Underground River, Palawan

No trip to Palawan is complete without going to the Underground River. This river is part of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park which is a World Heritage Site. This natural wonder features an 8.2 kilometers navigable river reputed to be the world's longest that winds through a spectacular cave before emptying out into the South China Sea.

The following photos were taken during my trip there last year. Pardon the because these shots were taken using my old low-res sony cybershot digital camera:

From the City proper, it took us almost two hours to reach Barangay Cabayugan in Sitio Sabang. Then, from Sabang Beach,we had about thirty-minute boat ride to reach the Park.

Upon arrival to the site, what will greet you is the powdery white sand of the beach front leading to a mini-forest trail. Then, you have to wait in line for your chance to ride another boat that will tour you inside the cave.

Buwaya

The photos above were taken during my trip to the Crocodile Farm and Nature Park in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Located in Barangay Irawan, the farm is a joint venture between the Philippine and Japanese governments. The idea is to breed the animals in captivity and eventually harvest them for the meat, skin, and whatever a crocodile has that is valuable. There is a fifteen minute film-showing followed by a tour around the area where you can see the crocodiles in various age. You can even hold a young crocodile for posterity for just a minimum fee. The museum needed a little work done on its displays, but it did have the skeletal remains of the largest crocodile caught in the Philippines.

Two Pampanga Churches

I got up early last Sunday to attend an early mass in my parochial church. Since I learned the night before that my appointment for the day has been cancelled, I decided to go to SM Pampanga to do a little shopping. It is on my way there that I happened to pass these two statuesque churches of Pampanga:

Sta. Monica Church, Mexico, Pampanga

Ang Payola

Mount Arayat, Pampanga

SIQUIJOR - Truly Mystical

This will be my last post on my trip to the Mystical Island of Siquijor. First let me start with the urban legends. What excites me most about this trip is the mystery that surrounds the infamous island. So, when my friends learned that I was going to Siquijor, they have advised me (even texted me at the night of my flight) to be cautious about the following:

San Juan's Rocky Side

As an alternative to swimming, snorkeling or just plainly walking in the sand of the San Juan Beach, one could wander or trek around the rocky, limestone hills of the beach. As an added bonus, one could explore the various crevices and openings of the caves surrounding these areas. The various images that can be formed on these rocks are good and eerie conversation pieces.

Here are some of the pics I have taken while I was on the beach overlooking the hills and shots I have taken while I was on the hill overlooking the beach:

San Juan Beach

There are several beach resorts that dot the coastal areas of Siquijor. They serve as tranquil hideaways where the sky meets the sea. Beachfronts are covered with fine, white sand while rows of huts, cottages and other room accommodations are available for pic knickers and bathers.

We stayed overnight at the Coco Grove Beach Resort located in the Municipality of San Juan. For features of the resort please click here. The beachfront of the resort is truly amazing with its white sand and coral formation at the sea side. However, is you want to go swimming, you have to walk to a neighboring resort where the sand is finer and there are less rocks and stones at the shore.

Salagdoong Beach

Salagdoong beach resort is one of Siquijor Islands's most frequented beaches. It boasts of crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, high rock formations and favorable diving spots. Lines of dense molave trees usher every visitor to the intramural breadth of the beach. The beach is managed by the Government and that a minimal entrance fee of only ten pesos per guest is required before one could enter the resort.

Mount Bandilaan Nature Park

Located at the center of the island of Siquijor, the park's highest peak rises at 557 feet above sea level. The park which covers an entire area of the former Siquijor Reforestation Project, is home to numerous endemic fauna and flora. Other attractions include a shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, The Way of the Cross, five natural springs, caves and butterfly sanctuary.

Churches of Siquijor

Feels like the holy week but the first thing we did at Siquijor was to visit its famous century-old churches. After all, the smallest island province in the Central Visayas is the home of the historical St. Isidore Labradore church and convent constructed in 1891, believed to be one of the oldest and the biggest in Asian and the bell tower of St. Francis of Assisi built in 1870.

They say Siquijor heals the spirit of any weary traveler with its peace and tranquility. So before our venture the mountains of the island and explore the its folk traditions of healing rituals, it was only proper that we offer prayers and visit its famous Christian churches.

ST. ISIDORE LABRADORE CHURCH AND CONVENT

Siquijor - The Mystic Island

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL OF YOU!!!

I am now in the Mystic Island of Siquijor. My itinerary includes visits to the famous old churches of the island, then I will also be going up to the mountains made famous by faith healers and mambabarangs.

Will I see ghosts, aswangs and lamang lupa? We will see. I'll keep you all posted. If I do comeback alive. (Insert twilight zone soundtrack here)