The Great Palawan Chronicles
It has been 8-months since the Hundred Islands escapade. Our effort to saturate the entire archipelago starts here.
Touted as the Philippines' last nature frontier, Palawan is everything about solid and majestic rock formations, white sand beaches and secret lakes and lagoon.
Boracay is Boracay, beach lang ang kaya niyang ipagmalaki, but Palawan is all about experience. The awe to see the breathtaking rocks, the oohs when you enter the underground river (add the creepiness and the stench of bats), the wows when you see the abundance of corals and fishes when you snorkel.
Our plan started last May 2008. We bought our plane ticket at a staggering price of 4K. Frustrating as it may seem, we really have no choice.
November 28, 2008 is the day of reckoning. Bound to Puerto Princesa, Palawan's capital city, we landed safely in the PP airport, greeted by the Mr and Mrs. Jan.
It's a long trek to our first destination. Sabang, where we will wait for our turn to go to the Underground River while taking our lunch. Underground River is one of the nominees for the 7 Wonders of Nature. But luck is not on our way on our first day. The big waves prevented us in proceeding to the river, thus postponing it and rescheduling it the next day after.
So we went on, our journey continues to our first stop - The Marina Beach Resort in 'El Nido', it's an 6-7-hour land voyage which will literally makes you 'airborne'. One thing, the road that leads to El Nido is rocky and uncemented. You have to bear the brunt of the bumps and curves. Series of unfortunate events continue, we fell under the curse of road's fury, our right rear wheel got tired and flat and got stuck
In all our trips, we all have these unfortunate events, but the good thing is, there is always a hint of realization. When we went to Puerto galera, we tried our luck trekking the mountain - we went mountaineering we no equipment, gear, food, lights, or drinks whatsoever, it's a pure walk under darkness. It is frightening, the thoughts of NPA abduction is there, but that is the first time I saw herds of fireflies. The shining fireflies' butt.
When we got this tragic flat tire, we have no clue whether we can proceed to El Nido or not. The thought of being bitten by a malaria-carrying mosquito is there, but there above was an array of constellations blanketing the sky. It was like- wow, God has never failed to lift my spirit even in the darkest times.
We arrived safe and sound at our cottage in Marina Beach Resort in El Nido at exactly 9PM (we daparted at Sabang at 2PM), tomorrow is El Nido island hopping.
And so it began - short breakfast and off we go then - a 30-minute boat ride took us to our first destination - the 'Snake Island'. From afar, we saw a long stretch of sand bar, connecting two adjacent islands. We were advised to wear our snorkeling gear on this area, but the view wasn't that good, we just took photos instead.
I tried to heed Jessica Zafra's idealogy on travelling - that she hates taking photographs on a tour to focus on appreciation - but unfortunately, I love taking pictures, and I'll do this for the last time. Digital SLR? Anyone?
We thought our misfortunes have ended, but shoot, our banca went berserk, we got hold for about 10 minutes before we could set foot to our next destination, but thankfully we met Kuya Noki. Kuya Noki have a significant role during the Amazing Race Palawan Leg a couple of years ago. Cool no?
Then we went to 'The Secret Beach', no longer a secret, the Secret Beach is populated already when we arrived. But behold, the way towards the SB lets you see amazing rock formations, everywhere you look, you'll see towering rocks, in all sizes and shapes. Watching it reminds me of Mordor - with matching Lord of the Rings 'Rise of the Gondor' sound clips. The view was
breathtaking, you will wonder where the hell did it come from? How did it happen?
We took our lunch in the Secret Beach. A mighty feast of fish and baboy. Without bothering whether sands are breaded on our foods while eating.
By the way located in this Secret Beach is also the Secret Lake. When you decide to go to Palawan, make sure you get the chance to go here. Underneath the rocks is a minute hole leading to the
secret lake surrounded by the usual rock formations. It is so cool (enter music 'Pure Shores of All Saints' from the OST of 'The Beach')
After lunch, we headed to our last trip for the day - the famous 'Big and Small Lagoon'
Prior to our arrival we were met by huge clusters of wave. I hate to say this, but I don't know how to swim. So every time I submerge to the water or be frightened by the immense waves, I say a little prayer....
The Big Lagoon is as peaceful as the lake. There is a better way to enjoy the Big Lake, rent a kayak, but damn we were hapless species, poor as a vermin we decided to just swim the 2 Km lagoon. That is exercise.
Sinag, the suspected magnet for all our misfortunes fell to the lagoon while attempting to show her amazing acrobatic skills. But due to the failure to calculate the laws of physics, she was helpless - our boatman to the rescue.
Wheew. Day 2 has just ended. Tired and clueless, we went to Sea Slugs for our dinner. Our desire to upstage a coup to the house band was succesful, we succesfully stole the show. The lead singer was overwhelmed by our dose of angst and ego to get his patron's attention. Damn, we were so famous. We were drunk, booze and vodkas are our partners. 11PM, we called it a night.
Day 3 - Back to Sabang - Back to the Underground River. Luckily, the waves are calmer this time. We finally got a spot in the Underground River tour (the tour is on a 'first come, first served basis). Tip: Bring your own flashlight.
The Underground River is a 8.5 Km underground trail winding through a cavern of limestones emerging to and from the South China Sea. It is subject to tidal influences and it is home to freaking bats. The tour is as breathtaking as well. Palawan tour is
incomplete without this majestic display of eeriness and superb rock formations.
Day 3 is over, Day 4 is all about Island Hopping.We are back to Puerto Princesa to head to Honda Bay. This day, we are guided by Kuya Ian (Smokey Manaloto's look alike). Nothing much about the Day 4 at first, but later on, we found ourselves amazed by the abundance of sea fishes and corals on our snorkeling trip. As Rachi said, this is by far the best snorkeling experience we ever had. The ocean ecosystem is richer than what we have seen so far. Thanks to the community's effort to protect it from damage and intrusion from commercial fishing.
The rest of Day 4 is spent on City Tour, at this point we got the chance to experience the city, the robust cityscape, the dynamics of the people, the food and the culture.
Day 5 - we went back to Manila and have a spa.
I wish I was able to convince you to go to Palawan. I am looking forward to be back at Bora next year, or to Coron this time. You may want to consider elite beaches like Miniloc, Dos Palmas, Lagen or if you got the guts to unleash your fortunes, go to Amanpulo.
Palawan is a superb choice for a long getaway. This is the place and time to shield yourself from the pollution and noise and human disturbances (cellphone signals are intermittent).
Make sure you are prepared when you go to Palawan as the land travels/transports will take much of your time. It is best to do some research or ask some tips on where to go best prior to your trip so you will be guided and have your time spent wisely on amazing places.
So guys, let's call it a night! (full Gallery can be seen on Photo section)
