one more time

one more time

                My family loves touring from Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao. We went to Cotabato, Davao, Cebu, Bohol, Tagaytay, Sagada, Banaue, Baguio, Ilocos Norte; you name it but the one that I would want to go back again is in Palawan. Before our tour in El Nido last April 2016 we already went to Puerto Princesa (the capital of Palawan) last November 2013. Nothing defines Palawan more than the water around it. With seascapes the equal of any in Southeast Asia, and wildlife terrestrial and aquatic, the Philippines’ most sparsely populated region is also the most beguiling. Because of its silhouette – a long sliver stretching 650km all the way to Borneo – there’s a certain liberating logic to travel here.

Centrally located Puerto Princesa (Puerto) is the culinary capital and primary gateway to nearby rural and oceanfront tranquillity. The majority of travellers go north to El Nido or Coron town, base camps for island-hopping, snorkelling and diving adventures in the Bacuit archipelago and Calamianes group.The coastline serves as an alternative highway ferrying travellers in bangkas between fishing villages, tourist-friendly towns and a maze of uninhabited islands. In the south where the topography is more rugged, it’s possible to explore jungle-clad mountains though facilities are decidedly rustic.

Everyone that has already gone to Palawan wouldn’t disagree with me when I say that wherever you turn your heart would stop beating because of the wonderful view. Water so clear, plants so green, rocks so high and people so nice; that is what they brought to us the moment we stepped foot in Palawan. It was a week of paradise.

UWe also went on the famous underground river. It was educational and the rock formations were beautiful but with the bat poop it was smelly. I would also recommend the canopy walk, it is great for photographers or people who would want to see a beautiful view.

We went to Honda Bay which means more water activities. Cowrie is one of the beaches we had visited. We went on a banana boat which we absolutely enjoyed; even though the water was salty you could hear our laughs from our boat to the Island. We also visited Luli Island where we could snorkel all we want.

You’ll be shocked by the beauty of El Nido. We went Island hoping, our package (Tour A) consists of 7 Islands because you can’t finish all the Islands in just a day. I would definitely recommend the Tour A because it has more Islands to visit in a day than the other packages (Tour B & C). We had to get on a boat for us to do the Island Hoping. It was about 5 minutes – 10 minutes of sitting inside a boat for us to reach the next beach.  

We visited Seventh Commando Beach as part of our tour; this was actually our first stop which work beautifully for the introduction for what was about to come next. He water was crystal view which means a perfect place to have picture, there is also a swing which is also great for a few photos. After taking those pictures I was shocked at how the sea looked breathtaking. Overall it was fantastic and picturesque, it was a great place to relax but unfortunately we had to go to the next beach that’s part of our tour. After, we visited the Helicopter Island which is an Island that is shaped like a Helicopter. The other 5 Islands are the Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Hidden Lagoon, Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon.

The Last Island is the Big Lagoon where we had spent our 30 minutes of doing water activates which includes snorkeling. I think it would be better if you brought your own snorkeling materials because you wouldn’t know who the last person who had used it was.

 I would recommend for you to wear rash guard when touring because whatever your tour consists of it will definitely include water. It’s better to use water shoes where ever you’ll go. When going deep in the water you wouldn’t know what you’ll be stepping on so for you to be safer I would definitely recommend water shoes. If you want a instagram worthy photo then this is a place for you. Also make sure that you wouldn’t forget your sunblock you wouldn’t want to have a sunburn on your way back J.

-         - Bernice Novelline P. Mapili