A Piece of Heaven on Earth Part Three

After re-charging our energies, we're off to another adventure. But we can't do that if we're hungry. So again I asked our receptionist Ate Zahara, where's the best place to eat. She again suggested a lot of place. I was torn between Ka Lui Restaurant and Badjao Seafront Reastaurant. Ka Lui was a few blocks from where we stay while Badjao Restaurant was like kilometers away from us. I had a hard time thinking since I really had to choose between the two because that will be our last supper in Puerto Princesa since we're headed back home the following day. So I was heart broken because I really find it hard to choose. I read about the two restaurants and I also saw the reviews and both of them are a must see place and they both offer good food but I ended up choosing Badjao Seafront Restaurant because first, we needed to ride a tricycle (I was dreaming to ride the tricycle the moment I saw it.) to be able to get there since Ka lui is a few blocks from us I'm sure Jr will insist that we should just walk. And second it was slightly raining so walking is not ideal. After approximately five minutes, I made up my mind. We'll be having supper at Badjao Seafront Restaurant. lol.

The tricycle. Reminds me of the famous Tuk-Tuk in Thailand. The trike ride just costs  8php per person. Puerto Princesa's tricycles only got two colors Blue, which are coded every Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. White which are not allowed to go out during Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. They had this very strict color coding schemes to avoid crowded streets. I admire their government for formulating and implementing this kind of policy. I wish something like this can be done to my city.

 Choosing Badjao Seafront Restaurant didn't disappoint me. Upon entering you have to walk through this long covered, steady and safe bridge (Not hanging). And you could really feel the ecosystem vibe. I saw a hundred mangroves in the area. I also saw a lot of different trees and it was really beautiful. It was captivating! :)

 I've been told that reservations are suggested before showing up on a restaurant like this since a lot of people come to this place but we were lucky we were seated on a nice spot even though we haven't got any reservations.
And this is the view while we're eating. Amazing, isn't it? :) 

(Click the photo for a larger view)
Inside the resto, it's open air so you could really feel the fresh air circulating. It has this colorful lamps and lights and  banners with cute designs and textures. I loved everything on it. Including the huge fruit boat shaped basket on the right bottom corner.

The Menu. I din't had a hard time choosing what to eat since I already know what I want. CRABS! :)
They offer a lot of sea foods, all shapes and sizes.  They guarantee it's freshly caught and cooked.

We had (Top to bottom): Clam soup with garlic, which Jr loved
Steamed crab with garlic which I loved! :)
and Sizzling squid which Jr and I loved! :)
Love, love, love. lol

The crabs weighed 200 grams, we just ordered a piece since it was unbelievably expensive. But we got our money's worth. It was so good. Jr and I finished everything including it's Sipit (pincer/crab tongs/claws whatever.) :p 

Says, Thank You in English. I was full and Happy. I was also glad that choosing Badjao didn't turned out to be a disappointment. I wish I could go back and I'll give Ka Lui a chance. :)

After the sumptuous dinner we headed back to our home base again. Freshen up. And we found ourselves on the street. It wasn't raining anymore so we took the liberty to explore the rest of the city proper by means of walking and we came across this coffee shop. I know I've told you how I love caffeine and coffee and the works so I wouldn't let that chance get by.

Itoy's Coffee Haus is like Palawan's version of  Starbucks. Yes, they got their own.

Inside Itoy's. Cozy and Comfy. They offer coffee of course, coffee based drinks, pasta, cakes and pastries and other  concoctions. The place was nice and relaxing. 

Jr had, Charlie Brown which is White Frappe, it's not coffee based since Jr doesn't like coffee as much as I do. Whilst I had the classic Mocha Frappe. :)

We also had Chocolate Moist Cake, which is not that moist and it also had caramel in the middle that I didn't like. Jr thought it was okay but I was looking for the REAL Chocolate moist cake without the caramel of course.

But the drink made a statement. Jr liked his and I fell in love with mine. I also fell in love with the whipped cream and I just found myself kissing it. lol.

I was indeed happy. I was caffeinated and I got a lot of memories inside my brain and my heart felt like it would just burst with too much delight (Okay, now, I'm exaggerating. :p)

I clearly had a great time, we walked back to the hotel hand in hand. It was really fulfilling. What a way to wrap day two. I guess I'll see you on day three? :)

More to come!

Lotsa love,

KarenHeartilly

A Piece of Heaven on Earth Part Two

If you're following me on Twitter you probably know why it took so long for this follow up post. And if you're not following me, well I think this is the perfect time for you to do so. I was devastated when my post was deleted for the reason that I can't figure out until now. So, I summoned all my strength to come up with a new one. I know this won't be exactly like what I did but I will try my best to at least make it better.

And here I go. Again.

The second day started early. Jr was up around five in the morning and it took all his strength to wake me up. He succeeded on waking me up at past six in the morning. I fixed myself as quickly as possible because the van that will pick us up from the hotel will arrive at 7:00AM. You're probably wondering where are we going? We'll get to that later, you just have to read my blabber first. :)

The van contained 10 people, excluding the driver and our tour guide. (So that makes it 12, I just wanted to make sure your reading. lol) When we were seated comfortably the journey began. We needed to go to Barangay Sabang which is a one and a half hours travel from the city proper. Together with Kuya Lito (Driver), Ate Roms(Tour guide), an old couple, a young couple and a family of four we enjoyed the view and trivial stuffs that our tour guide fed us. As for the road, the travel was an uphill climb, very similar to the roads of Baguio City, full of sharp curves, wavy and sometimes rough roads. Half way through the travel we stopped at Buenavista View Deck.

The Buenavista View Deck is a stop over on the way to Sabang. It has restrooms, variety stores, souvenir shops and an amazing view.

The view from the top. It's one of the moments when you can't help but stare. I stayed there for a couple of minutes because views like this make my heart stops. ♥

On top of the deck. Good thing my slight acrophobia didn't came out.  We fooled around and manage to take a snap of it. 

The mandatory photo opt. As much as possible Jr and I tried to have a picture like this on every places that we go to.  Yes, I know, vomit-inducing. :p

This is St. Paul's Mountain, underneath is where we're going. (I won't reveal it now. Keep guessing.)

After almost two hours travel by land we arrived at Sabang port. Where in the last travel by boat will begin. At the receiving area, our tour guide asked for our ID's since it's necessary for safety purposes. We didn't do anything for our tour guide arranged everything for us, it was part of the tour package so forgive me if I weren't be able to tell you how much the trip costs. The port was a typical looking port. It also has stores, souvenirs shops and restrooms. The place was organized aside from the vendors I guess.

The respective ID's, these were requested upon check in to the port, for registration and verification purposes. 

At Sabang Port. Last stop to the amazing place that we're about to go to. I'll reveal it  in a few moments, but you probably have a clue already. :)

The port is clean as usual. I know I haven't told you about how clean Puerto Princesa was but I'll get to it, probably on my next post. I have to get on with this for now. The port was also equipped with signages and trivial stuff so you won't get bored while waiting.

On the background (Look closely, the one with the red circle) is a face figure of a man. They call it "The Giant". That's the St. Paul's mountain and we were so close to the moment of truth. lol.
If you haven't see it by now, you probably should get someone to help you. Kidding. :p

(Click the photo for larger view)
These are some of the things that we saw during the boat ride.  :)

(Click the photo for larger view)
Jr was really not good at photography at first, but  he was always in charge on pictures on every trip that we go to, since I can admit that on that subject he's way way better than me and he's getting good at it now. Take a look on the photos that he got. :)

The boat took us to the island where we'll take a short trail to be able to get to where we're heading. The boat ride was okay. I'm glad I didn't got seasick. I can tell that the waves are stronger compared to the waves at Alaminos when we go to Hundred Islands National Park last May. It also took us approximately 20-25 minutes travel by water, And when we arrived. All I saw is paradise. 

This greeted us. Wonderful views. Ready for the big reveal???  

TADAAAAHHHHH!!!!

And here we are!!! At world famous Underground River. Can you believe it..??? lol.
We'll Jr and I really looked forward for this trip. This Underground river is responsible for placing the Philippines on the map. It is one of the finalist on the ongoing search for the World's New Seven Wonders of Nature and I can't believe we explored it. :)

The place is well organized because government and volunteer people takes care of it. It is well armed with signs and trivial things too.

We took a short trail to be able to reach the cave entrance. The floor is covered with wood so you really have to look where your going. It also adds love the nature effect. It's also a part of the forest so I saw a lot of trees and plants as well.

And after a short trail. This is what we saw. I literally stopped walking and talking when a got a glimpse of this place. It was really spell binding. And one glimpse and I was captivated. No doubt about that :)

For safety. We were requested to wear life vests and safety hats. Does bright colors suits me? lol :p

After gearing up, we were seated at the small boat (It's like a kayak boat or something. Please forgive my ignorance). The boat accommodated 11 people, including our boat man whom I forgot the name. He's also in charge to the rowing (I can't imagine how he will be able to row for all of us. He was so strong.) The boat is also equipped with a flash light which will only be the source of light once we get inside the cave. 

Upon entering. I was really anxious and scared.  First, it was pitch black. I'm not really scared of the dark or something since I use to sleep with my lights off but that was different. It felt like you're trying to open your eyes because you thought it's closed because you can't see anything. That's how dark inside. Am not exaggerating. lol.
Second, the water was too deep. Our boatman said that it was like 20 feet deep or something and although I got a life vest wrapped around my body paranoia found it's was to me. Yay!
And third is my never ending dread for bats. I'm not a huge fan of it. I'm a little scared with their looks and I hate their smell. It's really something I can't take.
But all this fear melt away when I saw the inside. It was like your in a different world and you really have to be careful because that world isn't yours. That's what it made me feel actually. And your imagination can really be tested inside because your free to come up with your own interpretations on the shapes of the stones.
The locals even came up with a joke about the cave, they're saying that when something drops on you and if it's cold, it's "Holy Water" but if it's warm it's "Holy Shit" lol.
The navigation took us 45minutes back and forth. It was 8.2km so it was really long but there's no single moment that I felt boredom, I was high with adrenaline of excitement.
I guess I can't think of the right words to describe all the things that I saw. Stalagmites, Stalactites, different mineral stones and structures that were nurtured by nature was indescribably beautiful. It was really one of a kind. But I got my favorites, a stone formation with the shape of a woman's back, they called it Sharon Stone. The Holy Family, that really looked like Joseph, Mary and Jesus. The different sizes of mushroom, the remarkable shapes of different vegetables and animals. Mother Nature is indeed very creative.

After the UR experience we needed to get back so we're be able to see the monkeys and Bayawaks or Monitor Lizards  at the opposite trail. It was really an unforgettable experience and I'm still over the moon happy because I shared it one of the most important person in my existence. ♥

Forgive my look. I was not scared at first. I even wanted to touch the Bayawak  or Monitor Lizard but the locals told me that they are not tamed and they could hurt me.  That's when I got scared.
Were not able to see the monkeys because they were at the mountains, too bad.

After the trip we headed back to Sabang port for the lunch that was also included to the tour package. We arrived at Taraw Vista Lodge and Restaurant  half past twelve in the afternoon. Just the right time because we're starving! :p

Taraw is right in front of the beach so having these Nipa Huts that served as dining areas gave that fresh from the ocean vibe and you can really smell and feel the breeze from the sea while eating. :) 

Taraw caters a buffet lunch with  a variety of choices. They served Filipino foods that day. I had grilled pork which was so tender and flavorful and the best sauteed Kangkong (Swamp Cabbage) that I ever tasted. It's half cooked with oil and soy sauce, it's still crunchy but it's not under cooked. I really fell in love with it. :)  

This caught my attention. It's like chicken with tamarind base soup or Sinampalukan in  tagalog with coconut. Yes, the idea was weird but it really tastes good. It also has coconut shavings that added sweetness to the taste. It's tangy with a little bit of sourness. I really can't explain but it really was good. :)
For those of you who wanted to try this but you can't come to Palawan. I heard it's available on  Cabalen Restaurant, a famous restaurant with a lot of branches in the Philippines.

After lunch. We figured that we should help our metabolism burn the food that we ate so we decided to walk and explore the areas since we'll be leaving Sabang at 1PM. And the beach really is relaxing. I really had a great experience.
Happy Tummy. Happy Heart. ♥

Jr and I fell asleep on the way back, maybe because our adrenaline was drenched during the UR trip. But everything was okay. We we're dropped off at our hotel and Jr and I decided that we should rest first so we'll be able to spend the rest of the day exploring Puerto Princesa. And, I will tell you the rest of our Day two, on my next post! :p

I promise it won't take long.


Love lots,

KarenHeartilly

  

A Piece of Heaven on Earth

I've been blabbering about my recent trip on my previous posts right? And maybe your getting sick of it. So now, finally, I will tell you about that trip. Jr and I went to Puerto Princesa City, Palwan. Some says that it was the Philippine's last ecological frontier, some says it's the last ecological biodiversity but for better understanding. Click this link http://wikitravel.org/en/Palawan. Palawan has been popular because of it's breath taking sceneries, beaches, culture, food and people. There was also a lot of campaigns about the place. One is for it to be placed on the New Seven Wonders of Nature which where it's a finalist and second is the campaign for the removal of the mining industry in the said place. I don't wanna sound as a travel expert so I should stop right there.

I know I have told you about Jr and I's second year anniversary and we decided to celebrate it there. We went to the island on the 29th of June and we spent three days and two nights there.

Our flight was around 3:45 in the afternoon. But due to the bad weather on some areas in the country our flight was cancelled for an hour. After waiting and fooling around at the pre-departure area we bored at around 4:45PM. Our flight went alright, smooth take off and landing. (I so, so hate airplanes for I have a slight fear of heights). We arrived at the Puerto Princesa Airport at around 6:00PM, we were fetched by the a van that was included on our hotel package. It only took us 10-15minutes travel to reach the hotel. We stayed at Remari Pension Hotel located at Rizal Avenue just in front of the provincial capitol. The hotel was okay. The staffs are friendly, hospitable and accommodating. The rooms are clean and a convenience store was located just below the hotel. Our stay there didn't gave us any hassle. None at all. :) 

At the pre-departure lounge. We were kinda anxious when we heard that our flight was delayed because we are running for time. We needed to be there before 6:00PM. Why? I'll tell you about it later. :p

While waiting for the flight. I read a book, teased Jr and played Pig shot just to shook boredom.

The game that am talking about. Jr and I are currently addicted to it. :)

Inside the plane. We were seated at the third row, thank God for it assures less turbulence. After the take off and when the seat belt sign is turned off the flight crew did a little entertainment by conducting a game entitled currencies of the world where in they name a country and for you to win you have to name the currency of that country. And to cut the story short, I won and that's my price. :p

Our flight just took an hour. We landed swiftly and we arrived past six in the evening at Puerto Princesa Airpot. As I said, we were fetched in the airport for it was included on our hotel package.

For a bout 10-15minutes travel from the airport, we were greeted by friendly hotel staffs and a well organized and clean room. :)

We just checked our room, left our things, freshen up and went back down stairs for we are bound to the first  part of our itinerary.
Our first stop. Iwahig Firefly Watching.
Baranggay Iwahig is approximately 30-40minutes from the city proper. Our driver Kuya Kenneth, also served as in instant tour guide. Good thing we rented the van for ourselves. When we arrived just in time, I saw cottages and picnic areas. I haven't seen any firefly before so it's one of the things I've been looking forward to. Included on the package that we arranged is the boat that will take us where the fireflies stays. We had a boatman (that I forgot the name no matter how much I recall) that was in-charge for the rowing (I even asked Jr to row but he doesn't know how to!), the travel consisted of a 1km travel by water that took us 45 minutes. There were a hundred mangroves at the area and that made the air clean. We also did some star gazing for our boat man if very knowledgeable on constellations. I learned a lot of stuff because our boat man was packed with a lot of trivias and (corny) jokes. :p
Let me share to you what I learned:
>Fireflies only exist on clean air. So don't expect to see them on the city.
>It's a beetle, also called as lightning bugs.
>Fireflies are nocturnal. They don't eat other insect for they eat pollens and nectars from plants and flowers
>They glow when they are mating.
>The male's light is brighter compared to the females
>They use chemical reaction inside their bodies to produce light. No infrared. No ultraviolets.
>They had a short life span.
>Their eggs are laid on the ground and not on trees.

Oh my! I can't believe I learned a lot!! lol!
Click this to see other trivias that I forgot. :p
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/firefly.html

On the way to the river I first had mixed emotions, I was hyped with excitement and I was afraid at the same time for it was so freaking dark and I'm frightened of the boat too not that I don't trust our experienced boatman but the boat look so fragile I didn't feel safe at first. We wore life vests because it's mandatory and it's for our safety. Good thing the moon was bright enough that it illuminated the path. When the first firefly came to view all my anxieties melt away. I felt the kid in me, they were so fascinating I almost wanted to jump into the water and catch a few and bring them home. lol
Forgive me for I can't post any photos. No matter how much we tried, we can't take a photo of it. Our boat man said that even professional photographers tried but failed. It was so fascinating and I savored every minute of it. It's very romantic too. Our boatman said that two wedding proposals was made there. And indeed everything on it is spell binding and I couldn't believe what my eyes are seeing. There were like magic. I wish I could find the right words to say hoe captivated I was. I wanted to tell you everything but I guess words aren't enough.

What we saw is close to this. They were like million of Christmas lights. Very lovely.
Photos courtesy of www.google.com

Please forgive my constipated look. lol
It was really dark and my eyes can't adjust on sudden flashes from the camera. :p
As you can see, there's a No Flash policy because the flash may disturb the fireflies.

The only picture that Jr and I had. This was taken after the boat ride. 

After the captivating, mesmerizing and spell binding trip Jr and I was dropped off by our driver to our hotel. We just freshen and up and unpacked our stuffs. We were both hungry so we asked Ate Zahara (Hotel receptionist) on where's the best place to eat. She suggested a lot of place but we chose Kinabuch a local bar and grill restaurant at Palawan. It's an open air restaurant, with nipa huts, pool tables and it has this western vibe. It also offers Filipino and western dishes in affordable prices and good size proportion servings. And they offer the famous "Tamilok" or wood worms. The service was okay. It was very busy and crowded so I guess there was a little lapse on service but it was okay.

Top: The Kinabuch neon sign.
Bottom: The rest of the bar. It offers a ton of alcoholic beverages that didn't catch my interest since I  don't really drink.

We ordered tenderloin steak in Filipino sauce. I know we should've ordered a seafood meal because we're on an island for goodness sake, but I can't ignore the steak and it's mushroom. I'm a sucker on mushrooms. lol :p

The slimy wood worms that I've been talking about known as Tamilok or Ship worm. I'ts not a worm actually, it's long mollusk. Some says it tastes like oyster. It's commonly found in the Philippines, particularly at Palawan and Aklan. It's usually found on brackish water. And of course we wanted to try everything so we never let the chance to taste it.

And we shouldn't have ordered it! Jr enjoyed every single moment of my agony. lol!
I didn't liked it. It's slimy and  gristly and you have to swallow everything at once because it;s not chewable. Ugh!
I asked Jr if he liked it and he just said, "sakto lang" and we weren't able finish the dish. We literally just tasted it.

After dinner at Kinabuch. We were full and happy because we were able to try new things. :)

After dinner, we just walked back to our hotel. I liked our walk to be honest. It seems like life was just simple. No stress. No pressure. I enjoyed every single moment with him. We needed to rest because we got a long day ahead of us. And of course I will tell that to you. On my next post! ha,ha

I'll see yah on day two! :)

Love lots,

KarenHeartilly