When you think about Puerto Princesa, the first thing that comes to your mind is to see/experience the Subterranean Underground River, as One of the 7 Wonders of Nature which is in our beautiful island of Philippines. As locals, we don't want to miss that chance ^.^ I just wish that we will be given a chance to see the other 6 wonders of nature in the near future ^.^ wishful thinking
After searching/reading online, finally we completed our itinerary and hotel bookings in Puerto Princesa.
Welcome to my blog and once again let me share to you our experiences in this journey. I just hope that after reading this, I have somehow helped you with your plans on exploring Puerto Princesa.
Off we go..
Our journey started the next day, waited for our rented van together with other tourists, we went to Honda Bay wharf, since this is a package tour, they already settled all the necessary permits needed for this journey. 
While waiting for our boat going to Island hopping and snorkeling.
1. HONDA BAY ISLAND HOPPING
Island hopping is what Philippines are proudly made of,consisting of beautiful beaches, white sands and clear water. Here you'll be mesmerized as you plunged yourself into the water, take your time and you'll see the well protected corals. People here did a good job in protecting them. You'll have fun chasing different types of fish and their colorful corals. We had our first snorkeling experience in Bohol way back 2008 and since then we can't get enough of it. Seeing beautiful corals and fishes will keep you wanting for more.
Next stop is island hopping. Went to LuLi Island which is a short cut for the word LU-lubog LI-litaw, describing the island during high and low tide. There's Starfish island as well where you can see a lot of starfish under the clear water.
Nature is such a beautiful place to relax and recharge. Who wouldn't want to experience this beautiful beaches. Let yourself feel the sun in your skin and let your feet play with those white sands.
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| Lunch time ^.^
2. UGONG ROCK ADVENTURE
 
Located at Baranggay Tagabinet, Ugong Rock Adventure got its name from the echoing sound it produces when tapped. Here you will experience Spelunking, Caving and Ziplining.
As soon as we arrived, our tour guide did some briefing about the journey inside and prepared us with safety gears like helmet and gloves. As a bit thrill seeker couple as we are, including this activity into our tour made it more exciting. We had our first mountain climbing experience in Pico de Loro, I may say it's not actually for beginners like us but we had a really great time and very proud that we conquered it safely. Together with our guide and other tourists, we start our trekking inside the cave. You'll see different shapes of rock formations. You even need to crawl to fit yourself in a small opening to reach the other side. It's a bit challenging trek but will definitely feel rewarding once you reached the top. Beautiful stalagmites and stalactites are perfectly formed by time and nature, they even sparkle when hit by light. But be mindful since moss sometimes covers the rocks and it becomes slippery.  
Then halfway going to the top of Ugong rock, there's a stop where tour guides will assist you in fitting the harness/ropes in your body, this is for safety reasons before heading to Spelunking. Don't worry they will take care of you. But after this, it's not the top yet ^.^ still have some trekking to do. And later you'll get face to face this very high stairs going to the top of Ugong Rock sorry no pics for this one.
 At the top of Ugong Rock you'll be ask if you want to do Ziplining when going down, this is the fastest way going to the starting point. And since I have this great fear of heights, I convinced myself to really do it, but I know I can jump over after several convincing but am not sure if I'll reached the other end without fainting so the final answer is No, so sorry I really can't do it. This fear is so powerful that it makes my legs shake ^.^ Since no Ziplining for us, the other way to go down is to do the Spelunking again and also the trek going out. But if you are way too adventurous and braver, grab this chance. This is not just for me. Overall, this Ugong Rock Adventure is the best of both worlds, you get to trek inside the cave, see the beautiful rock formations and at the same time you'll have that dose of adrenaline rush. |
3. UNDERGROUND RIVER TOUR
As one of the 7 Wonders of Nature, we were very excited to see the underground river, this river is situated inside Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. And this is one of the Top Destinations in Palawan. And one of the reasons why we decided to visit Puerto Princesa.
As soon as we reached the place, we waited for our designated boat for the cruise. We boarded the boat together with other tourists. Before our cruise started, our tour guide provided us some safety gears which includes helmet and life vest. And informed us some details of what to see/expect inside the underground river. And one advise that I'm so fond of and believe is very important, is not to leave your mouth open when looking up to the ceiling, since there's a lot of bats inside, this is to avoid catching their poops ^.^ with your mouth. And one thing, tourists are not allowed to touch any of the stalactites/stalagmites inside.
It was a fun and informative cruise, kudos to our tour guide for sharing informations about the underground river and making sure we're having fun inside and pointing all the different kinds of stalactites and stalagmites formations. It was dark inside but a flashlight was provided and you will hear the bats inside doing their thing. I forgot how long the cruise but it's enough to really enjoy it and have ample informations about the underground river.
3. CITY TOUR
This tour includes a visit in Crocodile Farm, Iwahig Penal Colony Souvenir Shop, Mitra's Ranch and lastly to Baker's Hill for some fresh breads and goodies. This is the last part of the Puerto Princesa Package Tour that we got.
Overall the people here in Puerto Princesa are very accomodating and friendly. The tour guides are fun and very informative. I can say that Puerto Princesa is indeed the cleanest place in the country. We had so much fun exploring Puerto Princesa.
Things you should bring for the entire trip:
1. Sunscreen
2. Hat
3. Shades
4. Camera - better water proof but can buy casing for protection
5. Trekking shoes
7. Comfortable Slippers
8. Jacket-just in case of rain
9. Snorkeling gear- if you have your own or rent
10. Water
11. Snacks
And lastly Extra Money for emergency or better yet in buying some pasalubong. I'm sure family/friends are waiting for this except for the stories you have.
Note: Tour includes Van going to/from, Boat Ride, Entrance Fee/Permit, Tour Guide Services and Lunch.
If your planning to visit Puerto Princesa, why think twice, life is meant to be enjoyed. Go and explore the world.
Places to eat in Puerto Princesa, will be on my next blog. For more info about this Tour Package just leave a message/comment.
renelah
2 comments:
Nice blog, it made me want to visit the place myself.
@mamaru: thanks!
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