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Philippines

Palawan / North Palawan

HONDA BAY

The fastest way to reach Honda Bay is via Barrio Tagburos is a mercury slag heap, one should not eat fish there. A dozen small islets with beautiful beaches and good sites for diving lie along the bay. Boats to the islands can be chartered in Tagburos.

The best known islands of Honda Bay are Cowrie and Bat named because of the large fruit bats coming out of their holes at sundown for their evening feed. Another is Snake island, of curvaceous tongue shape and with a white sand beach noted for large and lovely shells. Other interesting islands are Canon, Pandan and Meara.

Accommodation

Meara Marina Resort - Meara Island, accessible from Tagburos by outrigger (30 min) one way P 150 pp; cot 250, 450 (tb); rest, speed boat, island hopping, water skiing, diving equipment; yacht trips to the Tubbatha coral reefs (Sulu Sea)

AROUND BACUNGAN

Nagtabon Beach - jeepney to Maranat, then a 1.5 hr hike to the beach; a lovely stretch of white sand; however, one should bring antibiotic powder to cure the infections caused by sand flies (nik-niks); the water from the small river is not safe for drinking

Acc: cot 80-250

Kiao Sea Lodge - west of Pto Princesa; luxury bungalows, full board lodging $ 50pp insl. Private transportation from/to Pto Princesa (2 hrs); restaurant, excursions by foot, jeep or boat, wind surfing and diving; information in Pto Princesa hotels; open from December 1 to May 31

ROXAS & VICINITY

Accommodation

Gamalain Inn - Roxas, nr market; rm 30 pp

Rover Luncheonette - Roxas; rm 30 pp

Coco-Loco Resort - Coco-Loco island off Roxas, 30 min by service boat from RoxasHarbor (7:00-14:00, one way P 40 pp) cot 80-100, 250 (tb)wind surfing, sailboat and speed boat; private flight (5 pass) Pto Princesa-Roxas available Mondays 7:30, return at 9:00; P 2000 one way for the whole plane, information at airport or Badjao Hotel

Underground River

On the west coast, near Sabang; jeepneys to Baheli from Public Market In Puerto Princesa, then by chartered boat direct to the Underground River; however, this trip might be difficult during rainy season due to high waves; alternative route to Tagnipa and the rest of the way on foot to the village Cabayugan, where accommodation is available. One should proceed the next day with a guide. There are also special boat rides available from Port Barton. Provisions should be brought along.

The river which is situated under the St. Paul's National Park is accessible only during good weather. Bancas can go 3km (1.8mi) inside. 8.2km (5mi) of the cave have already been explored but its end has not been reached. It is believed to be the world's longest known underground river. As the journey entails passing through spacious caves inhabited by thousands of bats, knee deep guano is encountered on the way. Picture taking is possible only with cameras with powerful flashes.

PORT BARTON

A small fishing village with a light sand beach on the west coast north of Puerto Princesa, 7-8 hrs by jeepney; a beautiful jungle trip between San Jose and Port Barton; good sites for snorkeling and scuba diving are around the small offshore islands.

Several waterfalls can be found around the village.

Acc Swissipina Cottages - cot 80-10

Elsa's Beach House - rm 30 pp

Marie's Cottages - cot 60-100

EL NIDO & VICINITY

A small sleepy fishing village surrounded by steep cliffs. The Bacuit archipelago near El Nido, with numerous tiny islets, beautiful beaches and diving sites is a area for exciting excursions. The town is also noted for edible bird's nests, the prime ingredient for Nido soup.

Accommodation

El Nido Resort - Miniloc Island luxury bungalows at around $ 80 pp, including 3 buffet meals a day; high class resort with aquatic sport facilities, exciting coral gardens, scuba diving and snorkeling

Mla Off Manila Garden Hotel, Makati Tel 85-79-11 bc 3907; flights with private plane from Puerto Princesa (45 mm) and from Manila (2 hrs) available

Pangolasian Island Resort - cots for rent

CALAUIT ISLAND

In 1976, a wild life sanctuary was established on Calauit island. Not only rare Philippines species as the Calamian deer, Philippines mouse deer, Palawan peacock, bear cat scaly anteater, Philippines crocodile, and marine turtles were brought there but also some African giraffes and zebras. Allegedly, the son of desposed president Marcos, used to go hunting there. In 1979 the some 300 families living on Calauit were relocated to Culion island. That stewed a contrversy still not cleared today.

CORON ISLAND Noted for fine basketry, wild honey and the Maguinit Springs with warm sulfurous waters.

CUYO ISLANDGood for diving and snorkeling enthusiast. Its 300 year old church is worth visiting.

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