Puerto Princesa is the capital of the island of Palawan, often referred to as the last frontier on the living planet. The city is one of the tourist hubs of the Philippines, known for its commitment to sustainable tourism. Its main attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage Underground River National Park, but the city itself has a pleasant tropical atmosphere. It is an ideal starting point for exploring other wonders of the island, such as El Nido and Coron.
After arriving and checking into our accommodation, we immersed ourselves in the heart of the city in the evening. On the first night, we had dinner at a great local restaurant, where we tasted the flavors of Palawan. The walk back to our accommodation after dinner in the hot tropical night was unforgettable, the air was heavy and fragrant, the distant music and the rumble of local tricycles accompanied our steps.
The next day, we had a typical island hopping program in the Honda Bay. We visited several smaller islands, where we had the opportunity to snorkel in the clear water, observe colorful coral reefs and marine life, or just simply enjoy the beach and sunbathing on the soft, white sand.
A delicious, local-style lunch awaited us on Cowrie Island. This island was an ideal place to relax due to its white sandy beach and shady spots provided by palm trees. The island got its name from the porcelain snails (cowrie) that were once found in large numbers in the area.
The Starfish Island is famous for its shallow waters, which are covered in starfish. It is a fascinating sight to see starfish of various sizes and colors resting on the bottom of the shallow, crystal-clear water. This place is also excellent for snorkeling and careful observation of marine life.
On the third day, we visited the Baker’s Hill above the city, which is a unique park and gastronomic experience located on a hilltop. Baker’s Hill originally started as a modest bakery, but has now grown into a kind of park complex that combines culinary delights with attractions. The place is famous for hopia and other delicious, freshly baked products where the buildings are surrounded by beautifully gardens. As a hilltop place, the Baker’s Hill offers a great panorama of the surrounding landscape and parts of Puerto Princesa. It is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
Baker’s Hill
