by Elishah Pangilinan

Puerto Princesa – paradise in Palawan. Enjoy the world-famous Underground River and Tubbataha Reef; swim in the beautiful Honda Bay and Sabang Beach; set foot on Cowrie Island and Lu-Li Island; visit the Butterfly Garden, Tribal Village,  Ugong Rock, Wildlif Rescue and Conservation Center, Mitra Farm, and the Special Battalion WW2 Memorial Museum; and don’t forget to wacth the fireflies, too!

After a tiring day in Puerto Princesa, head on to the first full solar-powered spa in Palawan – Ella Spa. Owned by the “Solar Man” himself, Korean national Ralph Kim, the spa harnessed the natural energy from the sun with 20kw solar power.

The 600-square meter spa has 50 beds and TESDA-trained and licensed therapists. Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo herself is excited to visit the spa.

“This will definitely help boost tourism in our country,” said Teo.

Ella Spa is only five minutes away from the airport and is open from 11 in the morning to 12 midnight. Perfect to cap off the day.

“Try our specialty massages: Swedish, Aromatherapy,  Hot Stone, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, Thai, and Reflexology. We even have massages only for pregnant women,” said Kim.