I haven't updated in a while, but I've been super busy.
I've had an amazing, but packed few weeks. Korean schools recently had their summer holiday break, which means that the majority of English teachers had 9 days off (including weekends). Because Korea is such an easy starting point for travel in Asia, many foreigners used their break for international travel.
I decided to go to the Philippines. The Philippines is often left off of many Southeast Asia travelers' itineraries because it can seem daunting to travel between its 7,000 islands. Having always loved the beach, and especially diving and snorkeling, the Philippines was a no-brainer for me. Some of the worlds best diving sites and Southeast Asia's best beaches are in the Philippines. White sand, clear water, diverse marine life -what more could I ask for?
Seeing as I only had a week off, there was no way for me to cover too much of the Philippines, so I decided to base my trip out of the island of Palawan. It is known for its great snorkeling and island hopping. It is also less touristy and crowded than the Philippines' popular party destination of Boracay. I traveled to the island's two most popular cities: Puerto Princesa (Palawan's capital city) and El Nido (Palawan's best island hopping area).
Unfortunately, it is monsoon season, so I wasn't able to go diving. I did, however, go on some AMAZING snorkeling adventures. I don't really know how to begin to describe how incredible this trip was, y'all. I met some great people, ate delicious food, spent my days on the beach and my nights in the company of the aforementioned great people. I had so many moments where I kept thinking 'is this real life?'.
Day 1
After darts, drinks, dinner, and dessert (the 4 essential D's) in Seoul on Saturday I crashed at a jimjilbang (Korean spa/bath house with sleeping areas) for the night.
On Sunday, I caught my very early flight to Manila for a 6 hour layover. I met another ESL teacher on my flight (shout out to Shelly) and we decided to hang out the next few nights.
I arrived on the Island of Palawan that evening to an unreal welcome of kids cheering, puppies running, music playing, and lights twinkling. I'm 99.9 percent sure it was for some much loved family member, but I choose to hang on to that 0.1 percent that they were truly ecstatic to see me.
I took a trike from the airport to my hostel. A trike is the Filipino version of a taxi (except in Manila were their version of a taxi is a taxi). It is a motorbike with a metal attachment allowing for passengers. It fits 1-2 passengers comfortably, but we managed to squeeze 5 in one night!
After checking into my hostel, I met up with my layover buddy at a local restaurant called Kalui for some delicious (and cheap) Filipino food and cocktails.
My Manila experience in one picture -all I saw of it except for a cab ride to the next terminal. But hey, McDonalds!
My first hostel experience! I loved it!
Day 2
On my second day in Puerto Princesa I did the underground river tour. It is a river that runs though a large cave system. The tour actually only take tourists just partway through. Only scientists are allowed to go the rest of the way. It was really cool! And it's one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. Since I'd already been to Jeju Island in SK, it was the second Natural Wonder for me. Nice-uh!
Because the cave is so dark I couldn't take pictures inside, but it was really interesting to see (once you get past the bat shit smell). The cave ceiling was quite high at some points and our guide pointed out humorous rock formations.
After the tour our group stopped at Ugong Rock to do a little spelunking and to ride the fastest zipline in the Philippines. Another highlight!
Stereotypical tourist photo in my oh so flattering PFD.
Wild monkey!
Wild monitor lizard! Is this real life??
Cave entrance
Zipline over the rice paddies! I must be in Asia or something.
Day 3
My original plan was to travel to El Nido on this day, but I'd heard they'd been having bad weather (#monsoonseasonprobs am I right?) so I decided to stay one more day in PP. It turned out to be a good decision because I later heard from a friend in El Nido that her island hopping trip was cancelled that day anyway. Plus I had an awesome night (more on that below)!
I started off the day with what is now remembered as the greatest discovery of my life -the Filipino pancake! Now, I should say that part of its loveliness might have something to do with my having had only one other pancake experience since leaving the states 7 months ago. But even so, Filipinos know how to make a great pancake! Notice the use of the singular there. It's because you only need one -they are incredibly thick! They are also perfectly fluffy and as big as a plate. As a bonus they come in banana pancake form as well! I could go on and on about these suckers y'all! AMAZING!
Anywayssss...
I decided to spend the day checking out the nearby beaches. My hostel owner told me there was a beach about ten minites away, but recommeded one slightly further away. In an attempt to avoid a 30 minute trike ride, I headed to the closer of the two -a decision I immediately regretted. This beach -ironically named Pristine Beach- was basically a rocky dirt road that lead to the ocean. I got about halfway down the path before I decided to GTFO of there!
I hopped in a trike and headed to the further beach. Despite the long ride and small entrance fee, it was a much better choice. There was a small rain shower when I first arrived, but I was able to sit under a cabana with a (free) glass bottle of coke and wait it out. The rain cleared and it turned into a great day! Best of all, I had the beach to myself -a perk of braving monsoon season in the Philippines.
That night I went out with some fellow travelers. It was a great time. I tried crocodile sigsig -which was actually delicious! Other highlights include seeing the Filipino version of K pop and a Filipino/reggae version of wagon wheel. We ended up staying out all night -another questionable decision as I had a 5am van to El Nido to catch the next morning!
Banana pancake and a fresh pineapple shake -I have dreams about this meal!
Pristine Beach -not so pristine after all
Waiting for the storm to pass
My own little private oasis
Another storm rolling in -time to make my escape!
Crocodile! It's what's for dinner!
P pop -K pop's slutier cousin (or should it be F pop?)
New friends on stage attempting to sing the Beatles
Overall, Puerto Princesa was an awesome time, but the most magical part of my Philippines vacation was El Nido. Stay tuned for an update on the second half trip -coming soon!
