Puerto Princesa Underground River Experience

We went to Puerto Princesa in Palawan with the sole purpose of visiting the world famous underground river. 

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the most distinguished protected areas of the Philippines. The Park features a spectacular limestone or karst mountain landscape. It contains an 8.2 km long underground river that flows directly to the sea. The lower half of the river is brackish and subject to the oceans tide. A subterranean river flowing directly into the sea and the associated tidal influence makes it the most unique natural phenomenon of its type to exist. The presence of 11 minerals, scientifically and aesthetically unique speleothems, and a 20 million year old Serenia fossil embedded in the walls of the cave justifies the declaration of the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Source:http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/

The first step in having an Underground River experience is to register with the booking office. Do note that tours should be booked months in advance because slots fill up fast.

 

We made arrangements a few months before our trip so all we had to do when we reached the booking office was to pay for the boat that will take us to the Underground River. 

Boats Waiting to Pick Up Passengers

After just a few minutes of boat travel...

we arrived the Underground River.

Short walk down the jungle...

and it was time to suit up for safety. 

It's best to go early to avoid long lines. Our early morning sacrifice paid off as we waited for only about 10 minutes before we were assigned a bangkero. 

On to the Underground River

The tour lasts 45 minutes in complete darkness. 

All we had was a trusty flashlight to guide the way. 

The bangkero will tell stories about the Underground River and will point at mineral formations with interesting shapes. It's important to use one's imagination and bring one's sense of adventure in order to enjoy the experience. A little bit of humor won't hurt too.

Formations at the Underground River:

Do note that it was hard to take pictures of the more magnificent formations of the Underground River. 

Another Group of Tourists

Tour Almost Over

Photo souvenirs are available at the end of the tour.

I was glad to see the Underground River but I'm honest enough to say that it wasn't as magnificent as I expected it to be. It's still worth a visit though and is a must see when in Puerto Princesa.

Daluyon Beach Resort in Puerto Princessa

Hard as it was, we had to say goodbye to El Nido and go back to Puerto Princessa.

In Puerto Princessa, we stayed at Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort which is located at the less crowded side of Sabang Beach.  It's perfect for honeymooners or families looking for peace and privacy.

We chose Daluyon over other resorts in the area because rates were reasonable and they have rooms that can accommodate up to 4 people.

Entrance to Daluyon

Eco Awards

Bar

Pool

Beach

The resort only has 16 beachfront Asian inspired rooms.

We stayed at a superior room and it was spacious, comfortable, and clean. 

Superior Room

Extra Person Bed

Bathroom

Breakfast was included for booking a room at Daluyon and spread was decent.

We also had lunch and dinner at Daluyon's restaurant because we were too lazy to leave the comforts of the resort. We were lucky that the restaurant served good food and menu had a mix of Filipino, American, and Italian dishes.

Here are some of the items we ordered for lunch:

Shrimp Ravioli

Fish and Chips

Burger

Shrimp Pizza

Fried Rice

Sisig

Sauteed Fish

At night, the restaurant feels more intimate with the warm lights.

It was also harder to take pictures...

French Onion Soup

Margherita Pizza

Kiddie Meal of Spaghetti and Fries

Carbonara

Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort might not be for everyone because of its not so ideal location; however, it's worth the extra mile with reasonable rates, great food, and comfortable rooms.  

Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort is located at Sabang Beach, Puerto Princesa City Palawan – Philippines. For more information, call (048) 723-0889, (0917) 826-9989 or click here.

Family Time at El Nido

As a nature loving family, we definitely had a good time at El Nido!

Nothing beat waking up every day to a beautiful view with cute morning messages from Barney.

We  mostly whiled away the time exploring the different islands and beaches of El Nido. Click post here to see the islands we went to. Island hopping was included in our package with Miniloc Island Resort, but we had to pay extra for them to take us at 7 Commandos, the only new spot I visited, as it was very from the resort.

7 Commandos is a picturesque beach with white sand and clear blue waters. Best thing about our experience at 7 Commandos was we had the island all to ourselves.

Sipping fresh coconut juice while enjoying the view... this is the life!

In between island hopping and eating, we found time to rock climb at Entalula Beach Club, a private property owned by El Nido Resorts. It was great to finally rock climb with real rock formations.

Here's a guest showing how it's done:

Safety First

Holding On for Dear Life

Proof of Success

Long Way Down

At night, we played board games which we borrowed from Miniloc Island Resort.

Upwords

Mahjong

Game of Life

Jenga

Our 3 days at Miniloc Island Resort was undeniably one of the most relaxing, enjoyable trips we had as a family. It was the first time in family history that nobody complained, as we were all happy and contented being at El Nido and Miniloc Island Resort.

Miniloc Island Resort is located at  El Nido, Palawan. Rates start at 18,000php per person. For more information, click here.