Right on the birthday of my grandson, the three of us, my daughter, grandson and myself flew to Puerto Princesa, Palawan for a 3 days, 2 nights adventure (April 10-12, 2012).
To begin the journey, we took our car from Los Baños, driven by my youngest daughter who happened to be flying back to her work base in Gensan on the same morning, proceeded to "Park 'n Fly" and after a brief registration and car inspection, they took us to NAIA T3 aboard the company service van . We opted to "Park 'n Fly" for economy and convenience.
My firstborn, youngest and grandson at NAIA T3 prior to our flights
This trip of ours was kinda special, because it was the first time to do all our travel and tour arrangements by my old self, online! My daughter left it all in my hands... and I myself was surprised that I managed pretty well!
After packing all our travel essentials - beach wear, aqua shoes, snorkel apparatus, clothes, sunblock, mosquito repellant, etc., we flew via Airphil at P2,914 RT/pax inclusive of insurance. I also booked online our hotel, Deep Forest Garden Inn, inclusive of both ways airport transfers and Tourister's (sister company of the hotel) Underground River (with lunch), Honda Bay island hopping (with lunch) and City tours at P4,800/pax. Why Deep Forest? It was the only one among the few hotels who responded promptly to my query, reasonable rates, accepts credit card, in-house touring services and has a swimming pool, as requested by the birthday boy :)
Birthday boy checking the wi-fi connection of the hotel upon arrival
The hotel also showcases the owner's (a sculptor) wood art pieces.
Having taken the first flight out (7:30 AM) of Airphil, we arrived in Puerto Princesa before 9 AM and was fetched by the hotel van. The hotel crew and staff were very cordial and accommodating that they instantly prepared the room for our use, much earlier than the usual policy check in time.
We started Day 1, of our adventure after a morning rest, with lunch at the hotel then City tour the whole afternoon.
My grilled tuna lunch at the hotel resto, yum!
Day 1 Puerto Princesa City Tour- we visited the city Baywalk, Iwahig Penal Colony, Baker's Hill, Crocodile Farm, Plaza Cuartel and Binuatan weaving center.
A 3 year old croc raised for its leather
The very old Recreation Hall at the Iwahig Penal Colony
where inmates entertained us with a dance number
Floating flower arrangement
Baywalk view
(to be continued)
