After
Honda Bay, we decided to maximize our remaining free time and explore other
tourist places within Puerto Princesa.
Our first stop was at the Crocodile Farm.
We
waited until 2pm before the first batch of visitors were entertained that
afternoon. We were oriented about the
Facility, its history, and the different animals in captivity to name a few.
After
a short orientation, we were then lead to a room full of exhibits, pictures and
artifacts. Then, we head towards a
facility where young crocodiles are kept.
Each enclosure contains some number of crocs depending on their
sizes. It is noticeable that the young
ones are very much alive and active while the older ones seem passive and just
watching. Eric told me that they will
become mobile once you give their living container a thud.
The
last part of the guided tour was at the concrete enclosure where big mature
crocodiles are being kept. There's a
metal railing on top of the enclosure where people can walk and see the
crocodiles down below. There is also an
activity where visitors can feed the crocodiles for a particular amount. The idea of having these crocodiles around
you and the way they devour their prey is such a scary thought.
When
the guided tour was over, we were on our own.
The huge land area of Crocodile Farm is not only dedicated to crocodiles
but also to other animals, some of which are endemic species to Palawan. Though not well-maintained, the place is also
a zoo of some sort. Among the animals
that we saw were the Palawan Binturong, Palawan Bearded Pig, Long-Tailed
Macaque, Blue-Naped Parrot, Philippine Eagle, Palawan Skunk or Pantot, Myna,
and Hornbill.
Before
leaving the Crocodile Farm, we were enticed to take some souvenir pics with the
baby crocs. It was our first experience
to hold a crocodile and for first timers, there is always a fear factor
feeling. Since there were several
visitors who were having a good time with the crocs, we joined the group also.
The
mouth of the baby croc was tied with a rubber band. The handler assured us that it is safe to
hold the croc and he always keep a keen eye to his pet. The picture taking with the croc is not
inclusive with the entrance fee. A
minimal amount is charge per head for a limited time.
Unlike
the famed leather products made of crocodile skin, the texture of the skin of a
live crocodile is rough. Since it is a
cold blooded animal, there's this eerie feeling once it touches your skin. Anyway, the one that we were holding was most
probably used to being toyed around.
Though we hold that one with some caution, it was cooperative the entire
time.
Our
next stopover was at Mitra's farm. The
ranch is open to visitors free of charge.
The inside of the house and a portion of the ranch where the horses are
kept are off limits however. The ranch
is a good vantage point, overseeing a vast portion of neighboring areas including
the Honda Bay.
We
dropped by at Baker's Hill, a favorite hang-out place among the locals. The design of the place is like a theme park
with a mini-zoo and with different life size figures of people, cartoon
characters, fairy tales, and even animals. At the entrance of the place, there's a store
for their fresh bake products where their goodies are prized favorites as
"pasalubong." Likewise, food
stalls are also available within the area.
We
also dropped by at Commodore Hernandez Mansion.
The guard was kind enough to allow us to enter the compound and have
some picture taking.
By
nighttime, we went to Bilao at Palayok restaurant. As usual, I look forward to try a local
delicacy and we ordered a good serving of a mixture of sea food with coconut
milk. And yes, the taste was simply
good.
Crocodile Farm
Mitra's Ranch
Baker's Hill
Commodore Hernandez Mansion
Bilao at Palayok
