Baker's Hill : 5th stop of Puerto Princesa Tour '2014

     We paid only Php1,500 (for the van with driver) for a half day tour of Puerto Princesa. Since our group had around 10 members, it only cost Php150 per person. The tour was already inclusive of the ffg places:

1. Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village
2. Iwahig Penal Colony and Farm
3. Crocodile  Farm & Nature Park
4. Mitra's Ranch
5. Baker's Hill
6. Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral
7. Plaza Cuartel
8. The Baywalk

      The Baker's Hill is one of my favorite tourist places in Puerto Princesa principally because of the many picturesque spots found within its park. The delicacies sold in the bakeshop are also widely known, and tourists usually go by this place to purchase pasalubong for their relatives and friends.

 

     They say that this is the owner's house but I'm not really sure if this is actually their residential house or a vacation house, or if this is just intermittently used in the course of managing their business.

  Baker's Hill started as a bakeshop but the owners eventually constructed a theme park and now, they're gradually expanding their aviary.

I love the pattern of the petals as they floated on water. Really nice!

   There are many gardening designs and stylish landscapes that horticulturists, garden landscapers and designers can get ideas from.

Here is the  bigger-than-life-sized LOVE word! For those who are too shy to express it, just drag any dense guy/girl here, and if he/she still couldn't get it, i don't know what will. On 2nd thought, you can always say it to his/her face, with this spot providing the romantic ambience.

Disney's Shrek, Princess Fiona, and their triplets

Of Dinosaurs and Aztecs(?) stone culture

       The highlight of the aviary is the peacock,  of  course.  They also have other species of birds such as the Philippine owl, golden pheasant, etc.

     We really enjoyed touring the place and after all those poses for our "photo session", we ended up buying refreshments and some snacks from a number of stalls. For those who have more time and budget, there is also a restaurant in the place.

Mitra's Ranch : 4th Stop of Puerto Princesa Tour '2014

We paid only Php1,500 (for the van with driver) for a half day tour of Puerto Princesa. Since our group had around 10 members, it only cost Php150 per person. The tour was already inclusive of the ffg places:
 
1. Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village
2. Iwahig Penal Colony and Farm
3. Crocodile  Farm & Nature Park
4. Mitra's Ranch
5. Baker's Hill
6. Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral
7. Plaza Cuartel
8. The Baywalk

Mitra's Ranch

    Our 4th stop is the Rancho Sta. Monica, more commonly known as Mitra's Ranch.The late Senator Ramon "Monching" Villarosa Mitra, Jr previously owned this place, but is currently managed by his son Abraham Kahlil Mitra, who is the current governor of Palawan.

    Basically, no entrance fees are being collected just for visiting the ranch. However, if you want to go inside the "Mitra House", a fee will be asked from you, presumably for maintenance purposes.

     Aside from the porcelain collections, there are also many pictures of the late Ramon Mitra, Jr. showing his various dealings connected with his lengthy political career, as well as with his family and relatives.

    Aside from the breathtaking view of the city, the place also offers horseback riding and ziplining.

Crocodile Farm & Nature Park: 3rd stop of Puerto Princesa Tour '2014

      We paid only Php1,500 (for the van with driver) for a half day tour of Puerto Princesa. Since our group had around 10 members, it only cost Php150 per person. The tour was already inclusive of the ffg places:

1. Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village
2. Iwahig Penal Colony and Farm
3. Crocodile  Farm & Nature Park
4. Mitra's Ranch
5. Baker's Hill
6. Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral
7. Plaza Cuartel
8. The Baywalk

      The Crocodile Farm & Nature Park was our 3rd stop for the tour. Actually, it is now known as Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC), especially since the center also takes care of other endangered species aside from crocodiles.

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Below are the schedule of their tours which as you can observe has a 30-minute interval per tour. Tour rates are 40 pesos for 13 yrs old and above, 30 pesos for senior citizens, and 20 pesos for kids age 7-12 years old. Children of 6 years and below are free of charge.

A crocodile mascot, and a sample of a sperm whale's bones.

     There was a brief lecture about the center, some trivia about crocodiles were also shared, as well as the descriptions on the exhibits. The preserved crocodile skin and skeleton shown in the picture belonged to a 17 ft crocodile caught in Barangay Rio Tuba also in Palawan. He was the largest crocodile known in the Philippines during his time. Of course, we all know that as of date, it is Lolong who holds the title of the Largest Crocodile in Captivity measuring 20 ft and 3 inches long, and weighing 2,370 lbs (1,075 kgs). Sadly, Lolong, who was caught in a creek in Agusan del Sur also died last February 10, 2013.

   Below are some trivias about crocodiles posted on the walls of the reception building of the center.

   Next was the hatchling house where the baby crocodiles are being cared for.

After the hatchling house is the Crocodile Exhibit where the adult crocodiles stay. There are really huge ones that can remind you somewhat of dinosaurs.

    Aside from crocodiles, the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center also has a Nature Park where the other animals are kept.

     The Palawan Hornbill is endemic to Palawan Island. As stated in the signboard, it also acts as a bio-indicator due to its sensitivity to environmental changes and is now officially classified as "vulnerable"  due to habitat destruction and hunting for food and the live bird trade. 

 

There are also varieties of trees and shrubs in the nature park.

Just like in the Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village,the center also houses the Palawan Bearcat.

   There are also several souvenir shops found in different locations within the center. The rates were affordable, with more or less having the same prices as those stalls outside or in the city proper. The Amber Souvenir Shop is located within the nature park itself, but there are many more stalls near the entrance area. Crocodile meats are also on sale.