Architect's Summit Day 0: Puerto Pricesa City Tour

My first day at Puerto Princesa City is intended for the City Tour.  I have reserved the tour of the beaches and offshore destination this Saturday as part of the Summit Package.

Since I am traveling alone, I relied on blogs for my itinerary.  I originally planned on hiring the tourism accredited tricycle which I contacted through another blogsite that charges me 700 pesos for the half day tour.  But when I checked-in to my Hotel at Island Stay, they were offering the same tour for 600 pesos, inclusive of entrance fees, tour guide and snacks at the comfort of an air conditioned van.

I arrived around 12 NN and was picked up around 1:30PM.  Joining me were 3 other groups.  There was a foreign couple, 2 fellow architects from Ilo-ilo, and 5 nurses who are also attending their convention.

Once complete, we were off to our 1st destination, the Puerto Princesa Baywalk.  The baywalk is best appreciated at night and a place where people can eat at the many food stalls offering a variety of dishes.  Its favorite hang out for locals and is known for the tallest Christmas Tree making it to the Guiness Book of World Records.

After passing the Sea Port, we were then taken to the Plaza Cuartel which is located just beside the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral.

Entrance of Plaza Cuartel

Plaza Cuartel

Plaza Cuartel has a tragic past.  It was the site where 150 American and Filipino prisoners were massacred by the Japanese towards the end of World War 2.  A monument commemorating the victims is found inside the compound.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Puerto Princesa

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Right across Plaza Cuartel is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.  The Immaculate Conception is the Patron Saint of the City, the reason for the blue and white color of the church.  It is also the color of the city.  As you go around town, you will notice that all their tricycles are painted in this color.  They also have a traffic coding system based on them.

The Color Coded Tricycle of the City in Blue and White

After the Cathedral, we navigated our way through the main street, Rizal Avenue to our next destination.  Rizal Avenue is also known as the Port to Port road, with the seaport on one end and the airport on the other and stretches 3 kilometers.

We were then taken to the first of the two souvenir complex we would visit.  Since, this is just the start of my stay, and have no baggage allowance, I just explored the other shops in the vicinity.

Souvenir Shops

Mercado de San Miguel

Mercado de San Miguel is a souvenircomplex complimented with coffee shops and restaurants.  I was drawn to an Art Cafe beside it, but went to try the Casoy Brewed Coffee at Isla Casoy de Palawn.  I even got myself a jar of the Casoy Butter.

The Charming Art Cafe within the complex.  I will definitely come back should I have more time.  The entrance reminded me of "The Shire" from Lord of the Rings.

The many ways to enjoy Casoy! From Coffee to wines and the many other flavors it was packed.  I personally got myself a jar of the Casoy Butter and tried Casoy Brewed Coffee to go!

LRC Souvenir Complex

This is a bigger complex with more varieties on display.  There are also stalls beside it selling shirts and local handicarfts.

By time, I now regret not having bought a baggage allocation for my return flight.  There are so many items I want to bring home.

After the souvenir shops, we then transferred to Binautan Creations.

Binuatan Creations

Binuatan Creations is a community based weaving industry, wherein grass and other local fibers are woven into mats and bags and other souvenir products.  You can actually watch the weavers at work and will let you even try using the looms.

Palawan Wildlife Recue and Conservation Center

Popularly known as the Crocodile Farm, the Center allows visitors to appreciate these calm but very ferocious creatures.  Right at the entrance is the skin and skeleton of the largest crocodile caught in the wild prior to Lolong.  Guests are then taken to the hatchling tanks and the cages for grown crocodiles.  An optional visit to their nature park allows you to see some of the endemic animals of Palawan.

Remains of the 2nd Largest Crocodile caught in the wild

The Palawan Bear Cat

Mitra Ranch

Mitra Ranch is Puerto Princesa's Version of Tagaytay.  Perched on a hill, it offers a view of Honda Bay and the landscape of Palwan.

Honda Bay as viewed from Mitra's Ranch

Bakers Hill

Bakers Hill is a Park with landscaped gardens complimented with fiberglass figures of famous characters.  It is also known for their baked treats like the hopia and the restaurants.

Bakers Hill was the last stop for the trip, and we were then brought back to our respective hotels.

If this is your first time in Puerto Princesa, the tour serves as a good introduction to the city.  I'm looking forward to my Honda Bay Tour on Saturday.

Architect's Summit Day 0: Dinner at Ka Lui's

After the City Tour of Puerto Princesa, I just went back to the hotel to freshen up and take away the layer of dust from my skin. I rewarded myself with dinner at Ka Lui's. My blog research on Puerto Princesa always includes this restaurant in their must visit place.
Two days before my arrival, I called to make my reservation. It's a must to guarantee you a seat, even for a solo traveller like me. True enough, the place is full when I got there.

I was greeted by the receptionist at the entrance confirming my reservation and was asked to take off my slippers. All guests are required to go barefoot.  It was good since I miss the feel of bamboo slats on my feet which reminded me of my visit to our hometown in Borongan in Samar.  The interior showcases wood and bamboo in its varying forms. 

I was then ushered to my table near the entrance.

I ordered myself the Ka Lui's Special Set intend for two people which would cost 545 including taxes.

The first items served was the soup and Lato appetizer.  I'm not a big fan of fish broth, but this one is not fishy at all.  The Lato drenched in calamansi burst in your mouth, like pop rock candies.

The pan seared tuna came next, with the waiter bringin the actual pan before placing the fillets on your plate. Then the fish rolled with green chillies and what I assumed basil in coconut cream followed.

I was given two servings of rice, maybe because of my built.

The prawn in butter sauce followed with the eggplant tempura in a sweet chili sauce.

After the meal cane dessert. It was a mix of fresh fruits served in a coconut nut shell topped with muscovado sugar.

Now I know why this is a favorite of bloggers and tourists. I was ready to leave when I decided to take a trip to the restroom.  Walking barefoot, I was surprised to see the size of the restaurant.  All I can see from my table was the entrance and a small portion of the dining area.  The place also houses a gallery with a collection of local art.

Architect's Summit Day 0: Getting There

This is it!  I have been planning for this trip weeks ahead.  Fortunately, I was able to convince my company to pay for the 4,500 pesos registration fee.  It's good that they support professional growth through the different professional organization.  Apart from the summit, which is themed "Architects Summit & Sustainable Environment Tourism", this is also my opportunity to go back to Puerto Princesa, Palawan.  I was there last February for the Area B Assembly, but have very little photo to show for my trip.  Well, I wasn't really able to explore much because I was task to host some of the days event.  I will make the most of my visit this time.

Thanks to Tiger Airways, I was able to grab their Piso Fare Promo last August and got me a one way ticket amounting to 700 pesos inclusive of everything.  Excluding the 200 peso terminal fee, its just 500 pesos.  I booked myself a room for the night at Island Stays.  It was still under construction last February but was able to stay at their Cebu Branch.  I figured, since this is new, I will be getting the best amenities.  I will find that out later when I check in.  As of the moment, I am waiting to board the plane at the Terminal 4 of NAIA.

I haven't been back here at the Old Domestic Terminal for a long time.  I can see some improvements.  The check-in counter feels more spacious, or probably because there are less airlines sharing the terminal.  I cant help but notice Pasaway moments from fellow passengers, but I want to devote a blog entry exclusive to that.

On my last trip, I relied greatly on blog entries on the places to stay.  The biggest deciding factor was the cost since I will be arriving late in the afternoon and would not want to spend more than a thousand for less than 24 hour stay.  I got myself a fan room at Yin and Yang Inn.  It was decent and located just a few steps from the popular dining places in Puerto Princesa.  My disappointment with the room is that it's located at the end of the hallway, that cellphone and wifi signals are non-existent.  The mosquitoes also kept me awake that evening.  Not even a few Red Horse consumed helped.

As for Island Stay, Their room in Cebu was very compact, but just right for a Solo Traveler like me.  Walls were painted white with bright orange accents.  I admire their space saving features like the foldable robe hooks and counters.  You're guaranteed that what they claim on the website is what you will be getting.

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I started writing while waiting for boarding, and now am actually checked in to my room.

With my 950 pesos, I have an airport transfer that I missed because I was in a rush to go out of the airport and Island Stay is literally a few blocks away.

Originally, I contacted a tricycle for my city that's charging 700 pesos.  I coordinated with the front desk and they booked a shared van city tour including entrance fees for 600 pesos.  That's how I will spend the rest of the afternoon.

In the meantime, I'm in the lookout for a place to have lunch.

Boracay on a Budget in 24 Hours

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I have been to Boracay many times and surprised that I haven't blogged about it.  A cousin of mine asked for tips that prompted me to backtrack my entries.  Well since I found nothing except for the meals I tried, here's my Boracay on a Budget suggestion.

Infinity Pool at Shangri-la Boracay

Boracay has become so accessible, that I have tried almost all means of getting there except for the 12-hour ferry from Batangas Port. Since most of you are familiar coming from the airports of Kalibo and Caticlan, I will just write about the cheaper alternative, which are the RORO Options.

RORO:

Manila - Batangas Pier = 2 hours, 157pesos

Batangas Pier - Calapan Port = 2 hours

Calapan to Roxas Port = 4 hours

Roxas Port to Caticlan Jetty Port = 4 hours

Caticlan to Cagban = 15 minutes

(I don't have the updated fares, but it’s less than 1.2K)

The advantage of this is that you can leave any time as most of the vans and vessel has continuous trips throughout the day.  The disadvantage is that you’re stuck in a cramped van for 4 hours plus the bus ride, and can be tiring and stressful especially during the holidays when the ports are crowded.

RORO via 2GO from Batangas Port:

Manila - Batangas Pier = 2 hours, 157 pesos

Batangas Pier - Cagban Jetty Port = 9-10 hours, 820 pesos-1036 pesos

Caticlan to Cagban = 15 Minutes.

This is more comfortable if your not sea sensitive.  Unlike the first option, you are free to move around the vessel during the 10-hour boat ride.  Since the boat leaves at night, you can just use the time to sleep giving you energy to explore the island the next day on your arrival.  The disadvantage is that it only leaves 9PM daily.  It's important that you allow more time to get to Batangas Port, otherwise you have no choice but to do the first option.  If you are going on a weekend, the ferry leaves early Sunday morning, and there is a great chance that you would miss it especially if you party hard the night before.

If you're going on a weekend and leaving on a Friday, you have the entire Saturday to explore the island.  This is the must do for a 24 hour stay in Boracay.

7:00 AM  ETA Once you set foot on the Island, you will need a place to stay.  It's best that you book it beforehand to save time.  If you have money to spare, then get one of the beachfront accommodations, but I would recommend the small resorts hidden on the many access roads to the beach.  It's more practical since you would spend most of your activities outside.  I would always book a room at Crystal Ocean Resort.  Its in Station 2, with Bohol Tropics as the Landmark from the Main Road and La Carmela at the Beachfront.  They are one of the few remaining resort that charges per room instead of per person.  The fan room costs less than a thousand during lean days.

Crystal Ocean Resort

Phone:

+63-999-714 03 44 (cell phone)

+63-36-288 66 48 (landline)

E-Mail:

crystaloceanresort@yahoo.com

Check-in time is usually around 2PM, but sometimes, they would let you settle to your room if it’s available.  In case it's not, just leave your baggage in their custody for safekeeping as you look for a breakfast place.

8:00 AM Go to Real Coffee

Walk your way at the beachfront from your resort to Station 1.  Be cautious of the sign that says Real Coffee pointing to one of the alleys after passing Yellow CAB Pizza.  It is one of the few remaining original establishment in Boracay that has kept its rustic charm.  The place serves breakfast all day but is known for their Calamansi Muffins.  Try the Pesto Omelet.  The serving is actually good for two.

 

Calamansi Muffin at Real Coffee

With a few hours to spare before lunch, try walking further to Station 1 until you reach Willy's Rock, where a Grotto was built.  This is your opportunity for photos where your friends would easily recognize the background.  Station 1 is the best area to swim since it's less crowded and has a wider beach.  Most of the expensive resorts are also clustered here.

By this time, you would have a tan that would normally take ordinary people two days to achieve.  With only 24 hours, you need to maximize the suns exposure to show for your trip.  If you're still full from breakfast, visit the D'Mall or D'Talipapa to buy souvenirs and pasalubong.  Also, be in the lookout for a place to have lunch.  Jonas, another Boracay landmark is popular for their shakes but also serves Pizza's and Tacos.  For a value for money filling meal, I would recommend Smoke near the Wet Section of the Market in D'Mall.  All meals are cooked fresh and fast, and priced reasonably.  They also have a branch near the beachfront side by side with the souvenir shops, but I still go back to Wet Market Branch.

 

Smoke's Offerings!

After eating, you can just walk to the main road and hail a Tricycle to take you back to your resort.  Hopefully your room is available by this time.  Take a shower to cool down and rest a bit.  I'm sure your feet are complaining with all that walking.

As much as you would like to stay comfortably in your bed for the rest of the afternoon, you need to drag yourself out again around 3 PM to go on a Happy Hour Bar Hop.  Beverages tend to be cheaper towards Station 3.  Start from that area and pick a nice spot to view the sunset away from the crowd.  Try not too drink too much, and remember to leave room in your belly for dinner. 

 

One of the best place to see the Sunset!

I would always go to La Carmela for their dinner buffet.  It has a wide variety of viands and a Mongolian Stir Fry Station.  That is, if it’s open and not catering to the many events they host.  If it's not, then choose the nearest buffet that's less than 300 pesos and comes with a drink.  It will only get more expensive as you move towards D'Mall.

Nightlife in Boracay would depend on you music preference.  There are bars catering to folk, reggae, rock, pop and techno.  Just follow the beat that lures you to their place.

By this time, you have exhausted all your energy that all you want to do is sleep.  If your taking the 2Go ferry, you have no choice, since it leaves Caticlan around 9AM arriving in Batangas around 7PM.  But if you're taking the 1st option, you can sleep late and wake up ate until your time to check out.  You can take the last vessel to Roxas Port, which leaves at 4PM and arrives in Manila around 4AM. 

Approximate Budget:

Transportation: 2,400

Breakfast: 300

Lunch: 200

Room: 1000

Snack: 150

Dinner: 300

Happy Hour: 500 (I drink a lot)

Breakfast: 100

Total: 4,950

Of course there's always the turo-turo where a decent meal costs 50 pesos, and the occasional promo fares, which could actually be cheaper than RORO.

One More Chance at Puerto Princesa and El Nido

This would be my second time to visit Puerto Princesa.  I spent Valentines day this year in the city to attend the Architect's Assembly.  That's why I was surprised that the National Summit for Architects will also be held in Puerto Princesa.

I was not able to see much during my first visit.  I arrived late the first day that the only thing left for me to do was to check in at my Hotel and explore the night life at a local bar just to let Valentines Day Pass.  On the second day, we checked in again to our assigned hotels and joined the Amazing Race around the city in the afternoon. Although we came in 2nd and was able to visit most of the city's attraction, I wasn't able to take photos and got nothing to show for my tour.

The second day was spent attending seminars that I hosted and the fellowship at Microtel Resort Beach Area in the evening.  Still I have nothing to show for my trip other than a few sunset shots.  I wasn't even able to visit the must visit foodie places like Ka Lui's.

This trip is my second chance to explore as many attraction of the province as I can.  This  time, I will skip the underground river to give way to my dream destination, El Nido.  Here is my planned 5D/4N Puerto Princesa - El Nido itinerary:

Day 1 October 24, 2013
11:15 AM ETA Puerto Princesa
11:30 AM Check-in at My Hotel (Options is at Island Stay 950php single  or Yin and Yang 850 fan room)
I'm considering the Cheap Accommodation list of Journeying James
12:00 NN Lunch at Viet Ville
1:00   PM City Tour (Look for a Tourism accredited Tricycle, Jesus Uy 09202390274)
5:00   PM Back in the City
7:00   PM Dinner at Ka Lui's
9:00   PM Night Out

Day 2 October 25, 2013
7:00   AM Breakfast
12:00 NN Check-out at Register at the Summit (Legend Hotel)
1:00   PM Chapter Presidents Assembly
2:00   PM Check-in
6:30   PM Welcome Dinner

Day 3 October 26, 2013
8:00 AM  Honda Bay Tour
3:00 PM Back at Puerto Princesa
10:00 PM Night Trip to El Nido

Day 4 October 27, 2013
4:00 AM Arrival at El Nido
6:00 AM Breakfast
8:00 AM El Nido Tour A
5:00 PM  Back at the Resort
7:00 PM Dinner

Day 5 October 28, 2013
5:30 AM Morning Trip to Puerto Princesa
12:00 NN Flight Back to Manila

Hope all goes well according to plan!