Name of Trip: Palawan Eco-Adventures 2010
Date: February 27 - March 2, 2010
Date: February 27 - March 2, 2010
Destination: Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Travel via: Air (Philippine Airlines), Land (van, tricycle), Water (motorboat)
Welcome to Mitra Ranch!
On our last day in Puerto Princesa. we did the half day city tour since we will flying to Manila late in the afternoon.We woke up at 7AM and took breakfast at Casa Fuerte and then we met Aileen our tour guide and after we ate breakfast, we were off the road again. They told stories about how Palawan and Puerto Princesa City evolved on what was today. We toured on different locations. It is a huge city, partially urban and rural areas were saw along the road. Here are some of the places we visited:
1. Immaculate Conception Cathedral
This was located at Rizal Avenue and one of the main attractions of the city. This was their patron and it became cathedral last 1961. Their feast day is on December 8 so expected many people will flock to the church for its grand celebration.
situated along the city
church design
went inside and pray
another shot
Immaculate Conception
2. Plaza Cuartel
This place was just across the cathedral. This is where the site of Palawan Massacre. This is where 150 American prisoners were kept during World War II. This was the place where Japanese decided to burned them alive. Many were died here and 11 only were survived. This place was a bit scary but the place reminded about the dark past of the province.
entrance
the history
the monument
up close
The memorial marker
After this place, we went to rural areas and we traveled more than 30 minutes. They told some stories on how people lived here by means of agriculture and fishing. They also mentioned that the city is one of the cleanest cities of the country.
3. Puerto Princesa Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
Formerly known as Crocodile Farming Institute. It was also known by many people as Crocodile Farm. I was a bit weary because I was afraid of crocodiles but with the help of staff, I learned about the importance of crocodiles in ecosystem. We waited for few minutes since the lecture was done in batches. By the way, visiting hours was every Mondays to Fridays, 1:30PM to 5PM and Saturdays, 9AM to 5PM. Entrance Fee is PHP40 but since it was included on our package tour, we did not pay.
the welcome marker
me and the welcome marker
wacky!
explain the importance of crocodiles in the ecosystem
the largest captive crocodile in wildlife
so large!
enter to the hatching house
baby crocs
many baby crocs
picture
bigger crocs
me
carrying baby croc
holding baby croc
picture time
picture again
4. Iwahig Penal Colony
It was stil along Puerto Princesa city but we have to travel more than 30 minutes from the Crocodile Farm and the moment we reached this place, I was a bit excited and worried about what will happen in the next few minutes. This place was famous because it is the only prison in the country that has no barriers surrounded. It is a huge place that no one would dare to escape this place because it is surrounded by mountains and South China Sea.
Prisoners were classified according to the type of shirts they are wearing: Orange shirts are maximum security in which some are murderers. They were isolated and cannot be interacted with, Brown and Blue shirts belong medium and minimum prisoners. They were also farmers who were planted crops such as rice as we saw along the way. Blue are the ones we interacted with. I was a bit conscious at first but I realized that they were treated us well here. There were souvenir shops and we bought some pasalubongs there.
Welcome Mark
headquarters
Souvenir and Post Exchange for pasalubong
Recreational Hall
Hall
up close
me at the Recreational Hall
wide field
5. Mitra Ranch
This was situated on top of a hill. It was owned of the family of late Senator Ramon Mitra. Along Sta. Monica Heights, it is also one destination that you will see great view of the city. The structure looked like a pyramid was the rest house.
pyramid shaped rest house
picture of me
city view
me and the ranch
me and the city view
group picture
group picture with the city view at background
our wacky poses
6. Baker's Hill
Our last stop of city tour. It was also situated along Sta. Monica Heights, few meters from Mitra Ranch. It looked like a theme park due to some characters and sculptures. It is also a bakeshop that sells goods. We bought some pasalubong such as cookies, brownies, etc. There was also a restaurant inside so if you are hungry, you better eat there. But we decided not to eat since we will heading back to the city for check out from hotel.
The logo
group picture
Welcome Sign
with me
to the restaurant
some establishment
Our tour was ended at 2PM and we went back to Casa Fuerte for check-out. It was indeed nice and we learned so much about the city. It was a very memorable experience to be here and wanting do be back some other time.
P.S. I would also like to promote the travel agency who helped us during our stay here in Palawan. It was truly worth visit and enjoyed our stay in Puerto Princesa City. More information below:
Name: Petal Travel and Tours
Address: Fernandez st., 5300 Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
Contact Number: +639178641534
Continue to the next blog! :)
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