Finally! Dream come true to visit the beautiful island of Palawan! It's my first time and I'm getting butterflies in my stomach while in the sky, really. So we landed at around 9:00 am at the Palawan airport, it's an hour and a half plane ride from Manila and it's so worth it.
At the Palawan airport
We waited for 15 minutes for our hotel tour van to arrived. They're late, but it's okay. :) Road trip from the airport to Asturias Hotel is about 20-25 minutes only. Got to see some establishments while we were heading to the hotel and it's not that crowded like the one in Manila.
The Asturias Hotel
When we arrived at the hotel, they immediately served us some fresh buko pandan juice as their welcome drink. Staff were very accommodating and friendly, they're always smiling while talking to us. Good job! Felt like I'm just in our home. Got to tour around the hotel while waiting for lunch to come. :p
Buko Pandan juice as their welcome drink
The Asturias Hotel lobby
The swimming pool at day (It has 1 large pool and 2 bubble pools) Open daily from 6am to 10pm
Swimming pool at night
I call it the relaxing slash smoking area. And no, I don't smoke.
The bedroom
We requested to add one bed and it has no additional fee. The restroom is just beside the bed in the left. It has towels, toothbrush, soap and shampoo with conditioner. It also has a bathtub and a shower which can be a bidet at the same time but you can request for a tabo if you want. In front of the bed is a long table with old school television, mirror, magazines and a lamp. Adjacent to that is the cabinet.
Our room key. Room 220
Coffee Exchange Café
We held our buffet lunch here instead in Pescados Restaurant. I have no complain about the food. It was by far the best buffet I had. Everything was delicious from appetizers to desserts. Some of the food they served at lunch were Potato Salad, Cream of Carmen Soup, Kilawin, Beef with Oyster Sauce, Buttered Vegies, Fried Chicken and for desserts they had Coffee Jelly and sliced fruits.
After our lunch, we prepared ourselves for the city tour. Our first stop, The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center which is formerly known as the Crocodile Farm. Thanks to kuya Francis btw, our driver on this day and to ate Jessica our tourist guide. :)
After our lunch, we prepared ourselves for the city tour. Our first stop, The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center which is formerly known as the Crocodile Farm. Thanks to kuya Francis btw, our driver on this day and to ate Jessica our tourist guide. :)
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
Skeleton and the skin of the 17 feet crocodile
As you enter, you will see this huge display. This crocodile was caught because he swallowed the lower-half body of a fisherman here in Palawan and was later on died because of stress. Same cause why Lolong, the world's largest crocodile died. The skin displayed is not for commercial use as it is considered a "senior crocodile". It was said that the age of this crocodile is approximately 60 years old.
Right next to this is the Sperm Whale's skin and skeleton, which I didn't have a picture of. So yeah, we headed straight to the Hatchling House where the baby crocodiles up to 6 years old lies and been taking care of. We've been reminded that everything that moves whether it's a thing or a person, in crocodile's eyes it is considered as their food. Yikes.
Right next to this is the Sperm Whale's skin and skeleton, which I didn't have a picture of. So yeah, we headed straight to the Hatchling House where the baby crocodiles up to 6 years old lies and been taking care of. We've been reminded that everything that moves whether it's a thing or a person, in crocodile's eyes it is considered as their food. Yikes.
Did you know? The main reason why crocodiles open their mouth is to cool off. Naks.
At the end of the Hatchling House, there is somewhat a small shop where you can have a picture taking with a baby crocodile. For only 30php you can have atleast 3 shots using your own camera and the photographer's. If you want to avail printed copies, they sell it for 150php or 175php with a customized background. Here's mine with the green screen (raw).
Croc's mouth is sealed. Don't worry! :)
So I guess that's it for Crocodile farm. There are also some souvenir shops inside and outside the farm where you can buy shirts, stuffed toy, hats, etc. We also saw a bear cat across where you can pose and take pictures of it as well.
TIP: If you have a plan to buy shirt, buy outside the farm (parking area), I find the design awesome than in other shops.
Our next stop, Mitra's Ranch which is also known as Rancho Sta. Monica because it is located at Sta. Monica Heights. It is privately managed and owned by the family of Ramon Mitra, our late senator. Here, you can see the breathtaking slash panoramic view of the Honda Bay and if you want to have some thrilling activity, they have a zipline. Literally breathtaking. I don't have much pictures because we stayed less than 10 minutes here.
TIP: If you have a plan to buy shirt, buy outside the farm (parking area), I find the design awesome than in other shops.
Our next stop, Mitra's Ranch which is also known as Rancho Sta. Monica because it is located at Sta. Monica Heights. It is privately managed and owned by the family of Ramon Mitra, our late senator. Here, you can see the breathtaking slash panoramic view of the Honda Bay and if you want to have some thrilling activity, they have a zipline. Literally breathtaking. I don't have much pictures because we stayed less than 10 minutes here.
Mitra's house
The view beside the house
Dark clouds are coming
Our 3rd stop, Baker's Hill! Rode about 10-15 minutes from the ranch. Baker's Hill is known for selling delish and fresh baked goodies like hopia, mamon, brownies, pianono and many more. There are also a few restaurants inside and a wide themed park near the end.
The entrance to Baker's Hill
The famous chef statue. wink *
And the more famous statue of Marilyn Monroe scattered all over the place
Free merienda! Fresh baked Hopiang Ube and Hopiang Monggo. Both was good! My fave is the Ube one :)
Enjoying the goodies together with our tourist guide, ate Jessica on stripes.
Entrance to the themed park. Somewhat.
HashtagFromWhereIStand
Our 4th stop, Binuatan Creations, Manufacturer of Handloom Woven Products Utilizing Palawan's Indiginous Fibers. They make authentic products made of local fibers and grasses. Products were done by women-mothers, out of school youths and working students.
The Binuatan working place
You can try to weave and they will teach you how. Coolio.
Some of the finished products
Weaved bags, hats, keychains, ukelele and some other souvenir items! Amazing!
Our 5th stop, the Baywalk! It is pretty much similar with the one in Manila. I didn't have pictures because we did not go down from the van coz we got some oldiezz ya know but ate Jessica told us that it was a squatter area before. Now, all I can say is Good job, Mr. Hagerdorn! Hope the newly elect officials will maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the baywalk. Few meters from here, you can see the Plaza Cuartel.
Our 2nd to the last destination was the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. It's a century old and it is located at Barangay Liwanag. Structures were still solid and furnished. Just had a moment of silence thanking the Lord.
Our 2nd to the last destination was the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. It's a century old and it is located at Barangay Liwanag. Structures were still solid and furnished. Just had a moment of silence thanking the Lord.
After that, we headed to the famous Tiangge in the city and bought some souvenirs and headed back to our hotel after. We had our dinner at 6pm and as expected, food was delicious!
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