Our last day in Istanbul will soon be our first day in Palawan

The sunset was gorgeous as we were watching it from the seafront of Kadiköy Square. It was our last day in Istanbul and what better way to spend it other than on the Asian side of Turkey.

The last ferry out of Kadiköy was leaving at around 8 o’clock in the evening. We decided to take it so it will be cooler walking back to the hotel. Storing our luggages at the hotel after check out earlier that day was also a good option. It allowed us the freedom to roam around one last time. We opted to book a late night transportation service from the hotel to the airport. It guaranteed our prompt arrival at the airport and was less risky than taking public transportation. We were up in the air by 2 o’clock in the morning for the long haul flight to Manila, Philippines.

It’s back to NAIA after probably a decade

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has greatly improved since the last time that we were in Manila. New management eliminated the need to walk outside the airport’s international arrival terminal to transfer to the domestic airport terminal. It was dreadful thinking that this transfer involved going through sweltering, humid tropical heat in an aging, slow moving non-airconditioned shuttle. Now, it is a walk straight out of the airport terminal after clearing immigration or a walk within the airport terminal for transfer flights. Though, the airport terminal was still too warm and too crowded for comfort.

Welcome to Palawan

The best way for reaching Palawan from Manila is primarily by air. It is a straightforward flight. There are several airlines offering daily flights from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) or El Nido’s Lio Airport (ENI). The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Taking a ferry can be an alternate route. It is significantly a longer journey.

Palawan is often hailed as the Philippines’ “Last Frontier”. It is an island province located in the MIMAROPA region and stretching in the southwestern direction to Borneo. Its significance lies in its unparalleled natural beauty and ecological diversity. There are pristine beaches, dramatic limestone karsts, lush rainforests, and an incredibly rich marine ecosystem. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

Life in Palawan is generally laid-back and deeply connected to nature. This is particularly true outside the main urban areas. Fishing and agriculture are primary livelihoods. Then, there is the burgeoning tourism industry (Living in Palawan). Palawenos are known for their warmth and hospitality. The pace of life is slower. Life in Palawan is marked by a strong sense of community and a reliance on the island’s abundant natural resources.

The provincial capital for Palawan is Puerto Princesa. It serves as a main gateway to other destinations such as the underground river. However, it also offers its own attractions: Honda Bay with its idyllic islands or the correctional facility without walls of Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm. The city is also a hub for local cuisine and handicrafts.

The plan was to visit Puerto Princesa’s Subterranean River National Park and spend a few days at El Nido. There are, I think, hundreds of places where we can visit in Palawan. We just didn’t have the luxury of spending one month or two to make it happen.