April 2009 - Second Half of
Philippines Trip
After returning from Baguio, we went to
the remote island of Palawan on the Sulu
Sea. There are less than 1 million people
on this island, often described as the last
frontier, as it is still largely undeveloped.
This is an island paradise with coconut
trees, mangos, cashews, white sand
beaches, monkeys and natural tropical
beauty.
We took five separate tours while we were
there. I think the best was the Honda Bay
tour where we got to go snorkeling in an
undisturbed coral reef, "swim with fishes",
and stop at several sandy beaches. The
most novel was the underground river
tour. After a long car ride, we took an
outrigger to a trailhead on a remote beach.
We saw monkeys and monitor lizards. But
it was pretty spectacular going through the
actual "underground river" as well.
On another trip we saw crocodiles (the
Crocodilian species seemed to be theme
this year). This time, while Matthew was
holding a baby one it tried to attack him!
We also stopped at Baker's hill, the Iwahig
Prison and Penal Farm, and stopped off at
the Puerto Princessa waterfront. The
firefly tour was also very cool, though it
was a long trip for perhaps 5-10 minutes of
actual firefly viewing.
We loved Palawan so much, we definitely
are going back. In fact, in February 2010,
we plan to visit again.
When we returned to Manila, we
celebrated Allyssa's baptism and first
birthday party with the extended family.
We also had Matthew's fifth birthday
celebration as well.