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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Coron - Palawan



2.1. Leaving veeeeeery early (like always) to catch the boat to Coron, but of course it's late and we have to wait some 2hours. Then it's not even sure that everybody in the waiting hall can board - usual overbooking - but they successfully squeeze 50 tourist on the antiqued boat for a journey which will take 8 1/2 hours. Big waves make a lot of people seasick. After hours we climb on the top of the boat where we enjoy the fresh air and the view. Glad to finally arrive at Coron town, we go for dinner at a Suisse restaurant: Erdaepfesalat and Seaweed =)
3.1. By Kayak against the current to the Seven Pecados, a beautiful place for snorkeling. The first thing we see in the water is a huge sea turtle - amazing! vast coral and a lot of fish. Going back a friendly fisher family helps us out and trails our kayak. After visiting the local Casino (Max loses 25cents) we try a local restaurant - filipino food experience.
4.1. First day of wreck diving! Story: In 1944 24 japanese ships (Provision-, and Cargoship, Warship, Oiltanker and Seaplane) where heavily bombed by the US.
We start with the biggest, Irako- Provision Ship , 152m long and 30-45m deep. After that Olympia- Auxiliary Cargo Ship. Incredible feeling to dive into the huge dark nested rooms, hearing strange noises, seeing the gaps where they where bombed, the engine room and huge swarm of fish coming out of nowhere.
5.1. Akizushima- Seaplane Tender, Okikawa Maru- Auxiliar Oiler, and Tangat- Auxiliar Cargo. INDESCRIBABLE!
6.1. Relaxing day
7.1. Island Hopping: Snorkeling in the volcanic Kayangan Lake - snorkeling with huge coral in Coral Garden - swimming through the Twin Lagoon. At night Max has a date with the hairdresser: "What do you think, am I a girl or a boy?"
8.1. Back to Hong Kong with 5 hours stopover in Manila. Highlight is brave Max going to the local barber shop!
BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY

El Nido - Palawan



28.12. Hit the road at 6am to El Nido, 7hours of humpy bumpy street - again. Arriving in stunning Treetops Resort at the sea with three bungalows and just three friendly staff, beautiful, silent, private - perfect! Bungalow comes with a cosy pet - a huge gecko making strange noises... Looking for a diving school in the nice village. Nacho starts his PADI course and we check out the terrific secluded beaches.
29.12. First day of advanced diving course! Awesome diving! At night great, local live music at Balay Tubay.
30.12. First time down to 33m, visiting Nemo & Friends: Lionfish, Tuna, Stonefish, Scorpionfish, Cuttlefish, Sting Ray, Moraine, Diamond Fish, Watersnake, ...
31.12. Chill out day, relaxing, reading, holiday. At night Treetops invites us for some homemade filipino dinner - superb! Off to town to see the fireworks at the beach, the locals are just crazy about the glints, flashes and bangs. Happy New Year!
1.1.12 Hearty breakfast with beach view, saying good bye to Nacho, who has to head back to Puerto Princesa. We discover new beaches and enjoy our last day in El Nido.

Port Barton - Palawan



25.12. Early to the airport - Flight to Manila - Puerto Princesa, challenging with 35kg of hand luggage (7kg/person are allowed), but like always, Max' powers of persuasion are unbeatable. By minivan 4 hours to Port Barton; no road but mud on the last 20km, after heavy rain over the last days; we loose our spare wheel, pure adventure. At night (1am) we arrive at the Greenviews Resort, beautiful Family Cottage!
26.12. After a big breakfast with Pancake and Omelette off to island hopping and beautiful snorkeling at Exotic Island. So many different coral and fish - absolutely a highlight! Nacho catching his own coco, lunch at beautiful Treasure Island, Max' favorite drink Coco Boracay.
27.12. By banka to the mangrove, fascinating landscape; Eating big fresh fish for lunch and dinner - what a life!

Nacho Visit



22.12. Arrival, Lunch with Max at Thai Pepper, Shopping in TST, Tailor suits for Nacho, Dinner at Wetmarket, Tun Po Restauraunt, Erdinger Weissbier in bowls, 'special' chinese food, the butcher right in front of us killing frogs, fearless prawns trying to escape; we love the place although we discover it is the wrong one, Tun Po Restaurant is at the corner next to the bathroom; ICC's 118th floor is a must, also to have a look at Lan Kwai Fong's nightlife.
23.12. While Max is working we discover beautiful Lian Nian Nunnery in Diamond Hill, harmony, peace, freedom, perfect Garden to relax for a short time; Lunch with Max at Maxim's City Plaza, famous Dim Sum Place, adventurous, sightseeing in Central, visiting the Peak; no more chinese food for today, turkish cuisine rocks!
24.12. Off to Lamma Island, sunshine, beach, hiking, seafood restaurant, at night joining the new trend 'Private Kitchen' in a normal house, a young team of cooks create a great dinner, other people are joining as well, Christmas with strangers, very interesting experience. Merry Christmas.