I Keep Coming Back to Puerto Princesa



My bikini matched the fishes! Haha.

For those who are actually reading my blog, you'll know that I've been to Puerto Princesa 3 times already. First one was back in 2007 with my mom and my best friend, B-an. I went back there in 2009 with my wacky partner, Marv. And the last one was Holy Week of 2013 as a side trip as we came from El Nido.

READ: Paguran sa Palawan

The original plan was to stay longer in El Nido since Marv, B-an, and I have already visited Puerto Princesa. However, since it was Ian's first time there, we allotted a day  to go to the Underground River and another for ultimate food-tripping!

READ: Dreams Do Come True: El Nido, Palawan

Having rich biodiversity and marine life, Palawan also had tons of seafoods that were served at affordable prices in its markets or restaurants. Our all-time favorite crabs & shrimps usually come from Roxas City & the bulk is transported to Puerto Princesa City since it is the one closer (compared to El Nido). We figured that this might be the reason why it was so hard for us to get crabs & shrimps in El Nido -- aside from there were a lot of people ordering these as well, they are in Puerto Princesa!

Initially, we planned to take Ian to the famous Underground River on our last day in Puerto Princesa. After all, a visit there won't be complete without seeing the site that we, Filipinos, are boasting about!

Once we arrived in Circon Inn, I asked the Front Desk Officer if she could schedule us a trip to the Underground River the next day. This is what we usually do whenever we're in Puerto Princesa, we schedule our tours on the same day or the night before. However, I do not recommend anyone to do this--plan ahead if you can!

The Front Desk Officer dropped the bad news, we were told that the Underground River was already fully-booked & that permits (to go there) needed to be secured at least a month before you plan to go there. Sorry Ian...

Marv, B-an, & I decided that we could just take him to the Honda Bay. No offense & there's nothing wrong with Honda Bay (in fact, it's one of my favorite places in the country) but we thought Ian needed to experience something different. We decided that taking him to Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa would a better plan and he got excited when he heard that we could use kayaks there hehe.

The search for crabs and shrimps wasn't over yet even if we were in Puerto Princesa already. After checking in, we went straight to Badjao Seafront Restaurant for a late lunch but they told us that they were already out of crabs and shrimps.

We immediately transferred to Balinsasayaw Grill and at last, we caught the much-awaited crabs & shrimps!

Summer won't be complete without fruit shakes or fresh buko juice!

Apparently, he used to be allergic to seafoods but not anymore na DAW.

Happy & Hungry Birthday Girl

All smiles as the hunt for crabs and shrimps finally ends

Hashtag OOTD

Ian, Marv, and I didn't pay for this lunch as B-an generously treated us because it was her birthday (well, on April 2)! Happy na, birthday pa! Thanks, B-an!

After our lunch we proceeded to the market near Circon Inn where we bought roasted cashew nuts, lamayo, tshirts, and other pasalubong items.



Ian and Marv got crazy over tops / shirts like the ones they're wearing. B-an also bought one for Bryan hehe.

We went back to Circon Inn and rested for a few hours as we still had reservations for Ka Lui. Told you it was going to be a gastronomic day!

Around 8:15PM, we rode a tricycle going to Ka Lui, one of the most popular restaurants in Puerto Princesa and happens to be my favorite too! It's usually full so it would be best to call them early in the morning to have a table reserved for you.

Some of Ka Lui's decorations behind us

Mouth-watering Mango Avocado Shake

Cute!

We woke up early on our last day in Palawan.We availed the breakfast meal that came with our accommodation in Circon and headed straight to Dos Palmas office in NCCC Mall for pick-up. We would be riding a bus to the port and then transfer to Calypso Dos, Dos Palmas' boat, to reach the resort.

For those who have already been to Dos Palmas, they now have a new bridge which serves to be their receiving area.

We spent the rest of the day (well, until 4:15PM, that's when Calypso Dos brings its guests back to Puerto Princesa City) swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, picture taking, etc.

Marv & Ian wearing similar outfits

Nemo!

  

PHOTOBOMBED!

On the speedboat

We got back to Dos Palmas office at 6:00 PM and headed to the airport to catch our 8:30 PM flight. It was a short stay in Puerto Princesa and I hope Ian enjoyed it as much as I did!

For a sample Puerto Princesa itinerary, READ: Paguran sa Palawan