The afternoon was gloomy when we arrived at Puerto Princesa International Airport. I expected the airport to be busy but it wasn't too crowded. We went outside to find a tricycle to take us to the World War II Museum. We haggled and finally, one driver offered to take us to every place in our itinerary for 400 Php. :D
We were greeted by an American Jeep at the entrance when we arrived at the World War II Museum.The museum featured World War II memorabilia - photos, ammunition, books, newspaper clippings and military uniforms from countries that fought in the Philippines during World War II. Taking photos was not allowed inside the museum (but you can take unlimited photos with the Jeep :D) so we just listened to the guide as she toured us around. The guide was very knowledgeable of the events that took place in Palawan during World War II and readily answered our questions. There were lists of people who fought during the war and these weren't short. It made me think of the families of these men and the grief they must have felt. Just like the men who fought, those left behind are also brave - they have to deal with loss and at the same time they have to carry on and live.
Our next stop was the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (or Crocodile Farm to some). This is not originally part of today's itinerary (we scheduled it on our fifth day) but kuya Lowel, the tricycle driver, said that we can still catch the last guided tour. Admission charge is at 40 Php. The conservation center mainly focuses on the conservation of two crocodile species in the Philippines: The Philippine Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) and the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). They propagate them in captivity and once their old enough, they're introduced back to the wild. Aside from crocodiles, there are also different species of birds, reptiles and other mammals.
Since we still have time, kuya Lowel took us to Mitra Ranch. This was not part of our itinerary at all and I am glad that we found a driver who was very enthusiastic about showing us around his city. The view was scenic on the way to the top of the hill. Once we got there, we roamed around a bit and took in the view of Puerto Princesa from the top. There was a horse that you can ride around for a fee and a zip line too but we didn't try any of those.
Near Mitra Ranch is the famous Baker's Hill where you get to buy
pasalubong. Since we are still heading for El Nido, we decided to just roam around and check the prices and come back to Baker's Hill before flying back to Cebu. Baker's Hill is like a park with its colorful statues, animals and flowers. There are lots of corners at Baker's Hill that were good for photo opportunities but since it was late in the afternoon and this was the last stop where most city tours end, the place was crowded with people taking selfies. There was also a booth there where you can take a photo with a baby crocodile for a fee.
We went downhill to go to our next destination, Plaza Cuartel. Plaza Cuartel has a grim past. This was where the Japanese burned American prisoners of war on December 14, 1944. After ordering them to go to the underground air raid shelters, the Japanese poured gasoline and set them on fire. Those that didn't die immediately were gunned down, decapitated and beaten to their deaths. Those that were able to survive swam towards the Iwahig. The monument of the burning man reminds visitors of the horrors that occurred on this place.
Our city tour ended at the Puerto Princesa Baywalk. We were looking for dinner options there but decided to just take photos and eat at Robinson's Mall since we still need to buy a few toiletries before heading to El Nido.
