Travel Info

Traveling is fun and arriving in different tourist spots is an achievement as a traveler. Places, people, culture and food are some of the things a traveler look forward to in every places visited but each traveler should not forget also the smell in each place. There are times that some smell in each places that are new to us and may not be pleasing to our nose. It may be from surroundings, food, body odor, flowers or even from e cigaret. So if you travel to a new place, don't forget to bring menthol candies, inhaler or oil to pacify one's self from displeasing smell.

Palawan: Underground River

This was a dream travel for me. I never imagined that I would be able to visit the famous Puerto Princesa Underground River which is now belong to the new 7 wonders of nature. Since my companions and I were already in Palawan, we never missed the opportunity to visit this famous tourist spot.

Along the way, I could not refrain myself from not taking a photo of this. This is a solar lamp post which means that the light produced by it is powered by solar energy which comes from the light of the sun. According to our travel guide, this was designed by a German engineer. It amazes me to see a lamp post without long electricity wires and very environmental friendly. 

Back to my travel to the famous Underground River, so after more or less four hours of travel from El Nido, Palawan we reached our destination. After listing our names and paying for the boat we are now ready to go. During our visit, there was an incoming storm that our short boat ride was a bit rough because of the big waves and thank God that we were able to reached this very beautiful cove. 

So this it. We already reached Puerto Princesa Underground River. This is one of the landmarks in there. 

This is the signage at the entrance. 

Along the way, there are these park facts and figures along with park rules.

During our visit, there had been a lot of the tourists as well that we have to wait for an hour for the availability of the boat. No worries because that is already the entrance of the cave.

At last, the boat ride to the famous Puerto Princesa Underground River begins. We were so amazed and entertained by the beautiful stalactites,stalagmite and rock formations, the high ceilings, a lot of vats and the facts about it. Truly God's creation is beyond comparison.

The picture above is the only one which is presentable from all the photos I've taken inside the cave. I find difficulty in capturing good photos inside the cave because it is dark and I was seated in the front seat that I was tasked to hold the searchlight. At least I have this good photo of what they called the "Titanic" rock formation. 

Of course, a picture of myself with the entrance to the famous Puerto Princesa Underground River was never forgotten. This was a dream come true. 

Travel info: 
*** The ticket to the Puerto Princesa Underground River must be secured at their office in Puerto Princesa City not on the location which is worth P150 pesos.
*** The ticket does not include the payment for the boat so reseve a money for it.
*** According to the tourist guide, if you were from Puerto Princesa City the travel time for the  land trip from the city to the Puerto Princesa Underground River is more or less two hours. 

Puerto Princesa: Ugong Rock

Ugong Rock Adventures is located at Brgy. Tagabiniet, Puerto Princesa City. If you are on your way to the famous Underground River, you could pass by to this place. Caving, splunking and zipline adventure are the activities offered here. 

 

This is one of the passages inside the cave. Ugong Rock was named after a musical instrument "ugong". There are some rocks inside the cave that if you knock on it, it would create an ugong-like sound. 

One of the many features inside the cave are these stalactites and stalagmites formations. This is a stalactite that looks like a chandelier but as time passes by it already reached the ground.

If you would be in Ugong Rock Adventures, finish the activity by enjoying their zipline adventure. So far this is the fastest zipline I had experienced with a travel time of 21 seconds.

As always do not forget to take pictures. 

As a whole I enjoyed the activities here. In terms of expenses, it costs me less than 500 pesos for the caving, splunking and for the zipline. For this souvenir picture, it costs me 150 pesos for a printed copy of it.

 Hope that in your Palawan trip you may include Ugong Rock Adventures in your iterinary. I know that it would be fun and full of adventures. Enjoy!!!

Palawan: Taytay

This is Taytay in Palawan. A place with a lot of historical sites. In this place you will you be able to find old church, old buildings and old port.

         This is one of the old buildings which is now used as a commercial buiding. This was built during the Spanish time.

Another old building is this church. It is so amazing to see buildings that was built hundred years ago which were still used up to this time. 

A scenic view of the two old buildings with the name of the place.

While strolling around I can't help myself not to capture a picture of the community.

This is the pathway towards the old port.

  A beautiful view of the port.

           A landmark in the entrance of the port stating that Port St. Isabel was first built using wood in 1667 as a garrison for the Spanish troop of peace. It was built through the effort of Gov. Fernando Manuel de Bustillo. It was rebuilt using stone with four defense sides in honor of St.Toribio, San Miguel, San Juan at St. Isabel in  the first quarter of the 18th century. The reconstruction was administered by Don fernando Velez de Arce and was finished at the middle of the century. This port serves as a strong fortress in overseeing  mercantile marine vehicles and in raiding sea pirates.

    These were some of the views inside and outside the port. At the entrance there a lot of old cannons that were displayed. At the top of the entrance door, the sculpture of the images of the saints were present.    The port is open for visitors from 8AM to 5PM. 

Well that is me at the entrance of the port. Till the next visit Taytay!

Palawan:El Nido

El Nido, Palawan had always been a part of my list in the places I wanted to visit. It has been a dream vacation that met my expectation. I went their with my husband, his brother's family and the family of our godparents. Look what greeted me when I woke early in the morning. A giant rock or limestone formation.

From Puerto Princesa City, El Nido could be reached after seven hours of land trip in a for-hire van. Another way is through public bus like this one below which has only one trip in a day and maybe it would take you ten hours to reach El Nido from Puerto Princesa City. As what mostly tourists did, we prefer to hire a van as our mode of transportation in going to El Nido. 

Upon reaching El Nido, we stroll in their public market to look for food to cook. We had been able to find there crabs, lobsters, shells and a lot of fish. 

After filling up our stomach, we ready ourselves for an island hopping. The first stop is Pinagbuyutan Island. It is now a private island but visitors are still allowed in here. I was amazed in this island by its powdery sand, clear water and the panoramic view of other island as well.

This is the Helicopter Island named after its  shape. This island is very visible in our whole tour but we did not been able stop by on this island.

This is Cadugnon Cave. We passed through a small opening in the rocks to be able to get inside in this cathedral like cave. There was a small opening at the top of the cave that made the view inside visible and was so wonderful to look at.

This is my favorite island on the whole tour, the Snake Island. Do not be afraid for in this island no snake could be seen. It was named Snake Island because of its shoreline that connects two island. At the topmost part of the island there is a hut there wherein all neighboring islands could be seen. This is also where we had our lunch.

       For me this the most adventurous part of the tour. Eventhough I am not a swimmer, I tried snorkeling in here. This is Small Lagoon. From this point, we have to swim to be able to reach the lagoon. On the way to the lagoon there is this very aggressive specie  of small fish wherein if ever you been able to reach their territory they will bite you. Don't worry they don't hurt that much. The lagoon was so beautiful that we stayed there for almost an hour.  

Well, that is the chubby me in my snorkeling gear having my first and very memorable snorkeling experience. I could not have enough of El Nido. There are still a lot of islands, caves, coves, lagoons and places to be visited at El Nido. Hope I could visit it again. Till next time El Nido!. 

IGACOS: Pearl Farm Beach Resort

 
          Welcome to Pearl Farm Beach Resort. It is located in Island Garden City of Samal or IGACOS. Samal Island is the big island in front of Davao City. Pearl Farm is a famous tourist destinations here in Davao. I was only able to go to this place because this is where the team building of the company has been held.

     Above is the Parola Bar. It is the reception area of the beach where the boat would also dock. We were greeted here with the accommodating staff of Pearl Farm. They had given us fresh juice to drink while an orientation had been given about the resort.

     Maranao Restaurant of Pearl Farm served delicious meals. In our day tour package, it is already inclusive of eat-all-you can lunch that we were really full when we get out from this establishment.

       Below is only one of the many maps that you will find along the way while strolling Pearl Farm. I am sure you will not get lost with this very informative maps.

     This is the infinity pool of Pearl Farm. If you do not like swimming in the pools the beach is also very conducive for swimming with its white sand and clear water.

      Malipano island is a nearby island which is also owned by Pearl Farm. This is where their sporty equipment and vessels are located for more fun activities. 

   
    I want to try riding on this boat but I was not able to do so. This is what they call a taxi boat. Same as a regular taxi on land, this would take you to any accessible locations you want to go.

     If you have time and money, visit Pearl Farm. A whole day tour is worth 1,950 pesos or 2,500 pesos during holidays and it is already inclusive of a eat-all-you-can buffet lunch. If you are already in here don't forget to take some pictures as a remembrance.
     For more info, you could visit their website at http://www.pearlfarmresort.com/index.html

North Cotabato: Asik-Asik Falls

       At long last, I was able to visit Asik asik falls after months of longing to visit it. Asik  asik falls is near our place and it is specifically located at Brgy. Dulao, Alamada, North Cotabato. It was a newly discovered tourist attraction and was only brought to my attention on the month of May. 

     To be able to reach this place, the nearest airport is Awang Airport of Cotabato City which is one hour and forty-five minute flight from Manila. From Cotabato City to this place would take two hours ride. If you want to travel by land, Libungan to Davao would take three to six hours ride and from Libungan to Brgy. Dulao would take thirty minutes to reach this place. In order to reach the vicinity of the falls you must walk these steep slope which is around five hundred cemented steps.

       I know that whatever you will encounter while walking on the steps above, I am sure it is all worth it with the amazing beauty of Asik Asik falls that awaits you. Pictures below are some of the glimpse of it. 

       As always, don't forget to take a lot of pictures of it and have a picture of yourself with Asik Asik falls as you're background as a remembrance. Hope you will enjoy your visit here the same way as I do. Till the next travel!!!