This Week in Palawan (May 1 to 7, 2018)

The sun will show up at the start of the week but expect cloudy skies with rain showers and even thunderstorms from Thursday up to Sunday, according to AccuWeather forecast [1]. To keep dry while going places, it’s best to bring your umbrella or raincoat.

Although rain showers are likely to prevail throughout the week, still wear something summery to stay comfy as Palawan is due for warm weather. AccuWeather says the average day temperature for this week is 28 °C. At night it’s tolerably warm, settling at 27 °C.

The Puerto Princesa City Traffic Management Office has continued its efforts to decongest city roads and national highways.

Two weeks ago, the amended City Traffic Code took effect, prompting the city government to become rigid in its crackdown on ‘colorum’ tricycles [2]. When taking a tricycle, make sure you’re riding a franchised one to avoid hassle.

It’s easy to know whether tricycles are registered. Legit ones are painted either blue or white and visibly display their tariff. If you’re not in a hurry, you can take a jeepney or a multicab when going around the city proper.

Nestled in the highlands of Barangay Bacungan in Puerto Princesa City, Ai World Palawan resort in March 2017 opened its door with free entrance to the public. Now, a year later, Ai World has started imposing an entrance fee since April 30. In case you plan to drop by, the management observes entrance fees of PhP150 for guests ages 12 and above and PhP100 for children ages 5 to 11. This is inclusive of van transfers and access to the pools [3].

The Philippines’ environment department is also ridding Palawan of tourism establishments encroaching on coastal easement zone and forestlands [4]. With eviction notices served to 116 hotels and restaurants in El Nido, business owners have been required to self-demolish until May 5 [5]. In Coron, 75 businesses on April 19 have also been given a 30-day ultimatum to dismantle their illegal structures [6].

In case you made an advance booking, check with your hotel if they are closing down. And if yes, fret not! Your summer vacay won’t be ruined! You can ask the staff to transfer you to another accommodation. As for restaurants, only a few are affected by the crackdown so finding one that matches your taste would be a no-brainer.

This week, two city traffic ordinances are expected to take effect after getting approved two weeks ago.

Tricycle-for-hire drivers are required to wear clean long pants, a collared shirt, and a pair of shoes [7]. This means when you take a tricycle with a driver sporting slippers, a sleeveless shirt, and short pants, anticipate hassle as traffic enforcers will most likely apprehend him.

And if you’re renting and driving a motorcycle, make sure you put away your cellphone and headset and other electronic gadgets while driving, or else you’ll get fined. For first-time offenders, ready PhP500 [8].