Puerto Princessa, Palawan

Last February 12 - 16, 2015 I was blessed to join the delegation of the community where I am part of here in the UAE which is the International Conference of Singles for Christ (SFC) which was held in Palawan. Apart from having a marvelous time with God and his followers, I have also witnessed his beautiful creation, this place is called, PALAWAN.

Brief history, credits to wikipedia:

Puerto Princesa, officially City of Puerto Princesa (Filipino: Lungsod ng Puerto Princesa) is a city located in the westernprovincial island of Palawan, Philippines. Though the provincial seat of government for Palawan, the city itself is one of 38independent cities within the Philippines not controlled by the province in which it is geographically located and is therefore an independent area located within Palawan. It is now known as the City of the Living God.

Originally, my plan was that my family would go with me to Palawan for this trip so that we can have a family bonding outside the comforts of our home, but with certain reasons it didn't push through. I already booked a room for 4 in a mini resort insides the city of Puerto Princessa which I can't cancelled or half of it will be already credited to my account as per the conditions of Booking.com (online hotel booking site). But needless to say, everything went well. 

It is about a 1 hour flight from Manila to Puerto Princessa and about 15 to 20 minutes drive to the hotel (depending on traffic), transportation was provided to and fro the airport. 

DOLCE VITA HOTEL

It's not a really big hotel, it's like mini villas or a simple homey bed and breakfast type but with many amenities. It's clean, well maintained, free breakfast and with friendly staff. I'm a genius member of BOOKING.COM which makes it more enjoyable because a room costing approximately Php 4000 - 5000 is given to me for Php 2500.

TRIKE

Trike is the primary means of transportation for Palaweños and their visitors. Everywhere in Palawan is just a trike away as they say. 

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Palawan is a tourist spot as a whole. Every place has a story and you can avail a lot of fun filled tour packages that is readily available at the airport, malls, markets or your hotels.

Below are some of the places I've been during my short stay in Palawan:

ISLA PANDAN

COWRIE ISLAND

CITY TOUR

Puerto princessa's main source of income are their tour packages for tour destinations from tourists. That is why they really take care of their resources and they value all their visitors. With one of my conversation of a tourist guide, she said locals their are trying their best to preserve their city in whatever facets it maybe.

During the time that we are finalizing where we should book for tourist guide, my SFC friend Ava who is not a first timer suggested that we better off taking a Trike that to rent a van because, first, trike is way cheaper than taking the van. Although the van is aircondition, it costs Php 500.00 each person and they're quite strict with their time. While the trike costs Php 600.00 only for all of us and we are like 5 healthy girls, holding our own time. It's literally AIR condition, fun ride together with my SFC friends, Nelma, Ava, Aileen, Josette

1st stop: PALAWAN WILDLIFE RESCUE and CONSERVATION CENTER / CROCODILE FARM & NATURE PARK

I have a friend named Glenda who is from Palawan and this is her friend "Buwaya".

2nd stop: 

It was late afternoon when we've visited this place and as per the caretaker, at this time butterflies have gone to rest, so we suggest you visit during morning to see more butterflies and probable take a picture of it.

Palaw'an tribes - there are few only left as of the moment but nice to know that these few are still preserving their culture.

3rd stop: Mitra's ranch - a private place now open to the public own by the Mitra's of Palawan. They also have a zipline course at this place.

The highlight: Jumpshot fail

4th stop: BAKER'S HILL - Palawan is famous of their Hopia and it's sold in this place, but they seem to make beautiful landscapes too. Maybe I'm just to tired to take photos, so below are just a few. I suggest you go see it for yourself.

And since it's valentines season which Filipinos all over the world really took highlight to celebrate it, their decorations are full of:

We also went to their Souvenir shops as tourists..haha..and their Baywalk, but I can't find any photo taken there and we've passed by their churches and old structures with great history and scary stories courtesy of our Manong Driver / Tour guide / Photographer.

We won't miss having a sumptuous meal afterwards with our Canadian Sister in SFC.

Just an advise, Philippines is a great place and we as Filipinos sometime overlooked it because we opted to go someplace else. Better explore Philippines first before exploring the world. Its more fun in the Philippines. Enjoy and God Bless!