The philippines

When I arrived in Manila and Melli picked me up, her first reaction on the fact me being on the Philis now was "oh my god, you have travelled so many places and have seen so many nice beaches....hopefully the Philippines won't bore you." 

This fear was quickly proven not true because what I had seen on this trip was simply amazing and combination of water and islands/rocks is unique and amazingly beautiful!

We arrived in Manila with poring rain, but the Grab taxi (similar to UBER) took us to our Z Hostel in the part of Manila called Makati. This part of the city is a modern vibrant area with lots of bars and restaurants and safe to walk around and explore. We simply had to days to hang out before heading to Palawan island. So we enjoyed our own roof top bar of the hostel and the other night watched the Germany football match of the World Championship. At the bar watching the match we met a really nice guy, half German and half Philippine and had fun with some beers and good talks. He quit his regular corporate job to follow his passion for Urban Farming in Manila and also some other sustainable projects. We exchanged contacts and planned to meet on our way back from Palawan.

Earlier the day of the match we took a walk through Greenbelt Park and spent some time at malls, which are common to wander through in Manila, for good food and spa.

After my friend Kerstin arrived in Manila next day, the three of us took our onward journey to Puerto Princesa of Palawan island. From there several vans take you for about 350 pesos to Port Barton, located on the East side of the island, just a small quiet place directly at the beach. Our beach resort was only few minutes walking distance from where the van dropped us. We could easily find it since there is one or two main roads and the connecting roads all head towards the beach. Short walk along the beach and we could move in to our bungalow for the next four days. One big room colourful decorated with our own veranda facing the garden and the beach, simply beautiful.

On the same evening we took a little walk along the beach to get a glimpse of the surrounding, searching for some sea stars and were amazed by the colourful sun set.

After a day of relaxing at the beach we book and island hopping tour for the next day, full day tour only approx. 17€ including lunch and snacks during the trip. Snorkelling with a turtle was the absolute highlight on this amazing day, my birthday ;).