PUERTO PRINCESA: The Princess of the West Philippine Sea

My expectations are high for Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. So much has been said about this big city (as the locals claim) that your anticipation has already been heightened even before setting foot on its land.

I went there to film its scenic spots for a travel show so I didn't really have the luxury of exploring it more intimately, like a laidback traveler usually do. Actually, PP is quite hard to explore if you're on a tight schedule and budget. The scenic spots are scattered sporadically that moving around may cost you a lot - both time and money. The best way to cover as many places as you can is to rent your own vehicle (like a van).

ON MY WITS' END IN CALAUIT!

Palawan never ceases to surprise its visitors! The province (or its group of islands) is never called "the last frontier" for nothing!

On its northwestern side lies the island of Calauit - a game preserve where animals are free to roam and propagate! (to know more about the island, visit http://www.calauitisland.com/ ).

Our tour guide told us that this island turned into a game preserve by then Pres. Marcos as a gift to his son, Bongbong. Animals were imported from Africa. Sadly, the succeeding administration never prioritized its maintenance on their budget allocation, thus the island slowly went into oblivion... Consequently, the welfare of the animals suffered. (Yes, the island needs a budget for veterinarians, maintenance of facilities, etc.)

SAN VICENTE, PALAWAN: The Next Tourism Hotspot

The island province of Palawan never runs out of destinations blessed with unmatched and pristine beauty. Just 5 to 6 hours drive from the capital city, Puerto Princesa, another paradise awaits intrepid and curious traveler who is always in search of that unspoilt paradise...

San Vicente is a quiet municipality in Northwestern, Palawan boasting of equally captivating islands and beaches. It is currently undergoing a series a development as the town is envisioned to be the next tourism hotspot in the country. Our local guide tells us that a number of hotel chains and prominent individuals have already bought properties in the area. In a few years' time, resorts and hotels will be built to accommodate the expected influx of local and foreign tourists.

I guess I'm fortunate to see and experience the place while it's still unspoilt. The sheer beauty of the islands, sans the manicured, man-made landscape, is beyond words. If you don't call this Paradise, there must be something wrong with you!

A vacation house in front of the Long Beach. The design/architecture

of the house blends well with the environment.

The view from the house. The beach is just a few meters away.

A walk down the beach revealed this massive jellyfish, gone ashore.

Seeing this made me think twice to swim at the beach.

The Long Beach. The photo was taken around 6am, when the sun

has not shone on its shores yet. At midday, the beach becomes

blindingly white,just like Boracay. The sand's texture is fine.

The beach is actually 14 kms.long that's why it's been dubbed as

the Longest White Beach in the country.

(Below) The Daplac Cove, Boayan Island. Another paradise

that is a subject of so much controversy. For more info about

the Island and learn what you can do, please visit

www.boayan.org

As for me, I believe the island should be protected

from big hotel companies who will only disrupt the island's

ecosystem. Let it remain as it is... and let people go here

as they please, without paying too much fees.

Well, the island is about an hour's boat ride from the main

town of San Vicente. The seas can be rough during noon to

mid-afternoon, so expect a very bumpy ride. As soon as you

reach the Cove, the waters are already calm and the

view is just magnificent!

(Below) Some of the islands found in San Vicente.

(Below) The new International Airport. As part of the

Arroyo government's plan to boost the town's tourism potential,

a new international airport is being built right in San Vicente.

The airport, according to our guide, will have direct flights

from Thailand, Japan, Bali, etc.

And to experience San Vicente's Long Beach, one no longer

needs cross the seas, as the airport is conveniently

located near the coast.

San Vicente is also just 3 hours away from El Nido.

Once the airport becomes operational, it can cut the travel

time from Puerto Princesa to El Nido significantly.

EL NIDO... PARADISO!

El Nido is one of my dream destinations in the country. I have always been intrigued with its karsts / stone formations, and its clear waters. And when I got there, my initial impression was... WOWWWW!

It's really a land of wonders! The stones mountains that surround the town plaza were so magnificent, one gets a feeling of amazement and intimidation upon seeing them all over you. As an urbanite, I am used to seeing tall skyscrapers surrounding me. But these karsts are really magical! I wouldn't mind staring at the them whole day!

The islands are also beautiful, and so are the waters surrounding them. Now I know why foreign tourists love this part of Palawan. You can actually see them in the islets/islands enjoying the waters or just the view! Our nation is indeed blessed!

I just observed that most Pinoy tourists who were at the lagoon were quite funny! They were so afraid to jump in the crystal clear and calm waters despite having their life vests on. And once they're on the water, they cuddle together like playing "the boat is sinking, group yourselves into..."! And just a few meters away, you can see the foreign tourists snorkeling without their vests on, moving (or swimming) or swimming around like children thrown in a pool! How ironic that as a nation surrounded with waters, most Pinoys don't know how to swim... or are afraid of the sea/waters.

El Nido is such a paradise... and the only way to truly enjoy is to dive into its sparkling beauty, literally and figuratively!