Did you know that they have these in Puerto Princesa?

Dear Diary,

To be honest, idk how to begin anymore. It's been so long since my last entry and this trip was about two months ago already. But believe me when I say that this trip is one for the books, I'll always be excited to talk about my Puerto Princesa experience! 


NAGTABON BEACH
Who knew they have a surfing site, right?

Whenever I tell people that I was leaving for Palawan (or that I went there), they always ask about El Nido or Coron. It weirded me out because when I was young, Palawan was synonymous to Puerto Princesa. Wasn't it? Where in the Philippine map did that city go? Nonetheless, it's my first time to fly to Palawan. I'm psyched!




So I brought with me a book in case of dull moments like this [on the plane]... but nah, JK coz it's only a 1hr & 20-minute flight. Am still not done with The Great Gatsby 'till now. With that, you can just tell how dull my life is.


My first "business trip" ✈️

First thoughts on Puerto Princesa would probably be the famous Underground River, one of the Seven Wonders of Nature. Of course it's a go to when it's your first time, but I'd probably take the road less travelled. If you do go there tho, take really good care of your bags as resident primates are like gangsters in paradise. You may also come across these...

🐊🐊🐊

You've also probably heard of island hopping at Honda Bay...


🏐🏐🏐

...the popular Cowrie Island (one of the islands you may visit from Honda Bay) and the numerous activities they offer...


🐚🐚🐚

As well as these sumptuous seashells at Isla Pandan!

Speaking of food, how do you feel about authentic pho?


🍜 🍜 🍜 

Hundreds of Vietnamese fled to this city during their war in the 50s. Only around 5 to 9 families still live in the village today... including this one [photo below], who's responsible for the lovely pho! Have you also tried Vietnamese iced coffee? Oh, gawd.


VIET VILLE

Enough of the food trip, let's have some road trip!


PALAWAN CIRCUIT

🏁🏁🏁

Of all our adventures in Puerto Princesa, this is what I enjoyed the most. It's been a year since I last drove a car so it's a bit nerve-racking, but was mostly excited! I immediately thought of doing this with my dad someday. Really hope to do this again soon!



MAX ATV PALAWAN

Their tagline is "more mud, more fun!" When it gets rainy in Palawan and you thought your plans for the day would all go down the drain, detour to Max ATV Palawan. It's a 300-hectare of adventure you can enjoy rain or shine. 


☀️ ⛅️🌧

Picture this, an international rugby union field is around 1.008ha. Just imagine how huge that is! They're able to change their trail every 2 months so every visit will definitely not be the same.


Safety first!


UGONG ROCK ADVENTURE

What's the coolest thing you've done with your boss? Here's mine:

Puerto Princesa also has a motocross racetrack. I know right, they've got just everything!

Actually, the first thing I noticed when we arrived was their tricycles which looked like (and almost are as wide as) sedans.



These are their number 1 form of transportation, and they are literally "color-coded" (except Sundays) --- only blue ones are allowed MWF; white ones on TThS. Huling huli ka talaga agad eh!

Two kilometres from where that photo was taken is this breathtaking falls [photo below]. Breathtaking, because it was really challenging for me. Loljk. Well ofcourse compared to the past hikes I did, it was.


Path to Olangoan Falls


We crossed rivers and climbed up and down rocks to get there. See that tiny ladder beside it? Beyond is another 5-min hike to Olangoan Falls. Yeah, that's not it yet. We couldn't push through with equipment with us. It rained while we were halfway through which made the rocks slippery. Luckily, the drone was with kuya and the ates guided us on our way.

Finally, ladies and gentlemen, the best part of the trip:


A post shared by Shaira Alyssa Olaya (@shaira.olaya) on


Puntod Laot, one of the Babuyan Twin Sandbars, was where we had our lunch after the hike. Fresh fruits, grilled seafood and more were served to us by the locals. It was the best Monday workday ever (so far). If you seek solitude or serenity, this place is perfect.




I am extremely grateful to have experienced all of these, big thanks to my YBR family, mamaRiz and tito Dondon, as well as the tag team - Shai and Noah! Also to the entire Puerto Princesa City for the very warm welcome. 👍

Wonder where life takes me next?!

Wanderer / Jr. EP,
G.

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