7:00 a.m.
And the finale should be grand.
Day three’s itinerary comprised unraveling the marvel of Sabang, Puerto Princesa – the Subterranean River National Park, the Mangrove Paddleboat Tour, and the unexpected plunge into the Sabang Beach.
The 81-kilometer travel to Barangay Sabang from the city proper took two hours to complete.
Between our rambunctious chorus for Eraserheads’ Huling El Bimbo and the intense revelation of Lucas in Ricky Lee’s ‘Para Kay B’ were the magnificent stretch of quiet mountains and untouched virgin forests gently cascading the long drive to Sabang. An unexpected detour to the Buenavista Viewpoint, a project of the celebrated Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn, became a breather for that refreshing view and a revival for another pasalubong spree.
And after being in an almost stationary arrangement in the crowded van, we have finally arrived at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park. A marker declares the location as ‘A World Heritage Park’.
We first navigated towards the Underground River via a twenty-minute pumpboat ride. The scene in the pumpboat ride was coated with the unending horizon of blue crystal waters, crashed only with angry moving waves and gigantic rock creations that commanded our respect. 
The arrival at the Underground River was like the cinematographic start-off from my favorite reality show – castaways dropped at an unfamiliar island to survive a game against nature and against each other. A smooth Jungle Trail was the Heritage’s brown carpet preview for tourists before arriving at the underground river.After the pumpboat ride and an Amazing Race hike, we were welcomed by the imposing structure that is the Palawan Underground River.
Navigated by means of a paddle boat, the Palawan Underground River features 8.2 kilometers of God’s perfect creations. The river flows ‘within a deep cavern under rugged limestone and marble cliffs,’ with visitors greeted by the welcoming committee of the underground bats. The secrets of the stalactite and stalagmite pillars, the mysteries of the famed Cathedral Chambers and the enigma of the geological formations were all revealed by the magic of the trusty flashlight and the words by our paddle boat master.To unravel the truth of these formations, one must definitely test his imagination.
Formations like the Holy Family, the ethereal Guardian Angel, a grotto for Saint Roque, and a snapshot of the Three Kings adorned the Cathedral Chambers. A trip to the fresh market, este the Fruits and Vegetable Section, offered the vegan tourist a gargantuan feast of Carrots, Cabbage, Pepper, and the Male Mushroom. Other well-remembered images included the silhouette of the perfectly-curved woman (yeah, man!), the neighing of the horse’s head, and the enchanted twist of the mythical dragon. It was near impossible to take a perfect snapshot of these formations though. A split-second click would spell the difference between a photo-worthy image and an ordinary rock formation
The Underground River Tour was a blast. And that explosion was followed by another entertaining aftermath.The Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour was a direct access to the ideal ecosystem – a tranquil hideaway for the diverse wildlife, converging in that safe place undisturbed by human development. The endearment with conserving the mangroves was further enriched with FYIs narrated by our nature guides, Lady Mangrove and Manong Untoy. One could just grasp the guide’s love for these mangroves, even offering the Mangrove Song to the tune of Paru-Parung Bukid at the end of the tour.
But the right of passage for the Paddle Boat Tour was Palawan’s version of Fear Factor: the Tamilok Experience.Tamilok, scientifically known as Bachtrophorus thoracites, is ‘bivalve mollusk of the teredinidae family.’ These woodworms thrive in trunks of wood scattered within the mangrove ecosystem. After the insides have been removed and cleaned, the Tamilok is dipped into vinegar seasoned with ample amount of spices. Rich in protein, calcium, and iodine, the local Sabang delicacy is believed to be an aphrodisiac. Mmmm….a better version of kinilaw.
The mangrove planting ceremoniously marked the end of our Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour.
Maraming Salamat Lady Mangrove and Manong Untoy. May your advocacy towards preserving the mangrove ecosystem paddle to deeper and wider seas. You have made the tour worth reminiscing. Sa Sabang may tamilok, uy. Uy, uy, uy….
An unexpected splash with the big, inviting waves of Sabang Beach followed the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour.
It was an easy temptation for my officemates – not for me though. The sand and the majestic wind whispered lyrical words that eventually became Buhangin or Baras in Kuyunin. It was the best compromise for fighting the temptation, I thought. Refer to Palawan: Baras for this post.
It was an easy temptation for my officemates – not for me though. The sand and the majestic wind whispered lyrical words that eventually became Buhangin or Baras in Kuyunin. It was the best compromise for fighting the temptation, I thought. Refer to Palawan: Baras for this post.
The group eventually left the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park at around four in the afternoon.It was part three of our pasalubong spree upon our arrival at the city proper. And yes, we have arrived at the best and cheapest deals at the Tiangge. Palawan shirts at Php 80.00, key chains at three pieces for Php 50.00, colorful bracelets at Php 100.00 per dozen. Plus you can haggle if you can use your old Makati charm.
Sadly, (ahh) the Palawan souvenirs have to be with our bags on our return flight the following morning.
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