Palawan, Part 1

We had an amazing spring break trip to the remote island of Palawan in the Philippines.  We flew from Taipei to Manila and then Manila to Puerto Princessa, followed by a two our van ride over the mountain to the less visited part of the island.  Shana got sick on the ride - it was very bumpy!



This is the hotel that we stayed at.  Rustic is an understatement but we got the opportunity to live like the locals.  This included Michael waking up with a big beetle on his forehead!

Down the beach from our hotel.  The mountains and the beach reminded me of Honolulu. 

Watching some of the fishing boats come in at dusk.

One of the boats from the town we stayed in, Sabang.

Teddy playing WAR (one of Shana and Phil's favorites) at a local outdoor restaurant.

And moving on to Indian Poker!

The next morning we took a small boat to the entrance of the Underground River, which was recently added to the list of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

We got off the small boat (pictured behind Teddy) after pulling into a cove with a hidden beach.  This is where our tour begins.

Teddy posing in one of the boats we will take into the Underground River.  The entrance is behind him.

Getting ready to go!

Another quick family portrait!

Watching boats head into the Underground River.  Can you see the entrance to the cave on the left?

Putting our life preservers on!

In the boat.  Teddy got to ride with his new girlfriend who took good care of him on the trip.

Ready to go!  Can you see the entrance to the cave now?

Here we go!

I usually only use my own pictures on the blog, but there was no way we were going to capture a really good picture from the Underground River.  This is what we saw, although it was much darker and there were more bats, but this gives you a good idea of what an Underground River actually is.  Beautiful!

Returning to civilization!

Teddy really enjoyed the trip although he first told us that he was scared.

On our way back to the boat, we were greeted by monkeys that liked sparkly jewelry a little too much.  I was told to hide my earrings! 

We also saw huge monitor lizards!

Overall it was a great trip!

The happy Russell family!

Returning to the boat to go home!