Photography by Donna Tan: PUERTO PRINCESA

PUERTO PRINCESA: The City of the Living God
10-17-2014

When in Puerto Princesa...

It surely helps when you visit a place the second time around because, by then, you know where to go for the local food tripping and best bargains for souvenirs. You are not that wide-eyed, lost tourist anymore, but now a confident-er one, ready to explore sans the fear of getting lost. So with camera in hand, and a hot pink shirt that says "Amazing Palawan", which ironically screams "I'm a tourist!!!"
(but not THAT kind of tourist, mind you), I head out to explore the corners of Puerto Princesa that doesn't usually get it's share of fame, and yes, devour the local restaurants too!
(Spoiler alert: no photos of underground river here. I already went there during my first trip.)

Before heading out, lunch is on the top of the list. Chaolong is the unanimous choice!

Not too long ago, Vietnamese refugees (who also became known as "Boat People"), came to the

Philippines because of the political unrest in Vietnam. They sought refuge and settled in Palawan. Some of their culture was embraced by the people of Palawan, like the delectable stew called "Chaolong".

Now it's off to the Souvenir stalls! Hop on a Trike to take you virtually anywhere in PPC!

These hand-carved masks and hand-made bags are made by the indigenous people of Palawan (Katutubo: Cuyonons and Palao'ans).
The masks, and other souvenirs made from wood are from Ipil or Mahogany.

And then, it is off to KALUI...

Locals of Puerto Princesa say you should never leave without a taste of KaLui.

KaLui is PPC's fancy restaurant, but with very reasonable price. It is a treat, with it's homey feel and cozy dining area welcoming you. My two favourites are the Sashimi and Eel in coconut (pictured here). YUM!

On our first visit, we missed the chance to conquer Honda Bay. So, we take to the seas and opt for a splash at Honda Bay's Cowrie Island. Glad we were there early, and literally had the beach to ourselves for a few hours!

A stopover at the DRIED FISH MARKET for the mandatory pasalubong!

Then we close the day with more of Chaolong, this time at Viet Village, where I learn that Chaolong is Pho with Chinese twist (hence the orange colour of the soup, and the thicker rice noodles). It got its name from the locals actually, when they use to say "Chow lang"! (No more photo of Chaolong this time).

The Viet Village served as home to refugees from Vietnam escaping their war-torn country. They have long left Palawan, but their presence is still evident in this small, abandoned community structure 15 kilometers from the city proper.