Palawan: Puerto Prinsesa City Escapade Part 2

Part 2 was late because author was busy…. Gomen…

Crocodile Farm – Barangay Irawan, Puerto Prinsesa City, Palawan

Crocodile Farm

top – Rio
middle – Mascot
bottom – Baby Crocs

The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center is a cab ride away from Sta. Monica.

We arrived there just in time to miss the 2PM tour. So while waiting for 30minutes for the tour to start, we bought our ticket which costs 40pesos each, ate some ice cream and look around the souvenir shops. In the end, I bought lots of miniature crocodiles and stingrays for the fiends back home.

The start of the tour introduced us to Rio, a crocodile who was captured because he ate half of the spear and was injured. He was treated but sadly because of old age, was unable to adapt to the new environment and died of stress. Next were the baby crocs from the newly-weaned to the almost adult ones kept in tubs in ones, twos, threes, fours or fives. There are screens on top of tubs but there are spaces with no covers. Because of this, signs of “DANGER: Baby Crocs may jump and bite. Do not place hands on top of tubs” are placed around the holding area. Then, we went to enclosed area with a bridge on top where the adult crocs are kept. The biggest one is big all 60+ cm semi-hidden in the water but the head and jaws can be seen and the horror you will be experiencing when you fell into the pen to be his meal is beyond my imagination :D.

Crocodile Pen

After this, there is a booth where you can have a picture with a baby croc and have it printed as well for souvenir.

The animal park is a do it yourself tour, we roamed around for a bit. The 1st animal is the bearcat, when we approached he got out from his hiding place to have his picture taken. Lucky us. The 2nd one is the bearded pig, snobbish creature who kept his face hidden all the time as if telling us not to bother him in his mealtime. The next are the majestic serpent eagle, I think. They looked regal all the time sneering at us, mere mortals. Then the lonesome sea eagle who gave a plaintive cry when he was disturbed. His tail was magnificent though. Then we have the hornbills who doesn’t want their pictures taken and kept themselves to the foliage inside their cage. Next, the noisy mynahs. Then, the parrots who rarely made a sound while we were looking at them. There was also a wildcat which has no name plate, so we could not really know what it was. They also have monkeys. But the last animal we went to see is the porcupine and we think it’s dying because its pins and needles are falling off. And the skin is showing, with red pelts.

Bearcat, Eagles, Parrots

After this, we wander back to the crocos for the last time then walk back to the highway to go to the tiangge.

Tiangge-Tiangge – Barangay San Rafael, Puerto Prinsesa City

The Tiangge is a marketplace for souvenirs. We told the driver specifically to drop us off there but he thought that we are not getting off because when he looked at me I did not take that as a hint that he was asking if we were getting off. So, we had to walk back a few blocks to get back there. In there, we added a few more souvenirs. Some pearls and a shoulder bag. We also looked for croc meat for people who requested but we’ll, the souvenir meat shop is closed. So, we left the tiangge behind before we are tempted to buy more.

Kinabuch’s – Rizal Avenue, Puerto Prinsesa City

Kinabuch’s Bar & Restaurant

Kinabuch is a highly recommended place to eat in Palawan, so from the tiangge we rode a tricyle to get there for an early dinner.

We ordered the specialty of the house, crispy pata, baby back ribs, halo-halo and shake, a platter of rice as well. The serving is good for 5 persons for the pata and the back ribs for 2-3. We ate a lot but we couldn’t really finish all of it, so we had those wrapped up to be taken out. It was a very satisfying meal and the place is quiet to as there are a few other guests in the resto. We paid almost 1000pesos for that meal but we had lots of leftovers that we still ate the next day.

Puerto Prinsesa Capitol

After the meal, we bought some soap, shampoo and food for breakfast. There was a funny scene when a foreigner asking why liquor is not sold in that store when it is sold somewhere else even though its banned because of the recall election. He did not insist though.

We also passed by the Provincial Capitol but did not go in because it was already late 

Baker’s Hill – Sta. Monica, Puerto Prinsesa City

Baker’s Hill

Before going back to WPU for the night, we decided to stop by Baker’s Hill to taste the tamilok. The driver finally dropped us off where we want to go and he said, we can walk or ride. We decided to walk, decidedly the longest walk in my life. Two almost uphill climb and stretch of land in between. Poor feet. But we arrived, passing by wagyu beef, mother of steaks advertisement and many other restos along the area. Baker’s hill is aptly named, many stores sell pastries, pizza among them. There is also a massage parlor. After resting a bit, we explored. No tamilok for us, as the resto serving is already cleaning up when we arrived. And as we are not really hungry, we just walked around the park.

Shrek Park, Cherry Blossom, Peacock Display, Flowers

It was very dark, and I think we disturbed more than one fowl creature. They had a golden pheasant, peacocks (stuffed and real), and other birds couldn’t recognize because its too dark. There are also over-sized vegetables. I am not sure if all of them are real though. Then there are swings, and see-saws for children. Shrek Park have Shrek, Puss, Donkey, Fiona and the kids and other figures as well. Then there’s the cherry blossom and flowers. After exploring, we decided to call it a day, hired a tricycle to WPU for bed and rest.

As the next day is for the Palawan Underground River adventure.

For the first day of our adventure, aside from the 7200pesos for airfare which is 2-way trip for 2 persons, we spent about 3000pesos for transportation, souvenirs, food and other miscellaneous things we bought as we go.

Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!

Antique: Seen On Malalison

Leaving the mountains behind, we now make our way to the next stop of our journey, the beautiful Culasi. The hour-long trip ended on the wharf where we will be riding a pump boat to bring us to the island of Malalison. Before heading out to sea, we ate lunch in Jing’s eatery (special mention coz name sake), had our water gallon refilled and bought a 3kg fish for only 250 pesos.

Malalison from the wharf

The trip to the island was brief, 15-20 minutes. There is an island visitors’ registration area where you will also pay 10pesos for environmental fee.
The house we rented for 3000pesos is quite big, it has 2 bedrooms good for at least 4 persons each, 2 bathrooms, a living room with tv and a kitchen complete with cooking utensils. There is also a pump behind the house for bathing. No running water here, and also no electricity during daytime. Electricity is only switched on during the night and only from 6pm-10pm. The house, though, has a solar panel installed.

Sand Bar

Instead of hiring someone to cook food for us, we decided to go cowboy and do the cooking ourselves. Good thing, some of our male companions knows the hows on the kitchen, so we are spared from having distasteful meals.  While some of us went about with cooking pancit, sugba (grilled) pork& fish, sabaw (sinigang isda); others went to explore the sand bar in the rain. They came back at around 3pm to eat. Swimming does make one hungry.

Swim, Drown & Snorkel

Finished with dinners preparations, all of us also went to the beach to go swimming, semi-snorkeling and picture-taking while watching the sun set. The sand bar separates 2 areas of swimming: on the left is a rather rocky beach with corals littering the area which is safe for swimming and on the right is the ideal place to swim with its sandy beach and deep waters and danger of sea urchins. One cannot really have it all. We swam in both areas of course, with a little care.

Rainbow Sunset

After all the pictures were taken, we went back to the house to clean up and eat our dinner, watch the pictures we took during this trip, played some cards and slept when the lights went out. Early the next day, we cook adobo while waiting for our tour guide for the mountain trek to arrive. And since its dark when we started cooking preparations, we had the chance to use solar-powered bulbs in the kitchen 

The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings

When the guide arrive at about 7AM, we started the climb. It started with stairs to the mountains, then a winding road that leads to the beach. We also passed by the school, the school is on the mountains and the children has to climb to get to it every single day. Exercise done right, in my opinion.

Pitcher Plant

Malalison Island has 3 high points when you look at it from the sea. The target of the climb is the 2nd high point. The trek brought us to the 1st point – Nablag Islet, it’s a low tide and the mountain is connected to the island via a stretch of sand. Along the way, pitcher plants dotted the side of the mountains. This side of the island is a coral beach, and we had fun picking out beautiful corals but the guide says that it is not allowed to bring any away. 

Nablag Islet

Hole in the Wall

Then we proceed to go the cave, it’s a slide down the mountain with only pine trees to save you. The pine trees planted is a project of DENR(Department of Environmental and Natural Resources) to bring trees on this, otherwise, grassy mountains. The cave is not really the cave that we are expecting, it is only a hole in the rock that can accommodate 20persons at once and the entrance is also the exit. Sort of a disappointment but we are only halfway and already thirsty. We stop for drinks and food, then proceeded to climb again.
 

The climb is steep and there is an area where one mistake can bring your death as the mountain has a cliff that directly falls to the sea. And you are not even sure how high it is. But we did reach the summit after a lot of rests, and the view is beautiful. Just leaves you wondering how it must look from the highest point, but the trek there is not for beginners as the tour guide insists. Then, we begin the trek back to the house for brunch and to prepare for departure as well.

The Advance Party

We paid the tour guide 500pesos. After eating and cleaning up, we decided to leave all leftover food to the caretaker and all our surplus food supply as well.

At around 12NN, we left the house behind. Rode the pump boat to tour around the island (during high tide only), was brought back to the wharf, and paid the pump boat 150pesos for the transportation to and from the island and the tour.

Then we waited for our van, and we are on our way to Iloilo city. We stopped by San Joaquin to buy bandi and arrived in Molo Plaza at around 4PM.

Tan not so visible but it was a great adventure and a cheap one too. Each person only paid 1,850 pesos for the 3day-2night trip.

Hooray for a Great Escapade!

Shout out to the owners of the pix: @goldpiz @elzniv @mikejohnsabido

Next week will be my Palawan adventures. Look out for it. 

Related article!

Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!

Antique: Dip Now in Tibiao

Leaving Molo Plaza at 5AM in the morning on a rented van, we pick a few friends along the way until the van is filled to its capacity of 15. Along for the ride are my officemates, friends and the bf. We are bound south to visit the beautiful neighboring province of Antique. Our first stop will be in Tibiao and the next is Culasi. The van is rented to us for 8k (8 thousand pesos) for this 3day-2night escapade.

We arrived in San Jose, Antique at about 9AM, making good time, withdraw some money in case we need to buy something unplanned on this trip. San Jose will be the last stand of civilization where access to ATMs and malls is still available. After this, it will be more of the provincial way of life.

Welcome to Tibiao!

An hour or so, we arrived in Tibiao, already at awe with the beautiful stretch of sand and sea that we glimpse through the van’s window. We stopped at the marquee heralding our entrance to Tibiao, got down from the van and have our picture taken as any tourist may have done. Our itinerary is quite lax since we did not get ourselves a tour as we have friends who hails from Antique and the places to visit are places she have been to before, therefore connections. For ready-made tours, a friend owns a katahum.com and he offers different tours for different places in Antique. But if you want to do it for less, you can always DIY.

Before proceeding to Kayak Inn, we also stopped at the tinda (market) of Tibiao to buy food supplies. No restos on the mountains, but the caretaker’s wife offers cooking services for a fee of 250pesos/meal. Quite reasonable for 15 of us. We bought 15 kilos of rice, pork, chicken, veggies, seasonings, ice for the cooler where we will be storing our food, and other things one might need for cooking.

Exploring if safe for swimming

Kayak Inn is located on the mountains, the van really has to climb a little bit as we wind our way into it. The driver really needs to be cautious, aside from the steepness the road is also under repair. At the entrance to the barangay where the mountain resort is situated, we were hold up a bit because the back hoe needs to be moved out of the way first so that the van can pass.

Glenn d monkey and Tanya d pig

We paid 50 pesos as environmental fee upon entrance. The dual zipline is also situated at the entrance. It costs 300pesos for each person. As we were hungry, we did not linger there. At around 12NN, we finally arrived at the Kayak Inn where we will be spending the night. We discussed what meals to be cooked for lunch, deliver it to the capable hands of the caretakers and relaxed.
 

While waiting for lunch, or afternoon mess; some of us relaxed in the shade, went exploring on the river and the hanging bridge, and befriended the animals as there are pigs, dogs, a monkey around the premises. Around 2PM, we lunched on fried chicken and pork with monggo and kalabasa for ‘sabaw’.

Malakagat Hanging Bridge

We would have loved to go kayaking or banana boating on the river, but since it’s the summer the water is quite low and its really not fun rowing in that. But there are places that are deep enough, so some frolicked and swam in the river.

swimmin coz no boatin and kayakin

After that, we reserved ourselves for a Kawa Bath which the place is sought after for. They have kawa that can hold 4 persons at once, there slightly smaller ones that can hold 2 and the slightly bigger than the one used for cooking that can only accommodate 1. While waiting as the Kawa is being prepared, some played basketball and some just sat talking while enjoying the mountain breeze. Quite a breath of fresh air after living in the city so long.

Kawa in flames for good boiling (sauna)

The Kawa Bath is for 250pesos and you can dip yourself in it until the water turns cool or until you feel that you are slightly cooked :D. Kidding aside, the advised max time is 30minutes until you are boiling and the vegetables are ready to be added.

At around 7PM, we have dinner on grilled pork and the leftover monggo from lunch. After this, we prepared for bed. There is electricity in the place but there are no entertainment sets. So, we make do cards and talking and gadgets while waiting our turn to use the bath.

We have an early night as well, for we planned on a trek to the falls before we leave in the morning.

Before the sun has risen, I was awake and about as one of our companions is taking photography lessons and she plans to have a picture of the sunrise. Woke everybody up as well at 530AM so that we can leave by 6AM for the falls.

A dip in cool 1st falls

Bugtong Bato Falls is located an hour away from the inn on foot and into the mountains. You cannot go there without a guide, so you need to hire 1 for 5persons at least. We hired 2 from the barrio and the caretakers’ daughter came with us. The trail is quite easy to follow, on the way to the falls. The 1st one has a place to swim in and also a spring where you can get drinking water. The 2nd one also has a place to swim but water is not so deep and you need to climb the stairs to get there. The 3rd one is amazing. It’s a 12ft basin below the falls with a wide area to splash into. The water is cool as well, and if only we are not going somewhere else, I could stay there all day to dip myself in that inviting freshness. You have to rappel your way into it or go via the stairs which is steeper than rock climbing.

Rock climbin to swim!

Sadly, good things must come to an end for a greater good. So we climb back down to bring ourselves back to the inn. We paid 300 for the barrio guides and some tip. Then we prepared to leave for Culasi. Our overnight stay is 250pesos each but the bed smells and feels nice so that makes up for it. The food was great to.

The 3rd falls is approved!

SHOUT OUT to the OWNERS of the PIX… Thanks to @goldpiz @mikejohnsabido @elzniv

 
Don’t forget to check back the next day for our adventures in Culasi.

Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!

Semester Break Escapade Part 1: The Ruins

Ruins - Front View

On October 25, 2014, after months of planning to get away from the city of Iloilo, we finally did it. We scheduled a 2-day trip to the neighboring province Negros Occidental. A trip on some of its famous landmarks. We have The Ruins, Campuestohan Highland Resort and Mambukal Resort on our list.

I had broken this trip into a 3-part series.

First, let’s discuss our reservations. Our sleeping place will be at the Mambukal Resort, we had a room reserved for we thought a month. It turned out, we had been had and no reservations was reserved because the guy we first talk to did not forward our request to the reservations office. Fortunately, the girls at the Office of the Governor pulled through. So, to avoid disasters in your future trips, please call +63 (34) 433-8516. This is the official number for reservations. In the end, instead of paying 3000 pesos for 2 rooms, we paid 4800 pesos for 2 rooms with 200 pesos additional for each person extra. We deposited 3000 pesos in advance for the accommodation to the Negros Occidental provincial account.

Second is our means of transportation. Some of the places we are eyeing to go to are far from the Bacolod City and transportation means may not be easily attained. Good for us, an officemate recommended a shuttle van service. We paid 6000 pesos for the whole trip. If you want his number for your future trips, please email us.

Now that 2 major problems are taken care of, what is left to do is get there.

Port of Iloilo

So early in the morning, 5:00 AM, we ride on a taxi to get to the new Iloilo Port at La Puz, Iloilo City.

There are also jeepneys who pass through the new port. Just ask the driver if he will pass on the new port. The fare will be 7.50 pesos. We rode on the 6:15 AM Ocean Jet ferry bound for Bacolod City. The ferry costs 245 pesos for one person.

While on the ferry, I texted Mr. Raymond, that’s the name of our driver for the trip, that we were on our way. 

Bob’s Cafe, 21st Lacson St. Iloilo City

At 7:45 AM, we arrive at the Port of Bacolod. We met up with Mr. Raymond and proceed with first agenda of the day: BREAKFAST. 

After driving around, we had our breakfast at Café Bobs at 21^st St., Bacolod City. It was an enjoyable meal, the place is cozy and the food is good.

After the meal, we traveled for 30 minutes or so to Talisay City and arrive at The Ruins. It’s actually easy to locate now because every sign post leading to it has sign that reads: This way to The Ruins.

Old Mill Tree

The first indication of the place was a tall ancient tower that looks like a lighthouse beckoning us to come nearer. And at that place, directly in front of it is the gates to The Ruins. It had an entrance fee of 100 pesos per person and a 40 pesos fee for students.

Maria Braga – top right

The Ruins is a mansion built in honor of love for a lovely lady named Maria Braga, much like Taj Mahal in India. Who needs to go to Agra to see a famous dedication for love to a woman when we have one sitting just round the sugar canes.
 
After a fire that destroyed the mansion during World War 2, what remained is a beautiful structure that will stir your heart in its beauty and you can envision how it must have looked like in its heyday. Most people say, that The Ruins is doubly beautiful at night. But during the day, one can still see that it’s a great piece of architecture.



The inside of The Ruins looks sturdy and some of the parts have been repaired or reconstructed to their look during the old days.

Arcs

Walls

Stairs to second floor

Around the ruins now, a fountain has been built and the garden has been landscaped. Some architectural tributes were also constructed.

Architects of the Philippines

Fountain

Fountain with Ruins Side

In front of the mansion, a restaurant is also added where you can eat and cool down. Though we did not stay to eat, so I could not really comment on the food.

And if you go there at around noon, don’t forget to bring an umbrella. 

Ruins – Side View

Now on to the next post.


Daghang salamat sa pagbasa!!!