The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
I read somewhere this most inspiring travel quote and I was never the same. I love traveling for the fantastic places I get to see, rare opportunities it offers and and the amazing people I get to exchange ideas with.
My father, mother and I went to Puerta Princessa , Palawan from Cebu on our Aunt Amalda's expense. Our accommodation was very laid back - you clean after yourself and you just drop in the box the cost of the toiletries/ food/ beverages you used. You can cook/ wash for yourself or ask the crew to do it for you. They can superbly cook local and international foods in their menu . No wonder it was very poplar to foreign travelers who are in for the long haul. It has wifi services and a hammock you can nap on.
First and second day , we did the traditional city tour. We went up Baker's Hill, go inside late Senator Mitra's ranch, had lunch in a Vietnamese restaurant then proceed to Crocodile farm and Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm. The latter impressed me the most as it reminds me of Norway's Prison Island Bastoy in the fjord of Oslo in which inmates enjoys vocational activities they choose like farming,weaving, fishing, woodworks etc in a low security and open air penal instituition. Iwahig is one of its kind in the country not only because of its sheer size of 38,000 hectares idyllic ambiance but also because here they are hope to be reabsorbed by the community as responsible members rather than be an outcast -forever stigmatize .Until now , I still believe we should have more of this to decrease recidivist.For dinner we head to a restaurant where we eat roasted chicken and some exotic mangrove worm for dinner .
If it weren't enough we even get to see the famous subterranean underground river. According to the guide, its the world's longest, no wonder Proclamation No. 835 as a national park. Today, its a UNESCO Heritage Site. While we were waiting for our boat ride we amuse ourselves with naughty monkeys stealing everything they can put their hands on.Inside the cave we find ourselves losing our breath at the stalagmite and stalactite formations as well as the thousands of bats. It makes me wonder where is Batman?
Third and Fourth day , we head on to El Nido in a jam-packed van. It was a very rough ride especially so the roads were not cemented and it was raining like cats and dogs. So at one point we have to get off it and help the driver in pushing it through. El Nido was pure bliss though so the butt aching trip was all worth it. There we get to do some snorkeling ,and island hopping and spelunking.Too bad digital cameras weren't as popular then. It was sure bliss to see all those magnificent limestone formations, variety of fishes cruising alone, in pairs or in schools and yes fantastic coral gardens of various pigments and shapes.
We merely do some souvenir shopping for our last day. Palawan is definitely a must recommend spot . I wouldnt mind another visit here