Sulit.com.ph Explores the Beautiful City of Puerto Princesa, Palawan Philippines

I’m new in Sulit but I was given the opportunity to travel with them for the company’s annual summer outing. I’m very grateful since I have been in the company for only a month and a half but I was allowed to go with them on this trip. It was my first time to go to Puerto Princesa so everything was new for me.

This trip would not have been possible without the help of Great Holidays Travel and Tours, our generous and cool bosses from Sulit.com.ph (Sir RJ and Ma’am Arianne), and the accommodating and friendly management and staff from La Villa Princesa and Casa Fuerte.

Day 1

We have been divided in two groups. The first group, the group I belonged to, met at the NAIA Terminal 4 at around 3:00 am since we were booked for the 5:40 am flight. Thank God we weren’t delayed! It was another story for the 2^nd batch though. Theirs got delayed for almost 2 hours. Tsk tsk, Zest Air.

So since we arrived just in time, we went to our temporary accommodation, Casa Fuerte. We just left our bags there, freshened-up a bit, and went out to eat breakfast while we wait for the 2^nd batch to arrive.

As soon as the 2^nd batch’s flight had landed, they went straight to S2 Musk & Snorkel Rental to meet with us so we can all rent out snorkelling gears. They let you rent out aqua shoes, snorkelling masks and even rash guards and other swimwear. If you don’t want to step on any sea urchin and other creepy slimy things under the sea, I suggest you wear the proper gear. Better to be safe than sorry, right?

First in our itinerary was to go island hopping in Honda Bay. To say that going there was an adventure is truly an understatement. The rain that day was ruthless. The boats we were in kept rocking and smashing against the angry waves but we didn’t let up. Our tour guide even said that it was still safe so at least, that calmed all of us down. Don’t worry, all of us arrived safe and sound in the beautiful Pandan Island! There we snorkelled and ate delicious lunch (prepared by the amazing Great Holiday and Tours team) to our heart’s content. 

After Pandan Island, we went straight to Starfish Island where lots of starfish, sea urchins and stone fish live. Trivia: although sometimes beautiful and spell binding, a stone fish is much deadlier and painful when you come in contact with it as compared to a sea urchin. This is where your aqua shoes can come to your rescue because once it stings you, you must be rushed to the hospital immediately! Yikes!

If you’re into having your own photo shoots or just simply adore taking photos, the Starfish Island is perfect for you! Check out these cool photos. No need to tinker with your photoshop to get these effects!

The last stop for the day was Luli Island. The interesting name of theisland came from the words lulubog and lilitaw, it’s because you can only see the island when it’s low tide and the island disappears when it is high tide. Pretty creative, huh?

Day 2

We were all excited for the itinerary for day 2 since it was the day when we would all get to see the famous UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the 7 Wonders of Nature – the Puerto Princesa Underground River.

We left the hotel early since the tour guides informed us that it will more or less take us about 2-3 hours to get to Brgy. Cabayugan, where the river is situated. After slathering ourselves with insect repellent lotion (a must!), off we went to see the pride of Puerto Princesa!

The trip was long, winding, and bumpy but it was all worth it. We arrived at a port where the boats that would take us to river were parked. We all had lunch first before boarding these boats. Some of us were even brave enough to try the famous delicacy, kinilaw na tamilok or the wood worm that was cooked in vinegar. You have to eat this raw – same with how you usually eat its sister, the oyster.

There were so many tourists at that time! Did you know that before the Puerto Princesa Underground River got included in the 7 Wonders of Nature list, it only averaged around 100 tourists a day. Presently, it attracts almost 1,000 visitors daily! Pinoy pride!

Day 3

We spent our final day touring around the city and getting to know more about its history. Some of the places we visited were Baywalk, Plaza Cuartel, Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, Palawan Nature Park, Iwahig Penal Colony, Mitra's Sta. Monica Ranch, and Bakers Hill.

The highlight of the day was of course the Crocodile Farm & Conservation Center where we got to see fresh and salt water crocodiles, a variety of birds, and the cute and cuddly bearcat. Most of us did not hesitate to have a photo op with them!

  We also had an exotic culinary experience there when we got to taste their famous crocodile sisig.  Crocodile meat has the texture and taste of chicken meat but has an aftertaste of fish. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the experience.

  The 3 days and 2 nights in Palawan was bitin but super fun nonetheless! A vacation never fails to revitalize you and this is definitely what this trip gave us. To Great Holidays Travel and Tours, thank you for taking care of us. To La Villa Princesa and Casa Fuerte, thank you for providing us with a cozy accommodation. To my Sulit teammates, thank you for the fun memories! I’m looking forward to our trip next year!

Great Holidays Travel and Tours

http://mygreatholidays.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+user+classifieds/id/1136801/mygreatholidays

Casa Fuerte Bed & Breakfast

http://www.casafuerte.ph/