Palawan has always been one of my dream destinations in the Philippines. Having been there last week, I am glad that it surpassed all my expectations. Going to these remote islands makes you forget all the troubles the country is in. After all the smog, traffic, dirt and noise of Manila, Palawan lets you believe once again that this was how God envisioned our beloved country to be – beautiful, pure and pristine from the very start.
Going to north Palawan, our group boarded an Asian Spirit flight which landed at the Busuanga Airport. This is a very small airstrip but it’s certainly commendable for having a clean toilet with a roll of tissue. I’d say this is worth noting considering the pitiful state of public restrooms which sometimes make you swear off travelling and leaves a bad impression of Pinoys being an unhygienic lot (so not true!!)
From the airport, we rode a huge outrigger boat. This I absolutely loved because the wind caressed my face and the open deck gave us a scenic view of the islands with their abundant greenery and the tourquoise blue waters underneath. It was so clear we can even see a school of fishes swimming and swimming.
Thirty minutes or so later, we arrived at the place which would be our home for the next three days, Club Paradise. We were immediately given our welcome drinks (fresh fruit shake) and partook of a hearty lunch. The softshell crab in chili sauce was to die for and so were other seafood specialties like the grilled labahita, squid, and tanguigue. I munched so much that I forgot I had been poisoned by mussels weeks before. I would learn later that while fish and other treats from the sea were abundant in Palawan, the vegetables and fruits come all the way from Manila. That’s because agriculture is not a common industry in the province.
Afterwards, we settled in a nicely-appointed cottage which had a cozy hammock at the entrance and a breathtaking view of the sea and the mountains from the verandah. Most importantly, the beach was just a few walks away.
My roommate Zee was the greatest, and to think she’s only 22 years old! She makes these fancy accesories and jewelry which I couldn’t resist buying! Zee was also nice enough to take pictures of me with her cam and let me borrow her cellphone. I was aghast to know that there was only Smart, and no Globe signal where we were and so I was dissociated from my mobile for the next few days. There was satellite TV though and also internet.
The next few days were spent savoring nature at its best as we went boating through the island’s lush mangroves, swimming, snorkelling and engaging in a few adventure sports in the sea ( I thought the Ringo Tube was scary enough because I was attached by my lonesome to a rushing speed boat).My companions also told me that the waters were a haven for divers..too bad I wasn’t one. Even then, I was in love and in awe at the beauty surrounding me that it made me think I would definitely retire in the islands by the sea someday.
And what would a perfect vacation be without lots of laughter, dancing and booze going around? Make it a few shots of tequila please.Even though the whole place was too romantic and reeked of “honeymoon,” our group of predominantly single girls were determined to enjoy it the best way we can.
When you’re in Palawan, you don’t really need a man…lol.
For the few pictures I’ve salvaged, click here.
My remaining Philippine travel wishlist:
– Batanes
– Vigan, Ilocos Sur
– Bohol
– Banaue & Sagada
– Donsol, Sorsogon (for the whale-watching)
– Cebu (one more time!)
ang sarap naman nyan. for me, palawan is still on my list of places to go to in phils. it has been on my list for as long as i know. i guess, i did not do much about this, or to put in a better perspective – i never had a companion who would want to go there. *sigh*
Lucky you! They say that it does cost a fortune to get there. There’s one more my Uncle is recommending me to visit. El Nido daw. ‘ever been there?
wow! the place looks tempting talaga! Naku Ajay next trip ko talaga back home eto na ang priority *wink*. Thanks for the story and the photos, they are awesome! 🙂
Finally got some time off eh? Palawan is simply paradise!!! Lei is coming here soon. 7th September. We’ll call you when she gets here.
Owen, I realize your predicament. Palawan was also a dream place for me until the opportunity presented itself. Don’t worry, things will fall into place if you really want to go there. If there’s a will, there’s a way:)
Ting, medyo pricey nga talaga ang Palawan trip. El Nido is definitely the second priciest (the most expensive being Amanpulo at $600 to $800 a night!) But it’s worth it. As I’ve said, if you want to really admire the unspoilt beauty of our lupang tinubuan
Siena, hope u can go. You can also go to palawan on a budget you know . Ask me *wink
Whew! So you and Lei are getting together Anna Lyn. Have a blast! Hope I can also go visit you in Norway someday. Do tell me how it went. Regards:)
Ganda ng Palawan no?
BTW, I like you new blog design. Ang ganda!
Been to Club Paradise but that was like 10 years ago!! Hahaha. I have nice memories of the place. Too bad, I don’t have pictures, tamad pa ko mag-take ng photos nun. Sigh.
Thanks for the compliment, Jayred:)
Good to hear you’ve been to CP too Tin. It must have been more special to you than to me ,hahaha. Di pa kasi uso ang digicam 10 years ago, but then, 10 years ago, I was already a cam whore..LOL.
we were there a couple of years ago and did nothing but dive all week! too bad we weren’t able to see the dugong but saw the awesome wreck (Kyokuzan Maru — a Japanese cutter). we also did the safari thingy.
Hey there Ajay!
I’ve read and heard a lot about Palawan. I hope someday in the near future I can visit that beautiful place in our country too.
Ah Palawan! I wish I could go back there. Thanks for bringing some of the beauty of Palawan back with your stories!
inggit ako sa work mo ganda, puro travel..yan ang gusto namin ni Mari eh 🙂
Hi Ajay. Ang ganda talaga ng Pilipinas. We’re blessed to have such beautiful place like palawan noh?
Hopefully we’ll get there soon 😀
ajay, panay ang travel mo. inggit ako.
Good to know you were able to maximize your Palawan trip, Purplegirl. It’s really a good place for divers like you.
Hi Luchie! I’d have to tell you..it’s a must-see:)
Toni, halika..balik uli tayo, hehe.
Delish, Jeanny and Mari… yeah, Palawan was worth it. It makes you see the Philippines in a different light. This one is all about quietude and communing with nature. But then, if you like a party place, then go to Bora.
hmmm.. excited na tuloy ako lalo! punta rin kaming palawan last week ng october! 🙂
That’s good to hear, Apol. Enjoy your trip!:)