Sabang Beach

Failed Attempt to trek the Monkey Trail to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan

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It was the morning after our visit to the Iwahig Firefly Watching. Our plan was to do the Underground River via Do-It-Yourself, lucky for us since we got to secure our permit from the Underground River Booking Office.

Failed Attempt to trek the Monkey Trail to the Underground River in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

We woke up early and checked out of our lodge in Puerto Princesa for us to catch the 7:30 AM trip to Sabang via Lexus Shuttle Services. When we arrived on their terminal, there were 2 caucasian guys (I forgot the nationality) that were asking if they could still get on the van. Since we all looked like backpackers it was easy for us to get to chat with them. We found out that they still do not have a permit to the Underground River. I told them that there was a way before to get inside the Underground River if they were staying overnight in Sabang, I’m just not sure if that way still exists. Luckily, there was a resort owner in Sabang that was riding with us that verified that they could still enter the Underground River as long as they stay in one of the accommodations in Sabang!

9 Things to Do at Sabang in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

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We took a packaged tour to Underground River last October of 2010 but somehow the backpacker inside me was saying that it is best to stay in Sabang than just be controlled by the packaged tours that will take you there for a day just to see the famous Subterranean River. So my brother and I visited Sabang again last  weekend to see how awesome it really is.

Below is my personal list of what you should do when you are in the town of Sabang in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

1. Visit the Majestic Underground River

Inside the Underground River

At my visit there last October of 2010, I was really amazed when we got inside the Underground River. There were a lot of cool stone formations and birds and bats that I can only feel but not see because of the low light inside the cave. There’s also the guides of the Underground River that will paddle you in and out of the cave while telling you different interesting and funny facts about the cave.

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2. Take a tour in the Mangrove Forest

Paddle Boat Mangrove Tour

Learn why a Mangrove Forest is important by taking the paddle boat tour at the eastern end of town. Best to go there during low tide as you will see many animals that depend on the mangrove for survival and if you’re the daring type you can ask your tour guide to get you a fresh-from-the-wood tamilok that you may eat it.

3. Dip in Sabang Falls

 

Sabang Falls

Ever heard of a waterfall facing the sea? That’s the shortest way that I could describe Sabang Falls but there’s more to it than just a falls, it’s actually where the people of Sabang get their water. But you can take a dip at the basin below because the water

8 Must Do Activities in Baler, Aurora

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1. Sunrise walk along Sabang Beach

Sunrise Walk at Sabang Beach

Sabang Beach has a great view of the sunrise because it is facing east. It also has fine sand that is very conducive to walk barefoot. Think slow walks on the beach, sunrise while you see and hear the waves crashing. Good when you’re solo, perfect when you’re a couple and better if you are with a group. You may also run if you find walking boring.

2. Trek to Ditumabo Falls

Trek to Ditumabo Falls

There are two words to describe the trek to Ditumabo Falls and those two words are “Tomb Raider”. Not only does Ditumabo Falls have a magnificent falls with an inviting pond for a swim, it also has the 30-40 minute trek to the falls which you will like Lara Croft. You will be crossing rivers, crossing wooden bridges and walking above the tube for the generation power plant at the jump-off. It would feel like you’re going to a place with ancient civilization.

Sunrise Walk at Sabang Beach, Baler

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I admit I am a fan of fast travels but many times I still long for that slow walks on the beach while sunrise and luckily, I did it in Sabang Beach in Baler, Aurora.

Up at 5:10 in the morning to see the sunrise

Up at 5:10 in the morning to see the sunrise

Double lucky, one of my friends also woke up early to see the sunrise.

One of the reasons why I love Sabang Beach is that it is not white sand. It has a distinct dark color that does not reflect much light making it soothing to the eyes even at high noon. Also Sabang Beach is mostly sand that can be enjoyed by walking barefoot.

Add to that is that it stretches very far that when you’re walking without a time limit you could just go on and on and on.

Whole Day Tricycle Tour Around Baler, Aurora

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Tricycle drivers in Sabang Beach told me that what I wanted was impossible. I just wanted to go to all the tourist spots around Baler, Aurora in only a day. According to one of the tricycle drivers, the tourist spots are far away from each other and going to each places takes a huge amount of time. I would only be able to visit all the spots if I stay at each place for 3 minutes which is impossible since I still have to walk up to Ermita Hill and trek to Ditumabao Falls.

List of Tourist Spots in Baler, Aurora

List of Tourist Spots in Baler, Aurora

I then asked them regardless whether it was possible or not, how much would it cost for me to be brought to all the places on the list? They all paused and thought for about 30 seconds then a tricycle driver spoke 1,000 pesos. That long pause made me doubt the price, it was not in the standard rates that I heard from the Tourism Office of Aurora. I then decided to take a Tourism Accredited Tricycle Driver/Tour Guide to tour me around. Thanks to June Samano’s Homestay Lodge for giving me the number of a Tourism Accredited Tour Guide.

Getting around and exploring tourism destination would be much more convenient if you avail of a local tourism accredited tour guide. – Tourism Aurora Pocket Guide.

I called the number and surprisingly he agreed to my idea and told me that he will go to my lodging about 7am the next