I visited my parents in their new home in Puerto Princesa last February. Two years ago, when I toured Coron, Palawan with them, I didn’t expect that they would end up moving to Palawan soon after.
I’m not used to planning anything touristy whenever I visit my parents at their home because my former hometown is not exactly touristy. So I didn’t do the same this time around, not realizing that their new home is, actually, a tourist spot. I mean I knew this, but it just didn’t sink in, somehow, until I saw lots of foreigners on the plane, the sort of thing that never happened when I flew to my hometown before.
So we just hailed tricycles to bring us round to some tourist spots, and while we didn’t manage to go to the famous underground cave, I said I’d reserve that for the next time I visit them. Here are pictures of what we saw, all taken with an iphone 7 plus because I thought I wouldn’t need an actual camera for some reason. The photos actually did turn out kind of fine, though, thanks to Lightroom mobile presets.
Baywalk
We took a walk down the baywalk in the morning.
We came back later that night with my cousin’s son to have meaty delight bilao package for dinner.
The place actually had a very nice relaxing outdoor ambiance and I enjoyed the food, especially my fave kilawin, which is raw fish drenched in vinegar, like ceviche. I’m really glad we went here.
There was also a lot of shops that sold souvenirs and knick knacks, and I ended up buying some pearl jewelry. Deep sea pearls are very cheap in Palawan.
Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center aka Crocodile Farm
I really don’t like crocodiles because they’re scary, but the Crocodile Farm seems like a popular tourist spot, so I gave it a go. Turns out it has a different official name, actually – Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center; Crocodile Farm is just the nickname that people give it. The place rescues wild animals and tries to conserve them.
Look at the size of this crocodile that was rescued and who eventually died of old age. So gigantic!
They had a lot of baby crocodiles, both freshwater and seawater ones. They also trap adult crocodiles which are found in civilization, so that they don’t hurt men or get hurt.
I really wasn’t a fan of any of these and was scared that I would somehow fall through and get eaten by a croc, like this:
That is why my smile doesn’t quite reach my eyes in this picture:
There were other animals, too, like snakes (one more animal I’m scared of!), bearded wild boars and a leopard cat, which looks like a leopard but smaller.
Baker’s Hill
I enjoyed Baker’s Hill a lot more than the Crocodile Farm. It is so pretty, with lots of colourful gardens and picturesque architecture.
Baker’s Kitchen also has fantastic food! Everything we ordered was delicious but my fave was the bagnet pinakbet. I also discovered a really delicious Baker’s Hill chicharon from the souvenir shop. It rivals the famous Lapid’s chicharon!
SM Puerto Princesa
My mom’s favourite hangout is SM Mall. We had hotpot for dinner on my first night at Tongyang, which was newly opened.
At one point we also had lunch at Mang Inasal with my uncle, aunt, and nephew.
There was a funny moment when we bought a TV and console and Dad decided he’d rather get the fully assembled display one so he wouldn’t need to put it together. One of the salesmen actually helped us wheel the thing all over the mall and even across the road. What can I say, Filipinos are extremely friendly and helpful!
The Legend Palawan
On my last night I decided to book a room for us at The Legend Palawan. It was a decent hotel, and we had dinner at their lobby restaurant.
I’m really happy with my parents’ new home. It’s so peaceful, completely unlike my hometown! You can’t put a price on peace of mind.
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