Palawan 2024 . March 28 (Day 7)

Last day already in Palawan!! Huhu 

Last day on breakfast buffet too and the pool is still closed. Lol 

Last day for them to hoard at the souvenir shops across the hotel. Lol 

I already packed and I just needed to take a bath and finished my packing. 

We check out by 12nn and city tour by 1PM which I wish we did just ate lunch already since our driver was late 

We went straight to Plaza Cuartel and Cathedral even without lunch and it was so hot that day too. Before going to our next destination we passed by Mcdonalds for a quick small lunch and supposed to be we are going to visit Crocodile Farm / PWRCC but since it was a holiday that day and it was under the government of course they are closed that day too. 

We went next to the Butterfly Garden and Tribal Village where there are also some other animals like the Binturong or a Bearcat which I'm very excited about then a Crocodile, a Scorpion and a small Fish Spa, some turtles and a Gecko. I'm just so happy with animals and once again my Brian B heart is happy. 

Surprisingly when we were at the Butterfly Garden, near their feeding plate instantly there are 2 butterflies landed on my left arm and the one flew after a few seconds but the other one probably stayed for a good minute and that hit me hard with some flashbacks and all. It was just something that maybe a sign that I've been waiting for. 

I held a scorpion in my hand and suddenly remembered Helena from Orphan Black. 

After that we went to our final destination which was Mitra’s and Baker’s Hill. 

There are few activities now at Mitra’s Rand and we did the Giant Slide that I thought we will be thrown out of the mountain. Then Baker’s which majority of it still doesn't change and it was good to see a lot of colorful peacock. 

Went back to the hotel after that for an early dinner and while waiting for our food, I went to Ver De to pick up Gem’s pasta sauce that she asked to be cooked there since she missed some comfort food. Hehe. So I quickly grabbed them then bought the last piece of Chocolate Chip cookies that I wish I was able to reserve some too but thankful for that last piece. Went back to the hotel had our dinner then headed to the airport. 

Our flight was still at 10PM and we are already at the airport by 7PM since my sister will be on an early flight and we are jsut going to meet in Manila. 

I finally read my current book most time flying back to Manila because you really can't see anything special in it except before landing in Manila.  

I messaged Gem to meet me at the airport that night because I don't have any other day to be free and since she’s just in Pasay she made time for her pasta sauce. Hehe. A quick hi and hello then bye to my dude and we went home. 

That concludes my Palawan trip with some family. 

Thank you Tita Vicky for the trip! 

My Photographs: Palawan 2024

 

Palawan 2024 . March 27 (Day 6)

We don't have anything scheduled today that they just wanted to do mani and pedi then be at SM then they booked a massage for 5PM which personally, I skipped. 

I wanted to swim in the pool but the pool area has been closed for days now so I just started to fix my stuff and bought some last minute souvenirs then meet them at SM for lunch. 

We ate at Gerry’s Grill for late lunch then I decided to be left behind at SM just to hangout but made sure that I’ll be back in the hotel by 6PM after their massage. 

I roam for a bit at SM but I wanted to stay at Ver De to do some writing because I haven't even wrote anything since I was alone at Gold Cup. 

Walked to Ver De and then ordered my favorite Very Berry and just stayed their for hours. Needed my me-time and I'm happy that I got those during this trip sadly we are leaving the next day everyday went so fast when you are having fun. 

I'm not ready to leave yet and I'm not ready to go back to reality for the upcoming weekend. Huhu 

I only ordered a shake at Ver De because we are still going to eat dinner.  

I think for everyday on this trip, I also had shake and mostly mango shake. 

If only I have other things to do alone I should’ve done it that day. 

Maybe if Lhea was stil in Puerto we could’ve hang that day. 

That was just my day then we had dinner at KaLui 

Originally I think this was supposed to be our city tour but since we planned Honda Bay last minute then eventually it was cancelled, I just can’t change the schedule anymore. 

My Photographs: Palawan 2024  

Palawan 2024 . March 26 (Day 5)

Today we wake up early to Port Barton. 

Didn’t know that we were supposed to leave before 6AM our ride was already waiting by 5:30AM. I somehow ranting to my aunt that morning because she knows that we need to be early but she didn’t even bother to wake us up and she usually up by 2AM or 3AM. 

Missing the breakfast buffet once again since we are leaving early so we just dropped by Mcdonalds for our on the go breakfast. 3 hours drive to Port Barton for our first even island hopping for this trip. 

We are somehow running late but to be honest that is just a normal thing if you are traveling with a large group and still Palawan doesn't have traffic so 3 hours drive is literally 3 hours. 

We arrived at Port Barton by 9AM probably just the right time. We are instructed to change on the bathroom that's available so we can be on our swim wear. We left the necessary stuff in the van, I left my footwear and just wore the aqua shoes. 

Our first stop is a mini sand bar with starfish in it. We stayed there for a while then we went to the next stop which a snorkeling area to see some fishes. Then we went to Maxima Island or Albaguen Island according to the location of my photos for lunch and stayed there for 2 hours and so because they cooked our food there.

It was a small island but it was pretty and there’s even a trail going to the other side of the island where you can also go to a view deck so you can see both side of the island. 

We had lunch and left the island after to chase some turtles 

This is not my first time to see a turtle at the open sea but the first time it was a very quick hi since I just saw one when it breathe above. This one is different there was also a nice spot to snorkel where I freaking saw a sea snake. Turtles are hit and miss when it comes to the wild and thankful for my swimming knowledge and the scuba lesson. Lol Every snorkeling spot is different as always but the underwater never disappoints. 

Before I even jump from the boat we already spotted a turtle who took a breath above but then one of us jumped and it went away. 

Out boat guide guide me to see some corals and fishes then after a while we swam to the area where there are also other tourist checking the a turtle swim. I saw it swimming peacefully until it swim down under the deep blue sea and it was a beautiful sight. I wish we have rented a GoPro and I wish I still have a working GoPro. Lol and that makes me think of buying another one but not yet. 

After seeing the turtle they said that was it and we are still lucky to spot one because some days there are probably none. 

Went to another snorkeling spot and as always it was pretty. It rained while we were there but all good. 

Last is a small island where it was my first time to see that kind of sand on the side of the island. Nature doesn't disappoints just stop over thinking while you are swimming in the open water. Lol 

Port Barton is slowly becoming a popular spot for tourist next to El Nido. El Nido is frankly crowded these days most especially now. I figure the difference on the island from Port Barton and I love that we went there now where there are still small tourist population. They said that you must stay there for 3 days but a day trip is also enough. 

We finished just in time for 5PM because we are still going to drive back to Puerto for another 3 hours.

Driving through the sunset with pink skies is always one of my favorite.

After freshen up at the hotel we went to Guni Guni restaurant where we had pasta and pizza then a scoop of gelato on the way back to the hotel. 

The next day should’ve been Honda Bay tour but the agency didn't confirm our booking since we didn't even paid a downpayment so we just took that as a sign to rest. 

My Photographs: Palawan 2024

 

Palawan 2024 . March 25 (Day 4)

Let's Dive Palawan | Facebook 

How come that it is already day 4 for this 2 weeks vacation. 

Woke up at 6AM so I can still eat and since the breakfast buffet is not yet opened by 6AM I was able to eat my Ver De meal as breakfast so I can be done with breakfast by 7AM before our scuba diving lesson at 8AM. 

I almost bailed on this but ever since they are planning the lesson I already said yes but upon thinking on where are we going to dive in Puerto alone, I almost bail on it. I had to confirm that we will be out in the ocean to have the full experience before I said yes again. 

Thankfully I did say yes to this once in a lifetime experience that might be a start of a new hobby? Lol 

I was nervous at first but since we love the ocean and swimming I’m also excited I just don’t know how to be able to absorb all the basic and the techniques in such a short period of time. 

We watched a video about the basic stuff then after we signed a consent / agreement and took a short quiz based on the video we just watched. 

Next stop, the open water. 

I know some do start in a pool but here we go straight to the ocean. 

We head to Baybay (Baywalk) and road a motor boat to the Prestine Beach and we had our basic lesson in there. 

Now it is the most exciting part. Rhian our instructor was a very good one and I almost switch instructors but good thing I stayed with him. He taught us about the basic which is learning our gear, the sign that can be used to communicate underwater and also some techniques on how to adjust the ear with the pressure and how to remove water on your goggles underwater. It is complicated to think of but once you are there all you have to do is never stop breathing and appreciate the underwater. I learned a lot from the techniques and it is pretty useful even you are just doing some snorkeling. 

When we started swimming Rhian just put us on some sea grass and I was like what is happening is this all that we will be able to see in here? Until I saw some fish and yep this is the real deal. Hehe 

We stopped a few but I actually didn’t mind because I think Carlo was struggling with something maybe panic attack or the fear of swimming in the open water. I get it and he was about to give up but then I told him that he will never stopped until he haven’t seen anything nice underwater. Rhian was so patient that he knows that on the 3rd time Carlo signed up that he might give up so he made us lay on our back while he drags us and apparently he was looking for something nice for us to see when I thought he was just like giving us some rest. Lol 

After the time that we saw something nice I was the one who signed up and that was it for our first dive. Rhian took us to that motor boat while we wait for Jen and Brian. Carlo wasn’t feeling well apparently and the waves is not helping that I can almost feel sea sick already but I can still do this I just don’t want to eat even they are offering some banana and some chocolate cupcake. 

It took a while when we waited for Jen and Brian and I’m somehow feeling uneasy too but I took a banana and ate one before our 2nd dive. We rested for a bit they taught a technique to look somewhere that is not moving and in that case a coconut tree from afar so we will not be sea sick. 

On our 2nd dive it was only me and Jen who continued and I thought that it will just be a practice for a deep dive but there’s actually some good things to see there. I believe at some point that they are the one who is responsible for the area. 

1:1 is really much better but Rhian said that they can do 1 instructor up to 6 students at a time good thing we are just 4 that day and we have 2 instructors. I can’t imagine the chaos having 6 students in one go. 

They said we went to almost 22 feet (7 meters) deep during our 2nd dive. I’m usually slow on measuring stuff that I don’t really made a huge deal about it that I just want to experience scuba diving but learning that we went that deep is pretty amazing. 

After that 2nd dive I didn’t feel well that I throw up just when I’m about to climb the boat and that includes that banana that I just ate before the 2nd dive and some of my breakfast. Lol 

It was funny because right when I throw up fishes eat it and somehow I feed some fish. Haha 

It was a lot better under the water than being on the boat. 

They said that throwing up have different reasons on why it happened and I think it was the pressure for me and I’m not sure but the other instructors said that it still happens to them sometimes. 

Scuba Diving is actually a lot of things and if you are doing it you must be 100% prepared not just physically but mentally. 

Made me scared about my left ear because there was a very tiny pitch that I heard while we are going deep. I was already considering seeing an ear doctor just to have it checked but luckily it went okay after. 

Times when you know one basic surviving technique which is swimming and you actually love it. Hehe. Comes very handy.

When we went back to Baybay (Baywalk) it was almost lunch time. I can imagine that it will be done for just a half day. I love morning when I’m on vacation. 

The other instructor (sorry wasn’t able to get her name) recommended Badjao Seafront and Noki Nocs and since it is near their office we just walked there and meet the others for our late lunch. 

Here’s the catch, we don’t have any proof that we did Scuba Diving that day. No photos and not even a certificate saying something that we did a beginner or basic lesson. I asked about why not even one photo or have a GoPro as pictures and all they said that they put their students first than thinking of taking a video or photos. I get that reason but at least they need some photos to promote them. You know what, yes I did scuba diving. 

My aunts are demanding it and we are just like what happened stays there. Joking that we have to contact each other that we really did it just to confirm if anybody asks. Haha 

Noki Nocs have good food and as claimed the best halo-halo in town. 

It was almost 3PM after that late lunch and I want to go to Robinsons unfortunately riding a tricycle is not as okay as it is not permitted to be on the main road so we go the alternative route but it is a very long ride and very bumpy. I didn’t expect them to go with us at Robinsons but I learned that we go as a group wherever. 

Bought another shorts since the stitch of what I brought is broken and other aunt need some leggings for the swim that we will be doing. Then we hang at a cafe in there that I thought of wasting time instead of getting to Badjao Seafront for the view while the sun is still up as I said, we go as a group and I remembered to be chill I just wish that the food is really that great as it is recommended by a lot of people. 

I forgot how far Badjao Seafront restaurant to the city good thing the tricycle driver are friendly. They waited for us since it is hard to get a ride back to our hotel in that area. 

Food is good and thankful that we had good seats. At least after a long ride it was proven that the restaurant is very much demanded and I believe that they love the food there. 

On our way back to our hotel we almost got into a bad accident since there was a road repair happening then our tricycle miscalculated his way and the other side of the tricycle went to the deep uneven road good thing his motor is good too and nothing serious happened but that was so close. 

Back safe to our hotel after a very long day. I showered then bed time. 

My Photographs: Palawan 2024

Palawan 2024 . March 24 (Day 3)

I told Lhea what our schedule for the whole trip and I mentioned that we will be going to Nagtabon Beach today and as she did beach hopping yesterday she already passed by on this beach. Don’t be brutal but she said that it isn’t nice so I didn’t expect anything and also the tour guide from our Underground River tour also mentioned that instead of doing Nagtabon Beach might as well do Honda Bay. Btw, of all the times all these years I visited Palawan I never ever had been do the Honda Bay tour. Haha I thought this is the right time to do it but no. haha

I honestly didn’t expect anything on Nagtabon Beach but I came prepared. Haha

I wore all swim friendly underneath my tank top and I didn’t even brought a towel with me. What can you expect from someone who love beaches and the sea. I decided last minute to be in the water and I didn’t even plan to wet my hair but dang those waves are crazy. 

My cousin wanted to do some surfing lesson but changed their minds last minutes because there are just baby waves in there but some time it got so big but not consistent. 

Of course when you first dip at the sea, you can’t say no to it forever. Lol 

I told myself I was done but dang I can’t just sit there and never be in the water. So I decided to dip again after we ate our lunch and I’m just planning a few minutes but that was the time where I had a long conversation with my Tita and cousin for the first time on this trip so never mind my back that’s been facing the heat of the sun and no turning back now since this will cause a tan line. Lol And that is the reason why I have a tan line on my back, no regrets!

When we passed by Viet Ville yesterday I didn't know that they wanted to visit the place so on our way back after Nagtabon Beach without any showers yet, we ate at Viet Ville and I know that it will be our early dinner. 

Calculating time and I only have today to bring the clothes for the kids at Ver De and finally visit because the next day they are closed while the day after that will be along day for us since we are going to Port Barton which will eat up all day. With no shower I asked my aunt if she wanted to come and she did even she’s so sleepy already. Called Gem while I was there and she ordered food for me and I still ordered something else. I forgot how huge their servings are and I ended up taking the food to go. 

Went back to the hotel and finally showered and sleep as we go scuba diving tomorrow. 

My Photographs: Palawan 2024