Going places during typhoons do not really terrify me, that is if the typhoon is heading south while I am heading north as was the case when a friend and I went to Ilocos in 2011. However, the thought that a super typhoon is headed towards Visayas made me uncomfortable. Yes, Palawan is not part of the Visayas in terms of regional numbering, but it is in the path of any typhoon going through the region.
My brother and her girlfriend went to Puerto Princesa (hereinafter referred to as: PPC) some 2 weeks before our trip, when the skies are clear and the sun is generous with sunshine. Believing that Palawan is a safe place in Typhoons as mentioned by those they met during their trip, he advised that whatever I plan to do, to go or not, is my call.
Days before the trip, I was closely monitoring Air Asia Zest's announcement whether the flight would be cancelled. It was not. And with a frightened heart, I went with my beau onto that plane that would challenge the edge of Yoland's clouds.
We were the only passengers to fly from Terminal 4 that day
It started to rain as we start to take off from Terminal 4
It was a bumpy on the air, and the Air Asia pilot did a great job safely bringing us to Palawan. When we left, PPC is under signal number 1. When we arrived, it was already under signal no. 3. We were the only passengers that day, ours is the lone plane. Coron (Extreme northern Palawan) was greatly battered by Haiyan the next day. After our flight, all flights for Palawan were cancelled for 2 days.
First order of the day is get a room. We went to EJ Pension house. The beau kept in touch with its owner to check on the weather in PPC. We got our supplies from Robinsons Mall to last us the rest of our stay in PPC. For those going, you can buy your supplies from the market and cook it at EJ. Cooking your food is free; if you request them to cook for you, you will provide the food and pay Php 75 for cooking. Room is at 1,600 for 2 nights. It is near the airport, around 2 minutes via tricycle. Also a short drive to the Capitol, the market, the mall. If you are going to Robinsons from EJ, ride the trike going to the jeepney stop and ride going to Lourdes. It rained heavy on our 1st and 2nd day. But we were able to tour the city even on the rainy day.
Robinsons Puerto Princesa
Day 2: City walking tour
I love doing the city tour walking. It rained hard that day but we kept moving. EJ Pension provided us with umbrellas we can use.
From the EJ, we took a trike to the Capitol which was open on a Saturday. Personnel were busy packing goods to be sent to Coron.
The relief operations at the Capitol
Thereafter, we walked towards the Palawan Museum. Entrance fee: Php 50 per person
It is a 2 storey museum in an old structure. Electric fans abound the area. There are information on the native medicinal practices, animals found in Palawan, and dialects.
Jewelry made of shells
Walking further, we reached the Immaculat Concepcion Cathedral.
A beautiful structure dedicated to our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion. I feel at home with the Blessed Mother in this wonderful city.
I like the detail of the ceiling, carved roses for the Lady.
Nearby is the Port. From there, we walked towards the Baywalk.
It rained as Yolanda is still passing through Palawan.
I am enjoying sitting here as I see the clouds caress the mountains.
The mountains as seen from the Baywalk
It started to rain so the mountains are hidden from rain clouds. In the mean time, here is the Puerto Princesa symbol: The Peacock as the clouds hide the mountains behind it.
From the Baywalk, we visited the local market and bought some longganisa. Then we took the trike ride to EJ Pension.
It rained hard that night.
Day 3: Honda Bay
How to go to Honda Bay without paying lots to the Trike if you are travelling alone or with a companion?
From EJ Pension, ride the trike to multicab terminal: Php 8 pesos per person
Take multicab going to Lourdes (Honday Bay): Php 28 per person; 30 minutes travel time
The rates can be divided into the number of guests per boat.
We were able to to with a family of 4 to the islands thus less cost. We visited Starfish, Luli and Cowrie Islands. The price does not include the environment fee and terminal fee. You will have to pay the entrance fee on the islands.
The boat at Honda Bay
STARFISH ISLAND
- Lots of starfish
- Only 1 shed to hide from the sun.
- Picturesque
- Php 50 pesos entrance fee per person
- Starfish can be seen from above water. lots of sea gulls too.
The starfish in warm water
Next Stop: LULI ISLAND
- Entrance fee: 60 pesos
Swim area: Lifevest required
White sand
The boatmen said that during the storm they were able to go to the islands. This is taken a day after Yolanda passed by North Palawan.
Last stop: COWRIE ISLAND
You should be on the Island before 1pm for the buffet lunch. We arrived by 2pm, thus no lunch for us. Good thing we had bananas on board the boat. We content ourselves with bananas and water. The Island, the beach, and the water are so pleasant we forget about lunch.
You can order from the Cowrie restos. The Island closes at 5pm. Entrance fee is 100 php (?). I forgot.
Shower areas
Dining area
The sea
I am so tired after, we tried going to the Baywalk to have some night biking but I really want to go back home. The family who went with us on this Honday Bay trip went to catch the firefly watching. Will do that when I get back in April.
Day 4:
The next day, we woke up to resume getting to know the City. There are still other areas we have not reached and we are eager to go. Also, I am visiting a friend.
That morning, we cooked breakfast and ate with gusto at the EJ Pension house Kubo Dining area.
Across this is the kitchen.
The kitchen has a stove for cooking, utensils, plates, cups, and a refrigerator. That day, some personnel are busy trimming the mango tree (right side). They are just above the roof, cutting some branches.
EJ Provides for hangers for your clothes. Ours we hanged just outside our door. Good Job EJ for taking care of guests like family. Arman and I give you 5stars! We will be back there on April 2014.
From EJ, we took the trike to the Multi cab terminal and boarded one going to Sta Monica. It is near Sta Monica where Puerto Princesa City Hall and Palawan state University is located. I was keen on seeing the butterfly garden but PSU personnel said there is no such garden. My googlemap failed on this one.
Near PSU is Mitra Sports Complex.
Peaceful walk at PSU sides towards Mitra Sports
From RVM Sports, we walked uphill towards the City Hall
The City hall sits on top of a hill. Landscape garden will greet the weary traveller.
After staying for some time in the City Hall, we took a trike to bring us to Sta Monica Ranch a.k.a Mitra's Ranch. The ranch closes at 6pm.
From the ranch, we walked the evening to Baker's Hill where we got some hopia. It is a great date place of landscaped gardens, lush greens, and a view of Puerto Princesa city.
Afterwards, dinner at Kinabuchs and nightlife at TIKI Bar near the Capitol.
Until next year Puerto Princesa City. ^_^
