Embracing Busuanga: Our First Escape Amidst the Lockdowns
Amid the uncertainties brought about by the first pandemic lockdown in 2020, we found ourselves on the shores of Busuanga, a paradise waiting to be explored. As a young professional working in a bustling city, the thought of escaping to an island seemed both exhilarating and daunting. However, fate intervened when I met a man in Palawan just a month before the nationwide lockdown was announced.
When the news broke, he wasted no time seeking refuge on a different island and invited me to join him. Initially hesitant, my doubts were put to rest when my boss announced that our attendance was not required until further notice. This unexpected turn of events led us to embark on an unforgettable journey to discover our pandemic havens in Palawan.
(1) My Partner Relaxing At Sanctuaria Treehouses (2) Sanctuaria Pool (3) Our House For 3 Months
Eager for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, we arrived in Busuanga with hopes of freedom. However, we soon encountered the stringent measures imposed by the local government. Our movements were restricted within the hotel premises, closely monitored by barangay officials, and island activities were curtailed.
Despite the limitations, we found moments of excitement, cautiously connecting with fellow travelers and embarking on short kayak trips. Little did we know that amidst the challenges, a beautiful surprise awaited us – three months later, I discovered I was expecting, a testament to the bond formed during those extraordinary times. I got pregnant.
My Top 2 Destinations In Busuanga: Black Island, and Pass Island
Corona Times in Coron, Palawan
A week after we decided to leave Busuanga towards Coron proper, I found out I was pregnant. It was an unexpected but welcomed surprise. My partner, Tobi, and I had no choice but to stick together. But for a change of view, we moved to Coron, just 40 km from Busuanga. We went island hopping as soon as we arrived!
Boasting breathtaking sceneries perfect for island hopping, you’ll be in awe of the stunning limestone karst landscape, crystal clear blue turquoise water, and beautiful islets. And we had the island all to ourselves. We found ourselves in a rare moment of solitude in this highly frequented location, with hardly anyone in sight. It was a truly exclusive experience, reserved for a fortunate few. Thanks to the COVID era somehow.
Smith Island: We Stopped At This Nearby Beach For Lunch.
With the island practically empty, we were able to secure fantastic hotel deals and enjoy exclusive access to all the amenities. Although it started to get slightly lonely as days, weeks, and months passed. We still lingered on as our focus was on a greater purpose: ensuring a healthy pregnancy while navigating life’s uncertainties. This reassured me to fully embrace the serenity of paradise without feeling guilty about taking the time to relax and reflect.
(1) Our Nipa At Red Carabao in Coron (2) Quick Lunch At Smith Beach, and (3) aboard our Bangka.
My Favorite Islands Of Coron: Smith Coral Garden, Twin Lagoon, Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary, Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake
A Princess Was Born in Puerto Princesa
During the seventh month of my pregnancy, we decided to relocate to Puerto Princesa, where I will be giving birth. Fortunately, we were able to find a fantastic long-term villa in the bustling city center. Although our activities were mainly confined indoors, we still made it a point to explore nearby attractions that offer delightful day trip experiences, adding excitement to the anticipation of my labor day.
After three months of city living, I was blessed with the arrival of a precious baby girl. The sheer joy that flooded my heart when I gazed upon her was immeasurable, making me feel like the happiest woman alive. I had believed that motherhood was beyond my grasp, resigned to a lifetime of solitude. However, everything changed in an instant when I looked into her eyes. I cried like a baby!
(1) My Partner Carrying Our Princess Outside Guni-Guni Restobar (2) Our Private Pool At Villa Kalachuchu, PPC
My Favorite Hotels & Restaurants: Guni-Guni Restobar, Hue Hotels, And Resorts, Ka Joel’s Restaurant, Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa
El Nido, Palawan: We Found Home in a Bird’s Nest
One month after giving birth, we felt that our mission in the city was complete. We then headed to our original destination: El Nido. It is a scenic coastal town north of Puerto Princesa with pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs. It is the bustling hub where ex-pats choose to live and build their successful businesses.
Upon our arrival, I swiftly discovered Karuna El Nido Villas, a remarkable resort perched above the picturesque Corong-Corong Bay. It felt like a serendipitous fusion of our preferences, as I delighted in the surrounding jungle while my partner reveled in the nearby beach. Amidst the pandemic, we savored every moment, immersing ourselves in the joyous company of newfound friends who I know we will cherish for life. The breathtaking sunsets, a magnificent daily spectacle, became a poignant backdrop to my journey of motherhood, evoking a deep sense of beauty and gratitude.
(1) Joglo Interior (2) Joglo Exterior (3) Our First Sunset At Karuna El Nido Villas
Here are more photos of El Nido during the pandemic outside our bird’s nest:
(1) El Nido Bay, Palawan (2) El Nido Public Jetty (3) Papaya Island, (4) Seven Commandos Beach, (5) Shimizu Island, (6) Marimegmeg Beach Club, (7) Dagmay Beach, (8) Vellago Resort, (9) Dagmay Beach (10) Bird’s Eye View of Shimizu Island
Nearing The End Of Corona Tunnel
Even though we felt at home in El Nido, safely tucked at Karuna, we finally had to say goodbye. The pandemic was slowly subsiding so eventually we had to leave. Emotions overwhelmed me as we prepared to depart Palawan, our home for the past two years. Leaving was bittersweet, filled with nostalgia and a sense of newfound freedom.
But with a sense of hope and adventure in our hearts, we made the decision to set out and explore the Philippines. Armed with just our trusty pick-up truck, we boarded a ferry and left Palawan behind.
Inviting my partner to my hometown in Kalinga, located in the northernmost part of the Philippines, marked the beginning of our journey southward. However, our plans took an unexpected turn upon reaching Siargao in Mindanao, as a destructive typhoon struck the island, abruptly halting our trip. Regrettably, our pick-up truck could no longer be transported back to the main island, forcing us to reassess our path.
Checkout how we safely managed to leave the Island of Siargao and how this unexpected turn of events led us to embark on an exciting adventure in Switzerland.