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.