2. Travel
  3. Philippines 2012

Palawan, Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa is the main city (and capital) of the island province of Palawan. It's a fairly large city (220,000 people) but feels small, especially when landing at the airport.
We didn't spend much time in the town, as most tourists do, because of the plethora of sights and activities that exist in this "frontier" province. I've been dreaming of Palawan for 4 years, every since we were within shouting distance at the Tip of Borneo. Our excursions in Palawan did not disappoint, so be sure to look at our tour of Honda Bay as well as our jaunt north to El Nido.
Also, be sure to click the "Map This!" button to see where some of the photos were taken.
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  • After a mix-up with Air Asia, we flew with Cebu Pacific from Hong Kong to Palawan. It was a fun flight since the staff plays trivia games for little prizes.

    After a mix-up with Air Asia, we flew with Cebu Pacific from Hong Kong to Palawan. It was a fun flight since the staff plays trivia games for little prizes.

  • Hey Palawan! And warmth! As I took this photo Julie noticed a sign that said not to stop and take pictures - at least a third of the passengers did.

    Hey Palawan! And warmth! As I took this photo Julie noticed a sign that said not to stop and take pictures - at least a third of the passengers did.

  • Our hotel - the Blue Lagoon. A very new hotel near the airport. Nice staff, nice rooms, a nice pool - we'd recommend.

    Our hotel - the Blue Lagoon. A very new hotel near the airport. Nice staff, nice rooms, a nice pool - we'd recommend.

  • Never one to not try and eat like a local - I dive right in and order the Filipino breakfast with "danggit"; a small, dried fish. Quite good when drizzled with a splash of vinegar.

    Never one to not try and eat like a local - I dive right in and order the Filipino breakfast with "danggit"; a small, dried fish. Quite good when drizzled with a splash of vinegar.

  • Riding in a tricycle down the main drag (Rizal street) in PP. We have to sit opposite each other in the small cab, while you could easily fit two Filipinos on each seat. These modified motorbikes are everywhere, yet oddly not when you actually want one.

    Riding in a tricycle down the main drag (Rizal street) in PP. We have to sit opposite each other in the small cab, while you could easily fit two Filipinos on each seat. These modified motorbikes are everywhere, yet oddly not when you actually want one.

  • Chips, specifically made to have with beer! How come Old Dutch hasn't done this?

    Chips, specifically made to have with beer! How come Old Dutch hasn't done this?

  • Interesingly NOT in the guide book, PP's baywalk is quite nice. At night there are many food stands and somewhat of a carnival atmosphere. They were setting up a 5-storey Christmas Tree (you can see it on Google Maps).

    Interesingly NOT in the guide book, PP's baywalk is quite nice. At night there are many food stands and somewhat of a carnival atmosphere. They were setting up a 5-storey Christmas Tree (you can see it on Google Maps).

  • It took about 8 attempts to get this photo with the giant Christmas tree.

    It took about 8 attempts to get this photo with the giant Christmas tree.

  • Traffic on Rizal street in downtown PP. Just google "palawan tricycle" to get a look at these quirky vehicles, as they're all decorated differently.

    Traffic on Rizal street in downtown PP. Just google "palawan tricycle" to get a look at these quirky vehicles, as they're all decorated differently.

  • McDonald's comes to Palawan...maybe not so "final frontier" after all.

    McDonald's comes to Palawan...maybe not so "final frontier" after all.

  • Julie with a Rotary sign in Puerto Princesa (she's going to India in February on a Rotary Exchange).

    Julie with a Rotary sign in Puerto Princesa (she's going to India in February on a Rotary Exchange).

  • Their provincial building reminded me of the "beehive" in Wellington NZ

    Their provincial building reminded me of the "beehive" in Wellington NZ

  • Andrew writes notes in a bar, just like a real traveler. (Katabom Bar in PP)

    Andrew writes notes in a bar, just like a real traveler. (Katabom Bar in PP)

  • Katabom Bar was quite close to our hotel, and featured some very good live music. Plus the best "kinilaw" salad we had anywhere in PHP. Marius & Joyce (in background) sort of invited us in here as we walked past it.

    Katabom Bar was quite close to our hotel, and featured some very good live music. Plus the best "kinilaw" salad we had anywhere in PHP. Marius & Joyce (in background) sort of invited us in here as we walked past it.

  • For the record, we stayed here at Blue Lagoon two separate stays. First time we were in the taller building in the background. The second time we got upgraded to the middle poolside cabin suite. This photo was taken while we were waiting for our bus to El Nido.

    For the record, we stayed here at Blue Lagoon two separate stays. First time we were in the taller building in the background. The second time we got upgraded to the middle poolside cabin suite. This photo was taken while we were waiting for our bus to El Nido.

  • Andrew discovers home-made ice cream! (at the rest stop en route from PP to El Nido) Purple = yam "ube", yellow = mango, white = cheese; all tasty.

    Andrew discovers home-made ice cream! (at the rest stop en route from PP to El Nido) Purple = yam "ube", yellow = mango, white = cheese; all tasty.

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