Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Two years ago, I flew to Palawan to oversee an event for Nestle.  It was my second week into a new post and dare I say, no matter the headache the rush requirements gave me, I have no complaints whatsoever over this particular assignment.

Puerto Princesa.  One of the best things that I have ever seen in my life was the underground river or the Puerto Princesa Subterrenean River National Park, safely tucked in the town of Sabang, a good 2-3 hour drive from the city proper.

We rented a jeepney to take us to Sabang  

Where we took a boat ride

All the way to the entrance of the Underground River

The Underground River was/is in the running as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. In fact it reached the Top 5 when voting was opened to the general public last 2008.  According to their official site, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park or St. Paul Subterranean River is the longest underground river in the entire universe (ok, maybe just in this planet).  It was inscribed last 1999 by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage Site because it's a testament to PURE AWESOMENESS! Ok, ok, so that's just silly blogger's reason for loving it, but the real reason behind the inscription has more to do with the amazing limestone formation beneath the 8.2km underground river, 8.2km of unspoiled natural beauty that flows directly into the sea.

Some highlights:

1. Awesome stalactite and stalagmite formations

2. One formation in the shape of the Holy Trinity, even

3. Our tour guide served dual purpose, part boatman, part comedian. Me thinks though that he has practiced all his lines to each and every tourist that come the river's way.  

Entrance costs: About Php 150.00

I had a really lousy point and shoot camera back then

And it couldn't take good pictures amidst the darkness inside the cave.
Photo cred: diane limjoco

Places to Eat: 

Thankfully, we were joined by our local counterpart who was from Puerto Princesa.  He took us to the best/most famous places to hang out and enjoy local cuisine.

1. Ka Lui - Yummy seafood + specialty shakes!

Location: the Eastern end of Rizal Avenue.  

Contact: (48) 4332580

2. Kinabuch Bar and Grill - Famed night spot in the city.  I was forced to eat a Tamilok (worm) upon much egging (I call it peer pressure) from my officemates. Surprisingly it only tasted like jelly fish *hee*

3. Badjao Seafront - Fantastic landscape.  It was said that the Duke of York (Queen Elizabeth's son) once visited and ate at this particular restaurant.  Not much a mystery here, seeing the rather splendid atmosphere it offers.  It was a little hard to find (very deep into one of the streets)

Location: Barangay Bagong Sikat,

Contact: (048) 433-9912