Experience Puerto Princesa | mytraveladventures

Experience Puerto Princesa:

1. Honda Bay: It's always a package tour of three Island

(Cowrie Island, Starfish Island, Luli Island and Pandan Island)

Cowrie Island:

If you plan on taking the Honda Bay Area tour, chances are you’ll find yourself at a lunch stopover in Cowrie Island. This island is a great place to lounge and relax at so that you may sit around and enjoy the beauty of the sand and the sea around you after a hearty lunch.

Starfish Island:

This island is named so because, you guessed it, the area has multitudes of brown starfishes around its white sandy beach just lying around! For an entrance fee of only 30 PHP, you get to walk around this small but enchanting island of the starfishes.

Luli Island:

Don’t miss your opportunity to visit Luli Island as it is just five minutes away from Pambato Island. It is actually composed of three long sandbars where you can have the chance of walking on one of the narrowest sandbars in Honda Bay. The local vernacular “lulubog-lilitaw” explains this island’s shorten name “Lu-li”. “Lulubog” means “to submerge” while “lilitaw” means “to emerge”. If you want to visit this island you have to ask the boatmen what time you can visit the island. Luli Island shows itself only during low tides, when the island looks like a desert in the middle of the ocean, accompanied by mangrove trees. Going there on high tides would be no fun for you’ll only see cabanas or cottages merely perch above the water.

When you want to take a swim in the clear blue water, take note of the warnings on areas where jellyfishes and stone fishes crowd the sea. These sea creatures are beautiful but also dangerous. It is save for you to swim as long as you stay in the netted and fenced areas. There is not a single lifeguard on this island, so be mindful of the changing tides.

A popular activity in Luli Island is feeding the fishes: try to lure the fishes to swim near to you for that up, close and personal encounter.

Most visitors use this island for a lunch break or just as a stop when island hopping.

Pandan Island:

The Island was called Isla Pandan or Pandan Island, simply because of the fact that the island is home to a lot Pandan trees,

There is an entrance fee in this island that you should pay. It costs 150 pesos per person. You will be asked to pay the fee in the port before proceeding to your island hopping tour. Just keep the receipt and give it to the in-charge personnel of the island upon your arrival.

During my last visit in the island, which is just last December 2012, the entrance fee costs only 50 pesos per person. i wondered why the fee sky rocketed that high.

Upon our arrival in the Island we were led to this station where we were asked to log in and choose what type of cottages we would like to rent.

This is their rates for the different types of amenities that they have. As you can see in the picture below, tents with tables and chairs costs 400 pesos, Cottages costs 600 pesos, and beach umbrellas with table and chairs costs 400 pesos. Other fees are for the different activities that you may do in the island, such as rentals for water paddle boat, stand up paddle, kayaking, volleyball, frisbee and rental for sand castle making tools.

Credit to the owner of the article about Pandan Island. I wasn't able to visit this Island but I included on my blog because once you'll have a tour in Honda bay Island it's always a choice of 3 Island, in order for you to have an idea.

Please check here for more details: http://thepalawenyaexplorer.blogspot.ae/2013/07/isla-pandan-honda-bay-palawan.html

2. City of Puerto Princesa

(City Tour: Bakers Hill, Rancho Mitra, Butterfly Eco-garden and Tribal Village, & Crocodile Farm)

Bakers Hill:

The Island was called Isla Pandan or Pandan Island, simply because of the fact that the island is home to a lot Pandan trees,

During my last visit in the island, which is just last December 2012, the entrance fee costs only 50 pesos per person. i wondered why the fee sky rocketed that high.

Upon our arrival in the Island we were led to this station where we were asked to log in and choose what type of cottages we would like to rent.

Please check here for more details: http://thepalawenyaexplorer.blogspot.ae/2013/07/isla-pandan-honda-bay-palawan.html

During my visit to Palawan this place was already on my list . Every traveler I encountered they never missed mentioning how beautiful this place . According to some employees it was first started as a bakery but now you'll see that it has a wide theme park . If your tummy is calling just a flip of your hair they have choices to offer in Bakers Kitchen Restaurant , exotic food is also available the famous " TAMILOK " (for some who are taste adventurous this is your moment and for not like me Pizza House is available ) . Hula Shake for thirsty feeling and Snack Bars is also available . They also have Souvenir Store along with the Bakery for your friends and family when you get back home . (Please brought some Hopia for your friends that are still hoping , haha ! #Whogoat ) . Some tourist maybe described this place as ordinary but for me it is something different , different for your eyes , from your taste , and from your expectation because it is more than just a bakery with a park . I will not elaborate more so that there's still exciting things you'll expect once your planning to visit Palawan. Don't worry you can enjoy the place because it's free .

Rancho Mitra:

A few steps away from Baker's Hill , Rancho Mitra is the place for your soul. (Naks !) You'll enjoy the green scenery and the freshness of the air . After a walk from Baker's Hill you should not feel any worry because benches and tables are around the corner of you to rest .

What to expect:

You can do horse back riding, Zipline for the amount of 500 pesos and enjoy there trampoline. You camera will definitely has a used because it's a perfect for picture taking .

Butteryfly Eco-garden and Tribal Village:

Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village is located in Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa City. This beautiful garden is a sanctuary of different butterfly species in Southeast Asia. This place is combination of the old and the new, the nature and people. All of unique and pure beauties of nature and people are here.

The Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village is a place that reflects the mesmerising beauty of a province that is known as the “Last Frontier of the Philippines”. It showcases a sheer variety or tropical butterflies from the Southern region of the country. These free flying butterflies are surrounded with live exhibits of scorpions, green-crested lizards, phasmid and mantises which are considered their natural predators. It is a window to the natural ecology of these colourful insects.

What to explore at Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village?

Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village is a place where you can observe and interact with different species of butterflies as well as flowering plants. If you are lucky, you can see butterflies emerging from their pupae. Aside from butterflies, they also have a small collection of insects and reptiles.

Recently they added a tribal village to their attractions showcasing the culture of the Palau’an, an indigenous group in the province. In the Tribal Village, you will be able to interact with native people of the Palaw'an tribe. They will teach you a few things about their culture like their blow dart exhibition, their way of hunting and their daily life routine. By way of supporting them, you can donate or buy Palaw'an made products that are handcrafted by the local village people.

Source: http://www.laaganngabata.com/

How to get to Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village?

Tricycle – Most stores are pretty much accessible via tricycle. Some tricycle drivers would offer you the City Tour package for Php 300-500/pax depending on the number of placing you want to visit. If you want to visit the Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village only, the fee is php 200 each.

The Palawan Butterfly Eco-Garden and Tribal Village is located a few meters away from the South National Highway of Baranggay Sta. Monica Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. If you're coming from the town proper, you can ride a multi-cab with a route Sta. Monica-Pajara, and just ask the driver to drop you off at the butterfly garden. It's very easy to reach this destination even if you're only commuting. Fare is P15.

Van – It costs around Php1000-1500 for 4 hours. Just inform the attendant in the hotel/pension house you are staying and they’ll contact the agencies who can offer the best deal for you.

Source: http://www.laaganngabata.com/

Crocodile Farm:

Scary but exciting, haha! I'm not a fan of wild animals such as crocodiles only for a shoes. Charot! Upon entering the farm there is a registration fee of 40 pesos per person for 13 years old and above, 30 pesos for senior citizen and 20 pesos for 7-12 years old and free for 0-7 years old before proceeding to the Lobby for a short briefing were you can see the big crocodile skin, I'm not really sure if the displayed skin is belonged to the famous fresh water crocodile caught on wild name " LOLONG ". You can also see the massive skeleton of a Sperm whale recovered from Tubbataha Reefs. What makes this trip really funny and exciting is the person behind the briefing moment the way He described crocodile's characteristics . (BAWAL MAG INGAY KASI BAKA MAAA-STRESS ANG CROCODILE , HAHA !)

At the end of the bridge was the end of the guided tour . We could now go have a picture with a baby crocodile for 175 Pesos but I was just looking into the baby crocodile I never attempted to hold for a picture taking. Haha!

I was mesmerized by the Palawan Bearcat and I never missed the chance to experience carrying this beautiful creature for 50 pesos (I guess not sure, haha !) . A lot of birds around the area , Forest Turtles and also Palawan's wild boar are also there . A lot of souvenir items you can choose to from pasalubong stores's like t-shirts , crocodile stuff toys , etc . The tour was all worth it .

For a backpacker like me in order for you to save money you can hire some tricycle ranging 500-800 pesos which cater all the places I have mentioned above. I was also able to visit the Boulevard and the Cathedral. Beside the cathedral there's a camp base during world war II but I never get the chance to explore it since we were running out time for dinner.

3. Underground River & Sabang Zipline

Underground Rivar:

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a protected area of the Philippines located about 80 kilometres (50 mi) north of the city centre of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The river is also called Puerto Princesa Underground River. The national park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of the island. It is bordered by St. Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east. The City Government of Puerto Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992. The entrance to the subterranean river is a short hike or boat ride from the town Sabang.

In 2010, a group of environmentalists and geologists discovered that the underground river has a second floor, which means that there are small waterfalls inside the cave. They also found a cave dome measuring 300 m (980 ft) above the underground river, rock formations, large bats, a deep water hole in the river, more river channels, and another deep cave, as well as marine creatures and more. Deeper areas of the underground river are almost impossible to explore due to oxygen deprivation. On November 11, 2011, Puerto Princesa Underground River was provisionally chosen as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. This selection was officially confirmed on January 28, 2012.

(Syempre! Dapat my pa history moment. Lol! Thanks Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Princesa_Subterranean_River_National_Park)

Here’s everything you need to know about exploring the Puerto Princesa Underground (River.https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/asia/philippines/palawan/puerto-princesa-around/honda-bay-the-underground-river/)

What’s Exciting on this place?

For a backpacker like me, book a ticket from Manila to Puerto Princesa, Palawan ahead of time to less your ticket expenses (Para Tipid! Haha!) You can also book your hotel thru AirBnb, Trip Advisor and or in any booking website online. (Mas Maganda magsearch ka may google, besh! Haha!) The most important thing to do before going to a vacation is planning. Always plan your daily activities and make a detailed itinerary to avoid any inconvenience.

What we did to cut our expenses on this trip was to be friendly and be confident to ask questions because that’s where you can start and have choices on what to do. (Few Tips lang guys for a backpacker like me: kumuha na kayo ng permit bago kayo mag tour the next day, isabay nyo sa city tour, alam ng mga tricycle driver san nag apply ng permit it will cost you like 40 pesos bawat tao for the permit) If you want hassle free you can book a tour to Underground River at any agencies located in the city. It’s always a package tour that includes everything from permit, transportation from Puerto Princesa to Sabang and boat ride from Sabang to Underground River that would cost you p.1500-2000 per person during our time of visit. (Di ko lang alam ngayon besh! Lol)

Here are some ways to get to Sabang Port from the city proper of Puerto Princesa for Baackpackers:

Option # 1 – Via Shuttle Van

Go to the San Jose Terminal and look for the Lexus Shuttle Service. This is one of the shuttle services that offer transportation to Sabang Port. The fare is P140 for Filipinos and P200 for foreigners. Travel time by van is about one hour and 45 minutes. It’s best to reserve your seat in advance so you can be sure that you can get your ride on time. Once you arrive at Sabang Port, reserve your ticket going back. Tickets are sold out easily.

Schedule:

Puerto Princesa to Sabang (vice versa) – 7:30 a.m., 8:30a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.

To book your tickets: contact Lexus Shuttle services:

Option # 2 – Via Jeepney or Non Air Conditioned Bus

There are also non air conditioned buses and jeepneys going to Sabang Port that can be found in the San Jose Terminal. The fare is a little cheaper at P100 for Palawan locals, P120 for local tourists and P200 for foreigners. The travel time, however, is quite long at two hours and 15 minutes to three hours. It’s because jeepneys and buses make several stops along the way, unlike the shuttle van. Also, the drivers wait for the bus or jeepney to fill up before they depart, even if it’s already the scheduled time to leave. Advanced booking is not available for jeepneys and buses.

Schedule:

Puerto Princesa to Sabang (vice versa) – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

To get to the San Jose Terminal from the Puerto Princesa city proper, ride a multicab going to San Jose. The fare is only P12. Or you can also ride a tricycle, which costs more at P80 (group rate). San Jose Terminal is located in the San Jose New Market, just a few meters ahead of Robinson’s Mall if you’re coming from main town.

We woke up early to catch up an early trip from Puerto Princesa to Sabang via Van. It was tiring sitting in a van for an hour but the views along the way will excite you taking pictures. As we arrived to Sabang we immediately booked and reserved a trip back to Puerto Princesa for us can avoid sold out trip. (Mas mapapamahal ka pa pag nagstay ka pa sa sabang, haha!) We also toke our lunch in some budget restaurant near the port. (Dahil nga kanin is Life. Haha! and Never forget to bring some snacks with you pag nagbibiyahe laging pakatandaan ginto ang pagkain sa mga ganitong place, jusko! Pakamahal. haha!)

(What’s exciting nga ba on this place? Di ko pa din siya nasasagot. Lol) I’m not rich (Drama! Haha!) for a simple person like me who haven’t experienced traveling during my childhood days it’s always a dream come true to have seen places you’ve only seen on post cards. After our lunch we proceeded to Sabang pier office to register and pay for the boat since we’re not in a package tour. If I’m not mistaken there’s an environmental fee. After paying and have your permit stamped as a proof of payment you just have to wait and get ready for departure.

It was an amazing experience to have seen a beautiful creation of God. Upon arriving to the shore you’ll be mesmerized by the beautiful rock formations. From the shore you will have a short walk to where Underground River located. Please secure all your belongings as for a lot of monkeys around the area that will stole your things if you’re not attentive. Your boatman will come with you and assist you to get your helmet. (Yung mukha kang magmimina ng ginto. Haha!) . Again, there will be a lot of people, some in groups, so you will just have to wait for your turn, until they can give you a boat. After around half an hour of waiting, we got ours and our tour started. The tour lasts about an hour. The guide paddles the boat and I was so lucky to have seated in front of the boat and used to hold the torchlight, the guide will just instruct me to point the torchlight to the limestones, rocks or mineral formations for everybody can see it. It was really beautiful don’t miss to visit here. After the tour your boatman will give you time to have picture around the area before going back to Sabang port.

Please be mindful in all the Rules and Regulations around the park and please follow them with all your heart. Love our Nature.

Sabang Zipline:

Yes! This was the big reason why we go backpacking rather than booking a package tour to Underground River. During our time most of the package tour offered to Underground River zipline is not included there will be an additional payment if you choose to avail this adventure along with the package tour. (Sugod lang ng sugod, haha!)

It was a 10-15 minutes walk from the beach to the top of the hill. You’ll see a lot of monkeys. I've tried different ziplines before and this one is not that scary. The highlight of Sabang Zipline is the the breath taking view of mountains and the open sea. It was definitely an 800-meter ride of pure fun and excitement. (Pagsigaw ka ng sigaw mag aasin lang naman ang bunganga mo besh! Haha!)

Sabang X Zipline is another must-try activity in Palawan. You can actually visit it even if you are on a guided tour to the Underground River, just request it to your guide ahead of time.

You can also check here for more info: http://www.excitingpalawan.info/sabang-zipline-

Expenses Breakdown for this tour per person;

Tricycle from Hotel to Terminal

- p.200 (4person) roundtrip

Van (Shuttle to Sabang)

- p.280 (per person) roundtrip

Boat - p.600 (6pax / divided into 4) roundtrip

Zipline -p.650 (per person)

To sum up all the expenses per person that’s a total of p.1,180 compare to package tour with no zipline adventure that wil cost you 1500 to 2000. (Di ba tipid. Haha!)