Weekend Get Away at Puerto Princesa

The year 2010 is a bad year for me. No travel. Not even a short trip. So I make it a point that I’ll allot time this year for travels even if it’s as short as 3 days trip. So here comes February, first trip of the year, and for just 3 days 2 nights trip to Palawan as my friend Bernz insisted (I really want at least 5 days vacay and my first option is Boracay).

Friday morning, Bernz knocking over my place. Bags are packed and all prepped up but my head is still aching and spinning from the booze last night (can’t help but drink even before trips). Geez, need to drink a glass of cold water to wash it down; can’t take any med for my acidic stomach without any food. It’s still early but I need to hurry. Reason is it’s hard to get a cab Friday and harder to find a metered cab heading to the airport (from Edsa Pasay it should be around PHP100 or less but most cab either ask for additional PHP20 or a flat down rate of PHP150).

After a few minutes scrambling, we head out to NAIA Terminal 3. Terminal 3 carries flight for Philippines Air Lines and Cebu Pacific. Also it is much better compared to the other 2 terminals – security, wi fi access and much food choices (though some are still pricey). We checked in right away to avoid problems. The sad part is the flight is a little delayed due to the weather.

We arrived at Palawan in mid morning. Just enough time for a nap and refresh for the day activity. We stayed at Ysabelle Mansion ( review at http://lovelywanders.blogspot.com/2011/10/stay-at-ysabelle-mansion.html), a cozy place to stay in. We take a package tour as checked by Bernz (was busy with work and have no time to research). First day is city tour.

First stop is at Mendoza Park. It is small park that resembles Bay Walk in Roxas Boulevard with all those light structure. But hey, it is day time and I cannot appreciate the place with the sun all up. Next stop is to the souvenir shop. The top choice here is cashew nuts (fave snack at home) plus some key chains and bracelet for pasalubong. However, I find it early to do shopping on the first day of the trip.

Third stop is at the Crocodile farm. The area is friendlier to animals compared to the zoo in Manila and the area is well maintained (except for few visitors who do not know how throw the trash). I just feel sad how they treat the baby crocodile used for photo opts. The caretaker throws it a bit harshly on the box.

The fourth stop is at Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm. The entrance feels like entering a Hacienda with complete security escort. The place reminds me of our backyard with all those farming works however it is similar to some area in Caramoan – nipa huts, veggies and crops and luscious green surroundings. There is a mini store in the penal farm where the works of the inmates are sold. The works are great - paintings, wood art, hats, and accessories though some things sold there are commonly sold in market area. There are friendly inmates however they are few insistent on selling crafts and frutis which is a little annoying.

Last stop for the day is at Baker’s Hill. Baker’s Hill is known for its yummy hopias and other baked products. The area has 2 mansions beside the bakery and a small well maintained garden. Also there is a theme park with human-sized statues, figure of Disney characters and another garden with various plants, tables and chair and Mini Park for children. I can say the recreation area is added to give Baker’s Hill a more relaxing atmosphere as well as to attract more visitors.

After an almost 1 hours stay there, we head home but kuya driver suddenly stopped at The Legend Palawan to pick up for his work. He invited us to enjoy the area (thus we do a quick photo opts) while he is busy. It’s quite a long way home (dropping a family in Sabang that left me and Bernz on the van). We are both sleepy on the way home but urge on arguing on when is the best time for dinner – do we need to refresh first or eat right away – until we decided to eat before we feels lazy doing anything.

Luckily, kuya is obliging dropped us at Kinabuch Bar and Grill Restuarant (review at http://lablitawanders.blogspot.com/2011/02/great-food-at-kinabuch-bar-and-grill.html) for dinner. Bernz ordered lumpiang shanghai with rice while I ordered grilled pork with rice plus soup for my aching stomach. Then we added sizzling tanigue for a sumptuous dinner. After a couple of hours taking pleasure with the food and a enjoying the place, we head home (P.S. Do not ride trike that is in line outside the area. They charge fixed price for the ride.).