The Davao Experience: Planning The Trip

This is the first part of our 4-days-3-nights Davao Experience.

During the 1st week of May, we heard rumors about a promo fare under the recently-bought-by-airasia zest air. True enough, we were able to score tickets going to Davao for May 13 to May 17, 2013. Total fare was 7,033php for all 4 us (2 of our friends went with us) so that's 1,750php/person. We were scheduled to depart on May 13 at 7:00 pm and the return trip to Manila was scheduled on May 17 at 6:45am.

This was our planned itinerary for this trip:

• May 13 - Arrival at Davao. Check-in at Ponce Suites. Dinner at Jack's Ridge
• May 14 - Travel to Samal. Check-in at Fernandez Beach Resort
• May 15 - Travel back to Davao. Check-in at My Hotel. City Tour
• May 16 - River Rapids. City tour
• May 17 - Return back to Manila

But as every traveller knows, itineraries are just guides and are sometimes not followed. Which was the case in this trip haha. So without further ado, read on and see how our Davao trip was! :)

Read more:
The Davao Experience: The Uniqueness at Ponce Suites
The Davao Experience: Dinner at Jack's Ridge
The Davao Experience: Getting to Samal Island
The Davao Experience: Monfort Bat Cave and Hagimit Falls
The Davao Experience: Kaputian Beach in Samal
The Davao Experience: Fernandez Beach and Garden Resort
The Davao Experience: Lyndon's World's Worst Ribs and Awful Chicken
The Davao Experience: Taps, The Breakfast Capital of Davao
The Davao Experience: A Visit at Eden Nature Park
The Davao Experience: Harboring "Pag-Asa" at the Philippine Eagle Center
The Davao Experience: Apo Ni Lola Delicacies and Lunch at Davao Dencia's Restaurant
The Davao Experience: Pasalubong Shopping at Aldevinco
The Davao Experience: Various Sights at the Davao Crocodile Park
The Davao Experience: Trying the Nightlife with Lachi's Sans Rival, Blugre Coffee, and Abreeza Mall
The Davao Experience: The-Supposed-To-Be-Rafting-Experience-But-Not and San Pedro Cathedral
The Davao Experience: A Unique Experience at Osmena Park
The Davao Experience: Knowledge Gathering at Museo Dabawenyo and Exploring Rizal Park
The Davao Experience: Serenity at the Lon Wa Buddhist Temple
The Davao Experience: A Gastronomic Treat at Hog's Breath Cafe
The Davao Experience: Strolling Around People's Park
The Davao Experience: Return Flight to Manila
The Davao Experience: Summary of Our Trip

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The Palawan Trip: Summary Of Our Trip

OUR FINAL ITINERARY:

February 27, 2013 (Day 1):
7:30 am - ETD from NAIA Airport
9:30 am - ETA at Puerto Princesa Airport. Picked up by Kuya Romeo
10:00 am - Check in at Duchess Pension. Went to Honda Bay
10:30 am - Arrived at Port for Honda Bay Tour
11:00 am - Start of Honda Bay Tour
4:30 pm - Arrived back at Port
5:00 pm - Fast and furious readying of things for El Nido
6:00 pm - Arrived at Van Terminal going to El Nido
6:30 pm - ETD to El Nido
11:45 pm - ETA at El Nido
12:00 am - Check-in at Tay Miloys Inn. Sleep.

February 28, 2013 (Day 2):
6:00 am - Wake up time
6:30 am - Explore streets near Tay Miloys
7:30 am - Return to room to rest
9:00 am - Start of El Nido Tour
4:30 pm - End of El Nido Tour. Freshen up at Tay Miloys
5:00 pm - Explore El Nido streets. Souvenir hunting
6:00 pm - ETD of Van going back to Puerto Princesa
12:30 am - ETA at Puerto Princesa. Bought take out dinner/breakfast
1:30 am - Return back to Duchess Pension. Sleep.

March 1, 2013 (Day 3):
6:00 am - Wake up time
7:00 am - Picked up at hotel for Underground River Tour
10:00 am - ETA at Sabang Wharf
11:00 am - Start of Underground River Tour
12:00 pm - Return back to Sabang Wharf
12:30 pm - Free lunch buffet
2:00 pm - Return back to Puerto Princesa
3:30 pm - Arrived at GoHotels Puerto Princesa. Rest!
6:00 pm - Dinner at Kinabuch Restaurant
8:00 pm - Return back to hotel. Rest.

March 2, 2013 (Day 4):
6:00 am - Wake up time
7:00 am - Travel to Baker's Hill
7:30 am - Walk towards Mitra's Ranch
8:30 am - Return to Baker's Hill
9:30 am - Travel to Crocodile Farm
10:00 am - Start of Crocodile Farm Tour
11:00 am - Travel to Binuatan Creations
12:00 pm - Travel back to City Proper
12:30 pm - Lunch at Balinsasayaw Restaurant
1:30 pm - Explore Plaza Cuartel
2:00 pm - Explore Baywalk
2:30 pm - Return back to GoHotels
3:00 pm - Travel to Puerto Princesa Airport
5:45 pm - ETD going back to Manila

OUR FINAL BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES (not including the City Tour):

February 27, 2013 (Day 1):
Hotdog at Airport - 300php
Water at Airport - 25php
Duchess Pension - 350php/night
Snorkeling Gears - 150php
Iphone Waterproof Case - 200php
Boat for Island Hopping - 750php
Cowrie Island Entrance Fee - 75php/person
Pandan Island Entrance Fee - 125php/person
Crabs for Lunch - 150php
Rice for Lunch - 50php
Mango Shake - 75php
San Mig Light - 110php
Pambato Reef Entrance Fee - 50php/person
Kuya Romeo Tricycle - 500php
Van to El Nido - 600php/person
Dinner at Stopover - 120php
Tricycle to Tay Miloys - 50php
Tay Miloys Inn - 480php/night

February 28, 2013 (Day 2):
Pandesal - 20php
Toothbrush - 25php
El Nido Tour - 600php/person
Environmental Fee - 100php/person
Coke - 60php
Mango Shake - 100php
Burger - 50php
Keychain - 100php
Tshirt - 400php
Magnet + water - 138php
Van to Puerto Princesa - 600php/person
Tricycle - 20php
CR - 10php
Duchess Pension House - 350php/night

March 1, 2013 (Day 3):
Souvenirs - 70php
Water - 25php
Environmental Fee - 40php/person
CR fee - 10php/person
UR Tour - 1200php/person
Bicol Express - 155php
Mango Shake - 60php
Plain Rice - 15php/person
Crocodile Sisig - 300php

SUMMARY OF CONTACTS:

Duchess Pension House
Contact No: (048)433-2873
Mobile Nos: 0917-5530605, 0919-9929360
Email Address: info@duchesspensionpalawan.com

Kuya Romeo
Mobile No: 0912-2536921

Servant Tours
Mobile No: 0915-4157245
Email Address: servant_tours@yahoo.com

Tay Miloys Inn
Contact Person: Kuya Rodrigo
Mobile No: 0929-7955756

Go Hotels Puerto Princesa
Contact No: (048)434-0001

SUMMARY OF PLACES VISITED:

HONDA BAY

• Cowrie Island
• Isla Pandan
• Starfish Island
• Pambato Reef
• LuLi Island

EL NIDO

• Small Lagoon
• Big Lagoon
• Snorkeling Site
• Secret Lagoon
• 7 Commando Beach

PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER

PUERTO PRICESA CITY TOUR

• Baker's Hill
• Mitra's Ranch
• Crocodile Farm
• Binuatan Creations
• Balinsasayaw Restaurant
• Plaza Cuartel
• Baywalk

Read more:
The Palawan Trip: Honda Bay Tour
The Palawan Trip: El Nido Tour
The Palawan Trip: Puerto Princesa Underground River
The Palawan Trip: Baker's Hill and Mitra's Ranch
The Palawan Trip: Crocodile Farm, Binuatan Creation, and Balinsasayaw Restaurant
The Palawan Trip: Plaza Cuartel and Baywalk

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The Palawan Trip: Plaza Cuartel and Baywalk

This is the sixth part of our 5-days-4-nights Palawan Trip.

From Balinsasayaw Restaurant, we hired a tricycle to take us to Plaza Cuartel. It became a leisure park in 1997 but it has a very dark and depressing history. It used to be a Japanese Garrison back in World War II and it is where American Prisoners of War were imprisoned. But on December 14, 1944, they were burned alive by the Japanese but 11 prisoners were able to survive and escape to Ihawig. A bit depressing to learn about the history while strolling this beautiful, peaceful park.

The history of Plaza Cuartel

The entrance to the plaza

After, we rode a tricycle going to Baywalk. It's a popular spot to stroll around while enjoying the view of the Puerto Princesa Bay. We got there around 1-2pm, and there were no people since the sun was high up and it was very, very hot. So a bit of advice, go here either early morning or at night. I think night time is better since there are a lot of lights to see. We just took a couple of pictures and hurriedly got out of the scorching sun haha. After that, we went back to our hotel and wait for the shuttle to take us to the airport.

Baywalk under the scorching heat

The peacock from afar

Colorful fishes on display. Great photo-op!

The peacock, a symbol of Puerto Princesa, found in their city official seal

And this concludes our city tour, as well as our Palawan Adventure. Palawan is a beautiful place and they have so many things to visit and to see. Their beaches are just amazing. Next time, we plan on going to Coron since according to a lot of people, it's the best place to go snorkeling and diving. Until next time, Palawan!

Read more:
The Palawan Trip: Honda Bay Tour
The Palawan Trip: El Nido Tour
The Palawan Trip: Puerto Princesa Underground River
The Palawan Trip: Baker's Hill and Mitra's Ranch
The Palawan Trip: Crocodile Farm, Binuatan Creation, and Balinsasayaw Restaurant
The Palawan Trip: Summary Of Our Trip

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The Palawan Trip: Crocodile Farm, Binuatan Creation, and Balinsasayaw Restaurant

This is the fifth part of our 5-days-4-nights Palawan Trip.

CROCODILE FARM
The next stop for our city tour was The Crocodile Farm. This tourist spot is located in National Road in Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City. From Baker's Hill, we hired a tricycle to get us to the intersection (10php/person) and from there we rode a jeep with the signboard "Irawan". Fare was 12php/person.

Sign board at the entrance

When we got there, we waited for around 10 minutes for the next tour to start. The entrance fee was 40php/person and the tour, according to them, will last for 30 minutes. Another tough luck for us, we got joined by a big group of tourists so it was really noisy and crowded and we could not hear the tourist guide speaking. Anyway, at the lobby you would be greeted by a large crocodile skin and skeleton as well as a bone of a sperm whale. Exciting start for this tour I have to say!

Crocodile bones and skin

After that, we were taken to the "hatching house". Crocodiles here are grouped according to age and sizes. As you walk farther away, the crocodile becomes bigger. A bit of a warning also, do not lean too close to the pen or put your finger inside, the tour guide said that some crocodiles can jump and bite you. Yikes! After the hatching house, we were brought to the area where the large crocodiles are. And I mean, large! It was also a bit unnerving because you have to walk on a metal bridge and the crocodiles were just under it. This is where they also keep "Mac-Mac", the largest crocodile in Palawan and the largest in the Philippines before Lolong was discovered. After the tour, you could have your picture taken with a baby crocodile and a bear cat for a small fee. It's very, very safe and the bear cat is really cute, so don't miss an opportunity for a photo op before finishing the tour. You could also go around the nature park but we didn't try it since we have a limited time and it was very very hot.

Baby crocodiles

A bunch of adult crocodiles

It would really suck if you fall inside this death pit haha

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"Mac-Mac" the huge crocodile!

Posing with baby crocodile

Notice that the mouth is roped off, so it's very safe

Bear cat!

It's a bit heavy

BINUATAN CREATIONS
After the crocodile farm, we rode a jeepney with the sign board "Pajara-Sta. Monica-Bunkhouse" to go to Binuatan Creations. Tell the driver to drop you off at Puerto Princesa School of Arts and Trade (PPSAT) which is at the road to Employees Village. We almost got lost but the other passengers were very nice and taught us the directions to the place. From the intersection, you can ride a tricycle to take you to Binuatan Creations (8php/person fare). This is where they manufacture handloom woven products raging from lacemats, table runners, wall finishing & window blinds, key chains, bags, handy bags, notepads, wallets, coin purse, hats, curtains, split curtain, arranged grass flowers and slippers. It's a bit pricey though but there are some products that are worth your money. These products are made from field grasses, amumuting, buri (palm tree), buntal fibers, buri sticks, coconut ginit, tikog grass, vetiver grass, arena grass, banana, daninel grass, florida grass and isay grass which is found all around Palawan. You can even go inside their weaving area and try how to weave.

Binuatan Creation

BALINSASAYAW RESTAURANT
After this, we worked up quite an appetite so we hailed a tricycle to take us to the city proper and we had our lunch at Balinsasayaw Restaurant. Balinsasayaw is named after the Balinsasayaw bird which is native in Palawan. The bird's saliva, used in making its nests, are the essential ingredient in making the famous nido soup also known as Bird's Nest Soup. We ordered Pansit and Liempo. The food was ok and the price was not that expensive. The ambiance was also nice, we were able to sit in a table located inside a kubo so it was a nice experience.

Balinsasayaw Restaurant

Pancit Canton

Grilled Liempo

Up next: Continuation of our city tour. Plaza Cuartel and Baywalk!

Read more:
The Palawan Trip:Honda Bay Tour
The Palawan Trip: El Nido Tour
The Palawan Trip: Puerto Princesa Underground River
The Palawan Trip: Baker's Hill and Mitra's Ranch
The Palawan Trip: Plaza Cuartel and Baywalk
The Palawan Trip: Summary Of Our Trip

Read More»

The Palawan Trip: Bakers Hill and Mitra's Ranch

This is the fourth part of our 5-days-4-nights Palawan Trip.

We started our 4th day in Palawan waking up early and planning our itinerary for our do-it-yourself city tour. From Go Hotels we hailed a tricycle going to Baker's Hill which costs 60php. Since we started really early, when we got there, the stores and restaurants were still closed. Talk about tough luck haha. We just took some pictures at the entrance and decided to go to Mitra's Ranch and then come back after.

Baker's Hill Sign Board

One of the many statues inside Baker's Hill

And one of the many restaurants inside

Anyway, Mitra's Ranch is just near Baker's Hill. We tried walking towards it but the road was uphill so we hailed a tricycle again which costs 10php/person. Again, another tough luck because when we got a tricycle, the Ranch was just around 2-3 minutes away from us haha.

The driver told us that the ranch was owned by the late house speaker Ramon Mitra & his son, Baham Mitra. It's open to the public and there is no entrance fee. Quite generous of the family to allow that. Since it's located in Sta. Monica Heights, you will be able to get a great view of Puerto Princesa. The air is clean and he environment was very relaxing. There's a zipline inside the ranch but we didn't try it. There are also various horses and cows. On top of the ranch is the house of the Mitra Family which was also very beautiful to look at.

The view deck/house

Zipline area

The amazing view from the top

Horsie!

After some picture taking we went back to Baker's Hill to see if it's open already, via the tricycle that we previously got, so that's 10php/person again. Luckily, when we got there, the bakery was open so we bought some baked goodies. We also went to the back of the place and saw that there are numerous statues and plants also. We spent some time there just sitting and observing the views while eating their baked goodies. It was also quite relaxing although after some time, you'd realize the many mosquito bites that you already have on your legs and arms. We could say that Baker's Hill is not only just a pasalubong center, it's also a mini amusement park. By the way, their specialty is the hopia so buy a lot! Also, Baker's Hill is closed every Monday so take note of that!

Great place for picture taking

Great place for picture taking

This flower arrangement are scattered all around the place

Up next: The continuation of our city tour. Crocodile Farm and Binuatan Creations!

How to get to Baker's Hill and Mitra's Ranch:

1. You could hire a tricycle/van/multicab or..
2. Go to Rizal St. From there, ride a jeep with the signboard "Irawan". Tell the driver to drop you at the intersection going to Baker's Hill or Mitra's Ranch. From there, hire another tricycle to take you to both the places.

Read more:
The Palawan Trip: Honda Bay Tour
The Palawan Trip: El Nido Tour
The Palawan Trip: Puerto Princesa Underground River
The Palawan Trip: Crocodile Farm, Binuatan Creation, and Balinsasayaw Restaurant
The Palawan Trip: Plaza Cuartel and Baywalk
The Palawan Trip: Summary Of Our Trip

Read More»