Travel 101: Puerto Princesa, Palawan Philippines

View from the Sabang zipline

Welcome to Puerto Princesa, Palawan! Home of the breathtaking landscapes, picturesque beaches, friendly locals and  the world-known Underground River. Puerto Princesa has a lot to offer - so save up (just a little) and bring yourself to a paradise!

1) How to get to Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Several domestic flights are available from Manila to Puerto Princesa via Cebu Pacific & AirAsia Zest. They offer very low fares when flights are booked in advance and during promo fares. We only paid B$ 98 or Php 3,234 return for 2 pax via AirAsia. Some can get even cheaper than that so keep an eye on promo fares.

2) Where to Stay

There are a lot of inns, hotels and pension houses in Puerto Princesa. We chose and recommend Labelle Pension House  - they were very accommodating, always looked after our needs and in my opinion have the most affordable tour packages. We availed their 3 days and 2 nights tour package which included 2 nights accomodation in a deluxe room, underground river tour, honda bay island tour and a half day city tour. That's not all, we had free breakfasts and lunches for 2 days and a free airport transfer all for Php 4,100 per person. Pretty great deal eh. Dave and I only paid Php 8,200 for 3 days and 2 nights of  paradise fun.

3) Where to Eat

This island boasts fresh seafood in their local cuisine. We dined at Kalui Restaurant as we were intrigued by the high ratings at Tripadvisor (teehee). We were not disappointed with our choice. Ask the hotel receptionist to reserve seats for you as this restaurant is always full. 
We also ate at the carenderia nearby Labelle as we missed the carenderia food. 

Kalui Restaurant menu

4) Things to Do

You will not run out of things to do at Puerto Princesa. Below are the following activities we had during our trip:

Half Day City Tour (1st day)
Running tour within the City proper

• Plaza Cuartel
• Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral
• City Baywalk
• Souvenir Shops
• Crocodile Farm
• Mitra’s Ranch
• Baker’s Hill 

Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour (2nd day)
Visit the following islands and go snorkeling, swimming or just relax and get yourself tanned. Tips: Prepare extra cash as you will need to rent some booties and/or snorkeling gears (if you want). Booties/Snorkels rental: Php 150.00/each

• Cowrie Island
• Luli island  
• Starfish Island                        

Underground River Adventure Tour (3rd day)
 While waiting at the wharf for your boat, you can try the above-the-ocean Sabang zipline with the other tourists. Zipline fee is Php 550.00

Or just stare at this gem

Upon reaching the underground river, there will be a waiting time for your turn to go inside. You can stroll around and soak in the beauty of nature. Boat cruise inside the world known underground river. Laugh along with your funny guide. They are all funny I guess. Take photos. And be amazed.

And fall in love again

 
In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.

The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. - Psalm 95: 4-5

3 Things learned in 3 years of Marriage

It has been three years. Three lesson-filled, challenging beautiful years. In a span of that time, we got married, honeymooned, got pregnant, gave birth, moved 4 times, and  traveled as a couple and as a family.

It is worth pondering as the years passed and see how it made me appreciate married life as it is.

·        The joy in marriage is found in the little things. Everyday little things. You may have heard it before and it holds true to us. It is in the little acts that a marriage blossoms, nourished and thrives. It is the kiss early in the morning, spontaneous hugs, late night cuddles, and unexpected messages. It is when your spouse looks after the baby so you could take rest, when he volunteers to do the laundry, when you cook his favorite meal, when he makes you laugh over silly things, when he holds your hand in public and even while sleeping, and the list goes on and on... 

This comes easy for me because Dave is naturally a sweet husband. He is not a flowers and chocolate kind of guy but he does more than that. Thankfully, I am not into chocolates or flowers for that matter! And because he knows that I love being kissed and hugged, he showers me with them. He always helps me out in the kitchen while I prepare our ‘baon’ early in the morning. For me, it’s not the grand gestures – it is the day to day moments that matters the most. 

·         Marriage makes you a better person. If you let yourself be. If not, then that’s another story. Marriage makes you love the person past through his or her mistakes, as God calls us to. It makes you see how imperfect you are too and fall short in truly loving your spouse. It teaches you to be forgiving and extend grace when one is being unlovable.

You will be hurt and feel unloved by your spouse, that’s inevitable because we are not in a Walt-Disney movie, because in reality we will not like  each other sometimes.
Ruth Graham Bell quotes, ‘’Marriage is a union of two good forgivers’’. If couples do not forgive each other, no marriage will last.    

 ·       That I am work in progress and I will keep on learning. On becoming a better wife. On carrying out my role in God's design for marriage. I will fall short as I am not perfect but I will stand again and be faithful on this calling. There will be days that are difficult than the others but I believe that they also come to pass. I thank those days as they teach me new things. New perspective. And a better understanding.

There is no perfect marriage they say and that is true. We are imperfect individuals who rub each other's edges and refine each other. Marriage really make one either better or bitter. The choice is ours.

In a word, live together in the forgiveness of your sins, for without it no human fellowship, least of all a marriage, can survive.   - Dietrich Bonhoeffer    

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. - Colossians 3:13