Palawan Escapade

Was in Palawan the last 4 days for a business meeting/seminar together with some people from our HK regional office.

It was my first time in this southern province and I have to say, Palawan is beautiful. It was clean, quiet and peaceful, people were friendly and the eating places were terrific specifically Kahlui and Badjao.

Stayed at the Legend Hotel in Puerto Princesa, which was supposed to be a very good business hotel. The facilities were ok but the service was kind of lousy. The hotel had all kinds of gimmicks to charge you extra for different kinds of services. So it was the only sour note in the otherwise wonderful experience.

We took the island hopping tour to Snake and Pandan Island. Did some snorkeling which was great. Saw Nemo and Dorie and lots of other famous fishes. =)

Also got to play a friendly basketball game with some of the locals there. 5 on 5 in a makeshift court with hard sand as the surface. The board was nailed to two coconut trees and was kind of skewed. Of course, there was no net on the ring. The players we were against were all barefoot. The score was close initially but eventually they just ran and fastbreaked their way to victory. Our thong slippers were no match for the Nike Free Palawan version. ;)

Had a blast, met some cool people, went to unique places and even got some work done. What more can you ask for? Heheh, the only thing missing was a late night poker game and it would be absolutely perfect. And the thing I realized was that it doesn't have to be expensive. Of course, you cannot compare it to Amanpulo, El Nido and the other high class resorts. But there are lots of reasonably priced hotels in the city and it is easy to get around. The tricycles were abundant and tour operators were in every corner for those island hopping or underground river trips.

Would definitely go back there in an instant. If you ever get a chance, highly recommended place. Two thumbs up.