Palawan 2011 - Day One (1)

Just when we got back from a Boracay trip last January, ZestAir had a promo fare. We booked 5 tickets to Puerto Princesa, Palawan - September 17 - 19.

Round trip ZestAir ticket to Puerto Princesa, Palawan - Php 400 each.

Fast forward to September 2011.

It was my first time to see Palawan. I have always been fascinated to see the place, that's why I was excited!

Being and has always been the group's planner. I was obliged to find a great deal tour. My friend Joseph suggested the Hibiscus Garden Inn, I tried to get in touch with them but to no avail. I guess they do not want to have business with us. lol. Aaron, my officemate, found online a great deal. De Loro Inn and Restaurant. (http://www.deloropalawan.com/). 

Their tour packages were unbelievable. I even thought it was a hoax so I had to assuredly check if they are real and had to find and read the reviews about them. Contented with what I have read, we availed the tour package D which includes the accommodation and tour.

Rate: Php 3,800.00 / Person (3days / 2 nights)

Inclusions on Accommodation:
Welcome Drinks, Daily Continental Breakfast, Free Airport Transfer.

Inclusions on Tours:
Aircondition Van Transfer, Boat Fee, Entrance Fees, Cottage Fees,
Permits, Buffet Lunch, Tour Guide.

Not Bad!! Right?!!

The place is just 2 minutes away from the airport which is great! And I thought the people there are the most courteous, well-mannered resort employees I have ever encountered. I swear!

  

So basically all we have to worry was dinner and "pasalubong". You will be amazed with the food they got there in Palawan! I will show you some food images I got later on.

Since September is a typhoon season in the Philippines, expect a lot of flight cancellation and delays. Praise to God that on our day of departure Mr. Sun is up and bright! We arrived 5 o'clock PM at Puerto Princesa safe and sound but not Jaydee's luggage. 

A damaged luggage greeted us at the baggage claim. Jaydee had to go to the airline ticket counter and report the incident. Ay the hassle talaga!

 

A huge sculpture of a horse will greet you at the De Loro's lobby

  

The Palawaneers Val, Jose, Jaydee and moi

 

 This is like the bridge from our room to the dining hall

 Our room - Room 10

I really cannot complain on the room accommodation because basic needs were there - bathroom was clean, they got hot and cold shower, refrigerator, air conditioner and television were working absolutely, they got security and we got a our own patio outside where we could do our smoke - freaky lang the gecko lizards near the zen garden in front our patio because we can hear them.. lol -, the floor area was huge! Aside from the fact that we really are not dainty - at all! But it's really more than I had expected. 

Now, it's dinner time! We went to this "Kinabuch's Restaurant Bar & Grill" located at Rizal Ave. of Puerto Princesa. It's really not difficult to find, just tell the tricycle driver the restaurant's name and they will take you there in fine feather. lol. You know what's amazing with the tricycle drivers of Puerto Princesa? They got calling cards! lol Seriously! 

It has been a trend for most of them to have one, since more often than not their passengers are tourists. You can hire a tricycle to take you anywhere around the city. Isn't that awesome!? So, Jose took the driver's calling card and advised him that we will just text him if we are ready to go back to De Loro. He's nice by the way.

Kinabuch's Restaurant Bar & Grill seemed really famous in Puerto Princesa. Why wouldn't they? The ambiance is beach like with open air dining area. I like their "kubo-kubo" suits for "barkada" dining in and they have an area for family too. The food is great! Generous portions are being served. Their menu consists of different variety of cuisine. From Filipino to Thai, Indian and Western.

 

Jose and Jaydee

 

Two (2) of Palawan's renown food Tamilok (wood-worm) and Crocodile meat

Kinabuch's Iced Tea Slush is a must try. It's a best seller. I tried to ask the waiter how does the bartender prepare it but they are not allowed to divulge it. lol. The only clue: they cook the tea on stove top. Hmmmm.. Shrimp in coconut milk cream. Delish!

Gising-gising, this has got to be the best gising-gising I ever tried. It put to shame the one I had at Ceslyn Restaurant in Cabanatuan City which I always thought the best one. Mixed Seafood in cream - it has tuna, squid, shrimp, bell pepper and peas. It's almost like all you need is a pasta noodle and this can be the sauce. This is my fave.

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 Sinigang na hipon is Val's request and it's good, really good!

We wanted to order crabs but they were out of stock already when we got there - that early. Imagine that!!

Our total bill was Php 1,600 apportion of 4 that's Php 400 each. Not bad! It's fresh, it has big servings and great ambiance! It's a big must to eat at Kinabuch's Reataurant Bar & Grill when you are in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Next stop.. Badjao Restaurant.. on Palawan 2011 - Day Two (2)