Palawan Sunrise

My kind of sunrise...

After our breakfast of fried danggit (danggit caught fresh and then fried, as opposed to danggit that's dried and then fried--makes all the difference), we headed for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, more popularly known as the Underground River. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. The river is part of a national park, of which it is the main attraction.

After Mr. G picked up some junk food and drinks on the way, our van sped to our first stop, the Sabang wharf, where we were to transfer to a pump boat that will take us to the Underground River. The drive took two hours, including a brief stop at the Buenavista Viewdeck.

From the Buenavista Viewdeck

After a 30-minute boat ride, we arrived at the park, greeted by monkeys and lizards at the entrance.

We followed a boarded path to where the cave guides were. Here, we wrote down our names as tourists, donned our life vests and hard hats, got into a paddle boat and, after one group picture, went on our way.

Paddling towards the cave entrance

One of the kids got frightened when we entered the cave because it was very dark. Our only source of light was a flashlight held by the passenger at the frontmost seat who was tasked to aim the light to interesting cave formations as directed by the boatman at the rear.

It was fascinating to see formations of the Holy Family and The Last Supper; mushrooms, corn and jellyfish; dinosaurs and birds; and many more. The lofty cathedral put all of us in a solemn mood but not for long. The boatman kept us in stitches through most of the ride with his hysterical spiel. Although the river was over eight kilometers long, we navigated only less than one because a special permit was needed to proceed. On our way back, I found myself drifting off to sleep, calmed by the cool breeze and quiet.

An interesting mode of transpo in Sabang Beach

Lunch was served at Sabang Beach. After enjoying our adobo, tuna steak, prawns and mangoes, the kids swam and bravely took on the roaring waves. I settled at my spot in the cottage where we had lunch and resumed reading Steinbeck's Travels with Charley. A full, enjoyable day.

Tour cost: P1,500 per person.

Chicken binakol

We decided to have dinner at the resort because we were all tired from the tour. The chicken binakol that Mr. G ordered was superb. All that was left to do after was videoke and a little bit of Facebook.