Puerto Princesa’s Underground River, one of the seven wonders of nature. Photo by Ric Gonzales
PUERTO PRINCESA – Palawan is a virtual paradise.
The group composed of Pampanga journalists read that line all over Palawan as they toured this capital city early March.
It is indeed a paradise precisely because most of its natural resources remain beautiful considering the province is one of the most visited areas in the country today.
Palawan is also known as “The Last Frontier” – some of its 1,769 islands are still unexplored and it is considered the last unsettled area in the country. A tribal group was recently discovered in 1997.
In one’s lifetime, its’ hard to see all of Palawan – one needs lots of logistics and time. But you can always start at Puerto Princesa.
The Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) was recently chosen as the seven wonders of nature. It is about one hour and 30 minutes drive from this city.
At least 400 people daily visited the PPUR before it was included in the elite list late last year. Of late, close to 1,000 see the some eight-kilometers-long river daily.
There are notices in the PPUR office saying the whole month of this coming April is fully booked. But our group is advising local and foreign visitors to personally try to get a booking at the office along Rizal Avenue extension.
If only day-time could be extended, there could be more visitors at the PPUR. The city government also limits the number of visitors so as not to spoil the place.
While you wait for your turn to see the PPUR, there is Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour in the same area. For P150 each, you get to learn about the more than 100 years old mangroves of Palawan. They teach visitors to learn to love and nurture the environment.
Imagine seeing poisonous snakes hanging over the boat you ride on. See wild birds, too. It’s definitely better than the biggest zoo.
More residents of Pampanga and other areas in North and Central Luzon will have easy access to the PPUR as Clark-Puerto Princesa-Clark flights will be offered beginning March 29.
There are several interesting side-trips included in the Puerto Princesa sojourn.
To begin with, enjoy the beaches at Honda Bay, which is less than one hour away from the city proper. Then see the Crocodile Farm, Iwahig Penal Colony, Mitras Ranch and Bakers Hill. There is also the now popular firefly watching at night along the Iwahig river.
For those who love history, check out the park at the heart of the city dedicated to 143 U.S. soldiers massacred by the Japanese military in December 1944. It’s near the Immaculate Concepcion Church, also a tourist spot in the city with 66 barangays.
EL NIDO AND MORE
There is El Nido, now four to five hours drive from this city – and located up north. Then further up is Coron Island. Down South of the province are also interesting sites and beaches.
They have Amanpulo, which we can only probably talk about but never ever see. It’s so exclusive and perfect – no less than international singer Mariah Carey decided to stay for a vacation in Amanpulo during her first visit in the Philippines.
Then the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park which is some 150km southeast of Puerto Princesa, the usual jump-off point for visitors and divers. It’s regarded as one the best diving areas in the world.
Make your next vacation the most fruitful one. See and experience paradise yourself. The next and only destination is Palawan. (At Puerto Princesa, stay at Turissimo Hotel which is about 250 steps away from the airport.
Book yourself at Creative Travel and Tours in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga with telephone nos. (045) 963-1348 and 961-0240).
