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Dangerous Palawan



The air is warm and immediately sticks to my skin as I leave the plane on Palawan.

Walking through the small airport, getting my baggage from the old and only beggage conveyor belt. The air almost feels like steam floating into my lungs, filling in every part of my body and coming out of my pores to create the perfect circulation of moisture, but for me it was perfect satisfaction since it got cold in Taiwan.
Happiness runs through me as I found a van to jump on to get to an intersection on my way to Port Barton. What I didn’t know yet: As soon as the sun sets, the people go to sleep, because they don't have electricity. It was 14:30, sunset at 17:40. The intersection to Port Barton was still 3 hours away and I was starting off in Puerto Princesa with a van full of people going to El Nido.  





Half way through the only well enlarged street on Palawan, our van stucked. We had to wait for one hour to continue riding. A few people from the van and me used the time to get some photographs of the locals.  


Sun was setting and we were still riding towards El Nido. We made a stop to get dinner when it was completely dark. The local food was delicious but nothing new for me. Rice with chicken and sauce. After that meal we went to the intersection where I was dropped off. Alone- completely in the dark - without any idea where to go next. The driver was so kind to talk to local people, living there. Someone asked me where I had to go. He offered me a price to go to Port Barton with a tricycle. After a huge negotiation we started towards Port Barton.


 Actually the vehicle wasn’t the problem. The street, or however you would call a small path, filled with dirt and tons of puddles and potholes, carved a long and winding road through the jungle for about one hour to Port Barton. 

 Entering the vehicle, my thoughts were circulating around stories I have heard about people getting kidnapped and robbed. At this moment I realised in what helpless situation I was. Nevertheless I had to get to my accommodation, so I overacted my fear with self confidence. There was no way out of the situation then right through it.




The ride was incredible. Definitely nothing for people advanced age. My back was hurting and I was very glad as we reached Port Barton around 8 PM.

 He got me a boatman and, again, we had to negotiate about the ridiculous price, but after all I was too tired to negotiate a lot. I gave him the money he wanted and he got me to the camping place. 
After this long trip in an uncomfortable van and an even more uncomfortable trysicle, the small part with the boat was amazing. The moon was shining and the air was still warm as we reached the lonly camping place's bay. 

 Toby and Thelma, the owners of Palawan-camping, welcomed me with a huge smile on their faces and the message that I broke the record for late arrivals. It was about nine PM.


I hope you enjoyed this blog entry. 
See you soon.



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