After the dynamic urban experiences of Manila, my Philippine adventure truly began as I journeyed to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. This region promised natural wonders, and it certainly delivered, from a UNESCO World Heritage site to enchanting evening tours.
Journey to Puerto Princesa & Mozo Hostel
My bus ride to Puerto Princesa was a lengthy six-to-seven-hour journey, filled with glimpses of local life as various passengers boarded and disembarked. The food stops along the way offered practical, counter-service meals, which were both tasty and efficient. Upon arriving in Puerto Princesa around 5:00 PM, I headed directly to Mozo Hostel, where I had messaged ahead to secure my booking.
The hostel proved to be a good choice. I was introduced to Jamie from England, a fellow traveler with fascinating stories of selling his house to travel the world. We quickly connected over shared travel experiences, including navigating Manila’s taxi and Grab services. While I initially couldn’t book a firefly watching tour for that evening, the hostel staff were helpful in planning for the next day, particularly for the Underground River tour.
Local Insights and Nighttime Discoveries
With an evening to spare, I explored the local area around Mozo Hostel. Bennie Martinez, a helpful contact from the hostel, provided excellent advice on nearby markets, the bay walk, and local areas. I was struck by the charm of the customized tricycles, an advanced version of a “laguna” I had seen elsewhere, beautifully decorated and a common sight for local transport. The area felt safe, even at night, with small local shops and houses offering food.
I ventured into a Muslim market, where I bought unique pendants and moonstones. Later, a burger and juice from a local shop offered a simple yet delicious meal that provided great value compared to urban prices. The communal atmosphere at Mozo Hostel, with its shared common room for games, movies, and conversations, fostered a sense of camaraderie among travelers.
The Magnificent Underground River Tour
The highlight of my Puerto Princesa stay was undoubtedly the Underground River tour, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite a slightly delayed start and a short wait, the booking made through the hostel saved me time and ensured a seamless experience. We traveled in a group, including three Spanish boys and an American girl from my hostel.
Upon arrival at the port-like area, after signing in, we boarded engine-powered boats that took us to the river island. Clear instructions were given regarding food and drink (to prevent monkey encounters). After a short walk, equipped with life jackets and helmets, we boarded smaller boats for the cave exploration. A voice recorder provided a guided commentary in our ears as the boatman skillfully navigated the 4 km-long, water-filled cave.
Exploring approximately 1 km of the cave, I was awestruck by the natural formations. The dripping water, numerous bats, and unique rock formations, named by the locals as “marketplace,” “shop,” “shrine,” and even “Cathedral” (resembling Jesus figures), created an otherworldly experience. The most memorable moment was when the lights were turned off, plunging us into complete darkness, a visceral experience of the cave’s profound depth and mystery.
After the cave tour, a buffet lunch awaited, featuring local delicacies like bamboo shoot in coconut milk, squash tempura, chicken, pork, and various Filipino eggplant dishes. The food was flavorful and provided a great introduction to Palawan’s cuisine.
Enchanting Firefly Watching Tour
In the evening, another magical experience awaited: the firefly watching tour. Joined by Jenny from the UK, Alice from Switzerland, and Amena from France, we embarked on an electric-powered small boat through mangroves. The guide shared fascinating historical and cultural insights about Puerto Princesa. A standout initiative was the local tradition of “loving nature with nature,” where each person plants a mangrove forest on Valentine’s Day, contributing to zero carbon emissions—a practice I deeply admired.
Watching the fireflies light up the mangroves for 15-20 minutes was truly enchanting. They responded to red light, illuminating the trees like tiny, twinkling ornaments. This peaceful and unique experience was a perfect end to the day.
Traveler’s Tip:
- Book popular tours like the Underground River through your hostel or a reputable agency to ensure smooth logistics.
- When visiting the Underground River, follow instructions about food to avoid attracting wildlife. Wear a helmet and life jacket for safety.
- Embrace local transport like tricycles for short distances, but clarify prices beforehand.
- Take time to chat with fellow travelers and hostel staff – they are invaluable sources of local tips and cultural exchange.
- Don’t miss the firefly watching tour for a unique and environmentally conscious experience.
Puerto Princesa, with its blend of natural wonders, cultural initiatives, and friendly local interactions, proved to be an incredibly rewarding part of my Philippine journey. The experiences here truly highlighted the beauty and spirit of Palawan.