FINDING FOREVER IN SAGADA | INFORMATION AND EXPERIENCE [PHOTOS]

Walang Forever (there’s no forever).

But if you’re looking for one: they say go to Sagada. Well, that’s what the movie That Thing Called ‘Tadhana’ says and what embittered souls believe.

Besides that ridiculous hopeless romantic notion: Sagada is a town of Mt. Province in Luzon. It’s in the northern part to where crops and coffee beans are sourced by businesses, not just in Luzon but in the entire Philippines as well. Sagada Province is almost 500km from the metropolis Manila. Usually it’s a 9 hour drive from the city by a private car.

I got the chance to visit the wonders of Sagada and even the insanely popular belief that Sagada is a retreat only for the broken hearted: it could also be for family, friends and those who are in love.

 

PART 1: INFORMATION

I. AIRFARE TICKETS

In going to Sagada: you have to book a flight to Manila, Philippines whether it’s in NAIA or Clark, it all depends on what your itinerary is. You could either backpack or hire an agency to do all the work for you. (Tours usually pick you up in NAIA, MOA or Trinoma but seldom in Clark, Pampanga)

TIP: Sagada and Ilocos tours are usually from Fridays-Sundays for JOINERS*. So I suggest book your flights on a Thursday to Monday. (*JOINERS – tours that join groups if the number of pax is below 12/14 in 1 van)

 TIP: If you have a complete 12 OR 14 pax (depending on the tour agency), you can request a private tour instead for a cheaper price.

We got our tickets from Cebu to Manila for only P900.00 rountrip in Cebu Pacific’s LAST Piso fare promo last 2015 (they don’t offer Piso Fare promos anymore because of the eliminated fuel surcharge). And that P900.00 is already a great deal since usually it ranges from P1,000.00 to P7,000.00 on non-sale days.

 

II. SAGADA TOURS

Sagada is difficult to backpack due to the remoteness of the place. It’s a 9-hour non-stop drive from Manila (via agency tours), to where roads are treacherous.

The usual transportation to Sagada is via Bus which can take up to 15 hours of travel from the city and a real pain in the ass… literally. But then, who am I to stop you if you’re up to the DIY challenge? Just a caution: most accidents happened with busses because drivers tend to be reckless and fast.

But you can always have your vacation in a safer way, which is to hire an agency that offers Sagada tours. Most of the tours include the tourist spots, accommodation and van transfers.

We got our Sagada Tour for 3D2N at ByaheNiJuan Travels for the lowest price of P2,580.00 compared to other travel agencies that range from P2,900.00 – P3,500.00++.

 

ByaheNiJuan Facebook Page

0915 588 8962

 

Sagada Tour 3D2N (Banaue-Sagada-Baguio)

Every Fri-Sun (depart Thursday MOA – 7PM and Trinoma – 10PM) – For Joiner Tour

Any day – For Exclusive/Private Tour (Txt/Call office for rates)

 

PACKAGE RATES:

P2,580.00/Pax – 4-13 Persons (Quin/Quad Sharing)

P2,880.00/Pax – 3 Persons (Triple Sharing)

P2,980.00/Pax – 2 Persons (Twin Sharing)

P3,180.00/Pax – 1 Person (Single Room)

 

Rates not valid for:

A.) Additional 150/Person – Feb 01-Jun 15, 2016 Travel (Peak Season)

B.) Additional 200/Person – Regular Holidays and Special Non-working days /Long Weekend Travel (Peak Season)

C.) Additional 350/Person – Holy Week, Christmas, New Year Travel (Super Peak Season)

 

ACCOMMODATION(S):

1.) Villa de Familia

2.) Sagada Guesthouse

3.) Sagada Townhouse

4.) Mapiya-aw Lodge or similar class

 

TIP: Note that most tour packages that agencies offer in Sagada doesn’t include food, therefore you’ve got to have pocket money for about P2,000.00 and that’s if you’re really on a very, very tight budget. Because, food there ranges from P170.00++, mostly P200.00++ but it’s worth it ‘cause it’s delicious.

 

PART 2: ITINERARY

Here’s the itinerary provided by ByaheNiJuan tour:

 

DAY 0

07:00PM – MOA Open Parking

10:00PM – Trinoma Mall North Open Parking

11:00PM ETD Mnl-Sagada

 

DAY 01

06:30AM – Breakfast in Banaue (pax own)

Banaue Town

Banaue Rice Terraces View Point

08:30AM – Travel to Sagada

10:30AM – ETA in Sagada

11:00AM – Early Check in. Rest

12:00NN – Lunch (pax own)

01:00PM – Sumaguing Cave or Cave Connection – Burial Cave  (Guide Fee Pax own acct. This is optional)

 

DAY 02

05:00AM – Kiltepan View Point Sunrise Viewing (Subj to weather condition)

06:00AM – Breakfast (pax own)

07:30AM – Bomod-Ok Falls Trek (Guide Fee on pax own. This is optional)

11:30AM – End of Trek

12:00NN – Lunch (pax own)

01:00PM – Sagada Town Tour

Orange Farm (Seasonal)

Sagada Weaving

St. Mary’s Church

Pottery House

Campo Santo (Cemetery)

Echo Valley & Hanging Coffins

05:00PM – End of Tour

06:00PM – Dinner (pax own)

07:00PM – Back to accomm

 

DAY 03

06:00AM Breakfast (pax own)

07:00AM Check out. Travel to Baguio

Highest Point (Philippine Highway System) Atok, Benguet

10:00AM ETA in Baguio. Start of Tour

La Trinidad Souvenir Shop

Strawberry Farm – Strawberry picking is at a cost (Per Kilo.Pax own acct. This is optional)

Burnham Park and Swan Lake (Baguio)

Kennon Road View Point

Lions Head

12:00NN Lunch (pax own acct)

01:00PM Continuation of Baguio tour

03:00PM ETD Baguio-Manila

09:00PM ETA in Manila

 

PART 3: EXPERIENCE

DAY 0

We arrived at NAIA terminal 3 by 5 in the afternoon and the people were in a rush and traffic was bumper to bumper. It was my first time in Manila and not to be discriminatory, but it freaked me out a lot. I mean, there are horror stories that happened to people when they got out of the airport. And I was one freakish person who doesn’t want to get the same bad experience. So I cautioned myself by being alert and attentive like a wolf.

Anyway, we headed to Mall of Asia to have dinner and went directly to the meet-up place which was at the open parking just beside the Mall of Asia Arena.

We waited there for about an hour because we needed to wait for the other group, as we were in a ‘joiners’ package.

Anyhow, we hit the road by ten and it was time for a 9 hour drive to Sagada. And that’s when everyone fell asleep. Although we had three major stop overs; each for about 15 to 30 minutes.

 

DAY 1

Banaue

We arrived in Banaue by 6:00 in the morning and I was still droopy from sleepiness. We stopped by the borderline to where a huge “Welcome to Banaue” marquee stood tall. And there, we got to take pictures like Japanese tourists.

photo courtesy: ByaheNiJuan Travels

And then we pressed on. But then I realized, it was already 8 hours passed and we were still in Banaue. But I got my hopes up when our driver told us that Sagada was already the next stop.

Anyway, we took our breakfast at Banaue Rice Terraces View Point where we could eat while we feast our eyes to the wonderful rice terraces view outside the window.

After, we got to pose once more for pictures of the Rice Terraces as a backdrop.

 

Sagada

Then it was another 2 and a half drive to Sagada. Oh my Gosh, we were on the road for about 12 hours (stop overs included). And to be honest, it was excruciating.

TIP: Never forget your neck pillow, headphones, phones, tablets, laptops, favorite chairs, tables TV, speakers, wardrobe, your entire house, because it was that exhausting. Just kidding to some of those though.

In Sagada, we checked in first at Villa D’ Familia. And upon entering: we can smell the scent of coffee enveloping the entire premise, making it feel like I’m in Starbucks, only it’s a house… and I’m not exaggerating. The scent of fresh coffee was euphoric; it even gave me an idea to do the same with my future house… and I don’t drink coffee. We found the source of the scent which was a coffee dispenser beside the door. And the best thing was that IT-WAS-FREE! My partner’s inner child giggled as if it was an award from getting a perfect score in an exam.

photo courtesy: Eden Pancho

Anyway, the house was cozy and clean. And what I liked about it was the hot and cold shower which was the silver lining to the cold weather.

photo courtesy: Eden Pancho

 

Sumaguing Cave

Then our adventure started at Sumaguing Cave. It is the famous cave in Sagada where you could choose between two adventures: first, the connection or second, the short route. In the connection, you have to walk, crawl and swim for about five hours from the mouth of the cave where you could also discover some damaged caskets of dead Igorot ancestors, to the final exit cave. In the short route: its entre is on the exit part of the connection to where you only need thirty or shorter minutes to climb down the bottom of the slippery cave. Well, it depends on who you’re with. In our case, people are too selfie freaks that they take about 10 minutes to get ‘the shot’. And it’s difficult to get ‘the shot’ because of total darkness.

I had, for a fact, found difficulty in climbing down due to the damp walkway with inclusions of bat-shit we call ‘guano’. The locals suggest climbing down barefoot because slippers and shoes are slippery. Well, you could always use expensive caving shoes, if you can afford.

And that’s what I did. I climbed down barefoot, and it was ew to say the least. But it was worth it. The cave was huge and gorgeous. The water flowing on every level was freezing, it made my feet numb. And the difficulty in going down was a bit rough, especially for chubby people like me. But I tell you, it’s all worth it.

Like with other famous caves in the Philippines: this one has lots of formations in it ranging from religious to indecorous.

TIP: Bring underwater cameras and dress lightly and properly since you’d be wet from this experience.

 

DAY 2

Bomod-ok Falls (trail)

photo courtesy: ByaheNiJuan Travels

The next day, we prepped ourselves for a long walk to Bomod-ok Falls which is a famous spot in Sagada. We went to a certain place that has a narrow one-way road and did a short orientation on what to do. Then they gave us sticks because sometimes snakes glide across the cemented walkway… like a casual jaywalker. But thankfully it didn’t happen.

Anyway, the trail was 45 minutes to an hour long, but it was not difficult to manage walking downwards because as I’ve said, the walkway was cemented (mostly). While on the trail, you’ve got to gaze upon the gorgeous Sagada mountains to which all you can do is sigh… then appreciate.

When we arrived at the falls, we got to see boulders of rocks surrounding the place and there are only a few spots where you can actually take a dip. The current of the waterfalls was also strong at that time.

After taking antidepressant selfies, we got to dip in the FREEZING water. And Oh my God. I only dipped for 5 seconds because it was dead freezing: my balls had to squeeze just to compensate for the cold. Oops.

The rainbow totally heightened my gayness.

We didn’t take much time there: although it was beautiful, there’s really nothing much to do there. So we hike back up to which we found harder than climbing down. My partner, I and most of my fellow mountain hiking rookie friends almost died in the process.

TIP: For inexperienced hikers: Pack lightly. Just bring money, clothes for changing and water. There is a stop in the middle of the trail to where you could rest and buy some snacks. There’s also a snack-bar at the falls’ location.

Anyway, there was one thing that caught my attention when we were doing the hike. We heard explosions followed by rumblings on the ground for two to three times. And when we asked our tour guide on what it was: she explained that there’s gold mining underneath the mountain we were walking. That explains weird carts that are strangely set up in one place, and some sacks of soil everywhere, only to find out they weren’t just normal soils: they had silver with it.

 

Orange Farm (Seasonal), Sagada Weaving, St. Mary’s Church, Pottery House

After, we went back but unfortunately the Orange Farm was not in its full bloom so we had to ditch that one. Also, we didn’t experience the Pottery House. I didn’t know why, but I think it was because these experiences are seasonal.

photo courtesy: ByaheNiJuan Travels

Like with Sagada Weaving, to where you could see women weave local fabrics and even sew them into useful items like wallets, bags and etc. Thankfully, Sagada Weaving was available at that time, so we got to see the weaving process and the items in their store.

At St. Mary’s Chruch, we got to wander around the beautiful yard that has a lot of pine trees and green grass.

photo courtesy: ByaheNiJuan Travels

 

Campo Santo Cemetery (Devil’s Mountain)

It’s freaky to say the least, but after St. Mary’s Church we head up to the Hell Mountain, Campo Santo Cemetery.  It’s called such because on all souls day, people gather at the top of the hill to start a fire on the tombstones of their loved ones, to which formally is called ‘Festival of Lights’.

Although, we didn’t experience the festival itself: you could Google it and see the cemetery turn into creepy hell-like scene from the movies. It’s already creepy with only the tombstones, how much more if there are flames… all over the hill.

Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins

After the cemetery, we headed straight to the Echo Valley where you can scream your lungs out and hear your voice echoing; like screaming, “WALANG FOREVER!” which is a trend.

trail to Echo Valley & Hanging Coffins

Right after that, we get to do another hike down to another creepy spot: Hanging Coffins. And mind you, we’ve been to several hiking activities and my legs were already sore!

TIP: Switching hot and cold water could ease up the muscle soreness.

Anyway, the Hanging Coffins experience became creepier when the tour guide explained that the reasons of their Igorot ancestors in doing such are pure negativity. Like when one dies due to inauspicious or unlucky circumstance or when one dies in the middle of farming or hunting that they considered jinxed, and many other discomforting reasons.

The tour guide also explained that there are a lot of hanging coffins on mountain cliffs at another spot further than the ones in Echo Valley.

 

Day 3

Kiltepan Viewpoint… or not

It was our final day in Sagada and it has to start at Kiltepan Viewpoint… or not. Well, our driver suggested us not to do the hike up the viewpoint because, he says, it’s far, cold, the view is not that good as it’s blocked by trees, and the place is crowded.

This was actually proven by friends who have gone to Kiltepan viewpoint. They agreed to what our driver told us that the hype, because of the film, is bogus. That’s beside the fact that the exploited viewpoint is too crowded. My friends’ photo even resembles MRT rush hour in Manila, or religious processions. They were also dissatisfied with their Kiltepan experience… but not us.

Since our only purpose on why we were there is to see the sun rise behind the mountain while the sea of clouds astonish us: our driver suggested another spot that’s more appealing than in Kiltepan Viewpoint.

And, he was right. This was our 180 degrees stunning view:

Although, the spot to where we were is less safe since it’s just beside the road and the cliff respectively, but the consolation was the view. And we were careful so we won’t fall off the cliff though.

Anyway, I get to see the sea of clouds and the sun slowly rise while at the same time, checking the experience off from my bucket list. It was so beautiful and placid; my soul could agree that for the short time I was gazing on the killer view: I felt inner peace.

TIP: IF your sunrise-sea of clouds viewing is on the 3^rd day, I suggest for you to buy something to eat the night before since you will not really stop to some restaurants since they’re basically closed in the early mornings and you’d head straight to Baguio.

 

 

Halsema Highway, Atok, Benguet

After the rejuvenating experience, we then headed to Baguio. And I dare you not to close your eyes when you’re on your way, especially when in Benguet because the view of the mountains is absolutely breathtaking. It’s one of the best experiences I had of the tour.

apologies ’cause technically this is in Banaue, but when you reach Benguet part, there are a lot of mountains with Rice Terraces as well to which I think has a more gorgeous view in than in Banaue.

Then we reached to the most dangerous highway in the Philippines, the Halsema Highway. It is the highest highway in the country that’s infamous for road accidents… or shall I say, cars falling off the cliff accidents, because the street is not just narrow, but blind curves and reckless drivers are everywhere. Not to mention the slippery roads during wet seasons.

Anyway, when we got to the highest point of the highway, we got to see the amazing view of the mountains of Benguet.

And right after that, we went to La Trinidad (to where we buy some strawberry jams and souvenirs), Baguio and back to Manila.

 

PART 4: TAKEAWAY

Going to Sagada is NOT easy as a pie especially when you do it DIY. You’d have to take into account the restlessness of the time you’ll be spending inside the van or bus from Manila to Sagada and vice versa, and working your way through the spots in Sagada which some are far. I am not halting you to do DIY, but I’m advising you not to. Instead, hire an agency that could take care of the itinerary.

Sagada was just a photo on our house calendar, and with visiting the spot was a dream come true. I realized how clever nature and culture unified is. Also, I get to try delicious food and pure coffee delight in Sagada which you can read on my other blogpost WHERE TO EAT IN SAGADA. By the end of the trip, my takeaway was that Sagada, while it’s a hassle ride: it’s still worth the try.

 

PART 5: COSTING

NOTE: This breakdown is for 1 person only & doesn’t include souvenirs.

Airfare                  –              P900.00

Tour Pacakge     –              P2,580.00

Food                      –              P2,000.00

Tour Guide fees:

1. Sumaguing Cave           P150.00

2. Bomod-ok Falls            P100.00

TOTAL –                P6,630.00 or roughly P7,000.00

PUERTO PRINCESA | UNDERGROUND RIVER & HONDA BAY ADVENTURE [PHOTOS]

The second part of our Palawan adventure started when we rode back from El Nido to Puerto Princesa and completed our last three days. (CLICK HERE FOR MY EL NIDO POST)

Due to the set-backs in our memorable El Nido adventure, our time in Puerto Princesa was lessen to three days and ditched our plan for the city tour. Still, we pushed through with our Underground River and Honda Bay tour.

But just like El Nido: you must not miss the wonders in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

OUR VIDEO

PART 1: INFORMATION

I. AIRFARE TICKETS

If you have read the last post, you will know that we booked a P4,000.00 two-way airfare for two persons via Cebu Pacific. And it’s imperative that you have to book first before you plan your tour.

via Cebu Pacific

II. ACCOMODATION

So, typically you need to know that Puerto Princesa is a big city. It is a prominent city in Palawan to where the airport is located. Although there’s another one in Coron, Palawan and a planned airport directly in El Nido, but Puerto Princesa is the gateway anywhere on the island.

Since Puerto Princesa is a big city: you need to find yourself a place to stay. And there are a lot of affordable places to stay and it’s very easy to find. You can find a range of P500.00 – the expensive ones, and all you need to do is Google them.

Like:

1. Sheebang Hostel & Judy’s Resto Bar that has P900.00 room for 2 OR a Dormitory type that’s P350.00 per head.
2. JLC Hostel that has P800.00 room for 2 OR a fan room for P800.00 per head.
3. OMG Backpacker that has P660.00 room for 2 OR a Dorm room for P250.00

…and many other Hotel/Hostel/Dorms that are good for travelers both luxurious and backpackers.

Since some of these hotels I mentioned weren’t that much responsive to my texts, calls or Facebook messages, plus I don’t really have any idea if those affordable dorm type rooms are all air conditioned: I found one dorm type accommodation that got our booking.

 

TREE HOUSE INN

Malvar Street, 5300 Puerto Princesa City, Puerto Princesa, Philippines

CONTACT NO.: 09178929477 / +63 484340005

WIFI: YES – connection: slow

FACEBOOK: CLICK HERE

WEBSITE: http://www.treehouseinnpp.com/

 

They offer dorm type rooms that range from P450.00 for the cheapest price ++.  It’s a good deal especially when you’re on a budget. And the greatest thing about the dorm is that they can give you the lowest price of P400.00 per head if it’s a non-peak month.

Photo Courtesy of Tree House Inn.

If you ask about the place, well to start: it’s cozy; the rooms are cold and comfortable for six people; the lounge is warm, but it was fine (we get to order fast food with the help of the receptionist); and the bath/comfort rooms are well done. The place is quite far from the mall to where you could buy stuff that you needed. But that’s fine, because there are tricycles running everywhere that you could hire for about P25.00 per head.

The only caveat is that you can’t bring in shoes or slippers that you use outside. They have a strict rule that guests should leave them on the staircase entrance. It’s kind of cool at first, but you realize that a floor is a floor and you’re not the only ones living there for days. So what we did was that we bought ourselves slippers in Robinsons Place Mall Puerto Princesa exclusively for the dorm use.

Photo Courtesy from Tree House Inn

 

III. TOURS

Whenever you decide to where you’d be staying in Puerto Princesa, ask the receptionist if they offer tour packages for Underground River, Honda Bay, City Tour and other tours. Well, I think all of the hotels offer tour packages, and they mostly ask you if what tours you’d take. So it’s just very easy.

And what I’ve learned while gathering information is that all tours, like in El Nido, are all government regulated. But that’s depending on the package inclusions in a travel agency. But usually, it’s within the prices below:

(We got ours in Tree House Inn for)

 

Underground River – P1,700.00/head

Usual inclusions

– Tour Permit

– Pick up and drop off at hotel (within Puerto Princesa City) via air-conditioned van

– Entrance Fees

– Boat Fees

– Services of a DOT (Department of Tourism) Licensed Tour Guide

– Lunch

 

TIP: You have to book A MONTH ahead for the Underground River tour on PEAK months because the government regulates only 1,000 tourists every day for the conservation of the rock formations inside the cave. And if you don’t get an agency to book your tour, you have to do it for yourself and it’s a hassle.

 

Honda Bay Tour – P1,300.00/head

Usual inclusions

– DOT-Accredited Tour Guide

– Pick up from hotel within Puerto Princesa city proper and drop off at hotel afterwards

– Picnic Lunch

– Entrance Fees

– Life Jacket Rental per person

*Note: Environmental Fee (P40.00/person) is not included and will be charged to guests account (to be collected by Tour Guide on the day itself)

 

Honda Bay Itinerary:

Option 1: Pandan Island, Cowrie Island

Option 2: Starfish Island, Luli Island and Pambato Reef

 

Puerto Princesa City tour – P600.00/head

Inclusions:

– Baywalk

– Plaza Cuartel

– Cathedral

– Palawan Museum

– Crocodile Farm

– Mitra’s Ranch

– Baker’s Hill

– Iwahig Farm (optional)

 

TIP: We didn’t take the Puerto Princesa City tour because the dorm receptionist told us that we could do it on our own since it’s that easy. But if want a hassle free tour, you can always avail the city tour instead.

 

Firefly Tour – P900.00/head

*ideal for nighttime

*without dinner

The Underground River and Honda bay tours include sumptuous lunch.

 

III. TRANSPORTATION

There are two transportation methods in Puerto Princesa. From the airport, you have to either ride a tricycle or a jeepney. But I prefer the former because drivers can personally take you to your destination that’s only for less than a hundred pesos. But if you’ll stay in a luxurious hotel: they’re going to pick you up from the airport.

You don’t have to worry about transportation for your tours as well, since they have vans that will pick you up in your hotel and drop you back when the tour’s done.

Also, it’s easy to manage your way through the city with the help of a map… well, that’s if you’re not directionally dysfunctional like my partner. Although I’m not sure of the crime rate in Puerto Princesa, but our stay was smooth.

IV. OTHERS

You have to prepare for your food and tricycle/jeepney allowance especially when the hotel/dorm doesn’t offer breakfast or food, which is usual. But you can call any fast food if you want it delivered.

 

PART 2: ITINERARY

Here’s a sample itinerary of our time in Puerto Princesa which is the continuation of our El Nido tour (Read Here). Thankfully, there were no more set-backs in our time there:

DAY 1

• Arrival in Puerto Princesa
• Take tricycle to Tree House Inn
• REST (Actually we went out to watch Minions Movie, but you don’t need to know that.)

DAY 2: UNDERGROUND RIVER

7:00AM                –              Call time to Underground River

5:00PM                 –              Arrival from Underground River

DAY 3: HONDA BAY TOUR

7:00AM                 –              Call time to Honda Bay Tour

5:00PM                 –              Arrival from Honda Bay Tour

DAY 4:

8:00AM               –              Go to the airport

11:00AM              –              Flight back to Cebu

 

PART 3: EXPERIENCE

I. UNDERGROUND RIVER

I’ve always seen the Underground River in textbooks or in post cards. And when I already had the chance to visit Palawan: it was definitely on top of my list.

A van picked us up at Tree House Inn by 7AM and went straight to the port as the starting point. I sat between two Aussie lovers, which was too late for me to realize as the van pushed through. So I told them, “Sorry I split you two up… but you deserve it”… kidding.

Anyway, it was a 45 minute drive from the busy town; then passing by the wilderness. The tour guide told us that Palawan is labelled as ‘The Last Frontier’ of the Philippines due to the higher percentage of forest than civilization in the island.

It’s also a fact that a lot of mining businesses are interested in the island, and a lot of organizations keep these businesses out of nature’s way, like ABS-CBN. Still, there are a few who have been successful infiltrating. But I’m kind of hopeful that these scums would leave Palawan alone.

Anyway, there’s a quick stop over in Buenavista view deck which is either before or after the Underground River experience. The place offers a landscape view of the Ulugan Bay to where Vietnamese refugees landed to escape the war. Then I remembered that we passed by a small village dwelt by Vietnamese people… well, that explains it.

Panorama of Buenavista View deck

Also, on the way we get to see humungous rocks that look like those islands San Goku and Vegeta battles in Dragon Ball series. It was amazing to say the least. I mean, you get to realize that the place was somehow underwater millions of years ago, and the formations we saw were the aftermath: and it’s beautiful.

Then after, we arrived at the port to where we registered our names for the boats. I noticed that the port is actually spacious.

There were lots of vendors offering stuff. Especially to foreign tourists who were equally amused. But I had my eye on the ‘dirty ice cream’.

And then, we rode the boat that took us 15 minutes to reach the part of the island where the Underground River entrance is. When we landed and entered the forest: it suddenly all feels like the Safari theme park in Singapore, but a lot truer.

There were lots of visitors coming from different places in the world making me feel like we’re the clothing brand, United Colors of Benneton. And since we were too many, we waited for about an hour for our canoe.

Upon waiting, I discovered monkeys swinging above us and it was so cool. But what completes the safari experience was when the monkey stole food from one of the tourists… it’s just fun to see bad behavior every once in a while. Also, I have to add that the bat shit scent that’s coming from the inside of the cave smells like methane hell. And that’s the reason why it’s strictly illegal to bring flammable stuff there because once you lit it up: everyone’s blasted… literally.

Anyway, when we hopped on our canoe, we headed straight to the entrance of the cave. The Aussie dude pledged to hold the flashlight in front, and followed the boatman’s direction on where to point the spotlight.

And once we were inside: the rock formations stood out from the abyss. You will be stunned with the wonders of it, while the bats and birds living in the dark pilot their way in the darkness using their echolocation capabilities. And that’s amazing; I mean their hearing is spectacular given that mine is seemingly absent whenever my mother tells me to wash the dishes.

The tallest rock formation

Anyway, the waters were treacherous, and one wrong move from anyone on board would topple us down, and we would be swimming with the unknown creatures lurking beneath… like huge fishes, or Michael Jackson’s corpse… I don’t know.

(Click pictures to enlarge)

Inside, you will see formations of many things: from the Holy Family, fruits, vegetables, Titanic, and to genitals just like a penis hanging from the cave wall, reminding me about that Aussie dude who had gone commando that day. Yeah.

Then when we reached to the turning point of the cruise, I discovered that the tour inside is just ¼ of the length of the entire underground river. I mean, you could see the tunnel going ‘further’ when the boat turns back. The ‘further’ looks very scary that it sends chills down my spine. What monster could be living at the end of that trail? *enter John Williams’ music

The ‘further’

The Underground River tour took 45 minutes to wrap up. And just like the people who helmed it as one of the new wonders of the world: I was astonished, astounded, stunned, enthralled and all adjectives related to those words.

(Click pictures to enlarge)

II. UGONG ROCK ADVENTURES

I thought the day was over after the buffet lunch we had back at the port, but we didn’t even know that there was another stop at Ugong Rock.

Although doing the cave/rock climbing plus the zip-line have fees as follows:

1. Cave/Rock climbing – P200.00
2. Zip-line – a.) Sitting – P150.00, b.) Superman – P200.00

But the experience was memorable, nevertheless.

Spelunking the towering rock was not easy especially with me and my partner whose exercise only consist of doing the laundry and some other things. We had to go through series of rock climbing, passing through tiny holes/passages, discovering oceanic history via rock formations and also finding out that the word ‘Ugong’ means ‘Echo’. Because once you knock on rocks: it creates a strange but beautiful sound.

And when we arrived at the top: we got to pride ourselves of not dying in the process.

Right after, we got the chance to zip-line our way to where our van awaits. And to tell you honestly, if you see the video: my posture is quite awkward and painful especially on my butt part because I don’t know the drill on a Superman zip-line. It was my first time and I was so scared. I almost vomited all the lunch I ate. That would be embarrassing, but worth it.

The thing that I was so happy about the purchase in Ugong Rock Adventure is that all proceeds will go to the locals as a compliment salary in working there. Since the whole adventure is owned by ABS-CBN.

 

III. HONDA BAY TOUR

It was on our last day when we got to experience the Honda Bay Tour. And so, with the same drill: a van picked us up by 7AM and went directly to the port (not the same with Underground River port) where our boat awaits.

I’m glad because all the tours in Palawan (including El Nido) are regulated by the government, and you don’t need to worry on doing it all by yourself: all you need to do is just pay and you’re good to go.

i. Pambato Reef

So, the first stop was in Pambato Reef which was owned by ABS-CBN again as part of their conservation in the Puerto Princesa’s sea. We get to snorkel, but I was kind of unhappy with the experience because the waters were cloudy and the clouds above were dimming the entire place.

I didn’t even see any sea creatures… oh, I forgot, I saw one… on the roof of that floating hut.

yup, that’s a huge turtle.

ii. Luli Island

 

Luli Island got its name from the Filipino term ‘Lulubog-Lilitaw’ or ‘Sink/Disappear-Appear’ in English which is true to the island itself as it sinks when in high tide and shows up in low tide… just like my former boyfriend during and after paydays.

Luli Island sandbar

We got the chance to swim with the fishes there, yet the water was still cloudy, and I think it was because of the typhoon that passed days ago. Because of that we just enjoyed jumping off the diving board.

 

iii. Cowrie Island

Our last island was in Cowrie Island, where we got to hang out on the beach with the hot Brazilian couple and talk about liberated Brazilian stuff.

And when we arrived there, we noticed that there were a lot of groups having a buffet lunch. But for us, it was just a picnic type. Our tour guide even cooked our lunch himself. And we realized why some prices are steeper than the others in some tour agencies.

But I’m not complaining with our picnic lunch. It’s much closer and much personal when you’re together with your group than in the buffet…

Who am I kidding, the buffet is much better.

And that’s it.

That’s the Honda Bay tour that’s composed of island hopping experience with snorkeling and swimming activities that left me unimpressed. If we could’ve known that the Honda Bay Tour was disappointing, we could’ve stayed one more day in El Nido and took another tour. But you know, it’s better that we know than asking what ifs.

But I’m not quite sure if I’m unimpressed because the islands aren’t that good, or I’ve had perfection in El Nido? I’m guessing the second one, so:

 

TIP: If you are going to Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa and El Nido, make sure you do the former then the latter to avoid disappointments.

 

PART 4: TAKEAWAY

To be honest, I don’t know what to write as a takeaway for our Puerto Princesa tour, only that you should definitely go try the Underground River. It’s Mother Nature’s gift for humankind.

 

PART 5: COSTING

1.) Good for 1 person.

Airfare                                                  –              P2,000.00

Tricycle

• From Airport to hotel –              00

Hotel                                                    –              P400.00 x 3 days = P1,200.00

Tours

• Underground River –              P1,700.00
• Ugong Rock –              00 spelunking + P200.00 zipline = P600.00
• Honda Bay Tour –              P1,300.00

Others

• Food/Other Transpo/Misc – P2,000.00

 

TOTAL………………………………………………………………………….. P8,825.00 or roughly P9,000.00

 

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