Port Barton Fact Sheet

The Philippines, with its 7000 islands, promises many surprises for the visitor. Previously colonised by Spain and USA, the country is a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Although predominantly Christian other religions also thrive amongst the mix of races which make up the Filipinos. The Filipino people are exceptionally warm, friendly and hospitable. English is widely spoken and the tourist is always made welcome.

PALAWAN

Palawan is called 'the last frontier' by Filipinos and consists of 1700 islands and is the largest province in the Philippines. It is a place of outstanding beauty with virgin mountainous jungle and unspoiled deserted islands. Northern Palawan has been designated by the Philippine Government for low density tourism. It includes a World Heritage Site, St Paul's National Park, which is claimed to be the world's longest underground river. Much of the north western sea is a maritime park set aside so as to allow tourists to enjoy the coral, deserted islands and spectacular scenery such as El Nido where the swift spittle is collected from the sea cliffs for the Chinese delicacy birds nest soup. Compared with the rest of the Philippines Palawan is sparsely populated away from its capital Puerto Princesa, although recent immigration is changing this aspect. Palawan has several aboriginal settlements some of which still maintain their traditional ways.

Palawan is normally outside the typhoon belt but has a rainy season May to November. Even in the rainy season it does not rain all the time and conversely it can rain in the dry season December to May.

Although Palawan is noted for its wide diversity of fauna and flora it is the water activities which make it a true paradise. This underwater beauty can be experienced and enjoyed by the professional diver or the complete novice who is prepared to give it a go. Age is no barrier as typified by a 70 year old lady guest who had never snorkeled before but who became a passionate snorkeler by the end of her trip!

Snorkeling gives the opportunity to investigate the coral reefs that are abundant around the islands. The reefs are shallow and support a wide variety of life; fish of magnificent colours and density, shellfish (including the protected giant clam) are just the start of the underwater beauties to be seen. For the really adventurous there is also the possibility of seeing such rare treats such as manta rays, reef sharks and even sea snakes. The local guide can help enhance the chances of such sightings, although nothing is there to order – chance plays a big part.

Diving offers an even better way to explore the underwater wonderland and the local dive master knows where to take you. She will take you on a couple of very nice dives exploring the habitat down to around 30 metres. Here you can see fan coral with a span of approximately 8–10 feet (an awesome sight!), octopus some 2 feet + in body size, crustaceans and of course many, many fish of varied shapes and sizes.
Some years ago the El Nino and the typhoon (which was the first this far south in living memory) caused much devastation to the coral in certain areas. For those with an interest in ecology this provides a wonderful insight into how reefs recover from such natural disasters. In such places one can see the new coral growing up from the shrapnel left behind by Nature’s worst, not to mention the opportunists who have capitalised on the situation. This is perhaps best seen by snorkelling.
Although coral reef sites are the basic dive spots, a drop-off and rocky canyon are also available. With 14 islands in a protected area offshore, Port Barton is not only an ideal location for professional divers to explore deep reefs etc., but also provides ideal conditions for beginners learning to dive. PADI courses are available for:

Open water diver
Advanced open water diver
Medic first aid
Rescue diver
Divemaster

During the periods of favourable weather, 2-3 day trips can be made to offshore diving havens where coral reefs and shoals of fish, large pelagics, and other marine life are in great abundance.
Fishing trips, both day and night, can be arranged for those interested.

Again, this is a paradise for photographers. It not only offers the obvious idyllic island, sea, coconut & tropical sunsets which exist in other more well known resorts (e.g. Indian Ocean) but it also offers a unique, genuine and varied local life, which leads to endless photographic possibilities and opportunities. Photographers have the opportunity to take home images that can be shared and marvelled at by friends and relatives. Others can take home memories that will delight for many years to come.

Ninnoy Aquino International Airport in Manila is the normal gateway to the Philippines, but a new international airport in Manila is expected to open in the near future. At the moment no direct flights go to Manila from the UK, but connecting flights can be made by numerous international airlines including KLM, Emirates, Gulf, Kuwait, Singapore and Cathay Pacific. Other airlines such as Malaysia require an overnight stop in Kuala Lumpur. For those wishing to use BA air miles, a BA flight to Hong Kong and a Cathay Pacific flight from HK to Manila is possible. For the best deals it is advisable to check with the independent travel agents, such as Trailfinders.

To get to Palawan from Manila there are daily flights to Puerto Princesa by Air Philippines and Philippine Airlines. The flight takes about 55 minutes. An alternative for those in no hurry is to take the ferry from Manila to Puerto Princesa. This takes around 24 hours.

To get to Port Barton from Puerto Princesa the normal route is to take a jeepney. The public jeepney goes daily and takes about 4-5 hours depending on the number of stops for passengers or flat tyres! A private jeepney can be hired and that can cut the journey time to around 3 hours. Near the end of the rainy season the jeepneys may be unable to operate, in which case it is necessary either to take a jeepney to Sabang followed by a boat ride from Sabang to Port Barton or to take the jeepney to San Vicente and then a short, 50 minutes, boat ride to Port Barton.

Greenviews is a new resort completed effectively in 2002, when the new restaurant was totally rebuilt. It is set in 1 hectare and consists of 11 sea view balcony cottages plus a block of 4 single rooms all of which have tiled showers and flush toilets. Two of the cottages have their own cooking facilities.

The site has a magnificent restaurant building with a private area for a couple preferring privacy. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes; including English, Chinese, Thai and local Philippine food.

Greenviews has 3 boats of differing sizes to cater for trips to the Mangroves, The Underground River, El Nido, island hopping, fishing, swimming and snorkeling.

Greenviews has its own guides who are exceptionally helpful either on the boats or on excursions into the countryside.

For those interested in diving, Greenviews can arrange a programme with the local dive master in Port Barton.

The collecting of insects at Greenviews and the surrounding area is strictly forbidden. Any person seen collecting will be stopped and reported to the Palawan Authorities.

Greenviews can offer a complete package starting from being met at Manila airport by its Manila agent to the corresponding return journey to Manila airport for return to your home country. Whilst in Manila all your needs can be met by our representative there. Special holiday packages such as golfing holidays can be arranged on request.

After arriving in Manila, dinner is enjoyed in the famous 'Singing Cooks and Waiters Restaurant'. Afterwards, providing the weather is suitable, a stroll along the Bay Walk with its free musical entertainment, can be enjoyed.

The owners of Greenviews Resorts normally organise two sheduled fully inclusive packaged holidays each year. November and January/February being the most likely times. Other months and additional groups can be arranged also.

Amongst the many benefits of being on these packaged holidays is that those guests can have the MV light put on to see the night insects settling on a white background sheet. This facility, however, is not available for backpackers. Similarly, package tourists are normally entertained some evenings by local school children dancing national dances and a singer, although from time to time, this entertainment may also be available to backpackers too, but at the management's discretion.

The cost of a fully inclusive packaged holiday will vary according to the length of stay and whether any special elements are requested e.g. diving. A typical 17 day trip would cover: accommodation, daily guides, excursions, entrance fees, 3 meals a day (2 drinks free per meal), transport (except airfares and airport taxes), use of facilities at Greenviews including mercury vapour light. Apart from anybody requesting diving trips, the only extras would be the airfares, insurance, souvenirs, personal expenses e.g. clothes being washed, and extra drinks (that should not be great because a bottle of beer costs about 35 pence and a bottle of local rum 60 pence!). Discounts can be given for children under 16 sharing accommodation with adults. The cost of diving depends upon the number of people interested and needs to be negotiated with the local dive master. We can arrange this in advance. Full details of all cost(s) can be obtained by emailing us: palawandg@clara.co.uk

The cost of international flights varies enormously from airline to airline and each airline will offer special deals from time to time. Currently (2007) we are using Air Singapore as their times are the most convenient, although some of the Middle East Airlines can occasionally offer much cheaper deals. Independent travel agents such as Trailfinders should be consulted. We may be able to advise you on this aspect.

With regard to the Manila/Puerto Princesa flights; these need to be booked locally and this can be arranged by Greenviews. Prices are subject to inflation, exchange differences etc. Occasionally, cheaper deals are available.

Bookings should be made through the owners, Tina & Dave Gooding (details below) and require a £50 non refundable deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks before departure. Cancellation within the last 6 weeks will result in a 50% forfeiture (for most cancellations you should be covered by the appropriate insurance which you must take out).

A suitable insurance policy must be taken out with evidence provided before departure.

Palawan is an under-developed tropical area and so carries the associated risks to the traveller's health. It is essential that you take independent medical advice from your own GP or a travel clinic before booking.

Apart from essential medicines it is advisable to bring long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to reduce the chances of insect bites. Also pack plenty of insect repellents. Strong beach shoes/flip flops should be brought to avoid the dangers of treading on stone fish when wading in the water, particularly when getting on/off the boats. Sun hats, sun cream and boots for jungle treks are recommended. Sometimes the weather on the longer boat trips can change so that some warm waterproof clothing is required. A flash light is very useful as the generator is turned off at night. The underwater scenery is something which should not be missed and so people should bring their own snorkels. Some tourists have suggested that we mention that it is nice to give some of the local children small items like pens etc as their parents have little money to buy things we take for granted.

Apart from one kidnapping incident in 2001, which was due to exceptional circumstances that are extremely unlikely to be repeated, Palawan enjoys a peaceful reputation for tourists. The main area of Puerto Princesa and places like Port Barton are in our opinion amongst the safest places in the world for tourists. The Philippines does, however, have trouble spots, the most notable being the island of Mindanao. This is about 400km east of Palawan and has a significant Muslim population, which has been striving for many years for independence from the Philippines, which has a Catholic majority. Occasionally this overflows into Manila in a similar way to the IRA activities in London. This too should be put into perspective as people are far more likely to get hurt in a traffic accident or even by a falling coconut (which incidentally, we disclaim all responsibility for!). There are also groups opposed to the Philippine government, but their activities are normally targeted directly at the government and it's officials. Travellers should always be on their guard against opportunist criminals just as you would anywhere else and in return you should be rewarded with the holiday of a lifetime.

Tina& Dave Gooding, 12 Axeview Road, Seaton, Devon. EX12 2JT, England.
Tel/fax 01297 624018