Puerto Princesa, Palawan - Arrival and City Tour

I usually love preparing the itinerary for short getaways, but considering that it was one hell of a busy week in the office before Thanksgiving holiday, it was relief that my former colleague April arranged everything for our mini vacation to Puerto Princesa, the city capital of Palawan. The ticket cost us only P3,943.52 each, two-way from Cebu Pacific Go Fares.  The flight was slightly more than an hour from Manila, and we were welcomed by these musicians in military uniforms upon arrival. 

Our driver and tour guide Steve was already waiting when we got there and thankfully carried most of our luggage to the van.  Except for the plane ticket, the hired van was actually the most expensive part of the budget.   Most backpackers use the public transport (mostly jeepneys and tricycles) from the airport to ferry them around the city. Should you opt for this, it's best to discuss the fare in advance so there won't be any misunderstanding between you and the driver. Considering that we were there for 4 days and 3 nights though, the cost of the van was quiet reasonable.


Before long we were at the Casa Fuerte Bed and Breakfast, a small and cozy Bali inspired inn.

 

We were not able to check in right away because for some reason they still had to clean up and fix the doorknob in one room of the rooms that we reserved.  The staff were warm and friendly so we just enjoyed the waiting time by taking photos and ordering lunch.  

   

We had to wait like an hour before the lunch was served.  It was a good thing that the food tasted really good, or maybe we were just too tired and hungry. 

The rooms turned out to be smaller than we expected, but beautifully decorated.  We didn't really mind since we had no plans to stay inside except to sleep and take a bath. 

The bathroom was a bit stuffy but nicely decorated.  It would have been okay if we were not right next to the kitchen whose smoke smell frequently passed through our bathroom window and smother the whole room in seconds. 

By 1:30, Steve picked us up for the city tour: 

First Stop: Crocodile Farm and Nature Park

The facility is being maintained by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and is now Palawan's wildlife rescue and conservation center.

Only a number of visitors can enter at a time, so we checked over the small souvenir shop outside the park  while waiting.

This skeleton of the largest ever crocodile that was captured in the Philippines welcomed us upon entering the facility.  According to the guide, it was discovered to have eaten half a body of a teenage boy.  

This is what's left of the crocodile's skin.  According to the guide, an old crocodile's skin can no longer be used as a raw material for bags, shoes, or other accessories.  These materials are taken from younger crocs, but I was too busy taking photos to remember how young exactly, hehe! 

The baby crocodiles which the center breeds.

There were hundreds of these babies inside but I never saw one of them move.  They usually rest during daytime, which is fine with me.  Somehow an unwanted image crossed my min involving a flood and crocs waking up.   Good thing there were other animals in the conservation center which helped take my mind off crocodiles. 

The nature park is actually pretty big, and it was a little wet when we went there last November. 

You can take a photo holding a crocodile.  Cost is P30.00 per person. I couldn't help but feel sorry for this reptile whose jaws were tightly sealed by a strong rubber band.  It's one of those times when one must sacrifice for the benefit of the many, I guess.

Second Stop: Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm 
The prison without bars, where inmates live and work like free men.  Vocational activities are available in the field of farming, fishing, forestry, and carpentry. Pretty much all the prisoners here were free to choose the vocational activities they wanted. Families of the prisoners can live and with them and work in the colony as well.

Escape is also next to impossible since the prisoner will have to arrange transportation on his own and fleeing to the remote mountains would mean almost certain death from malaria. 

The recreation area and dormitory for minimum security inmates.

Third Stop: Late Sen. Ramon Mitra's Ranch

This is owned by the family of former Senator Ramon Mitra which has been opened to visitors.  This is also a popular dating place for the locals with its perfectly serene ambiance and full panoramic view Honda Bay Islands.

Fourth Stop: Baker's Hill

A modern tourist attraction with its finely-landscaped gardens and cartoon sculptures.

Above are just some of the tasty and wonderfully affordable products sold at Baker's Hill.

Fifth Stop: Binuatan Creations (Weaving Station)

One of the local livelihoods in the island.

This micro-enterprise provides jobs to the locals and their works are being exported to different parts of the world. 

We gave it a try, but I think a destroyed ate's work.. 

Sixth Stop: City Baywalk

A Palawan counterpart of the former Baywalk along Manila Bay in the City of Manila.

It was already dark by the time we were done.  We headed back to Casa Fuerte to freshen up for dinner but since there were no restaurants within walking distance from the hotel, we just decided to have dinner there. In conclusion, our first day definitely proved that Puerto Princesa City is indeed one of the cleanest and most beautiful cities that I've visited. 

Photo credits:  I didn't take all the photos featured in this post.  Most of these in fact were taken by my former colleague Paulo Bautista.  Other photos were from April Bautista, Karen Velasquez and Jacky Raymond Chua.