The
motive here was simple. The legendary sub-terranean River. Time has named this
place 1 of the 7 natural wonders of the world, despite all the wonders that
nature has brought us. I suspect there must be a reason.
So
we arrived at Puerto Princesa, by now the small airports don’t surprise us
anymore. Funny how fast people get used to things. It was a little dreadful
knowing that this would be our final stop before we head back to reality.
With
a huge comfortable pickup from the airport, we arrived at the hotel and a light
lunch after we unpacked. It totally feels like Phuket here, no idea why but
this place gives me the same feeling, maybe because there’re more ang mos* (Caucasians)
here than elsewhere.
It
was really impromptu but we decided to go for a firefly tour since we have
nothing on for our first night. It was the first for my boy and he really
enjoyed it. The only other time I went on a firefly tour was years ago and I felt
that I enjoyed this a lot more, although a little scary at first.
The entire
tour comprised of a buffet dinner, which was fabulous, and a private firefly
tour for groups of 2 in their small little boats. And by small, I mean small,
it can only take a maximum of 4 people including the navigator, which is why it’s
so scary! The width of the boat is only a little wider than my hips! Oh gawd! But
the entire tour was actually amazing, we saw how fireflies will light up in
sync when you shine red light at them. They light up like a Christmas tree!!!
So amazing. Sadly I did not take any photos since it was too dark and I was too
engrossed. But nothing can beat the first hand experience in those boats
watching the amazing firefly *pun unintended*. Of course there are also little
planktons in the water that light up a little when we the boatman paddled.
We already thought this was amazing
enough for Mother Nature, but what comes the next morning was even more amazing
at the underground river.
Before
we even set foot into the underground river, we waited at the port waiting for
our ride to come! As we reached the island housing the underground river, there
was also another deadly attraction – Monitor Lizards, or what the locals known
as Bayawak. And so the tour starts. It was like a cruise in a huge cave and the
beauty will only be underrated by the use of words.
As
we went back for our buffet lunch then a zipline adventure! The other people
said they saw sea turtles whilst zipline. Envy max!!!
Note: All photos are unedited.