It’s not all the time that we travel seeking an all-out adventure and expending the energy we have left after a week’s workload. Sometimes, we just want to find a peaceful getaway spot where we can relax and recharge.
Well, Puerto Princesa in Palawan may just be the place you’re looking for. Yes, it is often brimming with tourists thanks to its numerous fine sand beaches and world-famous Underground River, but even in this well-known destination, you can still spend an eventful day skipping those energy-consuming activities common to the Palawan travelers.
So if you’re planning to have this kind of trip to Puerto Princesa, here’s a one-day itinerary to help you plot out your travel:
Hotel: Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel
Rizal Avenue Ext., Puerto Princesa, Palawan
If you’re planning to stay at a hotel, here’s your best bet. The modern midscale hotel defines straightforward comfort with its clean quality amenities. Guest rooms and suites are soundproofed to assure you a good sleep and peaceful stay. There’s also a poolside terrace, gym, and massage spa; or you can have the massage done inside your room and go straight to sleep after the de-stressing session. Online hotel reservation prices can go as low as P4,200 a room while published rates start from P8,600 nett. Click here for more information.
Breakfast: Anibong Restaurant
Ground Level, Best Western Plus: The Ivywall Hotel Rizal Avenue Ext., Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Let’s say you just arrived at the airport and is looking for a hearty meal to satisfy your morning cravings. Well, the Anibong restaurant is just a few minutes away! Located inside Puerto Princesa’s midscale hotel Best Western Plus: The Ivywall Hotel, the all-day restaurant offers a breakfast buffet from 6AM to 10AM, complete with a wide array of options like rice meals, bread, cereals, milk, fruits, vegetables, and more! You are sure to dine in great comfort with its contemporary Filipino design in muted colors and peaceful-slash-homey setting. You can avail the buffet for a regular rate of P699 or if you plan to stay at the hotel, a rate of P399.
Crafts: Rurungan sa Tubod Foundation
Abanico Road, Brgy. San Pedro, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Fifteen minutes away from the hotel and you’ll get to Rurungan sa Tubod Foundation. It is a non-profit organization which brings livelihood to local residents through the weaving industry. They produce quality handwoven fabrics called the Tepiña made from piña fibers and the Bin’Al Kay which is made from banana fiber, cotton, and silk. You can get a glimpse of how they work, from the extraction of the piña leaf’s fiber to the process of weaving fabric and buy their finished products at a small shop beside their workplace. Know more on their website.
Lunch: Kusina ni Tito Ernie
Abanico Road, Brgy. San Pedro, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
On the same site is the Kusina ni Tito Ernie, a restaurant owned by the Rurungan sa Tubod founders. The hut-like structure and surrounding trees give the guests the impression of dining close to nature. Here they serve an array of “lutong Tatay” dishes that have its own quirks. Enjoy hearty rice meals like the flavorful Crispy Beef Adobo Flakes; yummy sandwiches featuring their signature Kamote Bread; the Korean staple with a tropical spin, the Mango Kimchi; and more. Prices here range from P100 to P250.
Beach: Nagtabon Beach
If you want to appreciate the sand beaches of Palawan without too much distractions, the Nagtabon Beach is the place to go. Puerto Princesa’s hidden gem, the beach has very few visitors and is almost untouched by commercial establishments. The beachfront has fine sand and you can swim without the fear of stepping on sea urchins and sharp corals. While the isolation brings calm to the weary, take note that the beach could send some strong waves at times. If you want to stretch a bit and surf, you can also rent some surfboards at the site for as low as P500. The beach is about 45 minutes of travel from the airport.
Afternoon Drink: Palaweno Craft Brewery
82 Manalo St. cor. H. Mendoza St., Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
If you want to have a little drink, the Palaweno Craft Brewery is an interesting place to visit considering how it has been recognized by international outfits like CNN International, BBC Earth, The Guardian, and more. The brewery is staffed with an all-women crew which produces beers made with local ingredients. Recommended are the Hunter and Ayahay IPA drinks which both got into ‘The Ultimate Guide to The World’s Best Craft Beers’ by American Express Essentials. Grab your drinks from P150 to P170.
Dinner: Balayong Grill & Bar
Ground Level, Best Western Plus: The Ivywall Hotel Rizal Avenue Ext., Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
End your day with a casual al fresco dining experience at the Ivywall Hotel’s second restaurant, the Balayong Grill & Bar. Feel the fresh evening breeze while dining on the succulent Filipino dishes available at the site. Here are some of the highlights in the new menu they have recently launched. Balayong also holds cultural dinner shows where local dance performers Indak Palawan show off their moves through Filipino folk dances. Prices for a hearty dinner start at P180.
