I have a heart that yearns to travel. Always dreaming of travelling the world one place at a time. As a pinoy saying says, “Wag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan.” So, what better place to start with but here in the Philippines. One of the most renowned places in our country is Palawan. The island is like a national gem already. Pristine waters, clean environment, welcoming people, and one of the most scenic views I’ve seen to date.

When I got invited via a text message from a former colleague I was hesitant because it was addressed to another person but she then said that it was a group message sent to most of us who were form the intensive care unit that I’ve worked for. Everyone was so excited and a lot of us signed up. In the end, only a few were able to join but still quite a group.

There were a lot of struggles before the trip actually happened. Like credit card payments, tours, reservation, unavailability and conflict of schedules. It was all stressful but I think we should give credit to Rej who made most of the effort to make the trip happen and resolving issues quickly.

With all that said, we made it to Palawan.

We flew from Davao to Cebu. Spent one night at the city and flew the next day to Puerto Pricesa. Upon arrival at PPS we were welcomed by our chosen tour package – Kara Travel and Tours. They had variation on their tour packages but we went for tour A. We were rode a van, had a quick lunch at McDonald’s, and after a few minutes we were on the road travelling to El Nido. It was a LONG ride. Even my prepared playlist wasn’t enough to keep me occupied the whole trip. You better pack those neck pillows used for travelling because it will surely serve you well.

As we arrived at El Nido at around 11 PM? I forgot but I’m guessing around that time. We checked in to our hotel and we were instructed to rest well since we were leaving early in the morning for our island hopping. So, we weren’t able to sleep early because first of all… It was already late when we arrived. LOL!

Morning came and we were all set for the tour. It took quite some time for it to get started. We went around islands/lagoons and they were all amazing. I was expecting to like the secret lagoon the best, but I’d say it was the big and small lagoon. I can’t remember where we went kayaking but that was my favorite. We spent a lot time there and  I guess my paddling skills were of use again. But my arms were so sore when we went back to the hotel.

After resting a bit, we decided to go out for dinner searching along the shore line for some good food! There were a lot of restos to choose from. We wanted to try the famous Art Cafe but it was already full and seats were not available anymore unless we were willing to wait long. We ended up transferring. Since we were at the beach, we expected and planned to eat seafoods but it was too expensive. Hahaha! So, guess what? Most of us ended up eating grilled pork and chicken. But some ordered some fish and squid. Everything was tasty, or we were just hungry.

After eating dinner, we strolled a bit and bought souvenir items. Cornballs and I ended up getting lost but we weren’t that worried because there were a lot of people strolling down the streets and most of them were foreigners. I guess the ratio between locals and foreigners were like 1:5. There were more foreigners than locals! Not statistically, just based on observation. As we figured our way back to the hotel, others were already leaving again since they were craving for crepes and ice cream. Would have loved to join them but I was too tired. I had to rest well for the next day.

We were already bound for PPS for the underground river tour which lasted a few minutes. But to get there it was another LONG drive and a short boat ride. The underground river tour was amazing but kinda eerie. It was just so dark inside the cave and so silent since we were discouraged to open our mouths because droppings may be harmful to health. Tip! Bring your flashlight if you don’t want to depend on the tour guides light. It was kinda scary since the water and the boat’s sides were almost on the same level but the water was calm so… Hahaha! I tried not to mind it since we had life vests on. The boatmen were very skillful and jolly. They made the experience more fun! Whenever a group leaves the cave, they were called survivors.

Upon going back to the main dock, we had a buffet lunch just somewhere near. Then we were off again to another souvenir shop to buy more goodies. The rest of the day were free. We decided to eat halo halo at Noki Nocs Savory House. They are very popular for their halo halo. The tricycle driver told us, "Masarap ang halo-halo diyan ma'am! Ice pa lang papapakin mo na!" Then, went walking again. Then went to Kalui? But unfortunately it was reserved for some students so there were no available seats again. The we decided to eat at a bbq place at the baywalk. Rode bikes and just chatted and went home.

Upon resting well that night, we arranged for a city tour at PPS before our flight. My favorite one was Baker’s Hill. It was just a wonderful place to be in. We ate pizza and bought some pastries too. Tons of photos too. It was a good thing that our tour guide was also a nurse so she actually had a lot things to say. Hehe!

When we were home bound we spent another night in cebu. Then flew back to Davao and back to Kidapawan again.

It was a tiring but very fulfilling experience for me. Especially that it was my first time to travel with Cornballs that entails riding a plane and with my workmates as well. I’m really looking forward for more adventures! To see the world and to appreciate how wonderful it could be. It’s a pleasant experience and I guess I will never get tired off travelling and learning! It’s an investment for the soul.

Until the next adventure.

Xoxo

P.S. If you want to see my travel vlog on my Palawan adventure please do visit my YouTube Channel

Links to VLOGs:
Palawanderes Part 1
Palawanderes Part 2
Palawanderes Underground River
Palawanderes City Tour

I've been longing to visit Eden for the longest time. Lately, I've seen photos of people I know who went there. My time came... Just a few days ago. All thanks to the long weekend we had! Cornballs and his family invited me to tag along with them. I was so hyped because it was going to be a first for me.

Road trip to Eden started at 6 AM. I give credits to Google Maps for delivering us. Haha. When were getting nearer we turned off  the AC and opened the windows to feel and breath the fresh air. It made me happy. We arrived late for the reservations for the shuttle tour. It was already full. We didn't bother to call since the website said first come first serve. The next available tour was scheduled at 3 PM which was kinda late already. So we decided to stroll on our own. We were given maps. The temperature of the place made me happy. It was just right. 

Since it was a holiday there were a lot of different groups going on tour. Foreigners, senior citizens, students, and other tourists. We decided to get on with the adventure and went to the rides. We signed up for the Skycycle and Sky Swing. I really thought that the sky cycle was just like ziplining. I was wrong. It made me extra nervous. I was having trouble with my butt. I think their cycle's seat was a bit small! When I rode it and started pedaling I though I would slip out of it any moment. The cables were bouncing and I was going slow and it felt like forever to reach the other end! Hahaha. It was completely safe though. Well, at least I think it is. When we were near the end they took pictures of us and they'd say, "NO HANDs!" So that implies letting go of the handles. I just couldn't do it. I chickened out.

Ride after ride. We went straight to the sky swing. Signed another waiver and put on different set of protective gears. We were oriented on things to do. Just looking at the height of it my knees got weak. I was about to back out but you know... YOLO! Haha. We were set 95 meters high (If I'm not mistaken.) and on the second whistle we were released. It felt nuts! It was terrifying. Haha. It was worth it though. Epic ride.

After the YOLO-ing we went back to get some snacks. Then we looked for the butterfly garden but it started to rain. Cornballs and I went for it anyway. After a short stroll we ended our short trip and went to the city.

We're definitely going back for the tour.

A few years ago I went to Lake Sebu with my cousins after watching a meet. We just ate there and we were out after a few hours. This year I went back with an impromptu invitation with Cornballs' family. We spent long hours sitting in the car as we traveled hours to get there. We asked for direction and got a tour guide as we went. It was all worth it after seeing the scenic landscapes and the delicious Tilapia, and the lovely boat ride tour we had. Especially when we saw the 7 falls and got to try the highest zipline in southeast asia. Beat that!

Would definitely go back if I get another chance. Just to eat the crispy Tilapia fillet.

Traveling early is highly recommended to make the most out of your trip to Lake Sebu.

Thumbs up to the tour guides who were well informed and very accommodating.

Here's a compilation of short videos during our trip :)

Enjoy!

I've been eyeing over secdea for quite sometime since I saw photos of it on instagram. It was quite alluring. I said to myself I must go there.

Well, I just did. A few days before Christmas Team LG planned out a day tour for all of us. I was so hyped! We got our reservations and waited for the day to come!

Haven't been around them for quite sometime so it was a little reunion. Not all of us came because of the schedule differences which was a bummer. College friends should treasure the moments where they could schedule getaways with less complications just because of the schedules. Block sectioning I now appreciate you.

I had to make some errands so I came a day earlier. Good thing my colleague Nina agreed to swap scheds from pm to am shift. So I had time to prepare. The following day everything was set and we were good to go. We met up at Mcdo Bajada first to grab some breakfast.

We then went to Sasa wharf to get on a barge. We had to pay 10 pesos for the token. That's one way, another ten on our way back. After riding the barge we rented a tricycle on the way to secdea. I think it was a 20 minute ride? More or less. Didn't really noticed but it took forever. We had to get down from the tricycle on high areas because it was such a struggle. But don't stress. Good vibes all the way!

Upon arriving we were fetched by a golf cart because it turned out the resort was still found a lot further inside from their gates. We enjoyed it though. The view was nice. Perfect for pictorials. One of my friends had their pre nuptial photo shoot there and it was pretty.

We arrived at the lobby and paid. We spent 750 each for the day tour which is inclusive of a buffet lunch. We also saw a fat ass pug totally adorable.

Our overall experience was such a pleasure. Highly recommended place especially to those who have such an easy access to the place. Until the next trip!

Xo <3