Weekend Getaway in Puerto Princesa Part3

Our day 3 in Puerto Princesa is for City Tour. I am quite excited actually, because the last time I was in Puerto Princesa, I wasn’t able to complete the whole city tour. Our day started a bit early. after breakfast we then started to roam the city streets of Puerto Princesa.

Our first stop was the Baywalk. This is the Puerto Princesa’s version of Manila’s Baywalk. The whole stretch of boulevard is really clean and dotted with flowers. The place is very popular to the locals at night time. Bikes can be rented here you may simply take a leisurely stroll here.

From the Baywalk we then went to Plaza Cuartel. Plaza Cuartel was once a Japanese Garrison where more than a hundered American POWs were burned to death. Eleven soldiers were able to survive this harrowing experience by swimming the sea going to Iwahig.

A memorial was installed on the park marking this dark day in the history of Palawan. A sculpture was also installed in the park which was made by one of the American Survivor, Don Schloat.

From the Plaza Cuartel, we then took a short walk to the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral. The church is located just a few meters away from the Plaza Cuartel. Since it was a Sunday, we really didn’t have much time to explore the church interiors as mass is said when we were there. So I just opted to take photos of the facade and went back to our van.

The Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral was built using the Gothic architechtural design.The bule and while color of the church represents the colors of the Immaculate Concepcion. Its twin belfry are looks similar to the ones in San Sebastian Church in Manila.

From the Cathedral we then went to the Tiange Tiange Pasalubong shop. It is a row of souvenir shops selling a wide range of gift ideas from tshirts, to jewelries, pearls, neckalces, bracelets, keychains, handicrafts, aswell as food items. The place is a big hit among the tourists as it is very crowded with people buys pasalubong or souvenir for friends.

From there we then went to the Mitra’s Ranch. This is the second time that I have been to the Mitra’s Ranch. I always love thes place! Our guide said that the Mitra’s Ranch is owned by the family of the late House Speaker Ramon Mitra. The grounds is open to the public for free but the house itself is off limits.

The ranch offers a breathtaking view of the Honda Bay.Several islands of the bay is even visible from the ranch.

The design of the house is pyramidal in shape. It is somewhat similar to the Monastery of the Transfiguration in Malaybalay Bukidnon.

From the Mitra’s Ranch we then headed to the Baker’s Hill. Baker’s Hill is situated just a few meters away from the Mitra’s Ranch. The Baker’s hill sells locally baked goodies perfect for pasalubong. The shop’s best seller is, hands down, its hopia! No visit in Puerto Princesa is complete without getting yourself a box of Baker’s Hill Hopia! Of course I got myself a box of hopia. Naku, nasa van pa lang, kinakain ko na!

From the Baker’s Hill we then proceeded to the Binuatan Creations. Binuatan is a Cuyonin word meaning creation. Binuatan is known for creating handwoven materials made of local materials like grass, buri, etc.

The locally sourced materials are dyed and then weaved into mats, table runners, while some are made into bags. It is a worthwhile visit. we get to learn a lot from weavers. Their finished products are also exported to other countries where demand for hand woven accessories are high. (I’ll do a separate blog post for this)

From Binuatan we went back to our accommodation for our quick lunch and finally, checked out of the hotel. That was quite fast. The three days two nights of adventure is officially over. After checking out, we then head straight to the Puerto Princesa Airport to fly back to Manila.

I really enjoyed our weekend getaway trip! I had so much fun traveling with blogger friends as well as the coolest peeps from Air Phil Express! Ang saya saya talaga!

You think I am the only one who enjoyed this trip? Just wait, you too can enjoy this adventure for less SOON!

Many thanks to AirPhil Express for bringing us to Puerto Princesa!