Visiting the unexplored part of Palawan: A ‘Biyahe Ni Drew’ itinerary in Narra

If you’re a certified follower of “Biyahe Ni Drew,” you must have noticed that Drew Arellano is really in love with Palawan. And when we say “really in love,” we’re actually talking pretty seriously. It’s not a secret that we have already been to Palawan for this show several times already. But who can blame us? Palawan just keeps on being a land of surprises.

 

And that’s why we always love coming back.
 

 

 

But this time, we come not to El Nido, Coron, or any of the other more popular beachfronts in Palawan. Instead, we go to one that is probably unheard of to most Biyaheros that, we promise, is worth your time.

 

Biyaheros, let’s all go to Narra, Palawan!

 

Quick facts

 

Narra actually started as a rehabilitation and resettlement area in Palawan. In fact, if you had no land property back in the 1960s, you could go here and literally claim a land your own! Wow! Given that fact, the name “Narra” is actually an acronym for National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration.

 

Obviously, through the years, Narra has already become a haven for nature lovers as it’s gifted with natural aquatic wonders perfect for those who want a refreshing dip.

 

Narra is also gifted with vast lands perfect for farming. Because of its wide land size, Narra has also become the perfect site for rice production in Palawan, so that’s why it’s called “Rice Granary of Palawan.” Rice is grand here, so almost all pasalubong items that you can buy here are mostly made of rice.

 

How to get there
 

 

Because it’s yet an unpopular tourist destination, there’s no direct flight to Narra if you’re coming from Manila. Instead, you need to board an airplane to Puerto Princesa for an hour and a half. From there, you go to Southern Palawan--that’s another hour and a half of trip. But just like the other places that we went to here in “Biyahe Ni Drew,” it’s definitely worth the long trip!

 

Where to stay

 

Isla Arena Resort

Arena Island, Brgy. Panacan, Narra, Palawan

 

Given that this private island is an hour away from the mainland and that there are only five rooms available here, then this is perrrrrfect for those who are looking for a breath of fresh air or for those who are having a honeymoon with their lovey-dovey. Yeeheeeee!

 

Since the management wants to maintain the peace and cleanliness in this island, make sure to book reservations ahead of time because they normally don’t accept walk-in accommodations.

 

For a three-day and two-night stay, you need to pay P6,000.00  for an accommodation good for two people that includes the a cottage, meals, snacks, use of their equipment, and even a free massage!

 

And since this is a private island, you need to request what food you want beforehand because the chefs source their ingredients from the mainland. Typically, they serve a meat dish, a seafood dish, and vegetables.

 

Maydavian Resort

Brgy. Caguisan, Narra, Palawan

 

No budget? No problem! In Narra, there are also plenty of accommodations that are affordable but still very welcoming, just like the Maydavian Resort. It’s very homey so Drew likens it to “bahay ng auntie mo.” It has the basic amenities that you need for a night stay, such as a bed, refrigerator, flat-screen television, and air-con, among others.

 

Boredom is not in this resort’s dictionary because you can certainly do plenty of things while here. There’s a mangrove, secret beach, and snorkelling area nearby!

 

And though these relaxing activities may sound too exciting already, hang on because there’s definitely more to do here in Narra!

 

Are you ready, Biyaheros?

 

What to do

 

Enjoy any of Narra’s 64 waterfalls
 

 

 

If you’re into nature, the 20-ft. high Estrella Falls is definitely the place to be. But don’t be fooled; not just because Estrella Falls is on top of our list, that doesn’t mean it’s the only waterfalls that there is in Narra. In fact, Southern Palawan has 64 waterfalls! WOAH! But Estrella Falls is the most accessible of all the waterfalls in Narra, so that’s why tourists can easily keep on coming back.

 

“Alam mo, masasabi ko, each and every time na pumupunta ako sa Palawan, akala ko na-feature ko na lahat, akala ko nakita ko na ‘yung kagandahan ng Palawan. But then again, hindi lang pala ‘yung layer of clean and pristine seawater ang makikita natin,” says Drew. “[Makikita rin natin] ang kanilang mga river, specifically this river called Estrella River.”

 

Going to Estrella Falls, as what we said earlier, is just easy. If you’re riding a private vehicle, you can get there in just an hour from the airport. From the drop-off point, you just walk for five minutes before you can finally witness the beauty that is Estrella Falls!

 

You can really enjoy with your family or friends here because there is a hot spring and available cottages nearby. And a biyahero tip from Drew: Experience the cool water by swimming in one of its catch basins! And of course, since it’s a waterfall, you should definitely jump off the cliff! But of course, always mind your safety first!

 

Visit various snorkelling and diving spots
 

 

 

Narra is very proud of its many underrated snorkelling and diving spots where you can clearly see the life underwater. You can definitely enjoy its rich marine biodiversity through snorkelling and diving activities that are perfect for a barkada or family outing.

 

If you’re afraid of the water, here’s another biyahero tip from Drew: “Biyaheros, just go with the flow and simply enjoy the waves!” He’s right. You’re not here every day, so why not maximize your vacation by exploring Narra’s pride, right?

 

Help in marine conservation
 

 

One of the many islands in Narra is one that is called Arena Island. No, there’s no WWF or boxing matches here. This semi-private island is called as such because the sand is likened to flour, or “harina” in Filipino. Yes, Filipinos’ creativity is evident right there!

 

And though there’s no combat matches here, at least there’s a turtle sanctuary that is open for tourists for them to know more about the species and even to help in releasing some of the hatchlings into the sea. Marine advocates are also here to help the tourists--from giving out information about their marine conservation efforts, to actually assisting them in releasing the hatchlings.

 

You can also enjoy Arena Island’s 30-hectare marine paradise for as low as P2,500.00! Super sulit, Biyahero, because of all the many things that you can do in this island!

 

Immerse with the locals
 

 

Locals of Narra actually come from many parts of the country, so don’t be surprised to bump into a Tagalog or a Bisaya when you’re here. But despite its cultural diversity, Narra remains to be a home to one of the country’s oldest ethnic groups, the Tagbanua tribe, whose tribesmen typically frequent in Aborlan and Puerto Princesa.

 

During Drew’s trip here, of course he immersed himself with the Tagbanua tribesmen. As what he always tips: Don’t be a tourist. Act like a local!

 

Explore Tagbanua’s food specialty that, for sure, will give you a different kind of food trip experience. And because farming is their main source of livelihood, they typically use rice as the main ingredient in their food (have we already mentioned about their rice wine?). Carbs alert!

 

Buy pasalubong--Narra style!
 

 

Because rice is pretty popular here, most of the pasalubong items that you can buy are made of rice. Here, you don’t need to wait for Christmas just to taste bibingka because this all-time Pinoy favourite is sold in every season.

 

Aside from rice, Narra is also known for their coconut products. So, without a doubt, you’ll see espasol everywhere, given that espasol is a delicacy made of rice and coconut!

 

Drew says that if you’re looking for an unexplored tourist destination, Narra is definitely the place to be on top of your to-go-to list.

 

“Katulad ng sinabi ko, parati tayo pumupunta sa Palawan, usually El Nido, Coron, or the Busuanga Islands. It’s another shocker for us to feature another beautiful place,” says Drew. “It’s really nice to see a number of waterfalls. Shocking din naman na we experienced this type of island wherein may mga pumupunta na turtles. And it’s so exclusive na parang kayo lang ng asawa mo o ng girlfriend mo ang nakatira dito!”

 

Before he bids goodbye to Narra, Drew says that although he can’t wait to go back to Manila to narrate all the amazing things about Narra to his family and friends, he also can’t wait to go back here once again. Who knows what other surprises that Palawan holds that are still yet to be discovered, right?--Juju Z. Baluyot/BMS, GMA Public Affairs