Jerry Is a Race Car Driver

Sunday Aug 3 

Back in the saddle again for Leg # 3 of our journey and The Underground River located in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park about 80 kilometres north of the city centre. As mentioned it is 80 Km's of twisted turns through the mountains to get there.  Hopefully we get a relaxed driving experience. Ah there's our guide and his driver now at 6:45 am. Who is that with him?.....It's Jerry!  (See Friday blog); life flashing before eyes!  It should be exciting trip! 

Again pile in the van and admire the vistas as they come.  Basically you are looking at West Philippine Sea (formerly called The south China Sea)  on the left as you head to the destination.

West Philippine Sea Vista

Would not be a normal trip without a group photo!

Ever wonder what cashews look like before they go to your hips!

We truck on down after this pit stop and go to the first stop of the day at Ugong Rock Adventures
There is some caves/ tunnels carved through a hill and  when you get to the top you can Zipline down. Trust me the best way to get down is the Zipline and even though heights are not my forte I sign up like everyone else.

The Rock tunnels and climb is enough to work up a sweat. some tight tunnels and a few ropes that have to be climbed. In sandals it can be a challenge but we don;t lose anyone :-o.  At the top it is funny; the girls have all chosen to take the Superman line (slower but better views) and the boys take the seated (lean back!) line which is faster.  I end up going first...might as well send the rookie first and I survive the trip!  At the bottom I managed to get a few pics as the others came down, but action photography is not my thing.  Brian comes in so fast I can't get his picture as he crashes in to the padding.  Vivek comes down arms and legs splayed flipping side to side ....I thought he was in trouble but nope! That is how he "Zips!" Very flamboyant!  James comes in and does a perfect 10 landing....James. :-)

You can buy pictures of yourself at the bottom of the line. The girls in the Superman poses turn out much better! Like flying princesses! :-) By the way this is an example of the type of small business entrepreneurship that LINKIT team is working on promoting.  People with an idea being creative.

With Anne Taylor

The EcoTourism Motto

Swing on the Rock climb

Rice Paddys at top of Zipline

Martin Doyel

Sridhar

James comes in for a pinpoint landing. I am not a good action photographer

Boys after Zipping

Now on to the final part of the journey to the Underground River and the last 50Km's. More twists and turns and I am starting the appreciate Jerry's driving skills more. He coaxes that van around the mountains making as good a time as possible, avoiding people, cows, tricycles, jeepneys etc... When he passes up a hill over a solid line the old Jerry Seinfeld comment about NY City Cab Drivers applies. "What could go wrong...I'm sure, he's a professional!"

We arrive at the port where our boat will take us to the Underground River. It is about 32-33 C outside and it is hard to not throw yourself in to the Water

Reaaaallly wanting to dive in now

On to the boat to destination

Yes the water is green and warm!

The beach just before the underground river

Mark & Martin - the North & South (America) connection.

So we are finally at our destination. It's been like Planes Trains and Automobiles to get there.  Once you are at the final beach it is just a short walk to a cover where boats are waiting to take you to the Underground River.  The whole river 8.2 km long underground river that flows directly to the sea.  A subterranean river flowing directly into the sea and the associated tidal influence makes it the most unique natural phenomenon of its type to exist. We are only traversing 2Km's of it and back.  You need a special permit to see the rest of it.

Team ahead going in to underground river

The cove

Leaving the River

The river is one of the natural wonders of the world, and is like like nothing I have seen; not that I have travelled that much. There are lot's of different kinds of rocks and minerals in there, and wild rock formations. It is funny how many of them look like formations of the Roman Catholic church.  The guide points out formations that look like Jesus, Mary, The 3 Wisemen and the Last supper;  I guess you see what you want but I will be darned if they don't resemble what he points out! There are lots of formations that look like fruits and vegetables and one looks like a very curvy lady..."we call her Sharon"....."Why?"...."Sharon Stone".....groan.  Our guide has a million of 'em but makes the tour fun and entertaining.

There are lots of bats in the tunnel...thousands of them on the sides and the ceilings of the caves but for the most part stay away.  Lot's of Bat Guana, which I hear is a good business...look it up...but it could make you crazy.

We finish the tour and take a boat back to the harbor where we grab a brunch at the Sheridan Resort. Looks like a fabulous place to go if anyone ever wants to travel to The Philippines and specifically to see Palawan.  My camera essentially runs out of batteries at this point but manage to get one picture of the resort. If you turn the other way it is beautiful beachfront.

Sheridan Resort

Time to head back, and Jerry gets us back to Puerto Princesa in good time.  We get one last chance to look at some freshwater pearls and do last minute shopping before hitting the airport and Cebu Airline back to Manila. We are home at 9pm. 

It was a busy weekend....likely too much in too short of a time, but we really got to see a lot. I hope that I have captured some of what is great about Palawan as it is truly unique and worthy of a visit. Beautiful oceans, inlets,  mountains and points of interest.  Takes a bit of effort to get around but once you are there prices for everything are very reasonable!

Heading in to the 3rd week feeling ready to tackle the projects again. Things will get very busy on the now as we head in to the home stretch!  



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