Return to Palawan | Summer Tour at the City in the Forest (Part 2)

For the second part of the City Tour, we went to the remaining attractions in the city. First, we have the Rancho Santa Monica or Rancho Mitra which owned by the late politician Ramon Mitra. The place is noted for its panoramic view of the city from the ranch in the top of the hill. Before, it is just an ordinary view deck; now, you may enjoy other activities such as horseback riding and zipline.

The viewing deck of Rancho Mitra. 

The panoramic view of lush forests of Puerto Princesa City from Rancho Mitra.

The rolling hills of Rancho Mitra.

After that, we went to Baker's Hill, the most popular bakeshop in the city. I also noticed that there are so many "hugot" lines (love quotes) in the place. Therefore, the sumptuous bread and pastries are still delicious and new amenities are added such as the playground and the zipline.

The chef welcomes you to Bakers Hill. 

Hugot Line 1: "Are you still hoping even it is impossible?" 

The last part of our tour is the visit to Palawan Eco-Village and Butterfly Farm. We saw colorful butterflies in the park. Therefore, the most significant part of this tour is to have an encounter with the Palaw'an Tribe to understand their customs and traditions and to appreciate our indigenous culture.

The welcome signage to Palawan Butterfly Farm and Tribal Village. 

Colorful butterflies in a lush green place. 

The Palawan Tribal Village. 

A photo opportunity with the Palaw'an Tribe. 

The first day of our tour is such a memorable experience because of the closer understanding of the culture of Puerto Princesa City and how this city maintain the cleanliness and the citizens' discipline.

Date: March 9, 2019

Return to Palawan | Summer Tour at the City in the Forest (Part 1)

Nine years ago, my family and I decided to go on a vacation good for three days and two nights in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. I appreciated that place because of its impeccable cleanliness, lush forests, verdant mountains and clear blue waters of the sea. This year, we decided to come back for a vacation in the city. This time, we made our firsts here and seeing the changes in the place nine years ago. 

The place that I've really missed - Puerto Princesa City. 

We made it at Puerto Princesa International Airport at 6:00 AM in which we decided to take a City Tour for the first day of our stay in the province. 

Good morning Puerto Princesa City! The sun rises at Puerto Princesa City International Airport.

The icon of our fishes in the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk seems changed its structure.

I <3 Puerto Princesa

The relaxing scenery of the sea with boats from the viewing deck.

The locals maintain the cleanliness of this area as well with the waters. 

We started the city tour with the visit at the Puerto Princesa Baywalk. We enjoyed the view of the sea and the place remains clean as always. I really appreciate the people and their local government for maintaining the cleanliness of the city because of the implementing laws regarding waste management and throwing of trash in the city. It is proven that citizens are giving importance on discipline and cleanliness, as well with saving the nature.

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral, simply known as the Puerto Princesa City Cathedral.

After two minutes, we visited two historical sites in the city which can be found in Rizal Avenue . First, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, which is the episcopal see of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa. It is the place where the first mass in the province happened in 1872 and it is known for its Gothic architecture with its pointed spires.

The facade of Plaza Cuartel.

Adjacent to the church is the Plaza Cuartel. It was a military base during the Second World War where 150 American prisoners were burned to death by the Japanese soldiers on December 14, 1944. In addition, the place reminds of its remarkable history of the province during the Japanese occupation. It is an interesting site to see but we don't have time to check what's inside of it (possibly in my return to Puerto Princesa City soon, I will check this place again).

The entrance to Crocodile Farm with a better landscaping.

Kalayaan, a 50 year old Philippine crocodile.

Kagitingan, another old crocodile.

The Palawan bearcat or binturong

We also visited the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, also known as the Crocodile Farm. There are many young crocodiles in their hatchling house and it is quite frightening to take photos of baby crocs because my camera phone was almost dropped when one of them was disturbed and made a shocking response. Then, we visited the big crocodiles which are only few of them left and they are so old and enormous. Nine years ago, there are many huge crocodiles in that portion of the park, but only 5 to 7 of them are left and each of them owned a portion. I've also learned that there are two species of crocodiles in our country - the saltwater crocodile and the Philippine crocodile. They can also live for 50 to 70 years old. After seeing the crocodiles, we made a nature trek in the park where we saw other animals such as snakes, native birds like eagles, horn bills, mynahs and parrots, and the Palawan bear cat or binturong. These animals  were saved after being caught by illegal poachers.

Watch out for the second part of my post about the afternoon city tour in Puerto Princesa. 

You can also check my other posts

Travel Guide | Weekend Getaway in The Last Frontier: Palawan 

Date: March 9 - 11, 2019

Travel and Paper Perspectives | Appreciation Post and Resolutions

For the first year of 2019, I would like to express my appreciation to the viewers and readers of this blog entitled "Travel and Paper Perspectives." For the past 6 years of this operation, I didn't expect that I have readers and followers not only in the Philippines but also in other countries from Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.

You may also check the page views per country in your Stats and then click Audience :) 

This 2018, I am very aware of the countries where the posts in my travel blog can reach. It motivates me to write more travel blogs in the near future. In addition, this 2019 I will write not only travel blogs, but also personal blogs which help other people to be motivated in fighting their personal struggles. I missed this job of blogging because in the previous years, I stopped due to busy work schedule and lack of travel time. 2018 is such a year of comeback in writing and traveling, unlocking new provinces, trying new destinations to experience their culture and  a year of appreciating the viewers and readers of my blog from different corners of the world.

I will keep on writing this 2019! Thank you very much!