Last month, I mentioned that I will be doing again a tour of Puerto Princesa, this time not with any of our friends, but with Paul’s entire family. It was such a fun and unforgettable tour (I always love to travel with our family)! You see, all of them were first timers of Palawan, and for someone who’s relatively familiar with the province, I suggest we disregard getting any package tours available. This is to save a lot of money because we were quite a big group (7 adults, 4 kids, 1 infant). I love how I’m starting to master the art of budget travel. Firstly, I booked our round trip tickets through one of my favorite budget airline, Cebu Pacific Air’s promo for only P16,000+ (yeah, that’s all of us). The plane tickets alone were such a tremendous saving!
My in-laws, Karen and Ryan on the day of our arrival at the airport
Anyways, with the guidance of Kuya Efren, the ever reliable manager of Niko’s Cabanas, (watch out for my story about our stay in Niko’s) he was able to teach me how to save more by not getting a package tour. And I want to share it to my readers through this post. During these tough times, we have to be extra wise in spending but it doesn’t mean that we don’t need to enjoy anymore.
You see, sometimes a package tour could save you a lot as compared to just doing it all by yourselves. I guess if you’re a couple traveling (like Paul and me during our first time tour of Palawan, click here for related article) you would save more if you pay for a package tour. But imagine paying P9,000++ each for a group of 10 people? (ok maybe we could get discounts for the kids) But still, impractical!
If you’re a first time tourist of Puerto Princesa, there are few spots that are definitely not to be missed – Honda Bay Islands, Crocodile Farm (for the kids), and of course the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Of course not to miss out in the list are some of Palawan’s delectable restaurants such as Ka Lui and Kinabuch.
Honda Bay Island Tour
Happy Family :)
Normally, a regular Honda Bay tour cost each individual around P1,500. That would include an air-conditioned van to drop/pick you up in the wharf, entrance fee to three islands (ie Pandan, Snake, and Starfish), lunch at one of the island destinations, and the rental of the motorboat. If you want to snorkel and forgot to bring with you your gears, you can rent them at an additional cost. (Snorkeling mask is P100, and a pair of aqua shoes is P50).
The author with Karen, Ryan and their kids, on the way to Star Fish Island
In our case, Niko’s Cabanas provided a van for our group which we pay only P600.00 (two way; 20minutes from our hotel). Once at the Sta. Lourdes Wharf, you will have to negotiate a motorboat for an entire day of island hopping. Boat rental ranges from P1,200 to P1,500 (for a boat that could accommodate 10 passengers).
Some islands would require an entrance fee like the Starfish Island and Pandan Island. On the other hand, you can enjoy Snake Island for free. This is also the island where most of the tourist had their lunch. Instead of bringing in food with you, why not buy fresh seafood here and ask them to cook for you. They charge at a minimal fee and they sell the seafood cheap.
Guevara Siblings - Karen, Tess, and Paul
One thing I’m looking forward to when we are going to Honda Bay is the snorkeling. This is probably the best coral-reef formation I have ever had a close encounter in my entire travel life (of course, I’ve never been to Tubbataha, so maybe I’ll change my mind). My snorkeling experience in Honda Bay is nothing but awesome!
Before I end this first part of my Puerto Princesa Revisited post, let me share with you one funny experience we had when we were in Star Fish Island. Actually it was Paul who saw everything because he was not contented with just one round of snorkeling in Star Fish. He then again dips into the water with his niece Trisha, and the boatman who was guiding them. So it was Paul who described to us what happened.
My husband Paul, with the big catch
According to him, while they were swimming and enjoying the beautiful garden of reefs and colorful, odd shape fishes, their boatman points to them a very big squid. At first, he taught that the boatman was just pointing his finger towards the location of the squid so they could see it themselves. However, shortly after that, the boatman dived deep into the place where the squid was, grab the squid with both hands. And what happened after? The boatman sold the squid to us so we could add that seafood in our lunch. I guess that was undeniably the most fresh, delicious adobong pusit (squid adobo) I’ve ever eaten :)
Niko’s Cabanas, Our Home in Puerto Princesa
Crocodile Farm, Mitra’s Ranch and Baker’s Hill
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
6 Comments:
Nice blog. We are also going in Puerto Princesa 2 weeks from now. This is a big help for us especially this is our first time to visit this place. Thank you.
Sana makapunta rin kami ng family ko jan.. iba talaga pag family ang kasama... masaya! ;p
Hi Onjie, you may also refer to my entire Palawan post last year. I'm sure it will help you plan your trip to Palawan. Here's the link: http://www.pinoylakwatsa.com/2008/07/my-travel-chronicles-great-palawan.html
Thank you Malou for dropping by. Yeah, sobrang saya talaga pag family ang kasama!
Yes nabasa ko na yung post mo regarding your first visit sa Puerto Prinsesa. I even suggested your itinerary sa group namin. Hintay ko ang next posting mo para sa new adventures mo. Thanks for your big help.
Nice one you have here Mich. Thanks for the info. :)
Plano rin namin pumunta this March 12 and we'll be there for 3d/2n only.
Sana makwento mo rin po kung pano pumunta sa Subterranean River Park on our own at how much. Sabi kasi nila need pa ng permit.
Hello Mitch:
Thanks for the very informative stuff.
This one really helps especially first timer like me & my entire group. I have been so many places mostly the major vacation spot in the country & we always do it on our own way.
I love your column, post some more...
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