Without a flight reservation to change the island in the Philippines we have no choice but to contemplate the idea of the ship. In the guide he talks about a ship company, one "Miraculous", of which no one we ask has proof ... "Boats from Iloilo to Puerto Princesa? ... Miraculous? ... I don't know, ask there ... "Well, we did, ask in a lot of places to see if they gave us some information.
And finally bingo! Exists! It leaves on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so we have time to get to Iloilo, where the port of departure is, and buy the ticket! With him in hand we begin to come doubts ... A ship called La Milagrosa, which will be more than 40 hours sailing, I do not know. Maybe the idea of the plane would have been better, although certainly more expensive.
The cabin we booked was "admire" class, which, including student discount, came out for about 25 euros each, here is the reason for the choice;). In addition, we were quite attracted to feel sailors for a few hours.
At 7 in the afternoon we embark on our private Titanic, which would not be shipwrecked, fortunately. We occupy our bunk beds in the cabin with 3 other people and between presentations we begin to hear the engines starting, and the horn huffing calling the laggards, who take the opportunity to make the last purchases in the port.
We leave on time. Two nights await us on board. The first one was more comfortable than expected, although the nerves of the moment did not let us rest completely. During the next day we arrived at whose islands, halfway, where our cabin mate Jesus Sandoval, a gentleman with an exciting life, who kindly invited us to take a shower at his house, on a private beach, as he told us. The weather outside was really bad, raining nonstop, so we changed the plans, and left alone during an hour to eat on the beach near the harbor.
The second night we fell as babies in their cribs, maybe it had something to do with the beers we had on board, sharing cover with other travelers who hang out between card games, eternal talks and toast, all in a very peculiar environment , surrounded by water, the sound of the engines and the sway of the waves.
We arrived at Puerto Princesa around one in the afternoon, about 42 hours later, in what will become the longest journey of our trip and one of the most positive experiences we have lived so far.
Transportation How to get to Iloilo?
From Boracay we take a tricycle to the port (20 pesos) and there the ferry (30 pesos), forced to pay the happy fee (100 pesos). In 13 minutes we put ourselves in the port of Calibo, here they do not make you pay anything, just at the exit you are waiting for a direct bus to Iloilo (335 pesos). The journey takes 6 hours and leaves you at a quite remote station. From here we took a jeepney to the Capital area (13 pesos) where we would stay.
Transportation How to book the boat from Iloilo to Puerto Pricesa?
The next day in the morning we walked to the port from where the Miraculous and where they have the office (you can go by jeepney for 12 pesos where they go to Br. Obrero, from the Capitol roundabout). There are 4 types of places on the ship, between 900 and 1,500 pesos (not including student discount). The cheapest 3 share with at least 50 people, the cheapest are even half discovered. Our ticket in Admiral cost us 1,336 pesos with discount. To return in the afternoon to embark we went by taxi for 50 pesos from the hotel.
Accommodation Where to sleep in Iloilo?
In Iloilo in the Family pension for 450 pesos, in a shabby room with bathroom, and pay wifi. Although the atmosphere is beautiful.
Accommodation Where to sleep in Puerto Princesa?
We were in the Zircon On Valencia Street, for 500 pesos, the room is more expensive but if you give up breakfast you get 250 pesos. The hotel is very nice, and the room with bathroom and cable TV.
Tips:It is worth traveling in the Admiral class, but there are only 6 seats, so do not leave for the last moment. The boats leave the Tuesday and Thursday at 19, there is another one of the Montenegro company that leaves on Saturday mornings and arrives on Sunday night, we assume that it is more expensive and more luxurious. On the boat there is food and drink (for a fee), but it doesn't hurt to buy some snacks and water. The stop in Cuyo is more than enough to go around the town and eat there. In the Tourist Office of Iloilo, next to the museum, they inform everything perfectly.
