Friday, 13 April 2018

The Philippines

We boarded the Silver Shadow in Hong Kong and prepared to set sail on our adventure.  Our first day was a day at sea sailing the South China Sea towards the Philippines.  The day actually passed quite quickly when we added in some spa time, wonderful meals and some good entertainment while meeting new and interesting fellow travellers.  The majority of the passengers are from Britain and Australia so a change from the demographics we have encountered in the past.
Our first port of call in the Philippines was in Manila which is the capital city and was founded by the Spanish in 1571.  After the Spanish-American war the United States changed the official language to English.  Towards the end of WW II most of the city was flattened by intensive bombardment but serious rebuilding has taken place and tourism is now a major business though economically money sent home by those working outside the country still adds more to the economy.  We spent a few hours on a tour of the Old Manila visiting Fort Santiago, the old walled city of the inter murals and the historic San Augusta church and monastery.  We visited the royal park and the old Manila hotel and did a scenic tour around the city.  One of the highlights was our charming guide Stella who spent hours sharing her knowledge of her home with us, everything from housing and wages, health care politics, prospects and more.  She was so open and we learned so much.  We personally found that Manila had a bit of a sketchy feel to it but still grateful for a chance to visit.
Our next port could not have been one of more contact.  Corona is more a small town which is gaining International favour in the last few years as a scuba diving destination.  Dramatic limestone rock formations jut out of emerald seas and sweeps of sand.  Coral gardens and crystal clear warm water made for some wonderful snorkeling off of our outrigger tour boat.  Eight years ago Coron had 4000 visitors and this year 100,000 so they are in a real learning phase.  Hopefully it does not lose its beauty.
Our last port of call in the Philippines was Puerto Princesa which is home to the longest underground river in the world which is a World UNESCO site and one of the 7 Wonders of Nature.  Puerto Princesa is known as the least densely populated,cleanest and most environmentally friendly city in the Philippines.  We would add most welcoming to that list.  They had elementary marching bands out to welcome us at 0645 this morning and before we departed we were entertained by choirs and bands with a giant banner wishing us Bon Voyage. They only get two small ships a month so this is very impressive.  Our visit to the underground river and trip up the first one and one half kilometres was fascinating and well worth the visit.  Another experience like no other.  Next stop Malaysia


Fort Santiago entrance with the moat in front
Entrance to the walled city


Squatters area within the city of Manila 

Inside the church of San Augusta

Creative use of the excessive amount of bamboo

Jeepnies are a very common form of transportation in the Philippines and are usually packed and outside the city often have riders on the roof

Homes in Coron are built over the ocean and they park their boat at their door

Stunning rock formations arising from the emerald sea

Coral gardens

More coral

Grandma enjoying the warm crystal clear water

One can see why popularity is growing here

A stop for a swim

Ready for our river adventure 

Incredible. Only light allowed is the rows an

Different formations everywhere you look

One must be careful to keep your mouth shut when looking up as there are thousands of bats everywhere. Use your imagination 

The water colour is incredible 

Amazing what one can fit onto such a small vehicle 

These are the outriggers that were found in all sizes and that we went out on. They were mostly homemade and the riggers are made of bamboo

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