Second day of our Palawan Tour was for exploring one of the 7 Wonders of Nature, which is the Underground River. This time, I availed a tour package because there's no way to go there unless through accredited travel agencies in Puerto Princesa. We rode in a van, together with a family of 10 members. It was quite a long ride but we enjoyed it.
Once you reached the port, the tour guide will register your name to the local tourism desk, then you will wait for your turn to board a motorized boat that will take you to the shores of the Underground River.
After alighting the boat, and taking some pictures with the rock formations on your background, you can start walking under the trees, to reach the river that will lead you to the caves. Be cautious with your things as wild monkeys roam around the area. They might snatch anything from you, thinking they are something to eat. They do not recommend feeding the monkeys here.
Small boats that can carry 8 people piled up in the riverbed. The person who will be seated at the front of the boat will be asked to hold the lamp that will serve as your light inside the dark cave. Since it was a protected area, motorized boats are not allowed, therefore, the bangkero will just paddle for the eight of you all throughout the one kilometer navigable area of the subterranean river.
Honestly, I didn't like the idea. I am not comfortable with the dark, with caves, and with deep waters as I do not know how to swim. But I should see for myself what's inside this world-famous underwater river so I just sat quietly and made sure I have worn my life vest for safety. We entered the cave and as we go further, the lights from outside started to vanish, leaving us with only one lamp for light. OH NOOOOOOHHH! I could barely breath, really! All I could do was enjoy the sights, the bats, the different rock formations, and laugh at the bangkero's funny jokes.My heart was pounding all the way as I imagine the scene of Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore inside a dark cave. As I look at the waters in the dark, I thought of corpses and snakes coming in our boat! What a creative mind! LOL! I was so relieved when I see other boats inside the cave, that at-least-we-are-not-alone-thought! Haha!
I was amazed, though so nervous with the things I saw inside. The rock formations, the bats, though they really stink, the highest ceiling inside the cave, and everything that makes it one of the seven wonders of nature. It is 8 km wide, but they only allow tourists to navigate 1 km of it. Professional divers can reach the 4th kilometre but they have to secure special permits from the local tourism office. There are also several species of animals that can only live there.
This adventure really took my breath away. And that's what made it unforgettable.
It’s been my long-time dream to travel to Palawan, one of the top tourist destinations here in the Philippines, both for Filipinos and foreigners. And last 2013, this dream came true. I was in-charge of planning the itinerary, and arranging for the lodging and tours, and my boyfriend was in-charge of the expenses. Fair enough, right? LOL!
We arrived at Puerto Princesa City before lunch, so we were able to unpack our things in the hotel where we stayed for 3 days and two nights. Puerto Pension served as our home in the city.
After several minutes of rest, we boarded a tricycle that we rented for the city tour.
It was lunch time, so after visiting the cathedral, we headed to Ka Lui, the famous native restaurant where you have to take your slippers off upon entering their premises. We ordered the 'Special Catch of the Day Set'. It was a complete meal for two. Fish steak, prawns, sauteed veggies, and spicy squid. Plus slices of fruits in a freshly opened young coconut to top it off! This is just one thing we love when travelling: Food Trip!
After lunch, we proceeded to our city tour. We visited the crocodile farm. Here in Palawan they're serving crocodile meats as one of the exotic dishes, but please don't ask me how it tastes because I can't even imagine chewing a piece of meat of those deadly creatures! They culture young crocs in this farm for their meat. We also went to butterfly garden to have a closer look of these pretty insects. Then we visited Mitra's ranch where there is an overlooking view of the Palawan shores. We also went to Baker's Hill, a park where you can have your pictures taken and buy some 'hopia' for pasalubong.
The last spot for our Day 1 Itinerary was the Iwahig Firefly Watch. And this was my favorite! At first it seemed so creepy and I really felt nervous. It was so dark, only the two of us, plus the bangkero in a small boat, paddling across the silent river covered with mangroves. When the bangkero saw a tree full of fireflies, he will flash some red light to them so they will make their lights blink and shine even brighter! We approached the trees being lighted by hundreds of fireflies, the nature's very own all-season Christmas lights , OHHHHHH! It was really amazing! I can't even put into words how I was delighted by the sight. Awesome and magical! Too bad we cannot capture how beautiful it was because we only have smart phones that time and the surroundings were so dim. We spotted around 4 to 6 'blinking mangroves' during our one-hour boat ride. As we approached the dock, the moon slowly began to rise into the clouds.
Boat ride in a river, full moon, fireflies all over the trees, silence, with the one you love. Awwwwww.... Could there be any more romantic scene than this? :)
