Puerto Princesa City

Puerto Princesa is the capital city of the Philippine province, Palawan. It is the second largest city but the least densely populated city in the Philippines. It is also well-known as the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines, making it a popular tourist destination.

A lot of travel agencies offer city tour packages which you can easily avail online. But, if you are not a fan of these, you can just hop onto a tricycle and have your own city tour. If you researched beforehand, you can just tell the tricycle drivers where to go. If you are not prepared, it's okay because the tricycle drivers are also very well aware where to take you.

Here are some of the places you can include in your city tour itinerary if you happen to visit the beautiful city of Puerto Princesa. 

Palawan  Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

Located in Barangay Irawan, this destination is more commonly known as the Crocodile Farm. Managed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, it serves as a sanctuary for endemic Philippine crocodiles. 

A large crocodile skeleton and its skin welcomes the guests on the entrance of the building. There is also a Hatchling House where freshwater and salt-lake crocodiles are being bred. 

You can try feeding the crocodiles too. You just need to pay for a minimal amount for you to experience this.   The center provides interesting and educational guidance in the Crocodile Farm only. Visitors are now left to wander the Nature Park. 

Aside from crocodiles, the center also boasts many other animals in the Nature Park such as the bear cat, monkeys, snake, birds and many other.

Mitra's Ranch

Located in Sta. Monica Heights, this ranch is owned by the family of the late Philippine Senator Ramon Mitra. It presents a breathtaking view of the Puerto Princesa City. This is a good place to rest, relax and just enjoy the fresh air and the great view.

But if you're feeling adventurous, you can try the Ranch Zip Line Adventure.

 Baker's Hill

Famous for its delicious baked goods, Baker's Hill is actually a theme park. Still in Sta. Monica Heights, this place is ideal for family and kids to hang out and enjoy. For tourists, it's good to drop by to buy goodies to take back home. 

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

This cathedral is built in 1961 in honor of the city's Patron Saint, Immaculate Conception of Mary.

Palawan in Panorama

Palawan is an island province in the Philippines located between the the South China Sea and Sulu Sea. Palawan is consist of several islands including the largest which is the Palawan Island and other small islands such as Coron, Busuanga and Cullion.

Mitra Ranch 

Mitra Ranch

In 2007, Palawan was cited by National Geographic Traveller as the "Best Island Destination" in the East and Southeast Asia. It also ranked as the 13th best island in the world to have incredibly beautiful seascapes and landscapes. 

 View from the hotel's restaurant

Closer view of the Puerto Princesa Bay

 Karst Mountain Elephant Cave

Palawan boasts the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park or the Puerto Princesa Underground River. In 2012, it was officially confirmed as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. 

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Calle Crisologo

Baluarte

Baluarte is a 80 hectare land owned by the Governor of Ilocos Sur, Chavit Singson. It is a zoo which houses birds, monkeys, tigers, deers, horses etc. that roam around. It is open to the public and admission is free. 

Vigan

Vigan is the capital city of the Philippine province Ilocos Sur. It is on the western coast of the Luzon island, facing the West Philippine Sea. 

Before starting the Vigan trip, we bought Ilocos' "kalamay" (calamay), a delicacy, in the line of stalls along McArthur Highway in Candon City. Those who will visit Ilocos should try this delicacy which is sweat and sticky and made of coconut milk, brown sugar and ground glutinous rice. 

Ilocos Delicacies*

We then enjoyed a Filipino breakfast in Twinkle's Restaurant also along McArthur Highway. It's not really considered as a restaurant but more of as a "carinderia" or eatery. Other than the usual Filipino dishes such as "adobo" and chopsuey, it also offers Ilocano cuisine such as" bagnet" or deep fried pork's meat, which is a must-try when going to Ilocos. Aside from being affordable, the food is really delicious.

Twinkle's Restaurant*

Delectable Food*

We started the trip in Plaza Burgos. It is located in front of the Vigan Cathedral. This plaza is dedicated to Father Jose Burgos, one of the three martyred Filipinos at Bagumbayan (GomBurZa).

Plaza Burgos*

The Vigan Cathedral or also known as St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral houses the replica of the Miraculous Santo Cristo Milagroso. It is also the burial place of a great Ilocano poet named Leona Florentino. Beside this cathedral is the Archbishop's residence which is built during the Spanish Era.

Vigan Cathedral*

Vigan Cathedral*

To be able to roam around Vigan efficiently and conveniently, we decided to ride Kalesa. There's a line of Kalesa outside the Vigan Cathedral. Kucheros or the driver of Kalesa will take you to the historical and tourists spots in Vigan for only PhP 150 per hour. It can fit 2-3 persons. Kucheros also serve as your tour guides. 

Kalesa outside the Vigan Cathedral*

Kalesa*

Our Kuchero took us first in St. Augustine Church in Bantay District, Vigan.  St Augustine Church is built in 1590. It is one of the oldest churches in Ilocos Sur.

St. Augustine Church*

Beside the church is the Bantay Belfry. The Bantay Belfry sits on a hill, Calvario Hill. On top of this tower, one can see the green vast of pastureland and mountain view of the Province of Abra and Vigan. Some even claim that they can see most of Ilocos Sur from this tower. Built in 1591, it serves as the people's watchtower against enemies. It was also used during World Wars I and II. Bantay Belfry is guarded by caretakers who also offer a tour.

Bantay Belfry

On the topmost floor of the tower are five bells. Each bells has its own purpose, one for christening, fiesta, funeral, wedding and the biggest one is a warning bell. This warning bell is famous for being featured in a well-known Filipino film Panday.

Bells*

Warning Bell*

*Photos by Mel Gabuya