Tuesday, April 1, 2014

The Philippines



Boracay

During Chinese New Year, we took a 25-day break from China.  We traveled to a beautiful place with white sand, good food, and English-speaking people:  The Philippines.
Our first stop was a week of relaxation on the beaches of Boracay.




We stayed at Casa Camilla and spent most of our time on
the beach here.
venturing onto the high seas one afternoon

just relaxing

Puerto Princesa

After Boracay, we flew over to the island of Palawan, a little more remote, and full of beautiful scenery.  Our first stop was Puerto Princesa.

About to climb a karst mountain
up on top

this is how we got down, zip line

We took these boats over to the famous
underground river
the obligatory sign picture

strange area where a monkey and a
monitor lizard were hanging out

about to enter the cave beyond

the cave was impressive, Julia was in charge of
shining the light around

coming back safely


El Nido

After a trying 6-hour ride in a van up the island, we arrived in the little town of El Nido.  It was a bustling town full of locals and travelers that had electricity from 3pm to 6am.  You could always hear the sounds of generators and chickens, but off the coast was an amazing archipelago of 45 small islands.  Each had its own caves and beaches.

the best way to get around town - a tricycle
a beach restaurant in town

just an amazing place

high above "snake island", a sandbar in the background

Julia floating
hanging around

exploring the islands

a new best friend

We stayed for a couple of nights on this little island beach.  There was only one other cottage with 2 french people.
We had our own private chef who cooked delicious meals for us.  Definitely one of the highlights of the trip.

a view from the little beach
during the days we took trips around to the smaller islands
some amazing scenery

and great seafood
a place I hope to visit again


Manila

Last stop was the big city for a few days.

jeepneys everywhere
around the old Spanish walled city

the wall itself

taking a little pedicab tour

riding a jeepney.  Does anyone know where this thing goes?

definitely a colorful place






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