Setting the Scene
It was our favorite month of October, Dhindin and I, now with Dale embarked on a soul-soothing escapade back to the shores of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. It is a perfect destination for souls longing for the sea breeze that whisper tales of tranquility, and just waiting for the sun to paint the sky with hues of warmth before the exhilarating chill of a cozy night. It was a perfect way to recover from the recent challenging times, honoring the memory of my late grandma and celebrating the triumphs of love on our wedding anniversary.
The Early Morning Odyssey
With a toddler in tow, our adventure kicked off in the wee hours of October 14. We took flight, with Dale’s wide eyes filled with wonder, turning the short journey into a delightful spectacle. Who knew a his fascination with clouds could make even turbulence feel like a rollercoaster ride? This time, he had a great time being fully awake compared to his first plane experience when we went to Boracay where he wasn’t feeling really well. Of course there is still the little struggle of keeping him still, but I guess it’s part of the fun. Him having his own seat now just allows for more exploration of the pamphlets and the seldom asks for a little phone time. I just enjoy the fact the he is fully aware of where we are and what’s going on, hoping that this becomes a core memory that he will also cherish.
Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa – Koi Fish and Ping-Pong Duels
Our first nest in this paradise was the Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa. A sound of the gong welcomed us and immediately from the moment we arrived, Dale forged an unbreakable bond with the resident Koi fishes. Feeding them became our daily ritual, and watching Dale giggle as they swam around in excitement was a sight to behold.
The resort’s pool and indoor games arena became our battleground of laughter and friendly competition. My wife and I, armed with paddles, engaged in epic Ping-Pong battles, precision Darts showdowns, and daring Archery contests. The echoes of our laughter resonated in a quiet night, but creating a melody of joy that resonated throughout our stay. The karaoke pods were tempting but we managed to keep ourselves away — but somehow still thinking that we should have at least tried them.
It was a short stay but we can say that we had the rest that we needed after the early travel and we had a great time at the pool anyway. We just hope we got the chance to visit their sandbar, which we did not pursue due to some drizzling.
Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort – A Toddler’s Instant Rush to Paradise
On to the next chapter of our journey, we ventured towards Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort, a hidden gem that promised an exclusive experience. The journey was long, but the reward at the end of the road was a beach that beckoned to us like a siren calling sailors home. We got the chance to reminisce some moments from our previous trip here with friends as we pass by the limestone hills among the grassy fields.
As we reach the place, Dale, the ever-eager explorer, barely waited to change before sprinting towards the waves, clothes and all. His unbridled enthusiasm was contagious, and as we dipped our toes in the crystal-clear water, it felt like we were the sole inhabitants of this tropical utopia.
The succeeding days were just pure enjoyment in this solemn paradise — waking up early to sea the sun rise, spending the whole day dipping in the pool or chasing and being chased by the waves. We enjoyed how Dale’s chuckles break the silence while running away from the approaching waves or following the tiny crabs as they dig holes in the moist sand. At night, listening to the different chirping sounds is just as entertaining as the sound of the waves, while we enjoy some delicious food.
A Restful Haven and Hospital Hurdles
As the sun set on our idyllic retreat, my wife and I reveled in the rare gift of being well-rested parents. We could even allow Dale to run around by the beach as long as we keep an eye on him. The tranquil atmosphere of both resorts worked its magic, preparing us for the upcoming challenge – navigating hospital errands for Dale’s trigger thumb surgery. It was restful and we felt safe.
But hey, if we can survive toddler beach dashes and Archery battles, a hospital visit is just a walk in the park, right? Our little adventurer, soon to be thumb-wrestling champion, will conquer this hurdle with the same gusto he brought to the sandy shores of Puerto Princesa.
A Tale of Resilience, Love, and Toddler Triumphs
In the end, our Puerto Princesa escapade was more than a vacation—it was a testament to resilience, a celebration of love, and a showcase of toddler-induced hilarity. As we prepared for the challenges ahead, we carried with us the memories of Koi fish friendships, Ping-Pong battles, and Dale’s impromptu beach fashion.
So, here’s to Puerto Princesa, a paradise that mended our souls, ignited our spirits, and provided the perfect backdrop for the chapters of our family saga. Until the next adventure, keep wandering, fellow souls, and may your travels be as enchanting as a toddler’s first encounter with the ocean.
