Posted by: the michigander | 04/25, 25/04

Palawan

Philippines Singapore NZ 2010 098The plane’s shadow as we head South to the island of Palawan.

Philippines Singapore NZ 2010 099 An island…somewhere along the way…

Philippines Singapore NZ 2010 105 We had the luxury of landing on a paved runway next to this dirt ditch.

Philippines Singapore NZ 2010 108The capital of Palawan-Puerto Priscesa…pretty small airport!

Philippines Singapore NZ 2010 107  Surprisingly we rode on an Airbus. I think there were one or two flights out per day.

Philippines Singapore NZ 2010 109 The first challenge was negotiating a price for one of these 3-wheeled taxis to take us to our hotel…and then fitting all our luggage in one. They were slightly more powerful than your average riding lawnmower.

Amazing lunch at an open-air place a short walk away from where we stayed. The clam soup and seaweed weren’t my favorite, but the fried eggplant, lobster, fresh sautéed fish and fruit salad dessert were all delicious!

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Can you see me? This Christmas tree by the sea was giant! The clouds were a relief from the heat that afternoon.

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More walking around the city, making sure to stay hydrated:)

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Near the “downtown” walkway.

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Church we saw while trying to find our way back. 

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First touch of the sea at Palawan!

And a very cute little lighthouse near a dead end road.

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In case the HobieCat needs a little company…this one’s for sale!

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Next day: Island hopping around Honda Bay!

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This may become my new computer background—awesome weather and very calm in the morning.

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We both needed this picture prior to taking off:)

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A little better view of the 3-wheeled primary mode of transport on the island. (This was the common “family car” as well as the taxis for hire.)

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Safety first!

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Except for this guy—hopefully he is a strong swimmer.

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Getting closer to one of the islands…

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Enjoying the ride!

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If this isn’t a tropical paradise, I don’t know what is.

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Tropical paradise continued…

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No tropical paradise is complete without palm trees.

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Or starfish.

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Showing off the crystal-clear water. Nice and warm.

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Mangrove forests in the distance.

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Chillin in the lunch hut.

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Awesome lunch on Starfish Island. Fresh-caught crab, lobster, shrimp, cucumber salad and presumably local bananas:)

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Walking along Snake Island (luckily named after its snake-like shape, not after its inhabitants!)

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Charles chilling with some mangrove seedlings popping up through the sand in the background.

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 Philippines Singapore NZ 2010 171

Mangroves are one seriously cool plant.

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Look at these roots!

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A storm was blowing in.

   Philippines Singapore NZ 2010 183

Which didn’t stop Charles from enjoying the water.

Philippines Singapore NZ 2010 184  Philippines Singapore NZ 2010 186   Philippines Singapore NZ 2010 189 Philippines Singapore NZ 2010 190   Philippines Singapore NZ 2010 193

Look! I found a coconut! I think I could survive on this deserted island.

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The snorkeling hut is on the right…

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We got to explore a really colorful coral reef. Boats docked to the hut. It was getting choppy and time to go home!

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