I was there, July 31 to August 2, 2009 and July 29 to 31, 2011.
The word Palawan evokes images of a rustic and out-of-the-way island somewhere near the West Philippine Seas. While this fact is true, this is also the reason why many of Palawan's natural wealth had escaped from over-exploitation, at least, until environmentalism became a trend.
Twice I went to this paradise island on the western part of the Philippines. Twice I fell in love with it. Palawan, Palawan I will be back again someday.
The island-hopping at Honda Bay was a terrifying experience. We were island-hopping when typhoon Jolina (Goni) brewed the country and claimed lives. So grueling was the experience that in a party in the ensuing night, the teachers from Mabalacat East District presented an eerie poem describing the unbelievable survival of their group.
The trip towards the Underground River on a motorized banca is in itself an exhilarating treat. This rock island seems like floating.
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| We have to queue for our turn. We looked like school children on a field trip - so behaved. |
We explored the fascinating Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. With its giant limestone caves, magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, endemic wildlife and surrounding virgin forests, it is easy to see why the spot is included in the elite list of natural world heritage site.
Inside the underground cave is an endless story of how the Earth aged. The stalactites are beautiful paralleled only by those of Sagada. There is an area inside where I can't breath.
The sightseeing around Puerto Princesa City is in itself an invigorating treat. The city is simply the Philippines’ cleanest and greenest. Greeneries are found everywhere. The rocks at the city’s outskirts reveal stories of a lively geological past. The city tour is highlighted by a visit to Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center where the group flirted with crocodiles. Believe it or not, endangered as these creatures are, the center offers crocodile meat cuisines to help raise funds for the center.
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| During my second visit, Puerto Princesa Underground River was vying to be one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. These photos are promotional of its bid. It's fund raising too! But who doesn't want to help? |
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