4 Affordable Philippines Resorts
19 July 2017
If you’re going on a backpacking adventure in the Philippines, the accommodation options might seem to exist at opposite ends of a wide spectrum. On the one hand there are cheaper, hostel-type places to stay. On the other, there are glittering, world-class resorts. The latter probably isn’t what you’re looking for if you’re traveling on a budget. But that doesn’t mean all of the resorts around the country should be considered off-limits. There are plenty of relatively affordable places where you can spend a comfortable night or two during of your travels.
These are just a few we’re highlighting.
Coron Westown Resort
This resort is on Busuanga Island, on the southern side near (but not directly facing) Coron Bay. The scenery around the hotel is about as nice as you’ll find at a resort where a night’s stay can cost you under $75. It’s partially for this reason that TripAdvisor assigns it the top value out of more than 1,800 hotels in all of the Philippines. The rooms and amenities are on the nice side of standard for a 4-star facility, and the view from the pool area will keep you very much aware that you’re still in the middle of a journey through the country. Lush vegetation surrounds the backside of the hotel, with picturesque mountains in the distance. Plus, when you’re staying at the Coron Westown, you have easy access to the beautiful waters of Coron Bay. This i hand should you want to find your way out on a boat or decide to go for a dive.
Microtel Puerto Princesa
This is a small hotel run by Wyndham and located right on the Sulu Sea on the island of Palawan. For its price (rooms here can also run for less than $75, if not less than $50), it’s a stunning place to stay. Beachfront rooms have a view of the turquoise waters of the sea, the pool is right between the hotel and the beach, and fun activities like snorkeling, diving, and kayaking are easily accessible. For enjoying the sheer beauty of your surroundings, it might be the best budget option in the country.
Fort Ilocandia Resort
Located just outside of Laoag City on the western side of Luzon, Fort Ilocandia Resort is a wonderful place to spend a few nights. It’s one of the few affordable options that actually includes similar entertainment to what you’d find at a major resort. There’s a golf course, a beautiful pool, and even a small casino. If you’re a fan of gaming, you're probably familiar with the fact that the most popular slot titles now exist on the web with all kinds of special frills and bonuses. But you can find some of the same games in-person at the Fort Ilocandia Resort for a bit of casual play in the midst of your trip. Entertainment aside, the resort also has very comfortable rooms and is an excellent place to stay for the frugal adventurer.
Modessa Island Resort
This one can be a little pricier than some of the other options, in part because it’s more remote. It’s located on a tiny island east of Puerto Princesa, and serves as one of the best natural getaways you’ll find. It lacks some of the comforts and amenities of other resorts, but more than makes up forit with huts on the beach and beachside restaurants serving tropical cocktails. It’s an excellent spot for diving, though it's also about as good as it gets if your goal is to lay down by the beach and relax.
These are just a few we’re highlighting.
Coron Westown Resort
This resort is on Busuanga Island, on the southern side near (but not directly facing) Coron Bay. The scenery around the hotel is about as nice as you’ll find at a resort where a night’s stay can cost you under $75. It’s partially for this reason that TripAdvisor assigns it the top value out of more than 1,800 hotels in all of the Philippines. The rooms and amenities are on the nice side of standard for a 4-star facility, and the view from the pool area will keep you very much aware that you’re still in the middle of a journey through the country. Lush vegetation surrounds the backside of the hotel, with picturesque mountains in the distance. Plus, when you’re staying at the Coron Westown, you have easy access to the beautiful waters of Coron Bay. This i hand should you want to find your way out on a boat or decide to go for a dive.
Microtel Puerto Princesa
This is a small hotel run by Wyndham and located right on the Sulu Sea on the island of Palawan. For its price (rooms here can also run for less than $75, if not less than $50), it’s a stunning place to stay. Beachfront rooms have a view of the turquoise waters of the sea, the pool is right between the hotel and the beach, and fun activities like snorkeling, diving, and kayaking are easily accessible. For enjoying the sheer beauty of your surroundings, it might be the best budget option in the country.
Fort Ilocandia Resort
Located just outside of Laoag City on the western side of Luzon, Fort Ilocandia Resort is a wonderful place to spend a few nights. It’s one of the few affordable options that actually includes similar entertainment to what you’d find at a major resort. There’s a golf course, a beautiful pool, and even a small casino. If you’re a fan of gaming, you're probably familiar with the fact that the most popular slot titles now exist on the web with all kinds of special frills and bonuses. But you can find some of the same games in-person at the Fort Ilocandia Resort for a bit of casual play in the midst of your trip. Entertainment aside, the resort also has very comfortable rooms and is an excellent place to stay for the frugal adventurer.
Modessa Island Resort
This one can be a little pricier than some of the other options, in part because it’s more remote. It’s located on a tiny island east of Puerto Princesa, and serves as one of the best natural getaways you’ll find. It lacks some of the comforts and amenities of other resorts, but more than makes up forit with huts on the beach and beachside restaurants serving tropical cocktails. It’s an excellent spot for diving, though it's also about as good as it gets if your goal is to lay down by the beach and relax.
Labels: Mimaropa, Palawan, Puerto Princesa
posted by GingGoy @ 4:49 PM,
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Palawan Massacre at Plaza Cuartel, Puerto Princesa
14 December 2011
Just beside Palawan Cathedral (Immaculate Conception Cathedral) in Puerto Princesa is a walled park where grim history of American prisoners of war (POW) haunts every visitor curious about the past great war.
The history of Plaza Cuartel is a must for students of history and every Filipino who wish to know the heroism of many who died and suffered for our freedom.
entrance to historic Plaza Cuartel with the NHI historical marker installed
the National Historical Commission of the Philippines marker states, in Filipino, of the history of Plaza Cuartel
"Sa pook na ito na dating tanggulang militar noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig naganap ang pagsunog ng mga sundalong hapon sa humigit kumulang 150 Amerikanong bihag ng digma noong 14 Disyembre 1944. Ilang nakaligtas ay lumangoy sa dagat patungong Iwahig. Ang mga labi ng nasawi ay dinala at inilibing sa St. Louis County sa isang panlahatang libingan sa Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Missouri, United States, 1952."
the Palawan Massacre Monument, created by one of the POWs who spent time at the Japanese garrison.
the commemorative Palawan Massacre marker partly reads:
"American WW-II POWs were massacred in this place on December 14, 1944.
On that day Japanese guards stationed here in Palawan ordered the American POWs under their control into the air raid shelters.
Japanese soldiers suddenly poured gasoline on and into the American POW shelters and set them on fire with the flaming torches, followed by hand grenades. As the American POWs, engulfed in flames broke out of the fiery death traps, their Japanese guards machine gunned, bayoneted and decapitated an clubbed them to death.
Of the American POWs, only 11 survived the massacre. This memorial is by artist Don Schloat, a former POW of the Japanese at Palawan."
It was due to this unfortunate incident that advancing army of the returning Gen. MacArthur (who had just landed on October 20, 1944 somewhere near Tacloban, in a place now known as MacArthur Park in Palo, Leyte) decided to free remaining POWs still incarcerated in three POW camps in Luzon were sprung in three separate and simultaneous raids: University of Sto. Tomas, University of Los Banos (UPLB) in Laguna, Camp O'Donnel in Tarlac and the so called Great Raid in Cabanatuan.
Other World War II History posts:
Corregidor
Kamikaze Field in Pampanga
Dambana ng Kagitingan
Bataan Death March
The history of Plaza Cuartel is a must for students of history and every Filipino who wish to know the heroism of many who died and suffered for our freedom.
entrance to historic Plaza Cuartel with the NHI historical marker installed
the National Historical Commission of the Philippines marker states, in Filipino, of the history of Plaza Cuartel
"Sa pook na ito na dating tanggulang militar noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig naganap ang pagsunog ng mga sundalong hapon sa humigit kumulang 150 Amerikanong bihag ng digma noong 14 Disyembre 1944. Ilang nakaligtas ay lumangoy sa dagat patungong Iwahig. Ang mga labi ng nasawi ay dinala at inilibing sa St. Louis County sa isang panlahatang libingan sa Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Missouri, United States, 1952."
the Palawan Massacre Monument, created by one of the POWs who spent time at the Japanese garrison.the commemorative Palawan Massacre marker partly reads:
"American WW-II POWs were massacred in this place on December 14, 1944.
On that day Japanese guards stationed here in Palawan ordered the American POWs under their control into the air raid shelters.
Japanese soldiers suddenly poured gasoline on and into the American POW shelters and set them on fire with the flaming torches, followed by hand grenades. As the American POWs, engulfed in flames broke out of the fiery death traps, their Japanese guards machine gunned, bayoneted and decapitated an clubbed them to death.
Of the American POWs, only 11 survived the massacre. This memorial is by artist Don Schloat, a former POW of the Japanese at Palawan."
It was due to this unfortunate incident that advancing army of the returning Gen. MacArthur (who had just landed on October 20, 1944 somewhere near Tacloban, in a place now known as MacArthur Park in Palo, Leyte) decided to free remaining POWs still incarcerated in three POW camps in Luzon were sprung in three separate and simultaneous raids: University of Sto. Tomas, University of Los Banos (UPLB) in Laguna, Camp O'Donnel in Tarlac and the so called Great Raid in Cabanatuan.
Other World War II History posts:
Corregidor
Kamikaze Field in Pampanga
Dambana ng Kagitingan
Bataan Death March
Labels: Palawan, Puerto Princesa, World War II
posted by GingGoy @ 8:48 PM,
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Palawan Shopping Tips: Pearls, Souvenirs, Kasuy, Pasalubong in Puerto Princesa
15 October 2011
Shopping for souvenirs in Palawan? Pasalubong family and friends? Authentic south sea pearls for loved ones? Kasuy (cashew nuts) and danggit at low prices?
there are two places in Puerto Princesa where shopping is fun and bargains are not hard to find:
San Jose New Public Market
San Jose, Puerto Princesa
(called New Market by the locals)
For cheap souvenir t-shirts, you can find them at PhP100.00 each at a stall near the dried fish section, unusual location but serendipity struck Tutubi when he was searching for cheap danggit and kasuy. A kilo of danggit only costs PhP400 (much, much cheaper than the touristy prices of Cebu, where it's identified)
cashew nuts (kasuy) pasalubong for Tutubi's officemates. You can also buy Cashew Wine and other kasuy products there
Tiangge Tiangge Souvenir Center
Address: Lacao near corner Rizal Avenue
GPS Coordinates: N9 44 26.7 E118 44 26.3
for other stuff like bags, key chains (key fob), handicrafts, native artworks, and authentic pearls, there's Tiangge Tiangge, sort of like "Greenhills Shopping Center" of Puerto Princesa
real south sea pearls are peddled here at about half the price from similar items found in Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, and slightly lower thatn those sold in front of Baker's Hill.
What makes Puerto Princesa shopping fun is that merchants don't overcharge unknowing tourists, unlike in other places. They quote you the same price whether you're a local or a foreigner, an unwritten policy probably of Mayor Hagedorn, something worthy of emulation by other tourist destinations not to pounce on tourists.
there are two places in Puerto Princesa where shopping is fun and bargains are not hard to find:
San Jose New Public Market
San Jose, Puerto Princesa
(called New Market by the locals)
For cheap souvenir t-shirts, you can find them at PhP100.00 each at a stall near the dried fish section, unusual location but serendipity struck Tutubi when he was searching for cheap danggit and kasuy. A kilo of danggit only costs PhP400 (much, much cheaper than the touristy prices of Cebu, where it's identified)
cashew nuts (kasuy) pasalubong for Tutubi's officemates. You can also buy Cashew Wine and other kasuy products thereTiangge Tiangge Souvenir Center
Address: Lacao near corner Rizal Avenue
GPS Coordinates: N9 44 26.7 E118 44 26.3
for other stuff like bags, key chains (key fob), handicrafts, native artworks, and authentic pearls, there's Tiangge Tiangge, sort of like "Greenhills Shopping Center" of Puerto Princesa
real south sea pearls are peddled here at about half the price from similar items found in Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, and slightly lower thatn those sold in front of Baker's Hill.What makes Puerto Princesa shopping fun is that merchants don't overcharge unknowing tourists, unlike in other places. They quote you the same price whether you're a local or a foreigner, an unwritten policy probably of Mayor Hagedorn, something worthy of emulation by other tourist destinations not to pounce on tourists.
Labels: Mimaropa, Palawan, Pasalubong, Puerto Princesa, Shopping
posted by GingGoy @ 9:12 PM,
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The Best Seafood Restaurant in Palawan
10 October 2011
Just sharing a nice "place to eat" at in Palawan visited by Tutubi in his return trip there a few months ago where they served freshly-caught seafood at unbelievable price.
the "pre-ordered" food on the table:
steamed okra (ladyfingers) and eggplant
various grilled fishes, freshly-caught
buttered prawns, fresh as usual
Are you wondering what made this "restaurant" the best so far for Tutubi? It's not actually a restaurant but home cooking of friends of his friend somewhere near Inagawan, Puerto Princesa. Tinola native chicken not shown.
Tutubi and his friends ate at the place, in a backyard surrounded by trees, kamayan-style with great food, lutong bahay at a homey ambiance.
Such hospitality of Palaweños accorded to Tutubi and his friends. For Tutubi, this is the best seafood restaurant there is in Palawan!
the "pre-ordered" food on the table:
steamed okra (ladyfingers) and eggplant
various grilled fishes, freshly-caught
buttered prawns, fresh as usual
Are you wondering what made this "restaurant" the best so far for Tutubi? It's not actually a restaurant but home cooking of friends of his friend somewhere near Inagawan, Puerto Princesa. Tinola native chicken not shown.
Tutubi and his friends ate at the place, in a backyard surrounded by trees, kamayan-style with great food, lutong bahay at a homey ambiance.
Such hospitality of Palaweños accorded to Tutubi and his friends. For Tutubi, this is the best seafood restaurant there is in Palawan!
Labels: Filipino Food, Mimaropa, Palawan, Puerto Princesa
posted by GingGoy @ 8:11 PM,
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Tamilok: Exotic Palawan Delicacy is Not a Worm
08 October 2011
With Tutubi's second visit to Puerto Princesa, he did not pass up the chance to sample the (in)famous tamilok, a native delicacy of Palawan, a mangrove-infesting wood worm that's not a worm but actually a mollusk (same group as squid and octopus).
Tutubi got his curiosity sated when he and his friends went to Kinabuch's bar and Grill on Rizal Avenue in Puerto Princesa City.
How does the tamilok taste and look like?
Never mind it looks like a translucent worm, rather icky, but it really tastes like talaba (oyster) like most people who've tasted tamilok swore. To enjoy tamilok, you eat eat it fresh and raw (kilaw, kilawin kinilaw) style by dunking the slimy worm-like creature in vinegar laced with chili and other spices.
Tutubi tried but failed to ask his contacts to see and catch tamilok in the mangrove forests but was not able to do so.
For the less adventurous, there's also fried tamilok in bread crumbs at Kinabuch's Bar and Grill but waters down the icky look of the once mangrove-boring crawlers.
fried tamilok cooked with bread crumbs
Would you dare sample this exotic and bizarre food (for Metro Manilans) next time you're in Palawan?
Related Posts:
Dos Palmas Beach Resort Day Tour
Palawan Underground River
Puerto Princesa Airport Guide
Palawan Ecotourism Tour Packages
Tutubi got his curiosity sated when he and his friends went to Kinabuch's bar and Grill on Rizal Avenue in Puerto Princesa City.
How does the tamilok taste and look like?
Never mind it looks like a translucent worm, rather icky, but it really tastes like talaba (oyster) like most people who've tasted tamilok swore. To enjoy tamilok, you eat eat it fresh and raw (kilaw, kilawin kinilaw) style by dunking the slimy worm-like creature in vinegar laced with chili and other spices.
Tutubi tried but failed to ask his contacts to see and catch tamilok in the mangrove forests but was not able to do so.
For the less adventurous, there's also fried tamilok in bread crumbs at Kinabuch's Bar and Grill but waters down the icky look of the once mangrove-boring crawlers.
fried tamilok cooked with bread crumbsWould you dare sample this exotic and bizarre food (for Metro Manilans) next time you're in Palawan?
Related Posts:
Dos Palmas Beach Resort Day Tour
Palawan Underground River
Puerto Princesa Airport Guide
Palawan Ecotourism Tour Packages
Labels: Delicacies, Exotic Food, Mimaropa, Palawan, Puerto Princesa
posted by GingGoy @ 8:19 PM,
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A Preview of the Jungle Trek/Monkey Trail, Sabang, Palawan
16 May 2011
"The monkey trail is named after the monkey (macaca fascicularis) that are often seen in the karst. The trail consists of a total of 355 wooden steps and 386 hardened and paved steps. In 15 days, 100 men built the steps, starting from the top and working their way down be segment. The original jungle trail was made of timber salvaged from the park. Hence, it was easier to start at the top and bring the logs down rather than haul them uphill." said the billboard displayed at the entrance of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan.
monkey trail pointed to Tutubi by a park staff when asked for directions
After the touristy boat ride tour of Palawan Underground River, Tutubi took a sneak preview of the Monkey trail/Jungle Trek adventure near the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park restrooms where he was greeted with monkeys (tsonggo) and monitor lizards (bayawak)
the trail where you can see the end of the wooden steps of the 5.3 kilometer jungle trail. Photo taken around 11am thus the contrast
What can you see on the monkey trail? Monkeys, the only species of monkeys in the Philippines locally known as tsonggo and bayawak (monitor lizards) roaming around. Expect also pythons, plants and animals better left in the wild rather than caged in zoos.
Note when you see wildlife, don't feed them as it alters their eating habits and endears them to humans making them less wild and lowers survival instincts.
This jungle trail in Palawan reminded Tutubi of the beautifully preserved Blue Mountain National Park in Australia that he was able to visit (and yet forgot to post on this blog), where you can see endemic species of flora and fauna and where trees and plants have signs with common names, scientific names and their important role in the ecosystems, including swamps that appear ordinary and must-avoid but actually goldmine for scientists.
---
Information on the Jungle Trek/Monkey Trail to the Palawan Underground River:
Monkey trail closing time:
12nn Sabang
1pm Central Park
3pm Underground River (near the cave entrance)
as you need to start early, suggest you go to Sabang the day before you intend to do the trek then spend night at some accommodations on Sabang Beach.
Map of Monkey Trail:
It's present on OpenStreetMap, you can browse it online and/or use a GPS navigator to track your location.
What to bring:
Entry permit (from the Tourist Information Office in Sabang)
insect repellant
Please also carry all your trash back with you to Sabang for proper disposal and not litter the trail (if not, you're one of the "backpackers" DOT Sec. Alberto Lim who "leaves waste" giving good backpackers a bad name).
Tutubi would love to re-visit Palawan someday, one of his favorite destinations, and intends to do this monkey trail next time around.
Related Posts on Palawan:
Dos Palmas Island Resort
Accommodations in Sabang, Palawan
How to Get to El Nido
Palawan Underground River
Puerto Princesa Airport
monkey trail pointed to Tutubi by a park staff when asked for directionsAfter the touristy boat ride tour of Palawan Underground River, Tutubi took a sneak preview of the Monkey trail/Jungle Trek adventure near the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park restrooms where he was greeted with monkeys (tsonggo) and monitor lizards (bayawak)
the trail where you can see the end of the wooden steps of the 5.3 kilometer jungle trail. Photo taken around 11am thus the contrastWhat can you see on the monkey trail? Monkeys, the only species of monkeys in the Philippines locally known as tsonggo and bayawak (monitor lizards) roaming around. Expect also pythons, plants and animals better left in the wild rather than caged in zoos.
Note when you see wildlife, don't feed them as it alters their eating habits and endears them to humans making them less wild and lowers survival instincts.
This jungle trail in Palawan reminded Tutubi of the beautifully preserved Blue Mountain National Park in Australia that he was able to visit (and yet forgot to post on this blog), where you can see endemic species of flora and fauna and where trees and plants have signs with common names, scientific names and their important role in the ecosystems, including swamps that appear ordinary and must-avoid but actually goldmine for scientists.
---
Information on the Jungle Trek/Monkey Trail to the Palawan Underground River:
Monkey trail closing time:
12nn Sabang
1pm Central Park
3pm Underground River (near the cave entrance)
as you need to start early, suggest you go to Sabang the day before you intend to do the trek then spend night at some accommodations on Sabang Beach.
Map of Monkey Trail:
It's present on OpenStreetMap, you can browse it online and/or use a GPS navigator to track your location.
What to bring:
Entry permit (from the Tourist Information Office in Sabang)
insect repellant
Please also carry all your trash back with you to Sabang for proper disposal and not litter the trail (if not, you're one of the "backpackers" DOT Sec. Alberto Lim who "leaves waste" giving good backpackers a bad name).
Tutubi would love to re-visit Palawan someday, one of his favorite destinations, and intends to do this monkey trail next time around.
Related Posts on Palawan:
Dos Palmas Island Resort
Accommodations in Sabang, Palawan
How to Get to El Nido
Palawan Underground River
Puerto Princesa Airport
Labels: Mimaropa, Palawan, Puerto Princesa, Trekking
posted by GingGoy @ 8:59 PM,
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Palawan: Accommodations and Beach Resorts in Sabang, Puerto Princesa
16 April 2011
Unknown to many, Sabang is just a sitio of Puerto Princesa City and not a town in itself in Palawan. It has a nice fine white sand beach yet it's best known as the gateway to the world-famous Palawan Underground River (or the Puerto Princesa Subterraanean River National Park).
(click the link to find out how to get to puerto princesa underground river)
Before the list of Sabang Beach Resorts, herewith is the list of things to do in Sabang, Palawan to justify your overnight stay there:
Besides the Palawan Underground river, there's also the Ugong Rock spelunking and zipline, Monkey Trail/Jungle Trail, Mangrove Paddleboat Tour, the Sabang Waterfalls, and a Buddhist Temple to visit in Sabang.
the beach of Sabang, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
the beach where boats going to Palawan Underground River wait for passengers
The list of accommodations and beach resorts in Sabang, Puerto Princesa collected from their official websites or from pictures of signages taken by Tutubi in Sabang:
Balay Balay Travel Lodge
Sitio Sabang, Barangay Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa
+63.905.255.9727; +63.920.608.9946
Remarks: Front of Tourist Assistance and Information Center, the Mister
Donut kiosk and public toilets.
Balay Balay Travel Lodge, Sabang, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Bambua Nature Park and Resort
Mobile Contact Number: +63.916.263.3208
Landline Number: +63.48.434.3887
official website: http://www.bambua-palawan.com
remarks: backpacker friendly budget rooms here, lodging type (shared
bathrooms) for PhP200.00/night. English, Tagalog and German
Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort
Sabang Beach, Puerto Princesa City
Palawan – Philippines
Tel: +63.48.723.0889
Cell: +63.917.826.9989
official website: http://www.daluyonresort.com
Mary's Beach Resort
Sabang, Puerto Princesa City
Roberts Resort (Roberts Restaurant and Cottages)
Remarks: walking distance from the parking lot and tourist information center. Good enough all you can eat lunch buffet for only PhP200.00 on the beachfront (price is reasonable and you don't have to wait for your order against ala carte after the Palawan Underground River Tour)
Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa
remarks: the most expensive resort with 5 star hotel facilities and 5 star resort prices too, as expected, on Sabang Beach with room rates starting $150/night. look elsewhere for cheap accommodations :P
Taraw Beach Cottages and Resort
Sabang, Puerto Princesa City
Contact Number: +63.927.450.2984
http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/03/palawan-how-to-get-to-el-nido-from.html
How to get to Sabang, Palawan:
There are other beach resorts on Sabang Beach offering cheap cottages that Tutubi might have missed. Please feel free to leave comments. Tutubi intends to go back to Palawan and stay in Sabang that's why he collected the information. Please call the resort's published telephone numbers for inquiries, room rates, reservations, entrance fees, day trips and other questions. As always, Tutubi is in no way connected with any of these resort establishments.
How to get to Sabang, Palawan:
In Puerto Princesa, the public transportation terminal is at San Jose New Market, a jeepney ride (signboard: New Market, fare PhP12.00) or tricycle ride from Puerto Princesa Airport (fare: around PhP15.00)
At San Jose New Market, you can ride jeepneys, buses and vans to several points of Palawan.
Puerto Princesa to Sabang jeepneys
fare: PhP125.00 (first trip at 7am, last trip at 3pm, travel time: 2 hours)
Return trip from Sabang to Puerto Princesa last trip is at 2pm daily.
Related Posts:
How to get to Puerto Princesa Underground River
How to get to El Nido, Palawan
Palawan Eco-tourism
Puerto Princesa Airport
Sabang Accommodations, Where to Stay in Sabang
(click the link to find out how to get to puerto princesa underground river)
Before the list of Sabang Beach Resorts, herewith is the list of things to do in Sabang, Palawan to justify your overnight stay there:
Besides the Palawan Underground river, there's also the Ugong Rock spelunking and zipline, Monkey Trail/Jungle Trail, Mangrove Paddleboat Tour, the Sabang Waterfalls, and a Buddhist Temple to visit in Sabang.
the beach of Sabang, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
the beach where boats going to Palawan Underground River wait for passengers
The list of accommodations and beach resorts in Sabang, Puerto Princesa collected from their official websites or from pictures of signages taken by Tutubi in Sabang:
Balay Balay Travel Lodge
Sitio Sabang, Barangay Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa
+63.905.255.9727; +63.920.608.9946
Remarks: Front of Tourist Assistance and Information Center, the Mister
Donut kiosk and public toilets.
Balay Balay Travel Lodge, Sabang, Puerto Princesa City, PalawanBambua Nature Park and Resort
Mobile Contact Number: +63.916.263.3208
Landline Number: +63.48.434.3887
official website: http://www.bambua-palawan.com
remarks: backpacker friendly budget rooms here, lodging type (shared
bathrooms) for PhP200.00/night. English, Tagalog and German
Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort
Sabang Beach, Puerto Princesa City
Palawan – Philippines
Tel: +63.48.723.0889
Cell: +63.917.826.9989
official website: http://www.daluyonresort.com
Mary's Beach Resort
Sabang, Puerto Princesa City
Roberts Resort (Roberts Restaurant and Cottages)
Remarks: walking distance from the parking lot and tourist information center. Good enough all you can eat lunch buffet for only PhP200.00 on the beachfront (price is reasonable and you don't have to wait for your order against ala carte after the Palawan Underground River Tour)
Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa
remarks: the most expensive resort with 5 star hotel facilities and 5 star resort prices too, as expected, on Sabang Beach with room rates starting $150/night. look elsewhere for cheap accommodations :P
Taraw Beach Cottages and Resort
Sabang, Puerto Princesa City
Contact Number: +63.927.450.2984
http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/03/palawan-how-to-get-to-el-nido-from.html
How to get to Sabang, Palawan:
There are other beach resorts on Sabang Beach offering cheap cottages that Tutubi might have missed. Please feel free to leave comments. Tutubi intends to go back to Palawan and stay in Sabang that's why he collected the information. Please call the resort's published telephone numbers for inquiries, room rates, reservations, entrance fees, day trips and other questions. As always, Tutubi is in no way connected with any of these resort establishments.
How to get to Sabang, Palawan:
In Puerto Princesa, the public transportation terminal is at San Jose New Market, a jeepney ride (signboard: New Market, fare PhP12.00) or tricycle ride from Puerto Princesa Airport (fare: around PhP15.00)
At San Jose New Market, you can ride jeepneys, buses and vans to several points of Palawan.
Puerto Princesa to Sabang jeepneys
fare: PhP125.00 (first trip at 7am, last trip at 3pm, travel time: 2 hours)
Return trip from Sabang to Puerto Princesa last trip is at 2pm daily.
Related Posts:
How to get to Puerto Princesa Underground River
How to get to El Nido, Palawan
Palawan Eco-tourism
Puerto Princesa Airport
Sabang Accommodations, Where to Stay in Sabang
Labels: Beaches, Mimaropa, Palawan, Palawan Resorts, Puerto Princesa
posted by GingGoy @ 11:12 PM,
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Palawan: Puerto Princesa Airport (Terminal Fees and Public Transportation Guide)
28 February 2011
The gateway to Palawan Underground River and other wonders of Palawan is Puerto Princesa Airport. Here's the latest travel information and guide about Puerto Princesa Airport Tutubi gathered when he visited Palawan recently.
Flights to Puerto Princesa from Manila are available via Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific, ZestAir and SEAIR. Cebu to Puerto Princesa flights also served by some of the mentioned airlines. (please visit the airlines' official websites for the latest flight information)
Puerto Princesa Airport Terminal Fee (departure tax, airport usage charge for all departing passengers): PhP 40.00
As of this time, there's only one airport x-ray machine for security and checking of hand-carried and checked-in baggage.
A small convenience store for snacks and last-minute pasalubong shopping is inside the waiting lounge. There are eateries and restaurants outside the airport terminal for those who need more than a sugar fix.
the departure check-in counters of PAL, Cebu Pacific and AirPhil Express. Not shown are those of ZestAir and SEAIR
There's a small conveyor belt at the arrival area while porters abound to assist in carrying your heavy luggage.
Vans for hire are available at the airport or through accredited travel agencies and tour operators (like Amika Travel and Tours, very near Tutubi's "homestay" accommodations in Palawan)
Tricycles are parked inside the airport to take you anywhere in the city proper or via special trips beyond the city proper, even city tours (e.g. Mitra's Ranch on a hilltop, Baker's Hill and the butterfly garden)
Outside the airport on Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa's main road, multicabs and jeepneys ply different routes but the central transport terminal in Palawan is in San Jose New Market (there you can ride jeepneys to Sabang if you're looking for public transportation to the Palawan Underground River), vans for hire to El Nido plus cheap souvenirs and t-shirts, much cheaper than those at Tiangge Tiangge pasalubong and Souvenir and buses to other towns of Palawan.
To get to San Jose New Market from Puerto Princesa City center, you can ride tricycles (fare: around PhP15.00/pax) or a multicab with signboard New Market (fare: PhP12.00)
Puerto Princesa proper to Sabang jeepney fare is PhP125.00/head, travel time around 2 hours.
The Sabang to Puerto Princesa jeepney first trip schedule is at 7am and last trip at 2pm.
Welcome to Puerto Princesa City, one of the cleanest and greenest cities of the Philippines!
related post:
How to get to El Nido from Sabang
Airport Terminal Fees
Flights to Puerto Princesa from Manila are available via Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific, ZestAir and SEAIR. Cebu to Puerto Princesa flights also served by some of the mentioned airlines. (please visit the airlines' official websites for the latest flight information)
Puerto Princesa Airport Terminal Fee (departure tax, airport usage charge for all departing passengers): PhP 40.00
As of this time, there's only one airport x-ray machine for security and checking of hand-carried and checked-in baggage.
A small convenience store for snacks and last-minute pasalubong shopping is inside the waiting lounge. There are eateries and restaurants outside the airport terminal for those who need more than a sugar fix.
the departure check-in counters of PAL, Cebu Pacific and AirPhil Express. Not shown are those of ZestAir and SEAIRThere's a small conveyor belt at the arrival area while porters abound to assist in carrying your heavy luggage.
Vans for hire are available at the airport or through accredited travel agencies and tour operators (like Amika Travel and Tours, very near Tutubi's "homestay" accommodations in Palawan)
Tricycles are parked inside the airport to take you anywhere in the city proper or via special trips beyond the city proper, even city tours (e.g. Mitra's Ranch on a hilltop, Baker's Hill and the butterfly garden)
Outside the airport on Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa's main road, multicabs and jeepneys ply different routes but the central transport terminal in Palawan is in San Jose New Market (there you can ride jeepneys to Sabang if you're looking for public transportation to the Palawan Underground River), vans for hire to El Nido plus cheap souvenirs and t-shirts, much cheaper than those at Tiangge Tiangge pasalubong and Souvenir and buses to other towns of Palawan.
To get to San Jose New Market from Puerto Princesa City center, you can ride tricycles (fare: around PhP15.00/pax) or a multicab with signboard New Market (fare: PhP12.00)
Puerto Princesa proper to Sabang jeepney fare is PhP125.00/head, travel time around 2 hours.
The Sabang to Puerto Princesa jeepney first trip schedule is at 7am and last trip at 2pm.
Welcome to Puerto Princesa City, one of the cleanest and greenest cities of the Philippines!
related post:
How to get to El Nido from Sabang
Airport Terminal Fees
Labels: Airports, Mimaropa, Palawan, Puerto Princesa
posted by GingGoy @ 8:18 PM,
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Palawan: Ugong Rock Zipline, Puerto Princesa
27 February 2011
A new community-based adventure tourism initiative in Puerto Princesa, Palawan is the installation of a zipline on top of Ugong Rock, a karst formation in Barangay Tagabenit where the sign along a dirt road leading to the jump-off point was seen by Tutubi on the way to Sabang. It's also one of five projects of the late environmentalist Doc. Gerry Ortega (of ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan), together with the Bacungan River Cruise Floating Restaurant, Pambato Reef Dalubkaragatan, dolphin and whale-watching tour in Puerto Princesa Bay and firefly watching tour in Iwahig River.
For the lack of time and no other adventurists with him, Tutubi deferred trying out the new zipline at Ugong Rock and instead posting the information for readers of this blog.
Here's the latest information Tutubi gathered from his correspondence with the Tagabenit Guide Association handling the Ugong Rock tours and zipline adventure package:
Ugong Rock caving/spelunking tour: PhP100.00/head to tour the Ugong Rock formation's cave.
Ugong Rock Zipline (opened on January 22, 2011)
Price for the Ugong Rock climb and zipline: PhP350.00 (introductory rate)
Length of zip line: 330 meters (approximately 21 seconds)
Open hours: 8am to 5pm daily (including Sundays and holidays)
Contact Person: Marivel Ocajada
Contact Numbers: +63.930.862.2750; +63.918.755.8993 for Ugong Rock tour reservations.
Note: you need to climb up Ugong rock (through the cave's cracks and crevices) then go down via the long zipline. There's no cable car nor elevators there. :P
Tutubi intends to visit Palawan again sometime in the future and setting his sights on finally trekking the Monkey Trail (adventure trail leading to the Underground River in Sabang) and this new Zipline in Palawan. (Note this is a new one and Tutubi has yet to see the cables and dampers so he can't comment if the new tourism facility is safe. Recommend waiting for some time for it to establish a safety record)
Should you visit Ugong Rock ahead of Tutubi, please post updated information, pictures and videos by hitting the comments!
you may also be looking for:
palawan zipline, palawan spelunking, caves in palawan, caving, palawan zipline rates, fees
For the lack of time and no other adventurists with him, Tutubi deferred trying out the new zipline at Ugong Rock and instead posting the information for readers of this blog.
Here's the latest information Tutubi gathered from his correspondence with the Tagabenit Guide Association handling the Ugong Rock tours and zipline adventure package:
Ugong Rock caving/spelunking tour: PhP100.00/head to tour the Ugong Rock formation's cave.
Ugong Rock Zipline (opened on January 22, 2011)
Price for the Ugong Rock climb and zipline: PhP350.00 (introductory rate)
Length of zip line: 330 meters (approximately 21 seconds)
Open hours: 8am to 5pm daily (including Sundays and holidays)
Contact Person: Marivel Ocajada
Contact Numbers: +63.930.862.2750; +63.918.755.8993 for Ugong Rock tour reservations.
Note: you need to climb up Ugong rock (through the cave's cracks and crevices) then go down via the long zipline. There's no cable car nor elevators there. :P
Tutubi intends to visit Palawan again sometime in the future and setting his sights on finally trekking the Monkey Trail (adventure trail leading to the Underground River in Sabang) and this new Zipline in Palawan. (Note this is a new one and Tutubi has yet to see the cables and dampers so he can't comment if the new tourism facility is safe. Recommend waiting for some time for it to establish a safety record)
Should you visit Ugong Rock ahead of Tutubi, please post updated information, pictures and videos by hitting the comments!
you may also be looking for:
palawan zipline, palawan spelunking, caves in palawan, caving, palawan zipline rates, fees
Labels: Adventure Tourism, Ecotourism, Mimaropa, Palawan, Puerto Princesa
posted by GingGoy @ 8:08 PM,
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Puerto Princesa, Palawan Tour Itinerary Suggestions
13 February 2011
Tutubi was able to visit Palawan two times, the first was the memorable trip to Coron, and the second is the disastrous trip that resulted to tragedy.
This time he's going back on a personal trip to the island to visit his "old friend" as well as complete his unfinished tour to Palawan.
The large cross of Iwahig Penal Colony near the maximum security prison compound (a rather crude B&W attempt Photoshop (Canon Ixus 30)).
So what's this post for? It's just a list of possible interesting places in Palawan, tourist spots usually, that Tutubi might visit if he has the time or can afford it.
Puerto Princesa Tour Itinerary:
already visited these places the first time though not all of them are posted here:
Butterfly Garden
Mitra's ranch
Iwahig Penal Colony
Crocodile Farm (Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center)
Plaza Cuartel
Baker's Hill
Palawan Cathedral (just across Plaza Cuartel)
Iwahing Penal Colony
Inagawan Beach (the deserted beach where tragedy struck)
the beach of Inagawan, Puerto Princesa near Iwahig Penal Colony
possible places to conquer though quite pricey:
El Nido
Dos Palmas
adventure side:
Tabon cave complex, Lipuun Point, Quezon
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Puerto Princesa Underground River (St. Paul Subterranean River)
Tubbatahha Reef
Where to Eat in Palawan (initial list)
Tutubi, on adventure mode, wants to eat the wood worm, known locally as tamilok, when he get there.
KaLui Restaurant
Badjao Seafront Restaurant
MJ Cafe
Kamarikutan art gallery café
Kinabuchs Bar and Grill
Tom Tom Club
La Terasse Cafe and Restaurant
Palayok at Bilao (Rizal Avenue)
Lotus Garden Restaurant and Suites (Rizal Avenue)
Palawan Souvenir Shopping:
Asiano Wooden Carvings (Rizal Avenue)
Ikaw Cag Ako Cafe and Native Gift Shop (Rizal Avenue)
If you have suggestions on places to visit, please do leave a comment. Tutubi may not be able to visit them now but probably in future visits to the beautiful and peaceful island province.
This time he's going back on a personal trip to the island to visit his "old friend" as well as complete his unfinished tour to Palawan.
The large cross of Iwahig Penal Colony near the maximum security prison compound (a rather crude B&W attempt Photoshop (Canon Ixus 30)).So what's this post for? It's just a list of possible interesting places in Palawan, tourist spots usually, that Tutubi might visit if he has the time or can afford it.
Puerto Princesa Tour Itinerary:
already visited these places the first time though not all of them are posted here:
Butterfly Garden
Mitra's ranch
Iwahig Penal Colony
Crocodile Farm (Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center)
Plaza Cuartel
Baker's Hill
Palawan Cathedral (just across Plaza Cuartel)
Iwahing Penal Colony
Inagawan Beach (the deserted beach where tragedy struck)
the beach of Inagawan, Puerto Princesa near Iwahig Penal Colonypossible places to conquer though quite pricey:
El Nido
Dos Palmas
adventure side:
Tabon cave complex, Lipuun Point, Quezon
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Puerto Princesa Underground River (St. Paul Subterranean River)
Tubbatahha Reef
Where to Eat in Palawan (initial list)
Tutubi, on adventure mode, wants to eat the wood worm, known locally as tamilok, when he get there.
KaLui Restaurant
Badjao Seafront Restaurant
MJ Cafe
Kamarikutan art gallery café
Kinabuchs Bar and Grill
Tom Tom Club
La Terasse Cafe and Restaurant
Palayok at Bilao (Rizal Avenue)
Lotus Garden Restaurant and Suites (Rizal Avenue)
Palawan Souvenir Shopping:
Asiano Wooden Carvings (Rizal Avenue)
Ikaw Cag Ako Cafe and Native Gift Shop (Rizal Avenue)
If you have suggestions on places to visit, please do leave a comment. Tutubi may not be able to visit them now but probably in future visits to the beautiful and peaceful island province.
Labels: Mimaropa, Palawan, Puerto Princesa
posted by GingGoy @ 8:01 PM,
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Remembering Iwahig Penal Colony, Palawan
18 February 2008
Exactly two years ago, a tragic event happened in Palawan that impacted Tutubi's life and outlook in this world particularly in his living on the edge attitude.
On the second day of Tutubi and his friends' travel in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the huge white cross of Iwahig Penal Colony, a wall-less prison where prisoners till the land instead of being kept in cells, was the silent witness of a tragedy that's about to happen.
The large cross of Iwahig Penal Colony near the maximum security compound (a rather crude attempt on high key effect using Photoshop).
It was on a beach near Iwahig, a place called Inagawan, where Tutubi and two of his travel mates survived unassuming yet dangerous waves on an underwater cliff; one of his friends didn't make it alive.
The tragic event still lives vividly and remembered...
May you rest in peace, Rolan!
---
Related links:
Survivor Palawan
Philippine Crocodiles at Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC)
On the second day of Tutubi and his friends' travel in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the huge white cross of Iwahig Penal Colony, a wall-less prison where prisoners till the land instead of being kept in cells, was the silent witness of a tragedy that's about to happen.
The large cross of Iwahig Penal Colony near the maximum security compound (a rather crude attempt on high key effect using Photoshop).It was on a beach near Iwahig, a place called Inagawan, where Tutubi and two of his travel mates survived unassuming yet dangerous waves on an underwater cliff; one of his friends didn't make it alive.
The tragic event still lives vividly and remembered...
May you rest in peace, Rolan!
---
Related links:
Survivor Palawan
Philippine Crocodiles at Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC)
Labels: Mimaropa, Palawan, Puerto Princesa
posted by GingGoy @ 8:08 PM,
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