Mabuhay
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My wife and I are really excited, like children, when we head into the unknown.
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Outside the airport, there’s no long queue of taxis or chaotic rush. Instead, a line of colorful tricycles waits patiently, engines humming like they already know you’re here for something new. I hop into one, my bag squeezed beside me, and with a quick nod from the driver, we roll into the city.
The ride is simple—but that’s exactly where the magic is.
As the tricycle weaves through the streets, everything feels close and open. Palm trees sway lazily above low-rise buildings, roadside eateries send out the scent of grilled seafood, and locals move at an unhurried pace that makes you realize you’ve left the city rush far behind. The wind brushes against your face, carrying a mix of sunshine and sea breeze, while every turn reveals something unfamiliar yet welcoming.
There’s a quiet thrill in it—the kind that doesn’t shout, but lingers. No grand landmarks yet, no itinerary ticking in your head—just the raw excitement of seeing a place for the first time, one street at a time.
And as the tricycle hums forward, you can’t help but smile.
This is how Puerto Princesa introduces itself—not with spectacle, but with a gentle, steady charm that makes you want to keep going.
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A trip to Puerto Princesa City would never feel complete without venturing into its most iconic natural wonder—the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, famously known as the Underground River.
As our tricycle rattled gently along the road, the driver glanced back and, almost like a seasoned guide, offered a tip that instantly shifted our plans: “Sir, better book one day ahead—slots fill up fast.” It wasn’t just casual advice; it was a reality check. With streams of tourists—both local and international—arriving daily, securing a booking isn’t something you leave to chance.
And he was right.
There’s a certain urgency that comes with limited travel time. You begin to realize that every hour counts, especially in a place like Palawan where nature doesn’t wait—and neither do the queues. The thought of missing out on one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature simply because of a fully booked schedule? That’s not a risk worth taking.
So we stopped by Kalokairi Travel and Tours to book a day trip to the underground river. We paid P4400 for 2 pax.
Because in Puerto Princesa, spontaneity is part of the adventure—but a little foresight ensures you don’t miss the experience that brought you here in the first place.
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Upon checking into our small but cozy room, we lay flat in bed to refresh ourselves.
Along the neighborhood, we bought our all-time favorite chicken grilled in charcoal.
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| Our simple dinner of rice and grilled chicken |
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| This is how tricycles are dressed up in Palawan. |
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| We hired a tricycle for a day tour of the city. |
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Our first stop on the city tour brought us to a place that felt both fascinating and sobering—the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center.
Often referred to by locals as the “Crocodile Farm,” the name barely scratches the surface of what this place truly represents. As we stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted from casual sightseeing to something more purposeful. This wasn’t just a tourist stop—it was a working conservation site dedicated to protecting Palawan’s unique wildlife.
Walking along the enclosures, we came face-to-face with the stars of the center: massive Philippine crocodiles, resting silently with an almost prehistoric presence. Some lay still as stone, while others slid effortlessly into the water, reminding us just how powerful they are. It’s equal parts thrilling and humbling.
But beyond the crocodiles, the center tells a deeper story—of endangered species, rehabilitation efforts, and the ongoing challenge of preserving nature in a rapidly changing world. You don’t just leave with photos; you leave with awareness.
As our first destination, it set the tone perfectly—Puerto Princesa isn’t just about scenic beauty, it’s also about responsibility, conservation, and respect for the wild.
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Our second stop took us uphill to the refreshing greens of Mitra's Ranch—a place where the city slowly fades and nature takes over.
Perched on a hilltop, the ranch welcomed us with sweeping views of Puerto Princesa, rolling fields, and a breeze that felt noticeably cooler and cleaner. It’s the kind of place where you instinctively slow down, take a deep breath, and just enjoy the open space.
But the real highlight? Finally getting the chance to ride a horse.
There’s something quietly exhilarating about climbing onto the saddle for the first time—the mix of excitement and slight nervousness as the horse begins to move. Step by step, the rhythm settles in, and suddenly you’re no longer just a visitor—you’re part of the landscape. Riding across the ranch, with the wind brushing past and the view stretching endlessly ahead, felt like a simple yet unforgettable adventure.
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Perched on elevated ground, the place immediately draws you in with its vibrant, well-manicured gardens and playful atmosphere. What truly makes it stand out are the life-sized fairy-tale and cartoon characters scattered across the landscape—each corner feels like a scene waiting to be discovered. It’s colorful, imaginative, and surprisingly immersive—easily reminiscent of the themed charm you’d find in Sentosa Island.
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But Baker’s Hill isn’t just about visuals—it’s a feast in every sense.
After strolling through the gardens and snapping photos, we made our way to their bakery, where the aroma alone was enough to pull you in. We indulged in their famous hopia—warm, flaky, and perfectly sweet—along with an assortment of freshly baked breads that lived up to every bit of their reputation. Simple treats, done exceptionally well.
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