End of Our Palawan Family Trip: Flying Out from the New Puerto Princesa International Airport

With heavy hearts, we finally left the beach of Microtel Palawan to pack up our things for our trip home. Our check out time is 12 noon but our flight is in the late afternoon. This meant we had more time to tour Puerto Princesa.

My Beloved Wife Lei and I went to the palengke during our honeymoon in Puerto Princesa four years ago. Lei bought dried danggit and dried squid, which are her favorites.

We went back to the palengke, with the kids in tow, to once again buy the favorite dried goodies.

Lei bought a kilo of dried danggit. The palengke have other shops that sell souvenirs and sweet pasalubongs but we ignored them. We just bought the dried seafood and then to the Puerto Princesa Airport we go.

The Puerto Princesa Airport is very different from the airport that we visited during our honeymoon. The airport terminal was small and can get crowded easily. Now, the Puerto Princesa Airport is much biggers, much spacious - much better!

Unfortunately, we got stuck at the Puerto Princesa Airport for almost two hours because of delayed flights. It is a big pain to be stuck in an airport with two makukulit babies. My patience was almost spent.

We survived the ordeal and in the end we boarded a Cebu Pacific flight back to Manila. And that’s the end of our short family vacation to the paradise island of Puerto Princesa. It was the first time that little Samuel and little Samantha visited the island and I believe that this will not be the last.

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Read more about our adventures in Puerto Princesa Palawan

Summer Fun in Palawan: Family Beach Bonding at Microtel, Puerto Princesa

7 Interesting Facts that Every Tourist Should Know about Puerto Princesa
First Night in Puerto Princesa: Dinner Date at Haim Chicken Inato
Our Overnight Stay in Balay Inato, Puerto Princesa
Honda Bay Tour (Part 1): A Big Disappointment at Starfish Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 2): Killing Time at Luli Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 3): Finale in Cowrie Island
Second Night in Puerto Princesa: Sisig Night at Kinabuch’s
Marianne Home Inn: Our “Home” in Palawan
How We Obtained the Permit to Enter the Puerto Princesa Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 1: Playing the Waiting Game at Sabang Wharf
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 2: Our Boat Ride to the Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Part 3: Hidden Wonders of St. Paul Cave
7 Important Tips for a No Hassle Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour
Buying Souvenirs and Pasalubong in LRC Mall, Puerto Princesa
Our DIY Puerto Princesa City Tour (Part 1) – Praying at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Our DIY Puerto Princesa City Tour (Part 2) – The Gruesome Past of Plaza Cuartel
Buying Danggit in Puerto Princesa Public Market
Adios Puerto Princesa

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Summer Fun in Palawan: Family Beach Bonding at Microtel, Puerto Princesa

It is difficult to find a good beach in the poblacion of Puerto Princesa City. Almost all of its coastline is covered with mangrove forest. We thought that the Emerald Beach, located at the east coast of the city, has the most OK beach in the poblacion. There are only two resorts in Emerald Beach, namely, Microtel Palawan and the Emerald Playa Beach.

The Emerald Playa Beach was cheaper option but since we are bringing the kids we chose the pricey option because of it has a better amenities. The pricey option is Microtel Puerto Princesa.

How We Booked a Room in Microtel Palawan

Booking a room in Microtel Palawan is quite easy. I just went to their website then choose the room or package that suited our budget. We chose the Lagoon View Room, which has 2 queen-sized beds.

We were in luck because Microtel was having a “flash deals” at the time. We booked the room for 2 days and 2 nights for 5,000.00 pesos. The promo is good for 2 adults and 2 children, which is perfect for us. We used our credit card to pay, which we did through the Microtel Palawan website.

We were afraid that our babies will fall down while we were sleeping so we moved the beds to the wall.

Our room does not face the sea, which was fine with us because the rooms with a good view of the sea are more expensive.

We have no complaints about our room. It has a cable TV, cool aircon, and a well maintained bathroom. Free WiFi is only available at the lobby. It was not a problem for us because we brought our own modem.

How to Go to Microtel Palawan from the Airport

One complaints of their guests is that Microtel Palawan is very far from the city center. It is about 4.5 kilometers away from the nearest shopping mall. Well, the complaints are true. We passed through areas that are almost uninhabited. We also passed through a mangrove forest just to reach the hotel. Microtel Palawan is not recommended to tourists who want shops and bars located near the hotel.

Good thing that Microtel Palawan arranged a van to pick us up from the Puerto Princesa International Airport. The same van was used to ferry us and other hotel guests to the Robinsons Mall. The vans leave the hotel at definite time so we had to go to the lobby on time lest we have to wait for an hour or so for the next trip to the city.

Our Microtel Palawan Experience

It was already past noon when we reached Microtel Palawan. The staff at the front desk took a while to confirm our booking and prepare our room. So, I had no choice but to run after Samuel and Samantha at the hotel lobby.

My little ones’ favorite is this big chair.

We were famished because we arrived at the hotel around noon. So we went directly to the restaurant for lunch.

We were the only ones in that restaurant but it took a while before they served our food. Our children were getting angry because of hunger. Good that they have a mini-playground where I diverted their attention.

The food is above average. Unfortunately, only breakfast is complimentary so we have to pay a hefty price for the food.

We went to the beach at late afternoon after Sam and Sam’s afternoon nap. We were disappointed with what we saw.

The sea was gone!

It was already low tide and sea receded very far away. The hotel staff cautioned us from going to the sea at that time because it is deep in those parts.

We just opted to dip in their swimming pool, which the kids truly enjoyed.

Bringing Samuel and Samantha to the water is one of my fondest memories. I enjoyed seeing them wade, jump, and play in the water. We stayed in the pool until early evening.

We didn’t eat dinner  at the hotel. We rode the hotel van and went to the Robinson’s mall where we ate dinner and bought some supplies.

After a restful night and a filling breakfast, we immediately went to the beach. And the sea is back!

The sea fronting Microtel Palawan is very shallow. Me and My Beloved Wife Lei were able to wade far from the beach.

Microtel Palawan’s beachfront is quite narrow. Thus, Samuel only had a little space to play on the sand.

We had a very good time frolicking in the sea. I believe that we made a good decision in choosing Microtel Palawan.

All in all, we had a very good time in Microtel Palawan. The hotel staff provided us with good service. In comparison to the other hotels that we slept in Puerto Princesa, I can say that Microtel Palawan is at the head of the pack.

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This is the second time for me and My Beloved Wife to visit Puerto Princesa. The truth is that we had our honeymoon in this beautiful city. Read about our my blog posts about our previous adventures to Puerto Princesa City.

7 Interesting Facts that Every Tourist Should Know about Puerto Princesa
First Night in Puerto Princesa: Dinner Date at Haim Chicken Inato
Our Overnight Stay in Balay Inato, Puerto Princesa
Honda Bay Tour (Part 1): A Big Disappointment at Starfish Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 2): Killing Time at Luli Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 3): Finale in Cowrie Island
Second Night in Puerto Princesa: Sisig Night at Kinabuch’s
Marianne Home Inn: Our “Home” in Palawan
How We Obtained the Permit to Enter the Puerto Princesa Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 1: Playing the Waiting Game at Sabang Wharf
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 2: Our Boat Ride to the Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Part 3: Hidden Wonders of St. Paul Cave
7 Important Tips for a No Hassle Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour
Buying Souvenirs and Pasalubong in LRC Mall, Puerto Princesa
Our DIY Puerto Princesa City Tour (Part 1) – Praying at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Our DIY Puerto Princesa City Tour (Part 2) – The Gruesome Past of Plaza Cuartel
Buying Danggit in Puerto Princesa Public Market
Adios Puerto Princesa

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Adios Puerto Princesa

Our fun in Puerto Princesa is over. It was the third day of our vacation in the island paradise and we didn’t want to leave. But we didn’t have a choice but to return to our normal lives in Metro Manila. So we packed our bags and pasalubongs and left Marianne Home Inn to go to the airport for our flight back home.

Our trip to Puerto Princesa Airport was hassle-free because our hotel provided us free transfer. The driver was courteous. Too bad that I forgot to give a tip for his good service. *sigh* I really am scatterbrained.

Puerto Princesa Airport was simple compared to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). It doesn’t have a jet bridge so we had to walk to aircraft. This was not a problem for us because the weather was fair. We even used this opportunity to take our selfies.

We flew with Tiger Airways. I previously mentioned a good experience with this airline when I traveled to Cebu last February.

I noticed something interesting when I reached the door of the airplane. What made me curious is this:

The airplane door is armed with what weapon?

Our plane finally took off after few minutes of waiting. Adios Puerto Princesa. Hope to see you again soon.

Me and My Beloved Wife have plenty of good memories in Puerto Princesa. We enjoyed the pristine beaches of Honda Bay. We we’re awed by the world class Underground River. We even discovered the gruesome past of Puerto Princesa.

Puerto Princesa is a beautiful place and it made our first husband and wife trip more special.

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Read more about our Puerto Princesa vacation in these blog posts:

7 Interesting Facts that Every Pinoy Should Know about Puerto Princesa
First Night in Puerto Princesa: Dinner Date at Haim Chicken Inato
Our Overnight Stay in Balay Inato, Puerto Princesa
Honda Bay Tour (Part 1): A Big Disappointment at Starfish Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 2): Killing Time at Luli Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 3): Finale in Cowrie Island
Second Night in Puerto Princesa: Sisig Night at Kinabuch’s
Marianne Home Inn: Our “Home” in Palawan
How We Obtained the Permit to Enter the Puerto Princesa Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 1: Playing the Waiting Game at Sabang Wharf
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 2: Our Boat Ride to the Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Part 3: Hidden Wonders of St. Paul Cave
7 Important Tips for a No Hassle Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour 
Buying Souvenirs and Pasalubong in LRC Mall, Puerto Princesa
Our DIY Puerto Princesa City Tour (Part 1) – Praying at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Our DIY Puerto Princesa City Tour (Part 2) – The Gruesome Past of Plaza Cuartel
Buying Danggit in Puerto Princesa Public Market

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It’s still the second day of Christmas so I can still greet each every one of you a very merry Christmas. May our Lord Jesus be born in your hearts.
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Buying Danggit in Puerto Princesa Public Market

One thing that I envy with the residents of Palawan is their fresh seafood (which is fresh as in freshly harvested from the sea and not the other “fresh” that means freshly picked from the cold storage of supermarkets).

Palawan still has clean seas that’s why this province is a source of seafood for Metro Manila. My Beloved Wife Lei knows this that’s why she made sure to go to the local palengke to buy some dried danggit.

Danggit is the Visayan (or Cebuano) name for the rabbitfish or spinefoot.¹ It is usually dried and then fried. It’s crispy-salty goodness will make you want for more.

Dried danggit is one of Lei’s favorite that why I always buy some of it whenever I visit Cebu.

The Puerto Princesa Public Market is conveniently located near our hotel thus we didn’t had a hard time going to it. It looks the same as the palengke in other towns because it has the wet section for fishes and other seafood, the meat section, and other areas where veggies and other dry goods are sold. The unique area in Puerto Princesa’s palengke is the presence of shops that sell dried seafood, nuts, and other food souvenir items. I guess this area of the palengke reflects the touristy side of Puerto Princesa.

I enjoyed watching Lei as she haggled with the vendor. The stubbornness of the vendor won so we bought a kilo of danggit for 240 pesos. I know it looks expensive but this can be considered a bargain since dried danggit is twice or thrice more expensive in Metro Manila.

Danggit is not the only dried seafood that is for sale. There’s dried squid, dried anchovies, the common tuyo, the common daing, and many more. There are nuts too. Of course, sweets are also available.

We checked out other food items in the palengke but we just bought the dried danggit. Well, I guess Lei is already contented with the dried danggit.

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Read more of our adventures in Puerto Princesa:

7 Interesting Facts that Every Pinoy Should Know about Puerto Princesa
First Night in Puerto Princesa: Dinner Date at Haim Chicken Inato
Our Overnight Stay in Balay Inato, Puerto Princesa
Honda Bay Tour (Part 1): A Big Disappointment at Starfish Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 2): Killing Time at Luli Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 3): Finale in Cowrie Island
Second Night in Puerto Princesa: Sisig Night at Kinabuch’s
Marianne Home Inn: Our “Home” in Palawan
How We Obtained the Permit to Enter the Puerto Princesa Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 1: Playing the Waiting Game at Sabang Wharf
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 2: Our Boat Ride to the Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Part 3: Hidden Wonders of St. Paul Cave
7 Important Tips for a No Hassle Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour 
Buying Souvenirs and Pasalubong in LRC Mall, Puerto Princesa
Our DIY Puerto Princesa City Tour (Part 1) – Praying at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Our DIY Puerto Princesa City Tour (Part 2) – The Gruesome Past of Plaza Cuartel

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1. The information about danggit came from the Danggit article in WikiPilipinas.
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Our DIY Puerto Princesa City Tour (Part 2) – The Gruesome Past of Plaza Cuartel

War brings the best and worst in people. A few people rose up to become heroes and served as beacons of hope in the midst of suffering and darkness. On the other hand, there were people who used the war to unleash their evil side. This evil side of humanity was what I discovered during our visit to Plaza Cuartel in Puerto Princesa.

Plaza Cuartel is just a normal park at first glance but in the middle of it is a marker that reminds every visitors of its gruesome past. The marker showing an emaciated man tied by a barbed wire and burned from below. This marker is the grim reminder of the event that took place on December 15, 1944.

1944 is the year when the Allied Forces started the campaign to retake the Philippines from the Japanese. General Douglas MacArthur successfully landed in Leyte in October.³ Due to their impending defeat, the Japanese soldiers in Puerto Princesa decided to kill all prisoners. So on the 14th day of December 1944, they ordered all POWs to go inside the air-raid tunnel. They then poured aviation fuel into the tunnels and set them afire. They also threw grenades to surely kill the POWs. Any prisoner who went out of the tunnel were killed by machine guns.¹

Those who managed to escape the massacre were hunted down by the Japs. Of the 154 American POWs in Plaza Cuartel, Only 11 lived to tell the tale.

Near the entrance of the Plaza Cuartel is a small gate to a room which seems to have nothing important. I peeked through the gate and I discovered the entrance to the tunnels where the prisoners were burned alive.

It was a horrifying experience for me because I imagined what happened (and I know my imagination is less gruesome than what truly happened). I asked how a human being can do such inhumane act to another human being. Such acts are more of devil’s work and I believe that the devil was present during that day, cheering for the Japanese soldiers.

Our visit to Plaza Cuartel was a little depressing but it was worth it. I learned a little history and saw how war promotes atrocities such the one that happened in Plaza Cuartel.

Plaza Cuartel is just few steps away from the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. It can easily be reached by riding a tricycle anywhere in Puerto Princesa. Just tell the driver that you’re going to the cathedral. There’s no entrance fee so you don’t have to pay anything.

Any one who is doing the Puerto Princesa City Tour should never miss Plaza Cuartel. The place is unique in Puerto Princesa because it is the best relic of the Second World War because of the barbarity that happened in that place.

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Information included in this post came from:

1. A City Paradise in the Puerto Princesa City official website.
2. National Historical Institute marker at Plaza Cuartel
3. Battle of Leyte article in Wikipedia

Some interesting articles regarding Plaza Cuartel

1. American Prisoners of War: Massacre at Palawan in History.net
2. Chicago Tibune (March 4, 1945 issue), page 6
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Our DIY Puerto Princesa City Tour (Part 1) – Praying at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral

We have a few hours left before our afternoon flight back to Manila, so, on our third (and last) day in Puerto Princesa we decided to do our own city tour. We did our Internet research the night before and we chose to visit only two spots, namely, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel. We also planned on going to Baker’s Hill but we weren’t able to do so because we had little time.

Puerto Princesa City doesn’t have plenty of historical sites like Cebu or Manila. The reason for this is that Palawan is one of last islands colonized by the Spaniards. In fact, the Spanish colonial government was just established in 1871 or almost at the end of Spanish rule in the Philippines.

The Bishop of Jaro appointed Father Ezekiel Moreno (now a saint) as the military chaplain of Puerto Princesa in 1872. An expedition of 272 people went to Puerto Princesa and celebrated the first mass there.¹ They chose Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception as the patroness of the new colony.

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is impressive. I guess that it is the biggest church in the whole island of Palawan. Its blue color matched the color of Mama Mary the Patroness of Puerto Princesa.

The current semi-Gothic cathedral was built in 1965 during the reign of Bishop Gregorio Espiga. It was designed by Architect Mañalac and constructed under the supervision of Engineer Florencio Llacuna. The wooden elements of the church like the door, pews, and carvings were made by the Iwahig inmates.²

We were welcomed by the words “Haec Est Domus Dei” as we enter the cathedral. It means “This is the house of God”.

Our visit to the Puerto Princesa Cathedral has two purposes. The first is to see the cathedral as a tourist and the second is to pray to God. Lei and I thanked God for blessing us during our wedding day. We asked Him to help us in our new journey as husband and wife.

The whole cathedral was deserted during our visit. This was an advantage because I can take photos without interference.

The cathedral’s altar is simple but elegant. The best part is that the tabernacle is located at the center, which is its proper place. Just above the tabernacle is the image of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

Some of you are possibly asking who is this lady and why we Catholics call her immaculate. Well, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is the title of the Mary (the mother Christs) that signifies her being free from original sin during her conception. Her immaculate conception stems from the fact that Jesus is totally incompatible with sin. Thus, it is impossible for Him to be borne by a woman who is infected with original sin or made an actual sin.³

The two towers at the sides of Puerto Princesa Cathedral bear 8 bells which are dedicated to San Nicolas de Tolentino, St. Ezekiel Moreno, San Fernando Rey de España, San Jose, Maria Consolatrix Afflictorum, and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.²

Our visit to Puerto Princesa Cathedral was short but meaningful. We’re glad that we managed to visit Him in His house in Puerto Princesa. This completes our trip to Puerto Princesa.

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Information included post came from the following sources:

1. Apostolic Vicariate of Palawan in CBCP Online.
2. A City of Paradise from the official website of the City Government of Puerto Princesa
3. Immaculate Conception from New Advent

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Read more of our adventures in Puerto Princesa City:

7 Interesting Facts that Every Pinoy Should Know about Puerto Princesa
First Night in Puerto Princesa: Dinner Date at Haim Chicken Inato
Our Overnight Stay in Balay Inato, Puerto Princesa
Honda Bay Tour (Part 1): A Big Disappointment at Starfish Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 2): Killing Time at Luli Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 3): Finale in Cowrie Island
Second Night in Puerto Princesa: Sisig Night at Kinabuch’s
Marianne Home Inn: Our “Home” in Palawan
How We Obtained the Permit to Enter the Puerto Princesa Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 1: Playing the Waiting Game at Sabang Wharf
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 2: Our Boat Ride to the Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Part 3: Hidden Wonders of St. Paul Cave
7 Important Tips for a No Hassle Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour 
Buying Souvenirs and Pasalubong in LRC Mall, Puerto Princesa

Buying Souvenirs and Pasalubong in LRC Mall, Puerto Princesa

Traveling to other places is a short and (usually) sweet experience. There are beautiful places to see, unique food to taste, and the moments outside of the usual daily routine. It is a rare experience that’s why I made it a habit to buy souvenirs during my travels.

Our trip to Puerto Princesa earlier this year was not different. Me and My Beloved Wife Lei made it sure that we get some souvenirs and pasalubong for the people waiting for us in Manila. So, before the end of our awesome Puerto Princesa Underground River tour we asked our tour guide to drop us to the best place where we can shop for souvenirs.

Our tour guide brought us to LRC Market Mall.

LRC Market Mall doesn’t appear impressive because it looks more of a flea market than a mall. It actually looks like the uncrowded (and smaller) version of Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok. The place is hot and may make you sweaty all over.

But don’t let the appearance deceive you because LRC Market Mall is filled to the gills with souvenir items from all over Palawan.

This is where I found my favorite souvenir items: key chains and ref magnets. We also looked at interesting items made of shells, wood carvings, bags, t-shirt and more. I was contented with key chains and magnets but Lei was searching for pearl earrings.

Puerto Princesa is a good place to buy pearls because it is located near Sulu Sea and the Sulu Archipelago which are the source of the famed pearls. In fact, this part of the country is so popular for pearls that pearl farms sprouted off the seas of Coron, Busuanga, Dumaran, and Balabac.  The beautiful pearls coming from these farms costs hundreds of dollars a piece.

Of course, Lei didn’t buy the expensive pearls. She’s OK with the pearls in LRC mall.

We were satisfied with our shopping in LRC Market Mall. We managed to get bargains for our purchases and the vendors are easy to talk with. The market is not that crowded and very easy to navigate.

If you’re a tourist looking for a good place to buy souvenirs and pasalubong, I suggest that you go to LRC Market Mall. It is located along Puerto Princesa North Road, Barangay San Miguel. Any tricycle or taxi cab can easily bring you to this market.

Look at the Google Map below for directions to LRC Market Mall.

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Read more of our adventures in Puerto Princesa:

First Night in Puerto Princesa: Dinner Date at Haim Chicken Inato
Our Overnight Stay in Balay Inato, Puerto Princesa
Honda Bay Tour (Part 1): A Big Disappointment at Starfish Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 2): Killing Time at Luli Island
Honda Bay Tour (Part 3): Finale in Cowrie Island
Second Night in Puerto Princesa: Sisig Night at Kinabuch’s
Marianne Home Inn: Our “Home” in Palawan
How We Obtained the Permit to Enter the Puerto Princesa Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 1: Playing the Waiting Game at Sabang Wharf
Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 2: Our Boat Ride to the Underground River
Puerto Princesa Underground River Part 3: Hidden Wonders of St. Paul Cave
7 Important Tips for a No Hassle Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour 
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7 Important Tips for a No Hassle Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour

Are you having difficulties in arranging your trip to Puerto Princesa Underground River? Or are you worried because you don’t know what to expect during the tour? Is the tour already fully booked? – These questions and more popped in our minds when we decided to go to the world famous underground river/cave of Palawan Island.

We had these questions because we didn’t book the Underground River ahead of time. In fact, we made the decision to go when were already in Palawan.

I bet that you have the same questions if you’re planning to visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River (also known as St. Paul Cave).

I will try to answer some of your questions. So read (and follow) this list of 7 important things that will surely give you hassle-free tour in Puerto Princesa Underground River:

1. Book the Tour before Going to Palawan

Due to being recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders, Puerto Princesa Underground River was placed to international attention. Hordes of tourists descend to Palawan to visit this river. Thus, it is advisable to book your Underground River Tour before going to Palawan.

There’s no online booking for the tour. The official website of the Underground River only provides info and nothing else. The best way to have an advance booking is through the hotel where you’ll stay. Hotels in Puerto Princesa usually are connected with travel agencies.

However, if you found yourself in the same situation as us then you will have to go to a more tricky process. But don’t despair because there’s hope (especially if it is not the peak season). Read my post on how we obtained the entry permit walk-in visitors to know the trick in joining a tour to the Underground River.

2. Be Mindful of the Weather

 

Visitors to the Underground River have to ride an outrigger boat. This means that Underground River tour is very much dependent on the prevailing weather. Expect tours to be cancelled during inclement weather. I read of sad stories of tourists who waited in vain for the good weather. Many of them had no choice but to leave Palawan because of their tight schedule.

Take note that June to October is the typhoon season in the Philippines so it would be good to go to Palawan in the months of November to May.

3. Never Forget: Patience is a Virtue

It took us more than an hour of waiting at Sabang Wharf and the entrance to cave. I read that other tourists waited much longer. With the great number of visitors to the Underground River, you should expect to wait. I guess your Underground River tour would be the best opportunity to test your patience.

4. Beware of the Monkeys Thieves

 

Monkeys inhabiting the forest around the Underground River are no longer afraid of humans. In fact, they consider humans as source of food. These monkeys are attracted to sound of plastic bags because they think there’s food inside. So, hold your bags and gadgets tightly unless you want to give them away to the monkey thieves.

5. Bring Powerful Flash for Better Photos

 

St. Paul Cave is very dark and the light used during the tour is not bright enough for good photos. So it is advisable that you bring a camera that has flash. I used a Lumix point-and-shoot camera which, unfortunately, is not enough to brighten the rock formations that I was photographing. A camera with a powerful flash will surely give you beautiful shots of the stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.

6. You May Need an Audio Tour

Boatmen/cave guides can speak English but there were times that they speak in Filipino. You will not understand the jokes and other things that he is saying. If your very particular in understanding the wonders of Underground River then you must get an Audio Tour.

The Audio Tour is available at a booth before you enter the forest trail. IWelshCo at TripAdvisor said that you should listen to the audio tour before entering the cave because the voice of the boatman and the echo will make it difficult for you to listen to the audio tour.

7. Don’t open your mouth

Make sure to keep your mouth shut especially when looking up. St. Paul Cave is inhabited by bats and some of their poo might drop into your mouth. Bat boo will surely ruin your tour (and may make you hate bats, Batman, Dracula, and all other thing related to bats).

Bonus Tip. Give Your Boatman a Tip

 

A boatman/cave guide paddles the 1.5 kilometer length of cave for 8 times a day. Their income is barely enough to support their daily needs. If you’re satisfied with their performance then giving them a tip is a great way of showing your appreciation.

The Park Management allows tourists to give tips to their boatmen. The only requirement is that you give the tip to a boatman/cave guide that performed well. This will make sure that the boatmen/ cave guides will do their best to please park visitors.

Puerto Princesa Underground River is a truly wonderful place. And every one must visit it. So drop your hesitations. Book a tour and book a flight and go to Palawan!

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Read more of our adventure in Puerto Princesa Underground River:

How We Obtained the Permit to Enter the Puerto Princesa Underground River

Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 1: Playing the Waiting Game at Sabang Wharf

Puerto Princesa Underground River Adventure Part 2: Our Boat Ride to the Underground River

Puerto Princesa Underground River Part 3: Hidden Wonders of St. Paul Cave