At the PPC cityhall with my brother
We were fortunate to be able to visit the beautiful city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan twice at the end of this year. First time was during the last week of November, the second time this mid-December. We transacted with several government agencies while we were there for the properties of our client in Palawan. Both my hubby and brother tagged along the trip.
Capitol Building of Palawan
Last November, it was my hubby who first accompanied me. We were there for three days, the first two days we allotted for work around the provincial capitol building, city hall, and Registry of Deeds . And on the third day, which is a holiday, November 30th, we went on an island-hopping tour at Honda Bay.
3-5 islands during the tour
For the island-hopping tour, you may choose the boat you want to ride, the price of rental ranges from 1300 pesos to 2000 pesos, for big groups. You can also choose the islands you want to visit. During our trip, we opted to go to Cowrie Island, Starfish Island, and Luli Island. Our first stop was at Cowrie Island, since we were already famished and there is a lunch buffet for those who bought buffet coupons at the port at 200 pesos each. There are also entrance fees for each island, but none goes over the price of 100 pesos.
At the Starfish Island, there are locals who would take your pictures. They are seemingly like professional photographers who can take trick shots, and would tell you to where to pose and what to do. They do not charge specific price, they only ask for donations if you offer to pay for their services. And true to the name of the island, there are starfishes scattered all over the place.
Trick shot.
The last island that we went to is the Luli Island, which derived its name from the term “lulubog, lilitaw“, meaning the island sinks and rises with the tide. According to the owners, during high tide, only the structures built on the island can be seen, as if floating. Luli Island has clear waters and pretty sandbar, perfect also for snorkeling and other water activities.
Upon arrival at Luli Island
On our second trip, my brother joined us. It was just a two-day trip, enough for us to consummate our transactions with government agencies, and to take a quick city tour.
Our advice for those who want to take tours around Puerto Princesa City, if you’re just a small group (2-3 persons), it would be better to take tours around the city by riding the trike. The trikes around the city are not your ordinary tricycles. The drivers are not just drivers, they are also tour guides. During our stay, we were able to tour around Crocodile Farm, Baker’s Hill, Puerto Princesa Baywalk, and pasalubong centers by riding trikes. They charge less and wait for you while you take your sweet time. They also make suggestions on where to go first.
Santa Crocs
Cliche as it may sound, a visit to the city would not be complete without dropping by at the famous Crocodile Farm and Nature Park. It’s about an hour away from the main city, and it was raining when we went there. But the weather and the long and winding road added excitement to the experience. There is an almost sinister effect when we were walking inside the farm, the bridge a bit slippery because of the pouring rain, the ominous sky looming, and the crocodiles beneath.
Visiting the crocodile farm on a rainy day
On the entrance of the farm, there is a cafe which sells the famous frozen crocodile sisig and tapa. There’s also souvenir shops and the most perfect souvenir to buy, of course, is a stuffed toy crocodile.
Souvenir shops inside Crocodile Farm
We also took a side trip to Baker’s Hill, as we were curious about the famous hopia being sold there. Aside from the tourist spots, Puerto Princesa is also the haven for those who like to take food trips. In Baker’s Hill, we bought boxes of hopia (as pasalubong and for snacks), and paired it with their brewed coffee (mixed with cocoa, I suppose), and thin-crust garlic and cheese pizza.
Our snacks at Baker’s Hill
Another food we loved and craved for, so much, that we ate there again on our second trip, are the Vietnamese noodles and French bread at Bona’s Chao Long. Its beef stew noodles and garlic bread are probably among the most famous meals when in Puerto Princesa, along with crocodile sisig and tamilok. Warning though, you might not want to wear white shirt when eating beef stew noodles as there is high probability that your shirt would get stained (because you enjoyed your food so much).
Beef stew noodles, garlic and cheese bread
Also, if you want to eat your lunch or early dinner with a great view of the sea and the mangroves, you might want to try dining at Badjao Seafront Restaurant. It’s located within the city, but you have to hire a trike to take you there and wait for you, or come back for you when you’re ready to eat. It was lunch time when we went there and we enjoyed the view and the interiors of the restaurant, but I can just imagine taking an early dinner there, with the sun coming down.
View at Badjao Seafront
Lastly, the ultimate food trip experience in Puerto Princesa City is by braving the crocodile sisig and tamilok or the woodworm. Of course, I wasn’t the one who did this, that’s the role of my companions, Lol!!! My hubby and my brother gamely ordered crocodile sisig and breaded tamilok for dinner; on the other hand, I ordered the “wholesome” sizzling blue marlin. I enjoyed dinner, not just because of my sumptuous fish (so fresh!), but also the expressions on the faces of my companions while they ate Palawan’s famous exotic foods.
crocodile sisig and bread tamilok
There’s more to see at Puerto Princesa City. Due to limited time, we were unable to visit the underground river and other tourists spots. But of course, that’s another reason to come back, for leisure next time. Still, so happy that work permitted me to experience Puerto Princesa during “ber” months, and the adventure that comes with it.
A Jurist's Life 