trip isn't as draining as the previous one, so it's perfect to wrap up the day. Not a lot of people go there, so cueing wasn't that bad.

We were picked up by our tour guide around 6pm and went straight to the venue. The entire trip was also pitched black. But the best part of it is that the boat man did all the talking. It's like having a real conversation with someone passionate about constellation and firefly habitat. I say they know a great deal and they can answer most questions. It's very knowledgable, like I said before, very calming. Just being with nature, without electricity or technology, is always a nice change.

Wait, I didn't even tell you about the planktons yet. Every heard of bioluminescence? Yes, the water glows when you touch it, and you're quite encouraged to touch it too! You'll be amazed, so don't be scared to dip your fingers in.

After our trip down the lake, we were escorted to another buffet. Yes, we're gaining fats, but who cares.

DAY 3