Nature Trip in Puerto Princesa
Alexa Villano / April 25, 2011 / 0 comment | = Click on the star if it's the place you want to see or recommend
Mention Palawan and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park come to mind. After all, it is the most popular tourist spot of the province which is considered the “last frontier.” But more than to the underground river, Palawan has other spots to be proud of. Among them is the island of Honda Bay and Mitra Ranch.
Hopping from one island to the other...
The trip to the bay starts at the wharf located in Barangay Sta. Lourdes, which is 30 to 45 minutes from the city proper. It is accessible by tricycle (considered the primary mode of transport in Puerto Princesa), which can cost at around Php30-150 (USD 0.60-3) per person depending from the area you are in or can be arranged through a van rental through package tours by travel agencies ranging Php1,100-2,500. (USD22-50) The price includes entrance fees, boat rental and a sumptuous buffet lunch. Once at the wharf, boats are ready for rental which will take you to the islands. The boat can sit ten to fifteen people.
On the particular trip I had, I was able to go to three parts of the bay; Pambato Reef, Pandan Island and Snake Island.
On our first stop at Pambato reef, I had the opportunity to go snorkeling and see for myself the different sizes of coral reef and fishes. Guides were also on hand to pull tourists around through a line where they can go through the deepest parts of the reef and feed fishes as well as explore the rich marine biodiversity in the area. Tourists also have the opportunity to take photos under the sea or above with water-proof cameras for rental at around Php600 (USD 13).
The reef, I learned is a project of the city government together with TV network AB-CBN. Dubbed as “Dalub-Karagatan” (School of the Seas), the project aims for more people to learn about the coral eco-system.
After thirty minutes in the reef, we headed to our next island stop at Pandan Island which is about twenty minutes away from Pambato. The tour guide informed us that the island’s name was taken from the pandan leaves that grew abundantly in the island. The pandan leaves, which are long and pointed, are being used for medicine and handcrafts. Upon disembarking from the boat, we immediately proceeded to the picnic area where our group assisted our tour guide in preparing the buffet lunch that is part of our tour.
In Pandan Island, tourists have the opportunity to go snorkeling, swimming and even catch their own food like lobsters where you can bring to the restaurant in the island to have it cooked. Fresh fish and other seafood are also welcome for grilling in the restaurant. While waiting for our food, I saw a fisherman carrying a big blue lobster which was caught in one of the fishing nets in the area. I was informed that it would cost about Php500 (USD 11) for one lobster.
For those who would like to relax and sunbathe, there is a massage area located a few meters away from the picnic area where therapists can give you a soothing massage for about Php250 onwards (USD5). There are also small stalls in the area where you can buy necklaces and accessories made of shells. While walking and having photos taken, I saw a group taking a photo of a starfish and also took a shot before releasing it back.
With our tummies filled and with walking in the island taking pictures, we then hopped to our final island stop—Snake Island, which is about thirty minutes via boat from Pandan Island. Our guide informed us that the island was named such because of its shape. After arriving, we again immediately headed to the picnic area to leave our things and trooped to the water to go snorkeling and swimming. Unlike Pambato Reef and Pandan Island, the waters in Snake Island were crystal clear that when I snorkeled, I saw different colors of fishes and reefs during the fish feeding. It was also during a ten-minute walk that I saw a mangrove in the island and was truly fascinated as I only see them on television. Locals also have stalls selling accessories where tourists can buy souvenirs.
Wrapping up the tour, we were fortunate to pass by some of the other islands. These include Cowrie and Bat Island, Starfish Island and Lu-Ii Island. Interestingly enough, the islands were named such because like the Bat Island, bats can be found there as well as the starfish.
Lu-Ii which was derived from the Filipino terms lulubog and lilitaw (meaning to sink and float) got its name because of the visibility of the island during low tide. Lu-Ii has also been the site of a billboard pictorial, which has helped increased the popularity of the area. Our guide informed us that one particular island (unfortunately forgot which one) is set to open to tourists soon, as a resort is currently under construction.
Despite the rocky water ride back to the port, the Honda Bay tour was worth the trip. One day was not enough since I was only able to go to three islands but nevertheless, it was worth it. Beyond the sand, sun and swimming, it was also an opportunity to get back to nature, something which a city girl like me has forgotten.
Mitra Ranch and the delicious hopia of Baker’s Hill...
The following day, my friend and I woke up early in preparation for our trip to Mitra Ranch. Located in Santa Monica Heights, the ranch which serves also as guest house belongs to the famous Mitra family of Palawan which include the late Speaker Ramon Mitra Jr. and his son incumbent Gov. Baham Mitra. The place was opened by the family to the public for them to get to know not only the family but spend time together there as well.
At the Mitra Ranch, guests have the opportunity to do the following; picnic by the gardens, horse backriding and hiking. Since it was a Sunday during our visit was course through the assistance of Gov. Mitra’s staff. Accompanied by Paolo, I was informed that the horses were free to roam around the ranch. Upon going down the stables, I saw roosters for cockfighting and a small house of the Mitra’s rabbits. The ranch is located on the hills of Puerto Princesa and it gave me a nice view of the islands of Honda Bay. From the city proper, going to the ranch would take about 45 minutes and aside from vehicles, tricycle rides will cause you at Php 150 (USD 3).
After roaming the ranch, we stopped by Baker’s Hill which is two blocks away. Relatively new, Baker’s Hill is famous for its good hopia and other pastries. From the stories I’ve heard, the area initially started as a bakery which sits on top of a hill, getting its name. The area is perfect for families to spend their time together as it offers a children’s playground, small eateries, a restaurant and even a mini-zoo. The owner even put up a house that you will see once you enter the area. One of the crowd pleasers in the mini-zoo is the peacock, which is considered as the national bird of Palawan. Of course, Baker’s Hill is known for its name with the bakery located near the entrance to buy the pastries which range from Php35 (USD 0.70) for a small pack of hopia to Php 120 (USD2.40) for the big ones.
On our way back to the city, we stopped for a quick lunch and then proceeded to Rizal Avenue where we stopped by their Bay area and to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. This is one of the tourist attractions in Puerto Princesa because it is considered a historical site- it was once a small church back in the Spanish Period (late 1800s). If you are visiting Puerto Princesa from November 30 to December 8, you will get to see their grand fiesta in celebration of their patroness. we then made a short trip to the down town market where we bought souvenirs such as t-shirts for Php120 (USD2.40), magnets for Php10 (USD 0.20) and flutes made in Iwahig for Php20 (USD 0.40).
All in all, the trip to Palawan was worth it. Tourists would enjoy the sights and activities, even those who are on a budget. So the next time you are thinking of a place to go, Palawan should be on top of your list because it does not only offer sun and sand, but a paradise you would wish to live in.
Mitra's Ranch
Sta. Monica Heights, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Baker's Hill
Mitra Road, Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Contact Number: +63244 433-3414
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Alexa Villano
"Alexa Villano is a 28-year-old Communication Arts graduate from Miriam College. Currently serving as an Executive Assistant to the editorial department of The Philippine Star, Alexa contributes to the Allure, Starweek and Entertainment sections, and her works have also been published in magazines such as Chalk, Cosmopolitan and Maven. When not busy writing, she spends her time traveling in the Philippines and Asia, listening to music, shopping and reading books and magazines. Her greatest dream is to put up a magazine and see Europe and Seoul. She has recently discovered the martial art of arnis and has since been an advocate of the sport."
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