“This is life, what more can you ask?” exclaimed our Australian friend after the delicious lunch. I couldn't agree more.
Another islets worth visiting are the Starfish and Cowrie Islands.
Crocodile Farm
Spend an afternoon in the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre or more popularly known as Crocodile Farm and watch dead-looking crocodiles transmogrify into fierce animals when the piece of chicken landed at their midst. Or amuse yourself with hundreds of baby crocodiles at the centre's breeding area.
The Crocodile Farm was a joint venture between the Philippine and Japanese governments to rescue sick, disabled and illegally gathered crocodiles. They house the Philippine Crocodile, one of the endangered species in the country as well as salt water crocodiles which can measure up to 5 meters long. At the centre's entrance is a huge display of salt water crocodile skin you could only wish in one of your shoes and bags.
An interesting note that we learned from the crocodile farm is that the buying and selling of salt water crocodiles are allowed because, unlike the Philippine Crocodile, salt water crocodile multiply faster.
The centre also houses other Philippine animals in a mini zoo around the 10-hectare property. Lay bearcats who wouldn't even move in their cages, ostriches gracefully flaunting their behinds, a lonely wild boar, chickens, avian species and playful monkeys. You might even chance upon a snake slithering down the tree near the adult crocodile cages. Entrance Fee: P40.00
Butterfly Garden
If the visit in the Crocodile Farm is a bit tiring for you with all the walking, photo ops and fast heartbeats, you can also relax and enjoy the serenity that comes with watching butterflies.
The Butterfly Garden is actually a small home garden cum greenhouse that is converted into a butterfly breeding area. Visitors are given a film lecture on the life cycle of the butterflies before entering. Inside is a collection of different floras that also serves as food supply for the butterflies and a small man-made stream. Although it is prohibited, you cant stop yourself from touching the butterflies that are fluttering their colourful wings around you or clinging in your shoulders, your hair and even in your arms. Entrance Fee: P75.00
Puerto Princesa might not offer the wonders of Palawan that is nature at its purest, but it certainly has its own piece of adventure to boost. Besides, what better way to appreciate a Palawan trip but a stop-over in the heart of the province where every effort is concentrated to keep this paradise as beautiful for the next generation.
