Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park: Our Puerto Princesa City Tour (Urban Tour) Third Stop

So after Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel, we went to the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park.

It's pretty much the same as Manila Bay view but it has less foul small.  Nevertheless, there was nothing to see here.

Even the fish display was similar to Manila Bay but it was in bad shape.

Maybe the place looks better at night with the lights.

Seeing the mini carnival rides made me regret not debating for a DIY city tour with Kurt in the first place so we could have scheduled going here during the night.  But, too late for that.  Anyway, I'm not quite sure that Kurt is up for the rides.  It was five years ago since we visited Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna and the situation now is different.

We Travel Tripsters did not enjoy the Puerto Princesa Bay Side.  We just took a quick view and left.  If you like what you see then go and check it out.

Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park
Address	Puerto Princesa Palawan Philippines
Budget Per Person	FREE	Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park Map
Payment Options
Operating Hours
Reservation Required
Contact

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Plaza Cuartel: Our Puerto Princesa City Tour (Urban Tour) Second Stop

Just a few steps from Immaculate Conception Cathedral is the Plaza Cuartel. 

From its facade, Plaza Cuartel doesn't really look much.  But once you go beyond its gates, you'd be surprised with what's in store.

According to this, Plaza Cuartel is the restored ruins of an old garrison where Japanese soldiers burned around 150 American prisoners of war inside a tunnel and serves as a tragic reminder of World War II.

Despite its grim past, the plaza is really nostalgic.  Although Travel Trispter Kurt doesn't admit it, I think he loves nature as much as I do.  His shots are passionate and dramatic don't you agree?

Plants flourished in this place.  It also had old Spanish street lamps. 

 There are some monuments too.

 There's a small bridge with a mini pond.  It also has a few benches.

If only we weren't in a hurry, it would be nice to relax and chat here under the mild sunlight and cool fresh air.  

This place could even be romantic setting for a date.  Lovers can walk hand in hand by the trails and seat down on the benches for a picnic or something.

We Travel Tripsters recommend this place.  It's simple historic tribute. 

Plaza Cuartel
Address	Rizal Ave, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines ‎
Budget Per Person	FREE	Plaza Cuartel Map
Payment Options
Operating Hours
Reservation Required
Contact

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Puerto Princesa Cathedral (Immaculate Conception Cathedral): Our Puerto Princesa City Tour (Urban Tour) First Stop

I'm glad that our first stop is the Puerto Princesa Cathedral or the Immaculate Conception Cathedral because I have a thing for churches and always make sure I visit one whenever I travel.

This is considered as the center of spiritual refuge in Puerto Princesa.  To be honest, it wasn't as grand as I expected.  It was had an evident medieval Eruopean influence but built on cement.  It was painted in blue which matches the sky.

Before being structured into a cathedral in 1961, this used to be a small chapel that was levelled from a hill by Spanish Colonizers that arrived in Puerto Princesa on March 4, 1872.

It was even more simple on the inside.  I just love the solemn and eeriness of the church.

Although Travel Tripster Kurt is not a Catholic like me, I think the church has a calming effect on him too.  He surprised me with his DSLR.  He took this lovely shots.  He has always been the one more passionate with photography than me so I think it was the right move for him to finally get his own camera.  I thought his camera was new but he said he bought it a long time ago but never had the chance to show it to me. 

Opposite this is Plaza Cuartel.

Puerto Princesa Cathedral
Address	Rizal Ave, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines ‎
Budget Per Person	FREE	Puerto Princesa Cathedral Map
Payment Options
Operating Hours
Reservation Required
Contact

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My First Flight and Puerto Princesa City Tour (Urban Tour) with My Ex

Travel Tripster Kurt and I bought our plane ticket to Puerto Princesa, Palawan a year ahead.  We've been friends since we were teens and we've been together for 4 years by then so we really didn't expect we'd be breaking up the year after.   I guess as prideful as we were, we didn't want to talk to each other to cancel the trip.  So ever wonder what it's like to travel with your ex?  Now, we know and here's our story.

We only talked on the day before the flight after our break up.  We were supposed to meet at Kogi Bulgogi at 1 pm so I can treat him for lunch.  He arrived an hour late so we took a quick lunch and he paid for the rushed cab ride to the airport.  We arrived on time.  He provided his ultimatum for the trip.  No talking, no sharing and stuff.  We were there at around 5 pm for our supposedly 6 pm flight via Tiger Airways.  When we bought our tickets, we actually chose a 4 pm flight but it was moved to 5 pm and then 6 pm via email notice.  Well, turns out the flight was delayed to around 8:30 pm so we sat there for a long time.  NAIA 3 airport was not that big but I guess he made sure that we were seated as far from each other as possible.  As soon as our flight number was called, we lined up together and sat side by side still adopting the no talking rule.  I texted my mom and received a text from a friend wishing for a safe flight which made me smile and he got pissed that I wasn't paying attention to him and we talked briefly.  The flight didn't turn out to be as exciting as I thought it was.  And, I dreaded the air-pressure.  I had the window seat but since it was night time, there was nothing to see except for a few seconds of Manila city lights.  Since I was quiet, Kurt thought I was scared and held my hand.

We arrived at Puerto Princesa Airport at around 9-ish.  We got the first tricycle we saw and asked that we be brought to our hotel at House of Big Brother at Manalo Street.  That ride cost 50 php.  We presented our Agoda voucher and we got our key and breakfast stubs.  I had a high fever and flu so I wanted to have a good night sleep but he just couldn't get over sharing the room so he was frantically going and out the room ranting about how he wanted to get another room but the hotel was fully booked.  As I dosed off, I was shaken to be awake as he asked "Do you really not want to be back together?".  And, I said "No. Please go to sleep we have a lot planned ahead for tomorrow" as I got back to sleep. 

I woke up early and found him ready and seating on the lobby.  I had no idea if he had slept.  I led him to the Coffee Lounge for breakfast which he refused to have.  After an hour or so of using my fading energy due to my flu, he agreed to have some.

We had scheduled a DIY Puerto Princesa City Tour (Urban Tour) for our first day.  We're always opt for DIY and budget style.  And, I am always prepared with a detailed plan which I usually research ahead.  On our previous trips, he usually went along without knowing anything because he really doesn't care.  But as soon as we went out, he just wanted to hire a tricycle for it thereby, scratching all my efforts in a flash.  After arguing at breakfast, I really didn't have the energy to hesitate and went along.  He negotiated with Jeremy who was waiting outside our hotel a 600 php package.  Kurt wanted to switch hotels too so he brought all his baggage for this tour too.

Jeremy has a picture of the Puerto Princesa City Tour (Urban Tour) destinations which I believe is a standard thing for Puerto Princesa's tourism promotion.

He took us to:

• Puerto Princesa Cathedral
• Plaza Cuartel
• Baker's Hill
• Mitra's Ranch
• Butterfly Garden
• Crocodile Farm
• Iwahig Penal Colony

It was a long trike from Crocodile Farm to Iwahig Penal Colony so as expected Kurt was snoozing heavily.  I wanted to sleep too as I was really dizzy from flu but since we had his heavy baggage which kept on sliding as we went uphill, I couldn't as I had to push it back to its place from time to time. 

Since it was still early, we decided to go for Iwahig Firely Watching as well.  I think Kurt negotiated for a total of 1,200 php for Jeremy's services.  After that, Jeremy brought as to Balinsayaw Restaurant were we forced ourselves to finish what we separately ordered because of the no sharing policy.  Then we took a 20-php tricycle ride back to our hotel.  I guess we were both tired so he decided to just sleep instead of switching hotels too.

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House of Big Brother Manalo Street: Puerto Princesa Hospitality at Reasonable Pricing

Since we visited Puerto Princesa during a season, we booked our stay at House of Big Brother in Manalo Street of Puerto Princesa City Proper through Agoda.  We arrived at Puerto Princesa Airport at around 9 pm.  As I was burning with fever and eager for rest, we took a tricycle ride from the tricycles lined up along the airport for a 50 php fee. 

Coffee Lounge and Pool

Roughly 10-15 minutes later, we arrived at House of Big Brother which appears like a normal house.  We went in and presented our Agoda voucher to the receptionist. As soon as I signed the terms, I was handed the keys to the room and breakfast stubs.  As we noticed, all rooms are booked and occupied.  

There is a water dispenser by the dinning and pool area.  We chose this place for the pool but the pool was closed during our entire stay.  It was also kiddie-sized and so not worth the 300 php pool fee per hour.

INNER ROOM w/ 1 BED (Bed size: 48" x 72")

Our room was limited in space but very clean from the bedding to the floor corners.   

Our clean towels are prepared.  We also had paper napkins but no toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shampoo and soap.  There is a fridge but it was not working.

There is also a non-functioning microwave oven and safety deposit box.  We think there's an extra fee to utilize these appliances. 

We checked the Guest Manual to see our entitlements. 

To our surprise, the pool is only 3-4 feet hence, we did not pursue our initial plan of using it.  We bought our lacking supplies at the receptionist.

There is a Cable TV too.  But, it was difficult to watch with my poor eyesight at such height and size. 

As we raised the curtains, we found a fire exit and a hanging area with hangers too. Perhaps, this is also the outlet for the mosquitoes which we couldn't get rid off.  Good thing, I've brought Off Lotion and used it at our convenience.

We had hot and cold shower, a sink and a toilet.  I'm very impressed at their shower room's space utilization and drainage system.  The tiles were dried off whenever we return at the end of the day.  It was clean and free of mildew too.

Breakfast Meals at the Coffee Lounge
During our stay, we were provided with breakfast meals with a choice of instant hot coffee or orange juice.  If you wish to avail of it, you can pay 150 php for it.

First Day Breakfast

The breakfast was prepared as soon as we were seated and served in a matter of minutes.  For the first day, we had fried sausages, luncheon meat and scrambled eggs with a cup of rice.

Second Day Breakfast

On the second day, we had an omellete and two mini hot dogs with a cup of rice.

Third Day Breakfast

I enjoyed the breakfast for the third day the most.  It was a plate of fried bangus, half salted egg and fried egg with a cup of rice. 

Price Rates Posted on Our Room

The printed rated are the same as the rate we got from Agoda.  But, we paid a bit more since there is an extra fee on Agoda and you can also avail of their advance booking rates for more savings.  

House of Big Brother Manalo Street
Hotel Address	108 Manalo Steet, Puerto Princesa City Proper, Philippines
Contact	SMART: (+63918) 936-7767 | GLOBE: (+63917)88-22-44-2 | Landline: (+63)(48) 723-5088 | Email: bigbrotherhotel@yahoo.com  | Website	Reservation Required	No (Suggested especially on peak hours)
Payment Options	Cash	Public Transport	Tricycle
Room Types	Room Amenities		Price
INNER ROOM w/ 1 BED (Bed size: 48" x 72")	• Maximum of 2 Persons • Breakfast • Air-port Pick Up • Hot/cold water shower • 24 hrs. cable TV • Air-conditioned		1 person - 1,100 php 2 persons - 1,400 php Promo Advance  Booking Rate (w/o breakfast, use of pool, airport pick up) for 1-2 persons - 1,000 php
INNER ROOM w/ 1 BED (Bed size: 48" x 72")	• Maximum of 2 Persons • Breakfast • Air-port Pick Up • Hot/cold water shower • 24 hrs. cable TV • Air-conditioned • Free Wifi		1 person - 1,100 php 2 persons - 1,400 php Promo Advance  Booking Rate (w/o breakfast, use of pool, airport pick up) for 1-2 persons - 1,000 php
INNER ROOM w/ 2 BED (Bed size: 48" x 72")	• Maximum of 4 Persons • Breakfast • Air-port Pick Up • Hot/cold water shower • 24 hrs. cable TV • Air-conditioned • Free Wifi		4 persons - 2,500 php Promo Advance  Booking Rate (w/ breakfast, use of pool, airport pick up) for:  1 persons - 1,300 php 2 persons - 1,500 php 3 persons - 1,850 php 4 persons - 2,000 php Promo Advance  Booking Rate (w/o breakfast, use of pool, airport pick up) for:  1-2 persons - 1,200 php 3-4 persons - 1,500 php
INNER ROOM w/ Double Deck Bed (Bed size: 48" x 72")	• Maximum of 3 Persons • Breakfast • Air-port Pick Up • Hot/cold water shower • 24 hrs. cable TV • Air-conditioned		3 persons - 2,500 php Promo Advance  Booking Rate (w/ breakfast, use of pool, airport pick up) for:  1 persons - 1,300 php 2 persons - 1,500 php 3 persons - 1,850 php 4 persons - 2,000 php Promo Advance  Booking Rate (w/o breakfast, use of pool, airport pick up) for:  1-2 persons - 1,200 php 3 persons - 1,500 php
INNER ROOM w/ 3 Beds (Bed size:1  48" x 72" and 2 36"x 72")	• Maximum of 3 Persons • Breakfast • Air-port Pick Up • Hot/cold water shower • 24 hrs. cable TV • Air-conditioned		3 persons - 3,000 php Promo Advance  Booking Rate (w/ breakfast, use of pool, airport pick up) for:  1 persons - 1,400 php 2 persons - 1,600 php 3 persons - 1,900 php 4 persons - 2,100 php Promo Advance  Booking Rate (w/o breakfast, use of pool, airport pick up) for:  1-2 persons - 1,200 php 3-4 persons - 1,600 php
Pool Side Wing Room w/ 2 Bed (Bed size: 48" x 72")	• Maximum of 4 Persons • Breakfast • Air-port Pick Up • Hot/cold water shower • 24 hrs. cable TV • Air-conditioned • Pool Side View		4 persons - 3,000 php Promo Advance  Booking Rate (w/ breakfast, use of pool, airport pick up) for:  1 persons - 1,700 php 2 persons - 1,850 php 3 persons - 2,000 php 4 persons - 2,200 php Promo Advance  Booking Rate (w/o breakfast, use of pool, airport pick up) for:  1-2 persons - 1,400 php 3 persons - 1,700 php
Pool Side Wing Room w/ 3 Bed w/ Veranda (Bed size: 48" x 72")	• Maximum of 6 Persons • Breakfast • Air-port Pick Up • Hot/cold water shower • 24 hrs. cable TV • Air-conditioned • Pool Side View • Veranda		6 persons - 3,500 php Promo Advance  Booking Rate (w/ breakfast, use of pool, airport pick up) for:  1-3 persons - 2,200 php 4 persons - 2,300 php 5 persons - 2,600 php 6 persons - 2,800 php Promo Advance  Booking Rate (w/o breakfast, use of pool, airport pick up) for:  1-3 persons - 1,800 php 4-6 persons - 2,000 php *Extra Person/ Extra cushion: Php 400
General Amenities	• Pool (300 php/hr) • Breakfast (150 php)	Parking	Yes
Travel Tripsters Hotel Review Rating		House of Big Brother Manalo Street Map
Location	★★★★
Room Comfort	★★★★
Cleanliness	★★★★
Service	★★★
Price	★★★★

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Paoay Sand Dunes: Sand Surfing in Paoay Ilocos Norte

One of our most memorable Travel Tripster experience during our travel is our Sand Surfing in the Paoay Sand Dunes of Paoay Ilocos Norte.

Once you reach Paoay Ilocos Norte, its quite easy to find signs towards the 88 kilometers wide Paoay Sand Dunes.  Booking for a ride with a 4x4 Adventure Ride was easy.  We made a stop at the Paoay Tourist Center in the hut by Paoay Lake who instructed us to head to
Paoay Sand Dunes where tents are set up with 4x4 rides taking in groups one at a time. 

While Travel Tripster Kurt decided to take the front seat for a bit comfty ride, we girls enjoyed the more bumpy and thrilling ride standing on the back.  Our ride followed the tracks previously taken by others.  It's safer that way I guess. 

We reached towards the edge of Suba Beach.  Our driver asked if we wanted to take the beginner or higher one. 

We decided on the higher one and took turns with the board.  I'm really bad at it and trying was difficult because you have to climb up each time. 

Though Kurt was never a trier like me, he's usually capable of doing things on his first try and sand surfing was  not an exception.  Before we got headed back, everyone was able to sand surf properly.  While, I shamefully ripped my pants. 

The ride back was quicker and some how calming despite the bumpy ride.  The beautiful blue skies over sand trails was a nice sight which I'd like to remember forever.

Overall, the Paoay Sand Dunes is an exciting travel must stops in the Philippines.   It's amazing that there's a sand dune right in a non-dessert country so why not try right?  I'm going to go back and try again next time. 

Paoay Sand Dunes
Address	Paoay Sand Dunes, Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Budget Per Person	4x4 and Board Rental (2,500/4 persons)	Paoay Sand Dunes Map
Payment Options	Cash
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday: (even holidays) 6 am - 6 pm
Reservation Required	No but encouraged
Contact	Paoay Off-Roaders and Adventure Group  Gilbert Santos (0928) 947-3518

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