What do for a 4-day holiday with family when in the Philippines?
A favorite for locals is to go to Puerto Princesa in Palawan which is said to be the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines and is also the country’s Eco-Tourism Center. A 2-hour plane ride away from Manila, Puerto Princesa is said to be the least densely populated city in the country yet has the second largest land area next to Davao.
We decided to spend Holy Week there and discovered these great activities:
Baywalk
Dinner at the Baywalk, a seaside leisure spot, is highly recommended by the locals. There are a few restaurants serving the exotic Crocodile Sisig (fried crocodile meat and insides) and Tamilok (cooked wood worm).
Mangrove Paddling Tour
While waiting in long lines at the Underground River, one can opt to take a short Mangrove Paddling Tour. Watch out for the big mosquitoes, though… bring insect repellent!
Underground River
The much-acclaimed Underground River National Park, declared one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, is the star of every Puerto Princesa visit and is the ultimate tourist draw of the city. Be patient with the long lines… it’s worth the wait! And don’t forget to wear the audio headphones from the tour guide so you understand what you’ll see inside the cave!
Firefly Watching
After the Underground River Tour, the Firefly Watching is a must! Just 3 people on each boat go out into the dark river at night to watch fireflies light up the mangroves. Better to go on a moonless night. Unfortunately, it can be too dark to take photos or videos.
Island Hopping
In the whole day Honda Bay Island Hopping, one gets to visit 3 beaches (Starfish Beach, Luli Beach and Cowrie Beach) for swimming and lunch! With Puerto Princesa declared a national park and environmentally protected vicinity, the beaches are pretty clean.
Crocodile Farm
Before going home, we had a half day city tour that starts off at Baywalk and the immaculate conception cathedral but the more interesting stops follow afterwards.
One is the Crocodile Farm where you not only learn about crocodiles but also find the Croc Café that sells pre-packed and frozen crocodile meat for burgers, sisig and sausages (yum!).
Mitra House
Ramon Mitra, the late House Speaker, is credited as the person who helped convert Puerto Princesa into a city in 1970. He was one of the first to build a luxurious home there. That home, now a tourist spot, has one of the best balcony views I have seen. It is also the starting point for a zipline area and a “Skywalk” hanging bridge adventure as well as rented horse rides.
Bakers Hill
Last stop was the colorful Bakers Hill with wonderful baked goodies practically flying off the shelves. Aside from the bakeshop, there are several small eateries within the compound for freshly made food.
A good trip for friends and family! #puertoprincesa
Itinerary:
Day 1:
Manila to Palawan travel
Check in
Dinner at Baywalk
Day 2:
Whole day Underground River Tour
Firefly Watching
Day 3:
Whole day Honda Bay (island hopping)
Day 4:
Half day city tour
Palawan to Manila travel
Cost:
Package with Asiatravel (hotel + tours) for 3 pax- P16,104
Airfare (Philippine Airlines) – P4,626/ head
Additional Firefly Watching – P1,100/ head
Shopping – P1,000/ head est.
Food – P1,000/ head est.