Palawan is an island province which is the westernmost province in the Philippines. It is part of Region IV-B or simply called as MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan). The province is called as "The Last Frontier" it is famous for its abundance of flora and fauna and captivating sceneries such as the verdant mountains, lush forests, stunning limestone rock formations and the pristine aquamarine waters of the sea which reflect the pure cleanliness and natural beauty of the province. In addition, some of the places in Palawan are protected areas and unsettled in order to maintain the rich biodiversity. Palawan is composed of twenty-four towns including Puerto Princesa City, the provincial capital and it is known for its moniker "The Cleanest and Greenest City in the Philippines."
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| The view of Puerto Princesa City from the rolling green hills of Rancho Santa Monica. |
It was October 2010 when I had a chance to join with my family for a three-day tour in Puerto Princesa City. It was my first time to experience an air travel via riding an airplane. It was a one hour flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa City. When I took my first footsteps from the airplane, I said to myself that "it was a breath of fresh air". I feel the clean breeze coming from the plants and trees surrounding the airport and the ambiance which is refreshing from the hassles of hectic urban life. I spent three days in Palawan, visiting some of the interesting tourist spots and experience the relaxing mood in the Cleanest City in the Philippines. Within three days, you can experience different activities which you will appreciate the richness of natural resources and the beauty of nature in our country.
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| Lu-li Island |
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| Beach bumming in Snake Island |
Honda Bay Island Hopping. We accomplished it during the first day of our tour. Honda Bay is located 12 kilometers east of Puerto Princesa City. Boats can be rented in Sta. Lourdes Wharf in Brgy. Tagbanua. There are almost sixteen islands in the bay and each island has different names and features. We visited three islands which are Pambato Reef, Snake Island and Starfish Island where we experienced snorkeling and beach bumming. Other islands in the bay are Pandan Island, Lu-li Island, Cowrie Island, Bat Island, and Senorita Island.
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| Rancho Santa Monica |
Countryside Tour at Rancho Santa Monica, Baker's Hill and Iwahig Penal Colony. Aside from experience the aquamarine waters and pristine white sand beaches, you can feel the fresh air and see the panoramic view of Puerto Princesa City through the verdant rolling hills of Rancho Santa Monica and Baker's Hill. Rancho Santa Monica is a farm and clubhouse owned by Mitra family where the former Senator Ramon Mitra comes from. There are many livestock animals in this farm as well with the rolling green hills which offer the view of lush vegetation as well with the blue skies teemed with wide seas and the small houses of Puerto Princesa City. Few kilometers away from Rancho Santa Monica is the bakeshop and park called Baker's Hill. This place is the counterpart of malls in the metro. You can enjoy the life-sized statues here as well with their delicious pastries and local delicacies in the place. You can also visit the "prison without walls" or the Iwahig Penal Colony where you can buy souvenirs created by the prisoners.
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| The marker to Palawan Wildlife and Conservation Center. |
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| Crocodiles in Irawan Crocodile Farm |
Appreciate Wildlife through the Crocodile Farm and Firefly Watching. You can visit the Palawan Wildlife Conservation Center or the Irawan Crocodile Farm to see crocodiles as well with the fact that you can learn different facts about crocodiles in their museum. In the evening, you can experience sailing in the Iwahig River to witness the spark of different fireflies settled in mangrove trees. In addition, you can experience Dolphin Watching in the morning along with the strong waves and pleasant weather. Aside from seeing crocodiles, fireflies and dolphins, you will experience the richness of wildlife in Puerto Princesa City.
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| Puerto Princesa City Baywalk |
City Tour. You can accomplish it in the third day by visiting the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk, the Puerto Princesa Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel. You can enjoy buying souvenirs and pasalubong to your family, friends and relatives in the city proper as well taking your meal in famous restaurants and fast food chains in the city.
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| Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (Source: http://www.palawan.com) |
Sailing the Puerto Princesa Underground River. This is the only thing that we missed in our tour, visiting the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. It is located in Barangay Sabang and it is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. You can also try to accomplish the zipline in Ugong Rock which is located near the Underground River. I missed the moment to visit this wonderful natural destination.
However, if I were given a chance to come back to this place, I will visit the Underground River and return to the tourist spots that we visited here in Puerto Princesa City. See you again Palawan!
You can also read the following blog posts about my Honda Bay Island Hopping experience:
Date of Travel: October 29 - 31, 2010
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