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

The last time I was at Tacloban I purchased a fan with Kalanggaman Island as its design. I said I had to go there someday. And so I did! This year was my year!

NOTE: Photos posted are all mine. Please give credits if used. These are all raw photos from my phone's camera (Zenfone 5)

It took us a few hours to get to Palompon, Leyte from Tacloban City. It was everybody's first time. Luckily everything went smoothly. A local said to find the yellow house where we should be paying for our boat. It was easy to find. The hard part was crossing the sea to get there. Our first boat experienced some trouble so we had to wait for back up.

It took more or less an hour to actually get to the island. The view during the boat ride was breathtaking and there were a lot of dolphins visible. Quite entertaining!

 Getting closer

When we arrived there was already a group of Korean people taking pictures. We found out that the island was all ours overnight since the Koreans were going home that same day.

This was the only remaining structure left standing after typhoon Yolanda hit Leyte.

They said it's called Kalanggaman because the island's shape is like of a birds silhouette but there were also many red ants there so it got me a little bit confused.

I was so ready to release the stress.

Since the island was small it was easy to walk around it.

Later that afternoon we went to the sand bar.

Good thing I had sunnies with me. Sun was extra bright and warm that day.

Shell hunting. We weren't allowed to take them home though.

There were no overnight cottages available so if you want to spend the night here better bring a sturdy tent. The wind was very strong that night also started raining.

Had to wear glasses to appreciate the view.

Remember the Koreans I was talking about? They wrote this down and I have no idea what it means.

So this couple arrived and it turned out that the island wasn't entirely ours anymore. Haha. They were getting in the way of me trying to capture the cloud that shapes into a letter H. I hope you see it. It's quite small.

The beach turned red during sunset. It was amazing. It was enchanting to see the skies change colors every minute. It was pretty.

The following morning we saw the sand bar completely visible until its tail end.

So this is the edge... Swimming here is not allowed anymore because current is too strong.

We had to rush back after taking photos because the waters were beginning to meet and we had to jog our way back. A bit scary but it was fine.

It truly was an island life experience. There was no electricity, no water supply, no food vendors... But it was just the way I imagined it to be. I loved it. It was sweet serenity.

I'd say, "Wag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan."

TIPS if you want to come here:

-Bring portable stove

-Bring food that does not spoil easily

-Drinking water!

-Tent

-Cooler and ice

-Chargeable lights + powerbank

-Linens

-Reservation

-Snacks

-Come early

-Insect repellant (If you're sensitive)

The boatmen will bring 3 gallons of water for your rinsing and all that shiz.