Don't Lose Your Marbles

We were fortunate enough to join my aunt when she traveled to Puerto Princesa, Palawan last month.  I booked our flight from Manila via Cebu Pacific and the return flight via PAL Express and I found a nice hotel listed on Agoda at a discounted rate (to be reviewed in a succeeding blogpost).  I also managed to get the services of La Tiara Tours again for our Underground River, Honda Bay island hopping, and city tour. We arrived at Puerto Princesa airport past 12 noon. I noticed there were more promotional posters and tarps here than in 2011 and with the small size of the arrival area, it's not helping that there are tour operators/representatives hawking their services inside the arrival area while you wait for your luggages. The local government should put up a regulated information booth inside the airport and visitors can book tours/hotels there instead of being touted at the very small arrival area. After getting our luggage at the carousel, we headed for the exit an...

Trip Summary: Travel Time: approximately 2 1/2 hours from Puerto Princesa City  (land travel and boat ride from Sabang pier) Undeground River paddleboat tour: 40-45 minutes Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes/sandals for beach, boardwalk Not wheelchair-accessible. Elderly or persons with walking difficulties.   Getting to the boat at the Sabang pier involves the use of concrete stairs. Basic restroom (sometimes with wet/muddy floors) at the Sabang pier and at the registration area;   pail-flush (aka buhos system) Kids younger than 7yrs should be with parents/guardians at all times due to open waters. Lifevests and hard hats are required for all guests.  Sweat, perfume, and body odor included.  Plus-sized guests might find it difficult to find one that fits them. Bring sunblock, sunglasses, and mosquito repellent. Photo ops: Yes!  But know that water (cold) and bat pee (warm) drips down from inside the cave.  Low light conditions ...