Sunday, November 24, 2013
It was about two months ago when I saw an Air Asia ticket sale. Like the impulsive freak that I am, I made a reservation right away for a round trip ticket to Puerto Princesa, Palawan for two. I paid Php2,489.91 for round trip tickets for me and my partner Alvin.
On the eve of November 23, I tried so hard to get some decent sleep so I have enough energy for our trip. However, just like the trips that I had before, I failed to doze off because of excitement and the fear of not being able to wake up on time for our flight. Hahaha. I know, control freak right.
It was 4:00 in the morning when I got up and checked all our stuff to make sure we got everything we need. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 7:35 AM and we have to be at the airport at least two hours before the flight. We left at 15 past 5AM. We headed to Terminal 4, the old domestic airport. It took us 30-45 minutes to get there. We didn't have any problems checking in because we only have our carry-on with us. We are flying on Air Asia Zest Z2 422. I traveled with Air Asia to Boracay before and I didn't have any problems. We know that Zest Air and Air Asia have merged recently and I have heard rumors that Zest Air have delayed flights always so I was kind of expecting that ours would be the same but I was surprised. Our flight was on time, in fact, it landed 15 minutes earlier from our scheduled arrival in Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS).
Of course, along with vacation is cam-whoring so from Manila Domestic Airport (MNL), to inside of the airplane, to PPS, we've taken lots of memories to share.
Upon arriving, we were welcomed by showers of rain. We looked for the person from the hotel who's picking us up at the airport. After 5 mins of waiting, we heard someone yelled "Oberoi" from a distance. We approached the man and he escorted us to the van that'll take us to the resort. We waited for two more persons who will be staying in the same resort as we are. The travel time to Royal Oberoi Resort took us about 15 to 20 minutes.
We were greeted by the receptionist named "Icey". We registered and checked the tours we have booked prior and confirmed some details. Then, the housekeeping lady ushered us to our room. She discussed the main features of the room that we can utilize during our stay. The room was very nice with a separate living area and bedroom, a mini bar, TV, has its spacious bathroom and what I love the most, a view of the pool area.
Check in time was supposed to be 2PM but they allowed us to check in early since there were only few guests in the resort that day. They've also given us our welcome drinks. We were starving so we decided to order breakfast before taking a nap. Our tour guide would be picking us up by 1:30PM for our city tour. So after an hour of nap, we went out to check the surroundings. Thank God the rain has stopped.
It was almost 2PM when our guide, Gil arrived. There are four more ladies in the van plus two children. We joined them along with the couple who were also staying in Oberoi. Our first stop, the famous Crocodile Farm. We had our 30 minutes tour where we met Mac-Mac. He is the biggest salt water crocodile in the farm. When I said biggest, he was like "humongously-big". Totally scary on his size. The lady at the farm also showed us the crocodile hatch lings, different birds that were captured for protection and of course, the souvenir shops! Hahaha. We spent quite a long period of time buying items for pasalubong. Who would ever miss to taste the exotic crocodile meat? Though the thought of eating it gave me goose bumps, I decided to try it anyway. Alas! It tasted good! They said the meat kind of tasted like chicken but it’s not. The texture is different and it has a distinct flavor. Not chicken, not pork and definitely not beef. It is delicious for an exotic food.
After a night of pig out, we decided to take a dip in their clover shaped pool. The night was cold but the water is warm enough for a night swimming. The water calm our tired and weary muscles. We spent about an hour swimming and drinking on the pool bar. I had a cosmopolitan and beer to warm my body from the cold breeze. It was almost an hour of swimming when we felt it was time to rest and be ready for a whole day activities the following day.
It was about two months ago when I saw an Air Asia ticket sale. Like the impulsive freak that I am, I made a reservation right away for a round trip ticket to Puerto Princesa, Palawan for two. I paid Php2,489.91 for round trip tickets for me and my partner Alvin.
On the eve of November 23, I tried so hard to get some decent sleep so I have enough energy for our trip. However, just like the trips that I had before, I failed to doze off because of excitement and the fear of not being able to wake up on time for our flight. Hahaha. I know, control freak right.
It was 4:00 in the morning when I got up and checked all our stuff to make sure we got everything we need. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 7:35 AM and we have to be at the airport at least two hours before the flight. We left at 15 past 5AM. We headed to Terminal 4, the old domestic airport. It took us 30-45 minutes to get there. We didn't have any problems checking in because we only have our carry-on with us. We are flying on Air Asia Zest Z2 422. I traveled with Air Asia to Boracay before and I didn't have any problems. We know that Zest Air and Air Asia have merged recently and I have heard rumors that Zest Air have delayed flights always so I was kind of expecting that ours would be the same but I was surprised. Our flight was on time, in fact, it landed 15 minutes earlier from our scheduled arrival in Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS).
Of course, along with vacation is cam-whoring so from Manila Domestic Airport (MNL), to inside of the airplane, to PPS, we've taken lots of memories to share.
We were greeted by the receptionist named "Icey". We registered and checked the tours we have booked prior and confirmed some details. Then, the housekeeping lady ushered us to our room. She discussed the main features of the room that we can utilize during our stay. The room was very nice with a separate living area and bedroom, a mini bar, TV, has its spacious bathroom and what I love the most, a view of the pool area.
Check in time was supposed to be 2PM but they allowed us to check in early since there were only few guests in the resort that day. They've also given us our welcome drinks. We were starving so we decided to order breakfast before taking a nap. Our tour guide would be picking us up by 1:30PM for our city tour. So after an hour of nap, we went out to check the surroundings. Thank God the rain has stopped.
It was almost 2PM when our guide, Gil arrived. There are four more ladies in the van plus two children. We joined them along with the couple who were also staying in Oberoi. Our first stop, the famous Crocodile Farm. We had our 30 minutes tour where we met Mac-Mac. He is the biggest salt water crocodile in the farm. When I said biggest, he was like "humongously-big". Totally scary on his size. The lady at the farm also showed us the crocodile hatch lings, different birds that were captured for protection and of course, the souvenir shops! Hahaha. We spent quite a long period of time buying items for pasalubong. Who would ever miss to taste the exotic crocodile meat? Though the thought of eating it gave me goose bumps, I decided to try it anyway. Alas! It tasted good! They said the meat kind of tasted like chicken but it’s not. The texture is different and it has a distinct flavor. Not chicken, not pork and definitely not beef. It is delicious for an exotic food.
Next, we visited Mitra's Ranch which is owned by the late Ramon Mitra who have become a Congressman representing Palawan and later on became a Senator. We took pictures over looking the Honda Bay Islands. They have zipline activities, trampoline, horse back riding, etc. but we did not try those because we have time restrictions for the tour.
Baker's Hill was next. We roam around their grounds where statues of Disney characters are positioned all around the area. Our tour guide said that the owner of Baker's Hill was originally from Marikina City. A family of baker who moved and decided to put up another bakery in Palawan. Since the location is far from the town proper, they have decided to convert their backyard in to a mini park where families can spend they're weekend with their kids. Eventually, it became famous for it's "Hopia" and became part of the city tour for the tourist, local and foreign.
After 30 minutes of enjoying Baker's Hill we head to two of the souvenir shops in town. Got some more stuff for Pasalubong before we went to Puerto Princesa's version of Bay Walk. The place looked a lot like Manila Bay minus the famous sunset. It was a running tour which lasted 5 minutes so we were not able to take pictures. Then comes Plaza Cuartel and Cathedral which is adjacent to each other. Plaza Cuartel was the place where American Soldier's were burned alive by Japanese Soldiers who captured them from a battle. It was almost dusk when we visited these two places so the setting of the sun added some more creepiness to the place.
We ended the tour with a short prayer at the cathedral. Gil and our driver took us back to the resort. We put our things down and ordered dinner at resort's Grand Palm Pavilion Restaurant. Starving, I ordered Tuna Steak and Alvin ordered Chili Crabs. The prices of their dishes look expensive at first but looking at how big the servings were, the money you spend is worth all the cents. Delicious is not enough to express how tasty and good they prepare the food. I'm missing it already.
We were up by 6:30 the next morning. We ordered breakfast (free) with crabs and veggies. Halfway done with our breakfast when our tour guide arrived and picked us up for the Underground River Tour (URT). Hustling, we grabbed our stuff and traveled two hours to Sabang Port. There were boats waiting for tourist on queue to be transported to the National Park's entrance. The boat trip lasted for about 15 to 20 minutes.
It was 100 meters of walking on a paved way to the entrance of the cave. Another attraction just about a few meters from the registration area is the ranger station where you'll see monkeys and monitor lizards freely roaming the area. We were told to be very careful of our belonging as there were instances of monkeys snatching bags, hats, and small stuff from tourists. The surrounding is abundant with trees and wild life. There is a part where salt and river water meets and the color nature unfold, exceptional. No wonder this has became one of the seven wonders of the world. Such beauty.
Entering the cave, we were guided by a very jolly boat man who explained and showed us all the rock formation inside the cave. From different forms of vegetable figures, saints and other religious formations, stalagmites and stalactites, they were all amazing. Bats are all around and the entrance stinks a little bit which is a sign that the area where they live is protected. I wished I had an SLR camera so I can capture all the beauty the cave has to share. The cave is about 5 kilometers long but we were only able to reach the part after the cathedral which took us a total of 45 minutes round trip. Our guide said we can explore the rest of the cave but that would require a special permit from the city of Puerto Princesa.
It was almost 12 noon when we went back to Sabang Port where we had our buffet lunch included on the URT package. A sumptuous selection of seafood, meat, vegetables and dessert were available for us and the rest of the tourists who had the same tour. The high light of our lunch, eating the exotic edible Mangrove Worms dipped in vinegar. It was slimy, gooey, tasted like oyster and looked disgusting. The texture of the worm is similar to "Nata de Coco" minus the sweet flavor. A must try for the brave of hearts.
Entering the cave, we were guided by a very jolly boat man who explained and showed us all the rock formation inside the cave. From different forms of vegetable figures, saints and other religious formations, stalagmites and stalactites, they were all amazing. Bats are all around and the entrance stinks a little bit which is a sign that the area where they live is protected. I wished I had an SLR camera so I can capture all the beauty the cave has to share. The cave is about 5 kilometers long but we were only able to reach the part after the cathedral which took us a total of 45 minutes round trip. Our guide said we can explore the rest of the cave but that would require a special permit from the city of Puerto Princesa.
It was almost 12 noon when we went back to Sabang Port where we had our buffet lunch included on the URT package. A sumptuous selection of seafood, meat, vegetables and dessert were available for us and the rest of the tourists who had the same tour. The high light of our lunch, eating the exotic edible Mangrove Worms dipped in vinegar. It was slimy, gooey, tasted like oyster and looked disgusting. The texture of the worm is similar to "Nata de Coco" minus the sweet flavor. A must try for the brave of hearts.
After lunch we head back to the resort and made a side trip at Ugong Rock where we tried spelunking. I have had experience more difficult spelunking when we have explored Mt. Manalmon in Bulacan before so this was easy. The only difficult thing is catching your breath, especially if it was ages ago since you've hit the gym. We stayed for a total of two hours then continue our journey to Royel Oberoi. The original plan was to join the firefly watching tour in Iwahig River by 6PM, however the weather did not permit us. So, we suit ourselves and enjoy the resort instead.
On our last day, we were supposed to join the whole day Honda Bay Tour but we were time restrained so we decided to do our own City Tour by visiting places we failed to visit during the actual guided city tour. This time, we took the public transportation, tricycle and multicab.
First stop, the butterfly farm where we met the Palaw-an, the original people of the place. They showed us how they live on a daily basis and how they do their stuffs like baskets, hunting, making fire, etc.. The farm holds different species of butterflies and other insects. What caught my attention was the two domesticated bear cat. They have their own cage but the two bear cat have the freedom to go out of the pen and roam around the farm. The lady that showed us the place said they were rescued by a mountaineer beside their dead mother. The mountaineer donated them to the butterfly farm so both can be taken cared off. The place was small but they hold so many interesting insects.
After an hour of stay in the butterfly farm, we took another tricycle to Binuatan Creations. It is a place where they made hand crafted and woven bags and other stuff made of Buntal, Cogon Grass and other materials. The locals were very friendly to offer us to try weaving. It was amazing how fast they can weave and create such art. So I tried weaving, and yes, I sucked at it. Hahaha. I'd rather buy the finish product for now than ruin everything.
It was lunch time when we left Binuatan. Original plan was to go to down town and check out the museum but we went to Badjao Seafront Restaurant instead. From Binuatan, we walked 3 blocks to get to the main high way so we can hopped in a multi-cab going to Junction.
While waiting for a multicab, we saw a local version of transformers Decepticon made by TESDA students. It was cool and entertaining. I never thought seeing such an awesome modern creation here in Palawan.
Next stop, Badjao Seafront Restaurant. Starving, we got off at Junction (same place where Tiki Bar is located) and hopped in to another tricycle and travel for 15 minutes to the place.
We called the day before to arrange our reservation so upon arriving, we were guided towards a table overlooking the sea and mangroves. The spot was very relaxing and a great venue for seafood pig-out. And what do you know, it was indeed a pig-out lunch. Tuna, Marlin, Buttered Shrimp, Sinigang and fruits all for our consumption. Burp! Excuse me. That was a lot for us. Hehehe..
After about an hour and a half in Badjao, we headed back to town to check out the Palawan Heritage Museum. Our last stop before we officially end our Palawan Vacation. History tripping this time, we entered the museum and learned a lot about Palawan and its culture. It was very informative and my first time to experience a 3D narrator in one part that told us facts about the place.
Our flight back to Manila was scheduled to leave at 6:50PM. After the visit to Heritage Museum, we went back to the resort to check out. We waited for the van that will bring us to the airport. Packing our things for our flight back, I promised myself that I am returning to this place to experience the things we've missed. This vacation was indeed rejuvenating and a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the metro living. Our Palawan Vacation has ended but one thing is for sure, our adventures has definitely not. Let's plan the next trip, shall we. :-D
Here are the expenses from our Palawan Trip
On our last day, we were supposed to join the whole day Honda Bay Tour but we were time restrained so we decided to do our own City Tour by visiting places we failed to visit during the actual guided city tour. This time, we took the public transportation, tricycle and multicab.
First stop, the butterfly farm where we met the Palaw-an, the original people of the place. They showed us how they live on a daily basis and how they do their stuffs like baskets, hunting, making fire, etc.. The farm holds different species of butterflies and other insects. What caught my attention was the two domesticated bear cat. They have their own cage but the two bear cat have the freedom to go out of the pen and roam around the farm. The lady that showed us the place said they were rescued by a mountaineer beside their dead mother. The mountaineer donated them to the butterfly farm so both can be taken cared off. The place was small but they hold so many interesting insects.
While waiting for a multicab, we saw a local version of transformers Decepticon made by TESDA students. It was cool and entertaining. I never thought seeing such an awesome modern creation here in Palawan.
Next stop, Badjao Seafront Restaurant. Starving, we got off at Junction (same place where Tiki Bar is located) and hopped in to another tricycle and travel for 15 minutes to the place.
We called the day before to arrange our reservation so upon arriving, we were guided towards a table overlooking the sea and mangroves. The spot was very relaxing and a great venue for seafood pig-out. And what do you know, it was indeed a pig-out lunch. Tuna, Marlin, Buttered Shrimp, Sinigang and fruits all for our consumption. Burp! Excuse me. That was a lot for us. Hehehe..
Here are the expenses from our Palawan Trip
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