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Puerto Princesa
More than just a hotel: Citystate Asturias Hotel Palawan
3 August 2016 Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Puerto Princesa is not just about the Underground River, this place has more to offer, trust me. Destinations don’t come much more bucketlist-worthy than this, so if you’re planning a dream trip to Puerto Princesa and want to have an easy access to the city, you want to make sure you’re staying in a hotel that's more than just a hotel. Ladies and gentleman, let me introduce you to Citystate Asturias Hotel Palawan.
On our 3rd and 4th night in Puerto Princesa, we stayed at Citystate Asturias Hotel Palawan. The hotel is located along the South National Highway, giving guests easy access to Tiniguiban Heights and Puerto Princesa City, just a short drive from the airport and commercial district.
The hotel has a well-equipped conference room for organizing business meetings, function rooms for weddings, parties, and more. It also has its own gym complete with equipment and has its own video-oke and billiards room for a late night chill with friends.
They also offer tour arrangement to St. Paul Subterranean River National Park, Iwahig Penal Colony, and the Crocodile Farm and Nature Park.
The room itself was not overly spacious but it was beautifully minimal. It is an air conditioned unit, equipped with complimentary drinking bottled water, flat screen television with cable channels, telephone, minibar fridge, built-in cabinet and an electronic door lock system.
The best part of the room was that there's a bath tub in the bathroom. Awesome! The bathroom was well stocked with toiletries and fluffy towels.
When it comes to hotels, a good breakfast buffet is always on top of my list. The hotel has an on-site cafe, The Lobby Cafe, where guests can have light meals, breakfast, coffee variety and desserts. It is open from 6 AM until 12 midnight.
An expansive breakfast buffet, their cafe had it spot on. The breakfast buffet includes cereals, milk, team fruits, eggs, bacon, hot soup, and so much more, all of which are inclusive in the price of your stay.
For reservations, you may contact their Manila sales office at (632) 708 9624 and/or Palawan sales office at (63)(48) 434 3852 or email them at info@asturiashotel.ph.
What did you think of Citystate Asturias Hotel Palawan? Are you planning a getaway to Puerto Princesa too and thinking of booking this hotel? Let me know your thoughts below.
THE HOTEL
On our 3rd and 4th night in Puerto Princesa, we stayed at Citystate Asturias Hotel Palawan. The hotel is located along the South National Highway, giving guests easy access to Tiniguiban Heights and Puerto Princesa City, just a short drive from the airport and commercial district.
The hotel has a well-equipped conference room for organizing business meetings, function rooms for weddings, parties, and more. It also has its own gym complete with equipment and has its own video-oke and billiards room for a late night chill with friends.
They also offer tour arrangement to St. Paul Subterranean River National Park, Iwahig Penal Colony, and the Crocodile Farm and Nature Park.
THE ROOM
We stayed in a deluxe room with 1 queen size bed and 2 extra beds. It's published rate is PhP 6,800 a night but you can avail it at a 50% discounted price of PhP 3,400 per night.The room itself was not overly spacious but it was beautifully minimal. It is an air conditioned unit, equipped with complimentary drinking bottled water, flat screen television with cable channels, telephone, minibar fridge, built-in cabinet and an electronic door lock system.
The best part of the room was that there's a bath tub in the bathroom. Awesome! The bathroom was well stocked with toiletries and fluffy towels.
THE POOL
Oh I absolutely love the hotel's swimming pool. Our room was just beside the pool so every time we got nothing to do we always dip and have a swim at the pool for hours. Yes, a stay at City State Asturias Hotel is not complete without trying out the swimming pool.BREAKFASTS
When it comes to hotels, a good breakfast buffet is always on top of my list. The hotel has an on-site cafe, The Lobby Cafe, where guests can have light meals, breakfast, coffee variety and desserts. It is open from 6 AM until 12 midnight.
An expansive breakfast buffet, their cafe had it spot on. The breakfast buffet includes cereals, milk, team fruits, eggs, bacon, hot soup, and so much more, all of which are inclusive in the price of your stay.
For reservations, you may contact their Manila sales office at (632) 708 9624 and/or Palawan sales office at (63)(48) 434 3852 or email them at info@asturiashotel.ph.
What did you think of Citystate Asturias Hotel Palawan? Are you planning a getaway to Puerto Princesa too and thinking of booking this hotel? Let me know your thoughts below.
More than just a hotel: Citystate Asturias Hotel Palawan
3 August 2016 Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
On Day 4, as a part of our Puerto Princesa escape, we ate lunch at Tiya Ising's Restaurant. Tiya Ising Restaurant provides Filipino comfort foods and opened its doors to the public in November 2015 in Puerto Princesa.
Tiya Ising's Restaurant is located at Roxas Street, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It was owned and managed by the lovely 22 year old Katrina Austria.
The interior of the restaurant is beautifully neat and there were interesting facts and old photographs about Palawan and the Philippines on the walls. Here, you learn about Puerto Princesa while you enjoy your favorite Filipino Dishes. A must try dining experience!
The majority of the photographs is from the owner's family collections, from Amar Studio (one of the oldest studios in Palawan), and collected from other Palawenyos who contributed their photos for the restaurant.
Who is Tiya Ising? According to Katrina Austria, owner of the restaurant, Tiya Ising is her grandmother and the sister of her grandmother Itang. Katrina referred Tiya Ising as tita na lola.
We were treated to kare-kare, crispy pata, boneless bangus (fried marinated fish milk), sisig, lechon kawali, and more.
When the dishes were served, I happily feast on the kare-kare. For those who don't know, my all-time favorite Pinoy dish is kare-kare and I am always in the search for the best kare-kare on the land and I think my search for the best kare-kare is finally over.
If you want to have a taste of history and if you're craving for a good Filipino food that is less than PhP 500 ($10), I suggest you to try Tiya Ising. A single viand can be shared with a large group and yes, your tummy will surely be happy.
For inquiry and/or reservations, contact (0917) 561 4952 or (0999) 473 9006 or thru landline at (048) 723 1075. You may also visit Tiya Ising's Facebook Page.
Have a taste of History at Tiya Ising's
27 July 2016 Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
I used to see it only on postcards and books and I can’t believe that I finally had a chance to witness its beauty for the first time in person, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Well, a Puerto Princesa getaway is not complete without going to the Underground River.
Before going to the Underground River you must secure a permit first one day before your trip at the Underground River Booking Office (or the earlier the better). The Underground River can accommodate only 900 persons per day. A no permit no entry is strongly imposed so I advise that you secure a permit first.
If you are booked in a hotel, you may ask the reception staff if they offer any Underground River package tour or you may book online at the Puerto Princesa Underground River site.
At Sabang Wharf, register at the Tourist Information Center at least an hour before your schedule and prepare for an environmental fee. While waiting for your boat you may opt to grab some refreshments from the vendors around the area but don't get too far away. You don't want to get left behind, do you?
Here’s an amazing view of Sabang, Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
After our lunch (which was deliciously cooked by the locals) and snorkeling experience in Isla Felomina, we took another 40 minute boat ride to the Underground River.
It was raining hard when we left the island, that no one even dared to bring out their gadgets to take photos. Our things got all wet. Lucky for those who brought a dry bag. So yeah, note to myself, invest in a dry bag. Ha-ha. Luckily, Christian had a garbage bag in which we placed our personal belongings.
The boat dropped us at the famous Underground River signage. There were a lot of tourists also visiting the place. It was still raining. I think that the tourists were looking at us (probably amused) because we were the only ones who were dripping wet that time while they have their yellow rain coat on. But, we didn’t care. Ha-ha.
We took a little forest trek and finally we found ourselves awed at the mouth of the Underground River.
The locals in charge handed us one by one an audio device which will serve as our guide.
We took a banca and I sat with Jean in front. We had a boatman which also serves as our escort. Once we were all boarded, our synchronized audio device started to play as we entered the Underground River. Inside the Underground River, the odor of the cave is evident because of the creatures living inside the darkness. People, I’m talking about thousands (probably millions) of bats. But well, it is all worth it once you see the different rock formations.
As we entered, we were wrapped in total darkness. The only light we had was a flashlight held by our boatman. The pungent odor strongly increases once we got deeper inside. I can’t explain what I am feeling that time. I am so mesmerized by its beauty. Yes, there were creatures here that haven’t seen sunlight, even for once in their life.
After almost an hour inside, we headed back. The Underground River stretches so far that its deeper part still remains undiscovered up to date. Probably, there were creatures too waiting just to be discovered.
Look, I can finally see the light. And the sun is shining brightly. No more rain. Hurray! So we took this opportunity to snap as many photos as we can before going back to Sabang port.
After the amazing experience inside, a camera man is on standby on site to take photos of tourists while at the mouth of the Underground River.
You can get your photos (captured by their camera man) at the photo booth for souvenir. Anypoo, you might probably be wondering how they setup their technologies on the island, everything is solar powered here.
As we headed back to Sabang, I just can’t help myself but be awed by Palawan’s beauty. I just don’t want to leave Palawan anymore. And here are just a few evidences why Palawan is one of must see places in the world before you die.
Well, a Puerto Princesa getaway is not complete without going to the Underground River.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is located in a national park in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of the island.Before going to the Underground River you must secure a permit first one day before your trip at the Underground River Booking Office (or the earlier the better). The Underground River can accommodate only 900 persons per day. A no permit no entry is strongly imposed so I advise that you secure a permit first.
If you are booked in a hotel, you may ask the reception staff if they offer any Underground River package tour or you may book online at the Puerto Princesa Underground River site.
From city center
Travel to Sabang in Barangay Cabayugan via a jeepney or a shuttle van. There's also several public transportation you can take from San Jose bus terminal going to Sabang. It's a 2 hour journey from the city center.At Sabang Wharf, register at the Tourist Information Center at least an hour before your schedule and prepare for an environmental fee. While waiting for your boat you may opt to grab some refreshments from the vendors around the area but don't get too far away. You don't want to get left behind, do you?
Here’s an amazing view of Sabang, Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
From Isla Felomina
I strongly suggest that you try snorkeling and/or diving in Isla Felomina in the morning, before heading to the Underground River in the afternoon, like we did.After our lunch (which was deliciously cooked by the locals) and snorkeling experience in Isla Felomina, we took another 40 minute boat ride to the Underground River.
It was raining hard when we left the island, that no one even dared to bring out their gadgets to take photos. Our things got all wet. Lucky for those who brought a dry bag. So yeah, note to myself, invest in a dry bag. Ha-ha. Luckily, Christian had a garbage bag in which we placed our personal belongings.
THE UNDERGROUND RIVER
The boat dropped us at the famous Underground River signage. There were a lot of tourists also visiting the place. It was still raining. I think that the tourists were looking at us (probably amused) because we were the only ones who were dripping wet that time while they have their yellow rain coat on. But, we didn’t care. Ha-ha.
We took a little forest trek and finally we found ourselves awed at the mouth of the Underground River.
The locals in charge handed us one by one an audio device which will serve as our guide.
We took a banca and I sat with Jean in front. We had a boatman which also serves as our escort. Once we were all boarded, our synchronized audio device started to play as we entered the Underground River. Inside the Underground River, the odor of the cave is evident because of the creatures living inside the darkness. People, I’m talking about thousands (probably millions) of bats. But well, it is all worth it once you see the different rock formations.
As we entered, we were wrapped in total darkness. The only light we had was a flashlight held by our boatman. The pungent odor strongly increases once we got deeper inside. I can’t explain what I am feeling that time. I am so mesmerized by its beauty. Yes, there were creatures here that haven’t seen sunlight, even for once in their life.
After almost an hour inside, we headed back. The Underground River stretches so far that its deeper part still remains undiscovered up to date. Probably, there were creatures too waiting just to be discovered.
Look, I can finally see the light. And the sun is shining brightly. No more rain. Hurray! So we took this opportunity to snap as many photos as we can before going back to Sabang port.
After the amazing experience inside, a camera man is on standby on site to take photos of tourists while at the mouth of the Underground River.
You can get your photos (captured by their camera man) at the photo booth for souvenir. Anypoo, you might probably be wondering how they setup their technologies on the island, everything is solar powered here.
As we headed back to Sabang, I just can’t help myself but be awed by Palawan’s beauty. I just don’t want to leave Palawan anymore. And here are just a few evidences why Palawan is one of must see places in the world before you die.
Amazing Underground River
13 July 2016 Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Isla Felomina Snorkeling & Diving Site: an unspoiled paradise
30 June 2016 Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
I am a mountain person. Well, I haven't seen a sea for ages. Yes, my friends, I mean this. The last time I went to have a taste of vitamin "sea" was in 2010 but didn't get a chance to swim or even dip my feet. I guess I was too chicken to get burned. Imagine, I stayed the whole day in a shade while my cousins happily swim and fish at the bay. Lame.
Anypoo, one of the highlights of our Puerto Princesa getaway last month was exploring a newly opened snorkeling and dive site just near the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Crystal clear water, fresh air... An unspoiled paradise. I never knew this is where I will find Nemo and Dory up close and personal.
While waiting for our boat, I took this opportunity to have a selfie. I posted this photo right away on social media with a tag at Sabang Port. Haha. Phone coverage here is strong so you don't have to worry about not getting connected.
Hello Isla Felomina! I tried taking a photo of the whole island of Isla Felomina but our boat was moving too fast and here's my best photo of it. My apologies.
We arrived at the island around 10 in the morning and the locals welcomed us with smiles. They asked if we were hungry, but we said we would love to take a swim first because we knew that we will get hungry afterwards.
Look how crystal clear the water is. Sorry, I got an ugly feet.
Isla Felomina Snorkeling and Diving Site just formally opened last March, so it is not known to many yet, not even to the majority of the locals of Puerto Princesa. They opened up to us that they don't have the funds yet for the necessary things needed for the site to run properly. So far, I suggest you bring your own diving or snorkeling effects, or you can rent a snorkeling gear for PhP 150 ($3) at Sabang Pier.
The locals who keep alive the diving site is currently supported by Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The locals of New Panggangan volunteered to commit their time and effort to maintain the site.
Believe it or not, this was my first time to try snorkeling. And yep, I'm not good at swimming so good luck to me. But with the help of a life vest and a bamboo raft which I depended my life on it, I somehow managed to get through. At first, I thought it was hard to breath under water using your mouth alone, but when I placed the snorkel on and tried to put my head in the water, well, it was not that hard. Just relax.
Oh my, the fishes are so colorful the corals are beautiful. Am I dreaming? I never knew this was gonna be so amazing.
I am tempted to film the beauty that I am seeing under water, but I don't want to risk my phone's life (it's not waterproof). Haha. Oh, I wish I had a GoPro or any underwater device that will allow me to film that time so I can let you have a look.
I saw Nemo, I saw Dory, I saw starfishes, and a lot more colorful glowing fishes under the sea. I don't want this to end. It is so beautiful.
After a tiring yet satisfying swim with the fishes, we got hella hungry. Our lunch includes rice, tomatoes, onions, coconuts, and fishes which the locals catch fresh. The food was so amazing (especially the fish), my taste buds are satisfied and my tummy is happy. Yes, the fresh coconut juice is sweet too.
Anypoo, one of the highlights of our Puerto Princesa getaway last month was exploring a newly opened snorkeling and dive site just near the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Crystal clear water, fresh air... An unspoiled paradise. I never knew this is where I will find Nemo and Dory up close and personal.
GETTING THERE
Isla Felomina, is located at Barangay New Panggangan (pronounced as Pang-ga-ngan), Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. To get there you will need to take a 1 hour boat ride from Sabang Port. The rental cost of a boat is PhP 3,000 ($64) that can occupy up to 10 passengers. The same boat you rented out will take you to and back.While waiting for our boat, I took this opportunity to have a selfie. I posted this photo right away on social media with a tag at Sabang Port. Haha. Phone coverage here is strong so you don't have to worry about not getting connected.
THE ISLAND
Before going to the island, you may contact Brgy. Captain Hipolito Lebios at (0950) 297 2477. The entrance fee is PhP 160 ($3.40) per person. There is an additional payment of PhP 200 ($4.25) if you want food to be served which includes desserts and fresh coconut juice too. The locals will cook the food for you. I strongly advise that you call them beforehand, preferably, 2-3 days before your arrival so they can prepare.Hello Isla Felomina! I tried taking a photo of the whole island of Isla Felomina but our boat was moving too fast and here's my best photo of it. My apologies.
We arrived at the island around 10 in the morning and the locals welcomed us with smiles. They asked if we were hungry, but we said we would love to take a swim first because we knew that we will get hungry afterwards.
Look how crystal clear the water is. Sorry, I got an ugly feet.
Isla Felomina Snorkeling and Diving Site just formally opened last March, so it is not known to many yet, not even to the majority of the locals of Puerto Princesa. They opened up to us that they don't have the funds yet for the necessary things needed for the site to run properly. So far, I suggest you bring your own diving or snorkeling effects, or you can rent a snorkeling gear for PhP 150 ($3) at Sabang Pier.
The locals who keep alive the diving site is currently supported by Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The locals of New Panggangan volunteered to commit their time and effort to maintain the site.
Believe it or not, this was my first time to try snorkeling. And yep, I'm not good at swimming so good luck to me. But with the help of a life vest and a bamboo raft which I depended my life on it, I somehow managed to get through. At first, I thought it was hard to breath under water using your mouth alone, but when I placed the snorkel on and tried to put my head in the water, well, it was not that hard. Just relax.
Oh my, the fishes are so colorful the corals are beautiful. Am I dreaming? I never knew this was gonna be so amazing.
I am tempted to film the beauty that I am seeing under water, but I don't want to risk my phone's life (it's not waterproof). Haha. Oh, I wish I had a GoPro or any underwater device that will allow me to film that time so I can let you have a look.
I saw Nemo, I saw Dory, I saw starfishes, and a lot more colorful glowing fishes under the sea. I don't want this to end. It is so beautiful.
After a tiring yet satisfying swim with the fishes, we got hella hungry. Our lunch includes rice, tomatoes, onions, coconuts, and fishes which the locals catch fresh. The food was so amazing (especially the fish), my taste buds are satisfied and my tummy is happy. Yes, the fresh coconut juice is sweet too.
WHAT ELSE TO DO?
If you want to take a good 360 degrees view of the whole island and its surroundings, ask the local in charge to get you on top of the island. I didn't get an opportunity to get above because it started to rain. Check this photo from Lee, who got the chance to snap a view from the top here.This was the best experience of my life yet. Trust me, it's okay to get "nakset" (sunburned) and all. It's all worth it. I suggest adding snorkeling and diving in Isla Felomina to your itinerary. It is best if you go to Isla Felomina first before heading to the Underground River Subterranean Park.
Isla Felomina Snorkeling & Diving Site: an unspoiled paradise
30 June 2016 Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
On our second day in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, we had the chance to experience Vietnam and try out some Vietnamese cuisine at Viet Ville before heading to Nagtabon Beach. We arrived at 12 noon, and while waiting for our lunch to be served, we took this opportunity to tour the village.
Before roaming around the village, we first notified the restaurant management. We were told to be careful when going around because there are dogs that might attack us. Nonetheless, we went on to brave the dogs. YOLO!
The 13-hectare village was built in 1997 with more than 200 villas, a Catholic chapel, a temple, a playground, and a restaurant (famously known as Viet Ville Restaurant) with the help of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines for Vietnam refugees.
The existence of a Catholic church in front and a Buddhist temple at the back of the resto signifies that two different religions can co-exist together.
The Vietnam village looks more like a ghost town, but some of the buildings are still functional today, like the Buddhist temple and the chapel.
The bulk of the Vietnamese refugees who used to live there already migrated to the United States. Only two original refugees decided to stay in the Philippines because they already married Filipinos and have their own families. The villas were left to rot over the years with only a few units remaining which houses a two or three Filipino families who resettled there with the help of the local government.
The village has now turned virtually into a woodland as many trees planted by the refugees have grown.
The continuing existence of the Vietnamese village is to share the Vietnamese culture with Filipinos and foreign tourists who visit Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
According to the management, Viet Ville will continue to assist arrested Vietnamese fisherman and they would help them regarding legal matters until eventually they can go back to their homes in Vietnam.
We headed back to the restaurant. The whole restaurant is made up of bamboo from its flooring to the windows, and everything. It felt so Vietnamese.
We were the only ones who's there that time. They disclosed to us that they're not getting a lot of customers these days due to the increasing number of competitions.
The restaurant specifically offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine such as rice noodles, spring rolls, and hotpot dishes. The manager revealed that most of the ingredients came from Vietnam.
We were treated to Bo Kho (Vietnamese stew), lapu-lapu Vietnamese style, spring rolls, Vietnamese sapin-sapin, and jasmine tea. The Vietnamese sapin-sapin is my favorite of all.
I always wanted to go to Vietnam but I don't have the money yet to go there. I never knew I'll get the chance to experience Vietnam without the hassle of spending too much money, and the best part is, I don't need to leave the country.
My fellow bloggers, Rona and Aci trying out the traditional Vietnam outfit. Yes, they're renting out their outfits for just PhP 25.
If you want to experience Vietnamese culture without leaving the comforts of the Philippines, head to Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Viet Ville is near Honday Bay and Sta. Lucia Hot Spring. For inquiry and/or reservations contact (0977) 456 7599.
Before roaming around the village, we first notified the restaurant management. We were told to be careful when going around because there are dogs that might attack us. Nonetheless, we went on to brave the dogs. YOLO!
The 13-hectare village was built in 1997 with more than 200 villas, a Catholic chapel, a temple, a playground, and a restaurant (famously known as Viet Ville Restaurant) with the help of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines for Vietnam refugees.
The existence of a Catholic church in front and a Buddhist temple at the back of the resto signifies that two different religions can co-exist together.
The Vietnam village looks more like a ghost town, but some of the buildings are still functional today, like the Buddhist temple and the chapel.
The bulk of the Vietnamese refugees who used to live there already migrated to the United States. Only two original refugees decided to stay in the Philippines because they already married Filipinos and have their own families. The villas were left to rot over the years with only a few units remaining which houses a two or three Filipino families who resettled there with the help of the local government.
The village has now turned virtually into a woodland as many trees planted by the refugees have grown.
The continuing existence of the Vietnamese village is to share the Vietnamese culture with Filipinos and foreign tourists who visit Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
According to the management, Viet Ville will continue to assist arrested Vietnamese fisherman and they would help them regarding legal matters until eventually they can go back to their homes in Vietnam.
We headed back to the restaurant. The whole restaurant is made up of bamboo from its flooring to the windows, and everything. It felt so Vietnamese.
We were the only ones who's there that time. They disclosed to us that they're not getting a lot of customers these days due to the increasing number of competitions.
The restaurant specifically offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine such as rice noodles, spring rolls, and hotpot dishes. The manager revealed that most of the ingredients came from Vietnam.
We were treated to Bo Kho (Vietnamese stew), lapu-lapu Vietnamese style, spring rolls, Vietnamese sapin-sapin, and jasmine tea. The Vietnamese sapin-sapin is my favorite of all.
I always wanted to go to Vietnam but I don't have the money yet to go there. I never knew I'll get the chance to experience Vietnam without the hassle of spending too much money, and the best part is, I don't need to leave the country.
My fellow bloggers, Rona and Aci trying out the traditional Vietnam outfit. Yes, they're renting out their outfits for just PhP 25.
If you want to experience Vietnamese culture without leaving the comforts of the Philippines, head to Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Viet Ville is near Honday Bay and Sta. Lucia Hot Spring. For inquiry and/or reservations contact (0977) 456 7599.
Experience Vietnam - Viet Ville
23 June 2016 Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
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