In The Market

There is no better way to experience the true culture of Palawan than shopping in the market. I will admit when I first arrived it was sensory overload with so many people, strange smells, tricycles, bicycles, carts, kids, and food everywhere.

Ok so weeding through the chaos can be a challenge especially when everyone you pass notices you're a foreigner and tries to get your attention. But, after a while you just learn it's part of the system here. The first thing I bought was a little bag of warm salted peanuts for 5 pesos. If you don't want to buy anything in the market do yourself a favor and at least try these. They are delicious little treat I assure you. Any type of fruit or vegetable grown in the Philippines can be found here and the fish selection is incredible. I probably spent a half hour just wandering up and down the fish section taking pictures which I'll post in my next entry.

White Beach, Port Barton

If you're looking for a nice secluded and serene place to stay, White Beach is the answer. As we pulled up on the bunca boat I was shocked at how beautiful this beach truly is. The picture perfect tropical location.

I wandered around for a while with my camera taking advantage of the perfect palm trees and empty beach. I came to here because I had heard through the grape vine that it was a perfect place for a photoshoot and it is.

Underground River

A famous features of Palawan is the Subterranean River National Park in Puerto Princessa, known to travelers as the Underground River.

If you end up in Palawan this place is definitely worth the 3 hour bunca ride, but make sure to bring a towel because if the wind is strong you will get soaked on the journey. Trust me, I know from experience. Bring at least 200 pesos and be prepared to wait a little while because this place buzzing with tourist.

Once in the mouth of the cave you are guided through an endless display of stalactites and stalagmites like you've never seen before.
 

Banca Boats

One of my favorite signature features of the Philippines is the quirky looking Banca boat.  If you are traveling through Palawan there is a good chance you will be spending more travel time in one of these than anything else.

These handmade works of art are usually scattered all along the beaches near resort areas and you can hire one to take island hopping for a reasonable price. The cost is usually around 800-1200 pesos on the average. If your destination is a few hours away it will be at least double that price. They come in all different sizes holding anywhere from 6 to 25 or so people. And although they aren't the speediest boats around they really are a great way to explore the islands.

They are an important part of Filipino life because not ony do they provide income from travelers and tourists but they are also used for fishing which is a main source of income for a large population of locals.

The Children

When we arrived to Palawan 360 I noticed a group local children playing out front on the beach. After dropping my bags in the room and taking a quick look around, I ventured down to see what they were up too. The children here are always so curious and love the camera so I always find it quite entertaining to be around them. When I eventually went back to my room to relax there little faces were crammed up to the screen of my window peering into to see me. I turned on some music and watched them dance outside my window.

Scenic Drive

The two hour drive introduced us to the ways of Palawan. I noticed the lush terrain was endless and scattered with quaint little huts and the greenest grass I've ever seen. Every so often we would come upon a small village or a farmer plowing with his water buffalo through the fields. My personal favorite is the electric tricycles I saw buzzing by. They are everywhere and seem to be the cheapest and most convenient mode of transportation for locals.

Flying into Palawan

The island province of Palawan is considered to hold some of the Philippines most magnificent landscapes and island destinations. Located between the South China Sea and Sulu Sea it is an endless landscape decorated with pristine beaches, crystal clear water, palm trees, and natural wonders. In a nutshell, it is the ultimate island destination and in my humble opinion rivals the top exotic island destinations around the world.

I have been fortunate enough to explore and photograph this amazing place and will be sharing my discoveries in hopes that future travelers will put this destination on the top of their list. I discovered how beautiful Palawan really was before I even set foot on the ground. The aerial views from my airplane window reminded me of a beautiful piece of abstract art with undulating shapes and shades of blue and green.





My journey began in the city of Cebu, Philippines where I boarded a small 4 passenger plane with my two friends Angie and Patrick. Being that this was my first experience in such a small plane, I have to admit I was a bit anxious.
Once airborne, I quickly got the sensation I was flying in an airplane not much bigger than a toy. Not to mention we were loaded down with photography equipment strategically squeezed in the back and I began to question whether I should have packed that extra lens and lights.


I grabbed my camera and started shooting and felt myself begin to relax and focus on the task at hand and before I knew it we were descending through the clouds and preparing to land. Palawan's main airport for travelers is located in Puerto Princessa but today I landed in the new airport that is currently being constructed in San Vincente and has a promising future to be one of the main airports on the island.


We were greeted by a van transport and hoped in for a 2 hour scenic ride to a nice little resort called Palawan 360.