When we went to Coron waaaay back 2012, our tour guide asked us if we've been to Puerto Princesa already, I said not yet since Coron is our first Palawan destination. He said we might not appreciate it that much since Coron is more beautiful than Puerto Princesa. After 4 years, its still on my mind so I don't have high expectations of the place.

Honda Bay Island Hopping is one of the popular tours in Puerto Princesa. Honda Bay has several islands but only a few of them are open and the rest are protected areas or are privately owned. 

Our Honda Bay Island Hopping is consist of three islands, Starfish Island, Luli Island and Cowrie Island.

On our way to the jump-off point we stopped by a store to rent snorkeling gears and aqua shoes for PHP 600.00 for the two of us.

Our first island didn't impress me that much, but I'm not disappointed yet as I know this place has its own charm. 

Luli Island

Luli Island means lulubog- lilitaw (sink & rise). During high tide, the island disappers and during lowtide, it reappears. You can do snorkeling or board diving here and other are already having their packed lunch here. I really wanted to try board diving, too bad I don't know how to swim. There's also a small table selling some snacks. 

Cowrie Island

I got to admit that this island has the clearest amd bluest water among the three island. There are water activities and volleyball nets, cottage and tables where you can drink and hang out if you don't wanna swim. Locals also offers to take artsy photos of the tourists mostly Filipinos. 

There are other islands I think but I don't know why they aren't included in the package. 

So, is it true that Coron is more beautiful that Puerto Princesa? The thing is Coron offers something that Puerto Princesa doesn't have and so does Puerto Princesa. This island has its own charm, I've been to only three islands and I have yet to explore other islands of Puerto Princesa.

PUERTO PRINCESA 2016: ITINERARY AND EXPENSES

xx, Joyce

Our last day in Puerto Princesa was alloted for the city tour. Usually, city tour availed through a travel agency cost around PHP 600.00 each but being a budget traveler that I am, I looked for a cheaper option and luckily there is. On our past 2 days in the city, we met tricycle drivers who offered us a cheaper way of touring the city through their tricycle for PHP600.00 for up to 4 passengers. We're only two but its cheaper than paying PHP1,200.00, plus you can go on your own pace, stay in one place longer or if you wanna leave right away you can, or if you wanna skip a certain place, you can. 

We hired the service of Kuya Ramy for our city tour because his tricycle looks new and there is one place he offered that is not usually included in the city tour unlike the others who just go on the usual place. Kuya Ramy picked us at Go Hotel at around 9:00am I think and off we start our last day's activity, Puerto Princesa city tour.

Entrance fee here is PHP100.00 each that includes the tour guide because the place is surprisingly huge. Its just us when we went here since this is not included in the usual city tour. What's special about Kuyba Almoneca is the Holy Face and the underground spring water pool which is really something else. 

Fish Spa is also included in the entrance fee. Its my first time to try this so my feet can't say long underwater. I'm just not sure if it hurts or tickles my feet. :)

Last January, we explored the islands of Siargao. This love month, I opted to have a more relaxed weekend. Not all girls are made of sugar & spice & everything nice. I am not a fan of surprises, chocolates and bouquet of flowers. I am made of adventure, fine beer, brains and no fear. Instead of arranging a valentine date for the boyfie and I, we decided to spend it out-of-Manila. I originally wanted to go to the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Clark, Pampanga which we usually do every February, but I felt I wanted to do other than that. I have lots of places to go to in my mind that I couldn't decide. And suddenly, I just booked an overnight stay at Casa San Pablo in Laguna. 

Our package includes an overnight stay in one of their themed rooms, 3 meals (lunch, dinner & breakfast) + 1 AM/PM snack. With all these, its is indeed a very relaxing weekend.

The usual check-in time is 11:30 AM, check-out at 10:00 AM the next day but we were advised by the Manila reservation office that since there is a wedding the day before our stay, our check-in time on the day of their checkout is at 2:00 PM to which I agreed. I only paid half of the total amount and when I received the confirmation voucher, it is indicated that our check-out will be at 2:00 PM the next day, 24 hours! Very sulit!

ROOM

On their website are rooms with different theme and no room looks the same. I prefer Room 12 which is their most romantic suite as stated in their website but it's already booked. There are 2 rooms left for couple and so I chose room 9.  "Located on the ground floor, this room is ideal for a couple looking for some private time. An abstract oil painting  by Reb Belleza  puts a compelling accent to the room, while on an adjacent wall an oil painting by  Ricky Ambangan  presents a market day . Twin vintage beds make  for two singles or one twin-sharing bed. The room opens to a private porch. " -Casa San Pablo

Restaurant

Meals

3 meals and 1 snack is included in the package. We arrived in the resort past 1:00 PM and our lunch was then prepared. We took a rest first in our room and someone knocked our door to inform us that our lunch is ready. When we reached the dining area, we didn't expect our meal to be so plenty. Its just too much for two persons but we don't have a choice but to finish everything instead of it ending up in trash because no one's gonna eat our left overs anyway. 

Same goes with our dinner. Fish, meat, chicken and vegetables, though we're still full with our lunch, we were able to finish everything on our table.

Breakfast was never a surprise, we again had too much food on our table but we ended up asking another round of rice because we loved the Bolinao longganisa. I just had two much food during our 2-day vacation, its like the world is telling me to prepare because after this I'm gonna be serious with my diet. Goal: no rice! 

Casa San Pablo has 2 swimming pools which the guests are not using. But we swim for a few hours though since its just gonna be just the two of us.

Though there's not much to do here than eat and sleep and swim and relax then repeat, this is exactly what we just needed. With all the stress and lack of time for the two of us because of work, this place is just perfect to reconnect again with yourself and with each other.

Happy Valentine's Day from us!

xx, Joyce