Beyond The Puerto Princesa Underground River

Sabang is home of the famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This sleepy municipality is a hustle and bustle during day time when hoards of local and foreign tourists arrive to see the underground river. Most however fail to realize that there is more to Sabang than just the underground river. This is Sabang, before the tourist arrives and when the last one has left.

Canon 400D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f22, 1/20, Iso200

This sight greeted me after alighting from the bus that i took from Puerto Princesa (PP) City.  The trip lasted for almost 4 hours considering the bus have to make countless of stops at every town and barangay that it passes.  Fare is 200 pesos.  


You can take the bus for Sabang at the PP San Jose New Market. First trip is around 5am and the last one leaves around 2pm. Just inform the tricycle driver that your heading for Sabang and he will bring you to that part of the terminal where the buses are parked.

Canon 400D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f16, 1/125, Iso200

Home for the next few days here is the Taraw Beach Resort.   From among the low and mid cost resorts in Sabang, Taraw is highly recommended.  I paid for 700 pesos a night for a non-air conditioned cottage.  My accomodation in Taraw has been prepaid. There are no ATM machines in Sabang.  Electricity is very limited and generator power runs only from 6pm to 10pm.

Canon 400D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11, 1/2, Iso400

This is one of the sights in Sabang that most tourists fail to see, the day-break!

Early mornings in the beach front is characterized by calm and solitude, very opposite during daytime when hordes of tourist come and go.






The locals double as fishermen during early mornings, catching whatever fish is available in the deep waters nearby.  During daytime, they become boatmen and assistants ferrying tourist to and from the underground river.

Canon 400D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,
f8, 1/350, Iso200 

The early morning catch becomes their family's consumption. Any extra catch are sold.  I brought a 50-peso fish which lasted me till lunch time.  My meals were from a nearby carenderia just beside the terminal, serving lutong-bahay food.  I pay an average of 50-70 pesos per meal.

Just before 8 am, the first few batches of tourist arrive.  The most convenient way to visit the underground river is to book through a local tour agent in Puerto Princesa.  They will arrange for everything - entrance fees and registration,  transportation, meals and the actual transfer from the Sabang wharf to the entrance of the cave.






Take note.  If you want to go to the underground river on your own, you have to pre-register at the  Puerto Princesa Tourism office at least days before your actual trip.  The tourism office is imposing a qouta to the number of visitors to the cave on a per day basis.  Park fees is no more that 100 pesos while cave entrance fees is is no more than 200 pesos.

Canon 400D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11, 1/20, Iso100

These are the motorized boats that ferries the tourists from the Sabang wharf to the underground river park.  It's around 20-30 minutes ride, depending on the sea conditions.  Upon arrival, you walk for 5 to 10 minutes to reach the jump-off point to the cave entrance.  Tourist are group by 6 and take a smaller paddled banca for the actual cave tour. The bankero acts as the guide also.  One of passengers will be ask to hold the flashlight.

One can walk to the under ground park entrance through the Jungle Trail from Sabang - my original plan. However, during the time i was there, it was temporarily off-limits due to undergoing repairs.  By foot, it will be around 45-60 minutes depending on ones pace.

Canon 400D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11, 1/30, Iso100

Tip : If you want to take snapshots inside the cave, be sure to have your external flashes ready. Volunteer to hold the flashlight or sit beside the person holding it.

If you want to have a serious photo-session inside the cave, you have to charter a paddled banca.  Also don't expect to see those great stone formations and those shining and shimmering stones we see on the brochures.  They can only be found beyond the 1.5 kilometers limit to ordinary visitors.  Special permits and additional fees will be needed if you want to go beyond.

As it is, there are many interesting formations -  the Virgin Mary, Jesus, the Holy Family puso (heart of banana), eggplant, mushroom, sayote, horse, dinosaur, sexy lady, cocao, sweet corn, candle, strip of bacon, a chamber 65 meters in height, the highway ( a long straight section, which is the turning back point of the basic tour) and several others.

Canon 400D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11, 1/30, Iso200

Sabang becomes still again towards the end of the day, when the last of the tourist on board their chartered vans has left.  It's the perfect time to stroll along the beach front and explore whatever looks interesting.

The newly-wed above asked me if i can take pictures of them.  A few shots become lots for they gamely posed for me.  They got to keep all of the images, of course, but I specifically asked for this one image for later posting.

Canon 400D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f8, 1/15, Iso400

Even these motorized bancas have to take a break in time for the tomorrows new set of tourists.

Canon 400D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f8, 1/45, Iso100

Only a few who come to Sabang have the chance to see the Mangrove Forest.

Canon 400D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f8, 1/90, Iso100

The Sabang local government has been offering the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour as part of their income generation campaign to maintain this part of the place.

'Lady Mangrove', became  my guide when I went to check the place which I found out to be as equally fascinating as the underground river.  I got valuable insights from her on how important the mangrove forest is to the eco-system. She even taught me how to identify the male and female specie of the mangrove tree!

Canon 400D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11, 1/60, Iso200 

A new resort was being rushed to completion during my visit.  It is huge and modern compared to the other resorts around.  I hope the local government has already considered its effects, positive or negative, to the eco-system Lady Mangrove has been referring to.

leave your questions regarding this post and I will reply the soonest possible

- alr

Lake Sebu's Hidden Treasure

It's not the tilapia fishes in their cages nor the thousand-and-one ways they are cooked, nor the T'boli natives in their traditional clothes that you see occasionally on the side streets, not even the 7 waterfalls and the nearby zipline - its their SUNRISE! 

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f8, 1/25

Dawn at the lake is very unique from other places i have witness them. It is fascinating to the point of mesmerizing mainly because of their reflection through the water. You watch the sunrise on the water! No wonder Nescafe decided to shoot here one of their 'Kanino Ka Gumigising' ad series here (not in the Mountain Province as most thought).

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11, 1/20

Sunrise at the back of the hills beside the lake, provide subdued  lighting and the fish-pens around acts as the main subject with the sky and cloud reflections in the water the foreground.  A perfect scene for any landscape photographer.

A wide-angle lens is a must if you plan to do photography in the lake. Don't forget your trusty tripod to prevent those unwanted blurs.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11, 1/20

Weather at Lake Sebu can be unpredictable.  You get a bright sunrise one day and a gloomy one the following day.  Occasional downpour is expected towards the later part in the afternoons.  

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f8, 1/5

All of the sunrise shots above where taken from the side of the the Mountain Lake Eco-resort, http://www.mountainlakeecoresort.com/. 


This is the only resort located on the opposite side from the 'banwa' or poblacion.  Probably the best spot in the lake to catch sunrises and sunsets.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f8, 1/640

How to get to Lake Sebu.

If your not from Mindanao, get a flight to General Santos City.  That's your jump-off point.  Take the bus from Gen-San to Koronadal City.  Travel time, around 1.5 hours.  From Koronadal, take the jeep or van plying the routes to Surallah.  Travel time should not be more than 1 hour.  From Surallah, take the 45 minutes ride van-for-hire to Lake Sebu.

post your inquiries regarding this destination and i will reply the soonest possible

- alr

Surigo City's 'Little Venice' : Day-asan

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f8, 1/5, ISO400

Day-asan is a bustling barangay, 30 kilometers from the city proper of surigao.  One can take a multi-cab or habal-habal from the city-proper to reach the barangay.  

Canon 400D, EFS 55-250mm IS, f8, 1/350, ISO400

What makes this place unique is the fact that houses here are erected on wooden stilts and bedded rocks and wooden bridges serve as the walk-way from location to another. Paddle and motorized boats server as a faster mean of transport, though.   

"Nong, ja-on mag shooting? (Sir, will there be a movie shooting soon?)", one kid asked me as i was taking pictures around the area. Apparently, a few weeks before Robin Padilla  came to shoot some scenes in his tele-serye in GMA, photographers and probably video-graphers were seen in the place. Robin Padilla's shoot then was him running through the length of this foot-bridge.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11, 1/80, ISO400 

Aqua-culture is the one of the major livelihood of the residents here.  

Canon 400D, EFS 55-250mm IS, f11, 1/60, ISO400

Most houses would have a pond or two made up of nets with lobsters and crabs in them.  They just grow this crustaceans here, so don't expect to be able to find restaurants or 'carenderias' here that serve them.  Fresh fish and the likes are sold in the barangay market, though at very cheap prices.

Deep-sea fishing is another means of livelihood in the barangay.  Going farther towards the open sea, one finds several fish-trawlers anchored for the day, awaiting for the high-tide that will come towards the evening.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11, 1/120, ISO400 

Day-asan was really a chance discovery on my part.  The original purpose of my visit to the place was to arrange for a transport to the Cantiasay Foot-bridge the following day.

The last rays of the sunset signaled that I should head back to the city. I will have to visit the place some other time to explore the mangrove forest beyond. Cantiasay will have to wait a little longer.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f8, 1/15, ISO400 

post your inquiries regarding this post and i will reply to them the soonest possible

- alr

Coron Memoirs - The Last Part : Historic Culion

Culion Island Tour is offered by almost all local tour operators in Coron town, however, only a handful of the tourist who come here avail of it. Culion does not offer beaches nor snorkeling grounds, but history.

During the early 19th century Culion island is more known as the leper colony. As what I can remember from my Philippine History class, during this period, lepers from all over the Philippines are brough to this 'remote' island for cure and rehabilitation. If you want to know more of the details on the history of the island, 'i-google mo lang', so to speak.

My curiousity won over me so i have no choice but to hire a motorized banca to bring me to Culion, wait for me while I go around the place and bring me back to Coron. Standard rates for the motorized banca is in the range of P2,500.00 - P3,000.000 for one whole day.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f8, 1/1250, ISO400

We started out early, around 7am. The trip to the island would take between 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the sea condition.

On the way to Culion, one passes through several islands and islets with white beaches. The rows of pearl farms dotting the calm seas suggest that we are nearing the island.

It is a fine and sunny Saturday morning.

A stark contrast to the port of Coron which was bustling with activities as we left, the port of Culion where we docked was so quite. It's as if life here is on a stand-still that Saturday morning I arrived.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,
 f8, 1/1250, ISO400

This barren tree guarding this monument seemed to be the only 'welcoming committee' that came to greet me upon my arrival.

The poblacion proper is situated above the hill. One takes a tricycle to reach the place or take a hike. I walked so I could have a feel of the place and the people, hopefully. I'm sure in your minds you are now asking if I met lepers during my walk. NONE.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,
f11, 1/1250, ISO400

These fisher-folks may have been descendants of the early inhabitants of the island.

Accordingly, there are only a handful of leprosy patients left in the island. Those who have been healed have been reintegrated into society. Those with active leprosy are admitted and placed in a
special section in the Culion General Hospital, formerly known as the Culion Leprosarium.

The nearest to a leper that I saw during my visit was a former patient, i guess, judging from the physical deformities to her body characteristic of the disease. She was happily chatting with a group of 'normal' folks.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f8, 1/1250, ISO400

Culion was a fort during the Spanish Era. The newly restored 'parola' is the highest structure in the poblacion area. This structure still has the original two bronze canons used to thwart invaders to the island. 

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11, 1/1250, ISO400

One should not fail to climb this lighthouse for it provides a stunning 180-degree view of the island and the bay.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11, 1/1250, ISO400

The Jesuit influence is very obvious here in Culion. During my walk, I passed by a mausoleum of the pioneering SJ priests who first came to the island. The school and the parish church are run by the Jesuits.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f8, 1/60, ISO400

You haven't been to Culion if you failed to visit the Leprosy Museum which is located inside the compound of the Culion General Hospital. The minimal entrance fee is nothing compared to the information and insight you get while going through the museum.  It can be eerie or spooky, but just consider it that by going through the various displays inside you get to be a part of history.

The poblacion. Culion's center of commerce. 

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f8, 1/400, ISO400

I took a tricycle from this point and headed back to the motorized banca for my return to Coron Island. I instructed the boatman and his assistant to buy fresh fish and rice earlier before we left for Culion for our lunch.

The island has only one or two lodging places.  The more prominent one is locations near the parish church.

This barren tree had been the 'welcoming committee' as well as the 'send-off committee'.  

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11, 1/1250, ISO400 

Its role will still be both the same to each and every visitor who arrives and departs to and from Culion, an island which played a significant role in our history.

feel free to post questions regarding this post and ill reply the soonest possible

- alr

Coron Memoir - Part III : Bay Walk At Dusk

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,
f8, 1/13, ISO800

The day started with heavy rains that lasted well till mid-morning.

Still tired from the activities of the past two days, I decided just to stay in the lodge. After a hearty breakfast of chorizo, sunny side-up eggs, sinangag and coffee at the Pinili Restaurant, i just spent the next few hours checking my emails. The Globe Tattoo prepaid proved to have a stronger signal than with Smart Bro.

The Pinili Restaurant is just a block away from the lodge, right across the catholic church, so one cannot miss it.

It is a cloudy day. Perfect for going around town by foot without worrying about sun-burns. After lunch, I took my time in going to the stores near the town plaza, exploring the streets and taking note of other cafes, restos and carenderias. I went back to the lodge mid-afternoon and dozed-off. I will be hanging around the Bay Walk later that afternoon in time for the sunset, if ever there will be.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f8, 1/160, ISO800

I woke up at around 4:30 in the afternoon and did not notice that the sun has come out while I was having my siesta. Good sign! Sunset at the Bay Walk will be taking place.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11, 1/89, ISO800

feel free to post your questions related to this post

- alr

Coron Memoirs - Part II : Of Lakes, reefs and beaches ...

Since I opted not to take the package offered by the lodge, i took upon myself in  looking for a local tour group offering island hopping tour.  I prefer it this way because i don't want to be hurried by schedules and the likes when one gets on a package tour.

I went with the tour owned and operated by the Linsangan couple, the Coron Island Ultimate Tour.  I paid P650 for a while day island hopping, snorkeling and swimming inclusive of lunch, boat fares and entrance. 

I joined a group comprising of both local and foreign tourists.  I'm only in for the photo-ops so I did not bother anymore about snorkeling gears, which is a MUST whenever one goes island hopping in Coron.  I did apply sun-block and brought extra. 

Travel date : February 2011

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,
f/11, 1/1600, ISO 800 

Our group left the Coron harbor just after 8am which is a good time to start the tour - not so many tourist yet. 

We boarded one of the many motorized boats docked near the town's Bay Walk, which is just a few minutes walk from the tour operators office.

First stop, the much famous Kayangan Lake,   To reach the lake, we have to walk-up a mountain trail, around 10-15 minutes up, then about the same time going down.

Its an easy climb compared to Mt. Tapyas, but be careful though because the steps are not paved and cemented and steep with rocks and boulders around.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, 1/100sec, f/11.0, 10mm, ISO 400

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,
1/400sec, f/11.0, 10mm, ISO 400

Most travel brochures featuring Coron as their travel destination have this image as part of their write-up.  

This beautiful picture-perfect scenery can be seen after a walk up the mountain trail. A very good photo-op location in this part of the mountain. 

 
A cave or two can be found nearby but I did not bother to check anymore.The scenery itself is more interesting.

I waited for others to finish their photo-ops before I started taking pictures.  Boat loads of tourist have started to arrive.  The earlier you depart for the lake, the better so as to avoid the crowd. 

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, 1/400sec, f/11.0, 10mm, ISO 400

The place is just a small ridge. One false move and you'll find your self tumbling into the ravine a hundred feet or so below, so be careful when you get there.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11.0, 1/200, ISO400

Said to be the cleanest lake in the Philippines and sometimes called the Blue Lagoon, this freshwater lagoon is amidst sheer limestone cliffs.

One has to be careful though when swimming into the lake.  The stones underwater are sharp.  Life vest are provided by the tour operator. 

If you want to explore the lake, then arrange for a kayak with the tour operator.  Rental fee is between 300.00 to 500.00 pesos. 

I went ahead of the group returning to the docking area.  It allowed me time to read the history of the Tagbanua tribe on a tarpaulin that covered the walls of the guest center. The information is very helpful in understanding the life and culture of the tribe. Highly recommended to each tourist who goes to the lake.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, f11.0, 1/1000, ISO400

Next stop, the Twin Peaks Reef.

Snorkeling is the name of the game here. Hundreds of fish of all colors and shape abound here, but the corals are the main attraction.  One can see palm-size corals to as huge as 8-seater table-top size corals in this reef.

One 'snorkeler' noted that the Honda bay marine life pales in comparison to the ones found in Coron.  Majority in the group were in agreement.  I just hope locals will be able to maintain and preserve them.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,
f11.0, 1/250, ISO400

After a hearty lunch provided by the tour operator and an hour or two break at the Atwayan white beach, we headed to the the Twin Lagoons.

Hidden behind giant walls are connecting lakes with an underground passage to access both lakes. The water is so clear in this lakes you can see fishes from the surface. You can also see interesting patterns in the water as lake and sea water mix.

At high tide you can either swim a few feet underneath the water to pass through the arch and surface in the other lagoon or pass through a stony narrow passage between two giant rocks. At low tide, you can paddle a kayak through.

I did not have the chance to check the other side of the lagoon, the twin, for fear of getting my camera and gears wet. I just waited on the docking area and snap a few shots.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,
f11.0, 1/1250, ISO400

Last stop is the CYC island. Its the nearest one to Coron and the last remaining public beach in the Coron Island Loop.

No entrance fees and because of this, poor maintenance and thus garbage abound in the area. Its still a nice beach to swim, but be careful for occasional broken glasses and a few empty cans. Mangroves grow in the island allowing one to see a few fishes here and there. I just hope the local government will be able to maintain this place, even if it means imposing a minimal entrance fee.

We headed back to Coron just in time for sunset. One can view the sunset from the Bay Walk which gave me an idea for my next activity the following day.

feel free to ask questions regarding this post and I will respond the soonest possible.

- alr

Coron Memoirs - Part I

Strings of islets and islands amidst sparkling blue waters making up the Calamianes group of islands in Palawan is now visible from the aircraft windows as the ATR made its final descent towards the Busuanga airport.

The land trip from Busuanga town to Coron town was uneventful. Surprisingly, the roads are concrete!  The 45-60 minutes trip on board the van-for-hire seemed like more than an hour as everyone inside were all excited to reach Coron. 

Everyone on board was comfortable though as they don't practice overloading of passengers which makes the P150.00 fare worth it.  Taking a morning flight from Manila is the best time for travel as one arrives in Busuanga and ultimately in Coron just around 12 noon.  

Travel date : February 2011

Canon 40D, EF50mm f/1.8 II, 1/50sec, f/8.0, 50mm, ISO 800

The Coron Village Lodge became home for the next 3 days. Another surprise - the rooms are great for the rates quoted! It's a bargain. I opted to not to take their offered packages and just paid only for the accommodation.  The lodge is situated in the middle part of the town, so every location is accessible even by just walking. Mind you,  I booked my room 3 months prior to arrival since the lodge is one of the first choices among travelers in the place.

Lunch was the first order after completing the check-in procedure.  Two blocks from the lodge, on the same street, is the Lolo Nonoy's carenderia.  Its clean, just the right price and most of all 'lutong-bahay'!  I found out in the next few days that local tour groups also bring-over their guest to this place.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,
1/60sec, f/11.0, 17mm, ISO 100

After a short nap, i packed my stuff in preparation for the climb to Mt. Tapyas. It's one of the popular destinations and the second highest place in Coron town.  Its base is accessible by a 10-minute or so walk from the lodge. 

I opted to take the tricycle to conserve my energy for the long climb ahead through its 700+ paved and concrete steps.  The ascent can take as fast as 30 minutes to as slow as 60 minutes, depending on ones physical condition.  Mine was somewhere in the middle. Heheheh. 

Whatever it is, make sure you get on the top just in time for sunset or sunrise.  Don't forget to bring extra shirt, a towel and lots and lots of water or gatorade!

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,
1/200sec, f/8.0, 10mm, ISO 400

Upon reaching the top of Mt. Taypas, one would be greeted by the 200 feet cross fashioned from Luzon's Mt. Samat and the breathtaking view of the Coron town and the surrounding islands.  A view deck has been constructed to provide the 'triumphant' ones lots and lots of photo-ops with this gorgeous view as background.

The descent from the mountain at dusk is tricky. Not all the lamp posts were lighted. Good thing, i got a phone with a built-in flash light so it helped me out.  Whenever you go up to Mt. Tapyas for the sunset, dont forget to bring along a flashlight.

Canon 40D, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,
1/4sec, f/11.0, 10mm, ISO 800

Dinner was at Kawayan Grill.

I skipped going to Maquinit hot spring since my hunger prevailed.  The food is equally great in this garden setting restaurant but expensive. A coke-litro will cost you, hold your breath, P150.00! 

Generally, things are expensive in Coron considering the locals get their supplies from either Masbate or from Puerto Princesa.  If your trip brings you further to Puerto Princesa, then do your pasalubong shopping there, otherwise you can do it in their Pasalubong Center store a few blocks from the town plaza.

Canon 40D, 1/20sec, f/4.5, 20mm, ISO 800

Mt. Tapyas and its lighted cross as seen from the Coron Baywalk.  The white building is the Coron Gateway Hotel, one of the pricier hotels in the place, rooms starts at 3K per night.  I'll still go for the Coron Village Lodge.  

feel free to ask questions regarding this post and I will respond the soonest possible.

- alr