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

 

Palawan 2024 . March 23 (Day 2)

 

First order of the day, eat breakfast at the buffet.

Agenda for the day: Underground River Tour, Mangrove and Zipline 

I’m looking forward to this because the last time I was able to visit Underground River was when I first visited Palawan in 2014 and I was with Gem and Lhea back then. 

An hour drive from Puerto to Sabang and since we are in a private tour with a tour guide, I honestly learn something new about the Underground River and makes me so amaze by it more. Kindly pay attention to some informative video and to the tour guide wherever you are so you will learn. Gladly with all the sleep hours I made the night before I don’t feel so sleepy for the early part of this trip. 

When the tour guide asks us if anyone has been there before I actually said yes but she didnt noticed so I just decided to be a tourist even though I’ve been there before and I do considered the island as home. 

Good thing we are early so it wasn’t as crowded as before at the Underground River. 

10 years ago when we went there, only the boat guide will be doing all the explaining but a year or two they upgraded on using a device so foreigners will be able to understand the story or the facts about the Underground River. I still prefer the boat guide doing it all since there is advantage for us to understand the local language, I understand now and also appreciate the device they use now for foreigners. Though having that earphone in your ear, you are missing the natural sound inside the cave. 

Underground River is still amazing and maybe it doesn’t have any changes since the last time I visit but it is always worth it. Or maybe there was changes that is not visible to the naked eye. 

Next is lunch time and my favorite from all the meals we had is the availability of mango shake. Probably the best fruit shake will be at Sabang because they use 100% fruits. 

After the buffet lunch we headed to Mangrove area and Lady Mangrove was our tour guide. Nature at its best and I love every single time of it. We saw a couple of Mangrove snake that are sleeping and some colorful tiny crabs. It was informative too. 

Next is the Zipline. I already knew about this but never knew the hard part where you will be starting to hike to reach the start of the zipline. Nevertheless it was so worth it and I wish I have the courage to hold my phone while it was happening. Haha I also wish that we can jump straight to the ocean because it was hot that day what more during the peak of summer. 

Lhea was schedule to do some beach hopping that day and we agreed to meet that night too because she will be leaving in a couple of days to Cuyo and with our jam packed schedule we just try to squeeze in hanging out with each other. We are back in the hotel right before 5PM and she was almost back in town proper too. I asked if we can go to visit Tita Bing already while I can still go with her and she agreed and she said she will also visit one of her Tita too. 

Finally after a year and so, I was able to visit Tita Bing again. When they said that or trip includes Palawan mostly, one of my personal agenda no matter what happened even I have to visit early in the morning or whenever I have to go visit Tita Bing and also hi to Margaux. A must agenda if I ever come home to Palawan. Before entering the cemetery we bought flowers and candles and upon reaching Tita Bing, I called Gem because even after purchasing that ticket I already told her that I will be visiting Tita also I know she needed that video call. We stayed a little longer and finally thankful for the care taker who probably knows every one who’s there, we were able to find Lhea’s aunt. 

I’m so satisfied already with this trip since I’ve done some of my personal agenda but I still have another one which is go to Ver De which I have to figure out yet. 

After that I already told Lhea that we should see our picture at a restaurant and after all these years it is just my time to see it in person unfortunately it wasn’t there anymore. The restaurant had another renovation and I wish they kept the pictures on the tile wall or at least transfer it somewhere else but no it was totally removed. Lhea and Gem was able to see it but not me. Huhu

Next, Lhea’s request to visit a cafe that she loves, Gold Cup. I was surprised that no customer at this branch and I’m loving the vibe. We ordered food and drinks and we somehow have the place on our own almost the whole time. It closes at 11PM so it’s perfect to hangout there. Lhea received a call that she needed to come home and I said okay since I still have some food and the place is really nice. I was thinking of going back to the hotel too but I decided to stay and have some me-time. I started to re-call everything that happened since we got in Palawan and I just decided to go back to the hotel by 10PM. I forgot that I’m in a province where people sleep early. 

Went back to the hotel and tomorrow we are schedule to do some beach hang. 

My Photographs: Palawan 2024

Palawan 2024 . March 22 (Day 1)

Flight is at 11am and since I’m not sure yet if it will be worst traffic or not I decided that we leave at 6am but since I’m running out of sleep we left the house at 7am. I’m traveling to the airport with my aunt to meet other aunts and cousin that arrived from Canada that same morning. 

I just slept 1 hour because of too much stuff that I tried to finish because of my 2 weeks vacation. Well, some finished fine but some nah but we can’t control everything. 

This will be my longest vacation ever and I’m just thankful that the vacation gods makes me want to enjoy this life and spend time with the other side of the family. 

Flying with PAL again which I haven’t done since 2015 (?) so I’m not aware that the free food on the flight is so awful now. I’ll take pastries over mini cookies and the mini snack of green peas and dried mangoes.  

Despite of traveling with family, I’m very much excited to go home. 

Palawan is home to me and that will never change. Since this is also a very long stay I’m so excited to be there even without Gem on this trip but a little surprise is the Lhea will be there too! 

Every Palawan trip is different but there are things that I usually do there when I go home is of course visit Tita Bing, eat or hangout at Ver De and lastly eat hopia ube from Bakers Hill. 

Staying almost a week but our schedule is jam packed and I’ll take you back to those days

I’m just happy to be back home but the first order of business, eat lunch. 

We stayed at Canvas Boutique Hotel just very near at the airport and just across the street of souvenir shops another first for me because when I usually go there we just stayed at Gem’s.

I slept on the whole flight but that is not enough for my tired body and mind but I’m work free and doesn’t need to think of work and other things that stresses me out so whether we are running out of sleep, we have to enjoy no matter what. 

After lunch we head to SM and finally meet Lhea in there! Yay! We just roam at SM since we don’t have anything to do. I can’t even remember how we left SM and when did we separate ways with Lhea I just remembered being so sleepy and be in bed by 10pm. 

Rereading the whole thing before I put this up on the blog is that I do remember now what happened after SM which we travelled to Chowking then back to the hotel. 

That’s our first day and stay tuned for the following days. 

My Photographs: Palawan 2024