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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Our Half-Day Puerto Princesa City Tour


Name of Trip: Palawan Eco-Adventures 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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