Start of something new

Sharing of interests, stories of where I've been and what I did. Insights, thoughts, learning that may be applicable and helpful to anybody in this world!

Sunday, 16 October 2011

Puerto Princesa is it!!

Blast from the past - November 2009


Another trip that we had was in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.  This time, we opted to travel together with Sweets' best friend, Dera.


As usual, Sweets never failed to take care of the itinerary that we are going to enjoy.  He took care of the accommodation and our service and we just have to bring ourselves down there.  Sweets is one good planner! Better that I do!


Anyways, since this is our once a year out of town travel we wanted to "again" make sure that we will make most of the time that we have in Palawan.  Upon arrival, it was a good feeling to be fetched by our service!




High-tech jeepney, I must say! In our first step in Puerto Princesa, we really felt like a tourist.


We then just checked-in into Puerto Pension, rested for a little while and ate lunch.  Then proceeded to our next destination.  Being out of town for me means that time is precious and thus it should not be wasted.


Our first stop was at the Binuatan Handicraft, was one of the famous handicraft shop in Palawan.




We will not miss the chance to give it a try.. It was very easy but requires a lot of patience!




There were plenty of bags to choose from, different colors and sizes. So hard to resist and thus I got one!




After this stop, we then proceeded to Palawan Crocodile Farm!




It is good to know that they have a place like this in the Philippines.  Crocodiles may already be extinct and conserving them is making sure that our children's children will also enjoy what we've seen today.  Crocodiles are part of our ecosystem and thus also important.


Of course, there were a lot of crocodiles (of all ages).  From the ones that were captured long before that its bones and skin were preserved up to the little ones inside the shell.  So cute! If you look at them, they were so harmless.










After this one, we then proceeded to Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm.
The story of this for me was very inspirational.  Prisoners get to bring their family in this place and they live by means of farming, fishing et al.  Prisoners makes most of the souvenir items here and it is also one of their means of living.  It is a wake up call for them and another chance to live correctly in life!





After here, our next stop was in Mitra's Ranch.
Very simple place owned by the late Philippine Senator Ramon Mitra. It has a very beautiful view of the mountains and islands and a good spot for fresh air or picnic.





Just near Mitra's Ranch was the "Baker's Hill'.  This is where my next favorite hopia was bought! Nice and tasty one and I was glad it reached Laguna before it was wasted!




This place was very cozy with all of it's nice gardens and landscapes.  Very relaxing and a good place to eat and have a chit chat!  A lot of cartoon characters that children will definitely love (well I did love them all!).


At first glance, i really thought they were real birds!










I fell in love with the landscapes! How I wished I can have one that I can maintain! 







We stayed there for a little while because we ate our snack. It was relaxing because we were surrounded by good food and good ambiance.


We went back to Puerto Pension and had our dinner there.  After dinner, we decided to go out at the park. The lights were nice and then there were store where we bought some of our pasalubongs.


Day 2: Will be a busy day for us we are going to the Undergound River! Yey!
PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK FOR THE UNDERGROUND RIVER TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ITS NATURAL BEAUTY!





Sweets was seated at the first row of the boat and he was the one who carried the light that will help us see inside the cave! Cool right?!






I highly recommend that you click on "Undergound River" it shows what's inside the underground river and for me to have watched the video was a realization that it was indeed a beautiful wonder of nature!


After the river, we had some more beach shots!
The river is flowing into the sea. They call is "brakish water" (dont know if my memory served me right).  We were standing at the middle of the river water and sea water! Nice!




It was not that tiring but it was fun and then we went ahead to have our much deserved lunch! It was one of the cottages at Taraw Vista Lodge.





It has always been a good feeling to eat together with your loved ones and friends and not think about work! FREEDOM was in our hands!!!


While we were driving on to our next destination, there was this one baranggay who were using Solar Energy. A good way to save energy and utilizing another Nature's Gift.




After that "burp" lunch, our next stop was the Viet Ville Restaurant.  When we arrived there it was like "Ghost town", no other people except for us but then we went ahead and ordered our snack.




A fun-filled day.  Before we go straight to dinner, we decided to go home first and rest for a while.. Upon entering our room, this is what I saw.





Flowers and wine for our Anniversary! I was so touched because I never had any idea about this one, that's when i realized when he asked me if I drink wine.. hmmm.. :)


A love letter that completed the entire surprise!




Sweets is so sweet (but not all the time.. hehe)


After that mushy-mushy moment with Sweets, we headed for dinner.
We went to Kinabuchs. Bar and Grill restaurant in Puerto Princesa Palawan and is famous for their special delicacy - Tamilok, I dont know what it is but it was a nice partner with beer. Boo us! we didn't have beer thus we did not enjoyed it but it was a good tasting experience to have :)




Third Day: Time for some Island Hopping.

We first had snorkeling, so fun to swim with the fishes and all it's kinds.  Because of my excitement to see all of them, I scream for joy every time I see one (I forgot I have snorkels :D).




Then up to the boat to go to another island for another round of snorkeling and beaching! Look at the white beach and the clear waters!




We stayed a bit longer in this island (sorry can't quite remember the name) because we had our lunch here. Felt like it was our last beach lunch because we had a LOT!


Those crabs were freshly made for our lunch. They were called "Blue Crabs". 
Very sweet and juicy!! That's what makes a freshly caught crab!! Yum!




Our next destination was the "Snake Island" it was called that one because of it's shape. Not sure though if there were snakes in the island.  What we saw in the clear knee high waters were all fishes (so nice). No need for goggles or snorkels because you can see them clearly! Another good view!




We ended the day by having dinner at KaLui Restaurant. A very cozy place where the seats and tables were mostly bamboo and wood, very native.  Different styles that will definitely suit each starving customer!








So full but we didn't miss their special fruit dessert!




One last photo opp in the resto.




Fourth day: Time to pack up, but before we do, we visited the market to bring home some good food!!





Fun, Unforgettable and totally "Well Deserved" relaxing vacation!
Till Next!


Our contact person for this tour is Ate Jen Bonus, you can contact her anytime with her FB account.


Enjoy the Princess! Aja!

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