Pearl Farm, Samal Island

 One of the houses where we stayed in.  It was under water and you can hear the waves at night.  So soothing.

 From the pool, you can see the Mt.Apo.

Luke feeds the bird Charlie everyday after breakfast.

They have a big turtle too in the pond.

The Room:

Luke and I stayed on one of the Samal Houses.  The toilet is separate from the shower which is a plus for us.  Luke had a terrible diarrhea on our 5 days stay. The bed is massive, the aircon is good and our balcony is over looking the ocean.  As the Samal House is built in the water, the sound of wave will put you to sleep.

The Food:

Loved the breakfast buffet.  They have a wide variety of continental meals.  They also have filo food.  So if your package doesn't include this, better give this one a try.

The Staffs:

The staffs are very reliable.  I say this cause they've been attentive to our needs.  I had my ear blocked during the trip and when we called the concierge, they send in a doctor the next day.  Bearing in mind that we are in an island and the doctor leaves on a certain time.  My boyfriend had a diarrhea and the staffs noticed.  They send him to the reception so he can get his meds.  It's not free though.  

Facilities:

We got everything in our tiny island.  The place have so much to offer from 2 large swimming pools, spa, tennis court, small gym, water sports gear - not free, bar, film showing at night. 


Do not forget to join the fish feeding.  You can also buy fish food for 20PHP and feed the fishes whilst snorkelling.

Review:

Luke and I had a marvelous time at Pearl Farm.  It was a much needed holiday for us.  I will go back in a heart beat.  Just hate the day trippers.  They totally take over the place and they leave at 5PM.  

TIP:

If you are looking for a cheaper room in Pearl Farm, I suggest going to Agoda.com.  Boyfriend paid a little over PHP5,000/night for the usual PHP9,050 /night.  Check the Pearl Farm website here - http://www.pearlfarmresort.com/

Underground River Palawan

I've always wanted to go to the Underground River since I saw a show about it years ago but I never thought that it would actually happen.  We grew up with enough money for our daily necessities and going on trips obviously doesn't count as one.  I remember when I first learn what spelunking means.  I stopped using caving then.  It made me feel superior above my elementary schoolmates.  Self Centered Bitch.  

The Sabang Port is 2 hours away from Puerto Princesa City and from there, you have to travel half an hour to get to the Underground River.  The road to Sabang Port is long and winding with few rough roads in between.  People with motion sickness should definitely bring motion sickness medicine with them.  I fight mine with sleeping and will power.  After years of travelling by road, I am gonna say that I am not fully cured from my motion sickness.  :P  

I wasn't prepared for my Underground River trip.  I didn't know that I have to bring ID with me which I will need upon registration.  Our tour guide informed us halfway through the trip.  Good thing I got my wallet with me and inside I had my NBI ID Card.  I wouldn't have the heart to tell everyone about my mistake.  I hate being inconvenience to anyone.  

Inside the Underground River, expect darkness.  I asked our bangkero if we are allowed to bring our own flashlights and he said yes.  Vests and Hardhats were provided by the Underground Tour people but no flashlights.  It was too difficult to take photo.

We stopped by at Sabang Beach for lunch.  I was gutted that we booked in the City.  I really like the pristine White Sand and less touristy feel of Sabang Beach.  I was a bit depressed at this point and Luke did everything to cheer me up.  Thanks.  :)

Honda Bay Island Hopping

The Honda Bay tour was organised by Marina de Bay. 

Our Honda Bay Tour consists of 3 Islands - Pambato, Snake and Pandan Island.  On all 3 islands, we were allowed to snorkel, feed fishes and swim.  

The Pambato Island is good for feeding fishes.  Snorkling wise, I've seen better.  They have more corals than fishes.  The water isn't clear too.  It's like coming from Lubang and seeing Manila Bay water polluted.  

Snake Island was very surprising.  The sand is very fine and the water is very clear.  The gem is under the water.  I thought Kuya was exaggerating when he told me that they have thousands in a school of fishes there but he wasn't.  I've never seen so much fishes of the same kind at one time.  It was really breath taking sight.  I tried taking a clear video of Luke but my camera isn't powerful enough.  It's ancient.  LOL!

It was too hot when we got to Pandan Island so I decided to ate another halo-halo(cause I had one in Snake Island too).  It wasn't that expensive considering that there are only 2 stores there.  One sells for 75PHP and the other 40PHP.  We went for the 40PHP of course.  We also had a massage for 100PHP for half an hour service.  It was very nice. I felt better after and Luke felt worse.  Poor Banks.

I had to tell you, the bitch in me unleashed the devil that day.  It struck twice.  First in Snake Island when Luke took my camera out from the underwater casing to dry out as the water was getting into it and when he tried to put it back, he couldn't and the second was when we couldn't find a tricycle which will take us to Marina de Bay.  After the Honda Bay tour, Luke and I decided to explore Puerto Princesa City but there was nothing to explore.  If you are planning to go to Puerto Princesa, I suggest packaging a tour with your accommodation or get into a guided tour.  Tours can be organised upon arrival to Puerto Princesa.  You'll see when you arrive at the airport.

PS:

Fins, Masks and Under Water Casings can be rented out in Honda Bay Wharf.

Fins - 100PHP a pair

Masks - 100PHP

Under Water Casing - 250PHP

Puerto Princesa City Tour

Crocodile Farm:

Handicapped crocodiles.

Yup, you can take photo of the crocodile for 20PHP I think.  Luke washed his hands after in case the crocodile have germs.  You'll never know.

Baker's Hill:

Spot for pasalubong.  Loved the choco crinkle so much!

Mitra Residence:

Loved the open spaces and fresh air.  It reminded me of Tagaytay.  There were horses too. 

Butterfly Farm:

We are scheduled to do the city tour on our last day in Puerto Princesa.  We checked out at 8AM on Marina de Bay, our flight was at 1PM and the tour took 3 hours.  We had to skip all the unnecessary stop overs.  

Our first stop was the Crocodile Farm.  This is not to be missed if you like Nature and crocodiles.  They take care of both the freshwater and salt water crocodiles.  The small zoo was interesting too.  Mosquito repellant is necessary though.  Good thing Mr. Banks is always ready with "mozzie stuff".  

The second stop was Baker Hill.  Camwhore worthy and pasalubong place.

The third stop was the butterfly farm.  I wanted to skip this as I've been to one in Bohol but I'm glad I didn't.  They have so many interesting animals(?) there.  Almost everything I can touch.  I had scorpions, millipedes, walking stick insect.  I am sure my sister will run on the sight of each of them.  :P

Final Stop, Mitra Mansion.  The view was amazing from here.  Too much green it feels gives the feel of Tagaytay.


In Puerto Princesa, we stayed in ,Marina de Bay,Palawan here's my review of the place:

This is an honest account of what we have experienced from Marina de Bay.  Some good, some bad.  You have been warned.

Luke and I took the honeymoon package.  It was 10980PHP per person for 4 days, 3 nights of stay, breakfast, lunch and dinner included, welcome drinks with chocolates, bottle of wine and fruit basket, rejuvinating spa treatment, city tour, honda bay tour and underground river tour.  Sounds nice huh?  

First Day:

Our flight to Puerto Princesa was 3 hours delayed thanks to the ever reliable Cebu Pacific.  When we arrive, we couldn't find the van that will pick us up.  I had to call Marina de Bay to inform them that we have arrived and few minutes later, the driver found us.  Marina de Bay is located 25 minutes away from the City with the view of the bay.  :P   I was expecting a beach view but never mind.  We were given our welcome drinks.  Good thing as Luke and I are both thirsty.  Straightaway, the concierge asked me if it was okay to bring the wine later.  She didn't mention the chocolates or the fruit basket.  Dinner time arrived, we went to concierge to claim our free dinner.  She said, it wasn't included so we went back to our room to double check and went back again to the concierge to tell her that it was included.  She told us that she was gonna double check it with the manager and that might just be a typo.  We went to our room and received a call asking what time we are going to dinner.  The food was nice, the staffs were attentive and the ambiance was okay.  Later that night, I heard a scream from Luke.  He found a live cockroach in our room.

Second Day:

Luke and I were scheduled to do the Underground Tour.  When I asked the concierge for the pick up time, she said, 8:00-8:30AM.  The tour guide arrived at 8AM and we had to be rushed.  Halfway through our trip, we were told that ID is a must before boarding the boat that will take us to the Underground River.  We weren't informed but thankful that we had our IDs with us.  We arrive from our trip and found the fruit basket ready.  Since Luke and I had nothing to do in Puerto Princesa, I asked him to "claim" our rejuvinating spa.  We arrived just before 4PM and had to wait for he masseuse at 9ishPM.  They didn't inform us.  We had to wait the whole time.  We did asked every hour though and they were very apologetic.  The massage was fantastic!   The masseuse were very nice and we felt very relaxed.  Luke found another cockroach and I found a very non-absorbent towel with holes.  

Third Day:

Hurray!  Our chocolates and wine finally arrived but not on the same time.  We had dinner out as we were bored with the food that they served.  Don't get me wrong, they were nice and the staffs were very friendly and accommodating but we were tired of the same grilled viand, plain rice and side veggies.  No cockroach this time and towels with holes,just non-absorbent.

Fourth Day:

We were taken on a city tour.  The driver and the tour guide, both from Marina I think were very chatty and friendly.  The packed food was amazing!!!  We were given 2 sets, burgers and rice with grilled fish and pork.  The burger was very succulent.  As for the rice meal, we gave it out to the waiting drivers.  

The Room:

The room was okay on filo standards.   It was not okay for Luke.  He is a foreigner by the way.  He said, the room was too dark for him.  I have to agree with him on this.  The dark colour of the room didn't help either.  The nipa absorbed too much light.  You can't open any of the windows too.  

The Service:

The staffs were very friendly and accommodating.  I can't say anything negative about them.

The massage is a must try!!!

Everything else:

No facilities.  No safety deposits on rooms.  You have to ask for the manager to keep your things on their safety deposit.  We didn't dare do it.  

No swimming pool.

The shower was just okay.

Shampoo and soaps were provided but I suggest bringing all your toiletries.  

We were provided with coffee and tea but no kettle in the room.

No free drinking bottled water too although I can never be sure.

The room was big.

There is a smoking area at the back of each villa.

There was a telly with 3 channels - 2,7 and 13 or 4.  

Wi-fi was very weak.  We can't connect at first.  

Eden Nature Park, Davao

I've heard so much good things about this that I can not not go.  I don't know if I've mentioned this in my previous blog entries but Luke and I didn't have a concrete plan about Davao.  We only wrote things that we wanted to do and that's it.  No directions or addresses.  Nothing.  I expected to be greeted by tourist companies in the airport but we weren't.  

Whilst in the L3 to Catilan, I asked the driver how to get to the Eden Mountain Resort.  He said if we wanted to go, get off at Ulas and take a jeep to Toril and from Toril take a tricycle.  That's just what we did.  On our first day and the first time we took the taxi in Davao, the driver offered us to drive to Eden Mountain Resort, return for 2500PHP plus another 1000PHP for the crocodile farm. Good thing we didn't as we were both disappointed with both tourist spots.  I mean, coming from the Philippine Eagle and spending less than 500PHP everything will feel like a rip off.  Luke and I took the Shuttle Tour.  I remember telling Luke that I feel like I paid to hear advertisements.  :P  The spot overlooking Davao and seeing Luke touch Makahiya for the first time were the two good things that came out from it.

 The umbrella, our service to Eden Nature Park.  You have to bargain for the trip. We paid 400PHP for a return trip.  That's not a lot if you have to travel by umbrella for at least an hour each way.  I say embrace the experience all the way!!!

 The rip off meal that came with our entrance fee.  You have to go to the activity centre straightaway and pay for whatever you wanted to do.  This place doesn't come for free, they charge for everything!

Luke and I took the shuttle tour.  Perfect for camwhores.  Don't feel shy about asking Kuya to take photo of you.  They are highly trained.

If you wanna go to Eden Nature Park and Resort please go to this website -  http://edennaturepark.com.ph/main/

Philippine Eagle Center, Davao

As I've mentioned on my previous blog, Luke wanted to go to the Philippine Eagle Center.  We are currently staying in Marco Polo and when we enquired, the tour would have cost us 9000PHP, that's like one YSL Arty Ring in my language.  :P

Here's what we did.  We open the guide book.  Luke wanted to take the taxi but I don't trust the taxi people here.  It's expensive and they don't give out change.  It's as if we are in Manila.  Anyway, the guidebook said that we have to get off to Calinan and take a motorcycle from there.  Luke asked if we still trust the book and I said yes.  I had to put all my trust to it as I hate the feeling of getting ripped off.  Thankfully, after more than an hour and 35km L3 and motorcycle ride, we reached the Philippine Eagle Center.  

Here's the breakdown of what we've spent versus the 9000PHP Marco Polo Tour.

L3 from CM Recto to Calinan - 80PHP for 2 people

Motorcycle Ride(As in single na motor)  -  100PHP as the guy didn't have change.  We were generous that day.  I was thinking," I want a pimped out tricycle".  We rode a single instead of tricycle.  It was so much fun.

Entrance to Philippine Eagle and Park -  55PHP each person

Motorcycle ride to the terminal - 30PHP

I am not a big fan of zoos but the Philippine Eagle is one of the must see place in Davao.  First, it is not a rip off.  I'll blog later about the Crocodile Park.  Second, the animals feels like they were in their natural habitat.  I can't say anything negative about it.  The Philippine Eagle Cafe is not a rip off too.  Luke and I had so much fun!

 Our ride to the PEC.  I don't believe how the motorcycle manage to get uphill.  I'm 120lbs at least and my boyfriend is 200lbs plus the driver.  These motorcycles are heavy duty!!!

Crocodile Park, Davao City

On our last full day at the city, Luke and I planned to go zorbing, ziplining and dining at Jack's ridge.  None of them materialise as Luke was killed by the durian shake.  More on that later.

On my previous blog, we went to Eden Mountain Resort and The Philippine Eagle Center.  On our way to Eden, a local at Davao recommended Davao Crocodile Park.  We wanted to skip this as we just been to Palawan Crocodile Farm but it is close to the Zorv and it was crazy not to go.  Turned out, we are both disappointed.  First, the Zorv is not as challenging as I think it is.  I went Zorbing in Boracay as little over a year ago and I can't be asked to do it again.  I mean, there is nothing special to it.  Luke was not convinced.  As for the Crocodile Park.  It was a waste of money.  The Palawan Farm is wayyyyy better.  We had guided tour there too.  In Davao Crocodile Park, you literally have to do everything yourself and there aren't any baby crocodiles around.  It was expensive too.  3 times what we pay for the Philippine Eagle Center and 6 times for him as he is a foreigner.  We both feel sorry for the animals.  They were trapped in small cages and looked miserable.  Instead of being happy with the visit, we left with very very heavy hearts.  :(  

Now for the durian shake story:

Luke:  You are having durian shake?!

Me:  Yeah.  Yeah. *very confident as if I had it before*

Durian shake arrived.  Took a sip on it and it tasted like it smelled - like sh*t.

To put it lightly, the durian gave Luke the runs and he is still experiencing it.  He is never making me choose a restaurant again and he doesn't wanna go back to Davao because of the durian smell.  Yikes!!!  He is traumatised.

Marco Polo, Davao City

Marco Polo is located on the heart of the city and is in front of Ateneo de Davao.  It is few minutes away from F. Torres Street, where the strip of restaurants are.  The area is accessible everywhere from shopping centres and souvenir shops.  Most jeeps pass on this area too.

The Room:

The room is what you would expect in an average hotel.  The bed is good enough for 2 people.  There is a safety deposit box, TV with cable, telephone and standard bath and toilet.  Toiletries are provided too but I'd definitely bring my own.

You get two views - one city and one Apo.  We got the Ateneo view.  :P

The breakfast buffet is not to be missed.  It was one of the things that I look forward to in our stay in Marco Polo.  I am truly a fatty.  LOL!  

If you wanna book a room for Marco Polo, please go to this link http://www.marcopolohotels.com