Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

I’m so thankful that “DSLR quality” can now basically fit right into your pocket. In fact, though it has a few limitations, my Ricoh GR II has better image quality than any of my previous DSLRs…and at a fraction of the cost.

However, the Sony RX100 III is close behind, and is the clear winner in a few important areas. Well, each has its pros and cons. Here’s my detailed, real world comparison of these tech wonders  (it almost seems unfair to simply call them pocket cameras, right?). All sample images were taken by me.

You may be wondering why I chose to review the Sony RX100 III instead of the newest version, the RX100V. It’s because the Mk3 is the best ND Filter option for those looking to spend around the same as a Ricoh GR II. The Ricoh has come down in price, and at the time of writing can be found for just around $599 on Amazon.

Of course, the RX100 III has a wider 24mm lens than the GR II’s 28mm, but for me that was a benefit. I mostly shoot landscapes, and I suspect that *most* general consumers interested in the RX100 would also prefer the wider lens. Besides, you can always zoom to 28mm, the lens is still pretty fast @ f2.5 .

*I’m going to leave a “video” section out of this photography review, because if you’re after a pocket camera with serious video capabilities, you’re not going to find it in either of these…especially not the Ricoh. If you have the money, I say go for the RX100 V.

Build Quality – Look, Weight & Feel

Both cameras feel quite solid and well made, but I would say I like the build and feel of the Ricoh GR II better. The Sony RX100 doesn’t feel cheap, though…and is actually quite heavy for its tiny size. It’s solid as a brick.

With the Ricoh GR II’s simple ergonomics, useful handhold, and rubber grip, it’s much more DSLR like. In fact, I’ll say this right now: If you’re a picky DSLR user looking to add a killer pocket camera to your lineup, there’s no question. You need the Ricoh GR II. You’ll just have to get used to some limitations that I’ll touch on later.

One other thing to mention is the looks. In my opinion, the Sony has a more sleek and modern look. It’s not exactly screaming for attention with its small, classy logo. By contrast, the Ricoh….well…how do I put this?

It kind of looks like a toy camera from the 80s. It has no visible brand logo, and it doesn’t look particularly valuable. For my tastes & lifestyle, these are all HUGE selling points. Haha.

“The Ricoh GR is not for the image conscious; it’s for the image perfectionist.” – Nathan Allen

Size & Pocketability

This is one of the most important factors for me: Being highly mobile. I want a camera on me at all times….and yes, for me, a compact camera must be able to fit in a pants pocket. Even though the Ricoh GR II looks much larger at first glance, it is actually MUCH more comfortable in a pants pocket.

See how deceptive that is? The Sony looks much smaller, but where it counts, it’s not.

This is because the Ricoh GR II is not thicker, but instead, taller + skinnier (think smartphone shaped). For example, even though it’s quite a bit wider & taller than those old Nokia flip phones, a skinny iphone feels much better in your pocket, right?  Same concept (though of course the Ricoh is not as skinny as an iphone).

The Sony RX100 has a skinny (ish) body, but its lens protrudes a good 6mm more than the GR II, and it’s enough to feel (and see) the difference.

Sensor Size & Resolution

Let’s face it. The Ricoh GR II is just amazing in this respect. It has a full on DSLR sized sensor packed into it. It’s an APS-C (crop sensor), literally over 3 times the size of the one in the Sony RX100 III (which is already a 1-inch, and not too shabby).

However, considering the the Sony’s sensor is 3 times smaller, I doubt anybody would say the quality is 3 times less. The image quality and resolution produced by the RX100 is very impressive. Still, overall…the Ricoh GR II takes the prize.

As far as resolution, at first glance, you would think Sony’s 20.2 megapixel resolution would be a huge benefit over Ricoh’s 16.2MP.

The funny thing is…for me it’s not. This is because I shoot up to 10,000 RAW images a month, and I literally keep running out of space on my storage. Haha. It’s nice to fit that many more photos on my SD cards and hard drives, and I rarely seem to need more space for cropping.

Note* the RAW file sizes are smaller on the Ricoh, but the JPEGs are actually a tiny bit larger…

(Something I love is the built in horizon level on the GR II, I trained myself to use this for every shot, so that I don’t have to sacrifice some of my image by cropping and straightening. I believe the RX100 III has one too, but I can’t get it to display on the live screen.)

JPEG & RAW File Quality

Of course, both cameras offer full manual controls, and also RAW capabilities. As mentioned earlier, I shoot RAW, not JPEG. The Ricoh is awesome because it creates universal DNG files that recover quite a bit of detail. However, Sony’s ARW files also handle editing very well, and seem to import into my editing programs easily.

Both cameras have nice JPEG effect presets built in, and from what I’ve seen and heard, the Sony produces more pleasing “out of camera” JPEGS.

Sony’s 24-70mm Zoom vs Ricoh’s 28mm Fixed Lens

I’m one of those photographers who looked through my work and realized that 90+ percent of my photos were shot as wide as possible. I have to say, the Sony RX100 lens quality and sharpness at (all focal lengths) is quite impressive, but that comes with extra thickness in the pockets. It’s still not as sharp as the Ricoh GR II – at any focal length.

For me, the tack sharp Ricoh lens, edge to edge, in a truly pocketable body…is worth losing the zoom.

Overall Image Quality

Both of these cameras have exceptional image quality (in good lighting). I probably don’t need to say it, but the Ricoh, with its lack of an anti aliasing filter, pulls ahead with crisp, well contrasted detail across the whole frame. The RX100 III shows some softening near the edges, but much less than any comparable compact zoom that I know of. It’s still quite impressive.

I’m pretty sure I read somewhere that in some ways,  the image quality of the RX100 Mk3 surpasses even the Mk4 & Mk5!

Low Light & High ISO Performance

So far the Ricoh GR II is killin’ it. However, it’s time for the Sony RX100 to come back swinging. Low light and high (er) ISO is where this little camera shines. With a super fast f1.8 lens (a full stop faster than the Ricoh), these two cameras are not even comparable in low light. Especially handheld.

Pretty impressive, right? Just imagine how fun this camera is take out at night. Coupled with another feature I’ll get to below, shots like this in low light (without a tripod) are a breeze.

The RX100 can find and lock focus in surprisingly dim lighting, and it does pretty well with higher ISO (It’s no Fuji, though). Conversely, the Ricoh was terrible to focus in low light initially, and only slightly better after upgrading the firmware.

Let’s just put it this way: I don’t like to shoot above 400 ISO with the Ricoh, unless strictly for web use. I also might go above 1600 ISO if I’m looking for some “artsy grain” in my street photography. Bottom line: Low light is a big win for the Sony RX100.

Image Stabilization + Long Exposure

There’s no way around this – Sony also has unbelievable image stabilization. I have taken long exposure shots handheld with this camera…up to 1.6 seconds!

Sure, they may not be stellar when fully zoomed, but the images look sharp enough for web use for sure. To be able to do this handheld, it’s just incredible to me. I regularly take handheld shots at night, and limit to 800 ISO – thanks to the superb image stabilization (and a steady hand). This keeps my images as clean as possible…without needing to lug a tripod with me everywhere.

The RX100 III was the first in the series to include a built in 3 stop ND filter as well. This means I can take long exposure waterfall shots – even at noon on a sunny day! The shot below was taken handheld as well…a .8 second exposure with no tripod.

The Ricoh GR II also has an ND filter, but NO image stabilization. I keep telling myself that including image stabilization would increase the bulk of the camera, and make it less pocketable. This is how I sleep at night. Haha.

However, if you’re using a tripod, the Ricoh GR II has more long exposure options, and is definitely superior when it comes to image quality @ 100 or 200 ISO.

Minimum Focusing Distance – Macro + Bokeh

The minimum focus distance for macro is 10cm on the Ricoh GR II – twice the 5cm of the RX100. Generally, the closer you can get to the subject, the more bokeh, or blurred background you can achieve. A higher aperture (lower number) also increases the bokeh…so you’d think Sony has it in the bag.

However, the larger APS-C sensor on the GR II also allows for shallow depth of field…so an f2.8 with a larger sensor kind of works out equal to a smaller sensor with an f1.8. I call a tie, and that’s why I didn’t include any macro sample images. They both produce pleasing bokeh in close-up (macro) situations.

Sony RX100 III vs. Ricoh GR II – Battery Life

These two cameras are said to have the same battery life – 320 shots each on a full charge. In my experience, though, The Sony seems to have the advantage. I just ordered 2 more batteries for my Ricoh, so soon I’ll see if this specific battery is somehow to blame. *Update* – It’s not.

“Snap Focus” + Ability To Customize

These are areas where the Ricoh GR II simply trounces the competition. Snap focus is the ability to choose a focus distance between 1-5 meters (or infinity), and then leave it ready for action. Once you get used to knowing where and when to shoot, you really see the benefit of it.

You can take candid street photos with lightning speed, and the best part is that you can set the shutter to auto focus if only pressed halfway. In other words, a quick full press gives you your set focus distance, but if something falls outside of that distance, you can always press halfway to auto focus – and without changing any settings. Brilliant.

The Sony wasn’t designed so much with street shooters in mind, and it lacks “quick access” features like this.

*Check the “related links” at the end of the page for more of my street photography with these cameras.

As for being able to customize the camera, the Ricoh GR II truly is a photographer nerd’s dream come true. I was simply amazed at both the ability to customize, and the ease of doing so. The quick “memory” settings are especially useful when out street shooting.

There is also a unique “TAv” mode, which the Sony lacks. It’s great because it allows you to quickly change the aperture and shutter speed, while leaving the ISO in auto mode. Perfect for quickly adjusting depth of field, or for contrasted lighting or sports situations when you need to “freeze” or capture motion.

The Ricoh controls are all perfectly within reach, and incredibility intuitive. This camera is simply a joy to shoot with. To me, here it makes the Sony RX100 III menu and controls seem a bit clunky. To be fair though, I was pretty happy with the Sony before I had the Ricoh to compare it to…

 Click HERE to check out the updated Ricoh GR III on Amazon.

Sony RX100 III vs. Ricoh GR II – Final Pros & Cons

• The Sony RX100 III has a viewfinder and an articulating screen, but I would much rather it had neither, if it meant I could slip it into my pocket more comfortably. I know others are very happy to keep these features, though. Again, it is incredible how versatile and full-featured this tiny little camera is.
• The Ricoh GR series has a fatal flaw, especially for a pocket camera. It is very prone to dust on the sensor. I have probably taken 50,000 photos with my RX100, and I’ve always kept it in my pocket. Never a single issue with dust.

• This is nitpicking, but the RX100 collects fingerprints on the lens if I let somebody borrow it. I swear it doesn’t handle bright light bulbs at night very well either, unless the lens is VERY clean. (It gets that annoying “fog” halo that iphones with smudged lenses get).  The Ricoh has a deep set lens, which makes it harder to collect fingerprints (but also to clean).
• The Ricoh also has “Pinpoint AF“, which I absolutely love, and would be quite useful on a camera like the RX100 – with its super fast 1.8 lens and shallow depth of field.
• The RX100 has underwater housings available, and again, its fast lens is great for snorkelers + divers wanting to shoot in deep, low light conditions.
• Focus Ring – The Sony has a nice, smooth, focus ring. The Ricoh is missing one entirely, but I don’t find myself needing it too much, honestly.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

So Which Do I Choose? Both.

I believe it’s true what I read somewhere…”The best camera is the one you always have with you. The one that inspires you to take photos.” Since giving up my DSLR and buying the Sony and the Ricoh, I probably take 4 or 5 times as many photos – and I never miss an opportunity. That is priceless. I love having such inconspicuous , unassuming little cameras.

I have to be honest, though. For a second there I thought about selling my RX100 when I bought the Ricoh. I also thought about replacing it with the Panasonic LX10 f1.4.

I’m so glad I didn’t, though. I don’t think the Panasonic lens sharpness and low light capabilities can compare, even though the RX100 III is already over 2 years old. Frankly, there’s no way my Ricoh could compare to the RX100…for night shots around town, anyway.

So basically, if it’s daytime, I bring my Ricoh GR II…and I make sure my hand is steady as hell. Haha.  If I’m going out for drinks or exploring at night, the Sony RX100 III is my go to.

I believe in keeping things simple, but unfortunately there’s no one stop solution yet…I have to have both. I’m looking forward to the Ricoh GR III – with f1.8 and image stabilization…are you listening, Ricoh? Haha.

Sony RX100 III vs. Ricoh GR II Verdict: It’s like choosing between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones – I won’t do it.

Is the 28mm on the Ricoh GR II Wide Enough?

As a landscape photographer (mostly), I was really worried I would miss the wider 24mm lens for most of my daytime shots. However, I was shocked to realize that I hardly noticed the difference! Anyhow, there is an excellent (and affordable) Ricoh 21mm converter available for those who love to shoot really wide. Best of both worlds.

However, the way I’ve come to see it, photographers share most of their work on Facebook and Instagram. A very large chunk of their audiences are viewing their pictures on small phone screens.

A wider lens doesn’t lend itself too well to pictures that will be viewed on smartphone screens. Not that there’s that much difference between the 24 and 28mm lenses.

A note about the images on this page: My hosting company compresses JPEGS mercilessly, but it leaves PNG files in tact. I tried to keep these sample images as high quality as possible, so they were created with the PNG-24 format. It still skews the colors a bit, unfortunately.

As you may have guessed, they have all been edited in post processing. I just wanted to show what is possible using each camera. If you’re curious, the picture at the top (title image) was taken in the Philippines, with the Ricoh.

Which Pocket Camera Is Best For You?

In conclusion, both cameras provide exceptional image quality in a tiny, convenient package. I guess my advice is to be honest with yourself…

Are you very serious about photography AND not too self-conscious when you shoot? Are you a very technical person, a seasoned DSLR shooter, or a “pixel peeper”? If so, you’re going to need the Ricoh GR II. There is no better pocket camera in terms of ergonomics, sensor size and overall image quality. You probably won’t mind working with its limitations, given that fact.

However, if you need a sleek, versatile pocket camera with great image quality…a consistent camera that will function quickly and easily in a variety of situations (especially low light!), then you’ll love pretty much any models in the RX100 series. They are truly impressive little cameras.

Basically, the Sony does many things very well. The Ricoh only does a few things…but those few things are very important, and it does them incredibly well.

Do you own the Sony or the Ricoh (or both)?

I’m curious if your findings are the same.

Update for 2024: The Sony RX100VII & Ricoh GRIII are finally here!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

 Related Links

 My Low Light & Night Photography Tests with Sony RX100

RX100 Street Photography in Manila, Philippines

Street Photography in Singapore w/ Ricoh GR II

15 Jaw-Dropping Photos of the Philippines

Social Media

Have a question or comment? I’d love to hear from you. BTW, I’m not connected to these companies, but you can help support my work by visiting the the links to Amazon on this page.

The post Sony RX100 III vs. Ricoh GR II – Which Pocket Camera is TRULY King? appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

I love shooting silhouettes against the sunset. Here, a young family is flying kites together at Marina Barrage, Singapore. On the right hand side of the picture you can see part of iconic Marina Bay Sands.

Below is Harana Surf Resort on the island of Siargao, Philippines. This picture was shot during a full moon. It has been edited in post processing, but I am impressed that pocket camera can achieve results like this, nonetheless.

A Fast, Bright Lens That Still Beats the Competition

As far as I know, the only truly pocketable camera that *might* be able to compare in the low light / night shooting department would be the Panasonic LX10 (known as LX15 in Europe & Asia).

However, I did a LOT of research, including speaking to people who have both the RX100 III and the LX10. For extreme low light and sharpness of lens, they told me not even to think about selling the RX100 III. That says a lot, considering the Panasonic’s f1.4 lens is technically faster (and 2 years newer).

In some tests, the RX100 III outperformed even the M4 and M5 models which came after it.

Pictured above is the “Dragonfly Bridge”, looking up to the famous Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. I get some kind of strange photographer-nerd rush taking handheld shots like this. Constantly challenging myself shot after shot…seeing just how low I can get the ISO…while keeping image sharpness. Of course, the steady hand helps immensely…but at the same time, you’d be amazed how forgiving the image stabilization can be!

Above is the spectacular sunset at El Nido, Palawan (Philippines). I noticed the Sony does exceptionally well with sunset hues…and the RAW files process very nicely.

Here is a shot of a live band with some challenging indoor lighting…most cameras (especially compacts) would really struggle in situations like this.

This is definitely one of my favorites. It was a beach wedding that I stumbled upon while walking along the shore in Bohol, Philippines. This was soon after I bought the camera, and this shot left me with the distinct feeling that I had made the right decision…

Below is a city scene from downtown Singapore. I’ve never had a problem shooting at night in any city with the RX100. There is always enough light.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Thanks to Stabilization, Long Exposure is a Blast

I took this picture on the streets of Manila, handheld. I never imagined the man’s shadow would show up on the side of the passing jeep, because I couldn’t even see it with my naked eye. I was in for quite a surprise a few days later when I viewed the photo! The RX100 captured it.

I prefer the RX100 M3, because it has a built in neutral density (ND) filter. This filter allows me to go 3-stops down…meaning I could even take the long exposure shot above during the day if I wanted! During the day without an ND filter, there is way too much light to get long exposure trails. The M4 & M5 models also have this feature, but a much higher price tag.

Another silhouette shot from the beach in Bohol, Philippines. The trick is to get as low as possible, to place your subjects (boy & coconut tree, in this case) above the horizon.

(If you’re considering the RX100, check out  Amazon… These are my trusted partners, and these links will get you the best price. It’s how I continue creating content like this – Thanks, Nathan)

Below is another one of my favorites. Taken at the Boni MRT overpass in Mandaluyong, Manila. If you were wondering, I never use flash. To me, this picture, shot in a very dark environment, is a true testament of what this little pocket rocket is capable of.

The fishing boat below was docked on a rocky beach after sunset…combined with some pretty heavy clouds, this was a real challenging low light situation. I really needed to lift the shadows to achieve this result. It was taken while I first experimented with the camera, and with rather high ISO. I didn’t even have the RAW file to work with!  JPEG only.

Hard to Imagine How Sony Could Top This

Yes, at the time of writing, there are some pretty impressive low light and high ISO cameras out there…but personally, if they don’t fit in my pocket, they’re off my radar. That’s my lifestyle.

The fact that the RX100 technology has already been around for 5 years kind of blows my mind. It really makes me wonder what the next big step will be. Whatever it is, I just hope I can still fit it in my pocket.

Hope you enjoyed.

Update for 2025: The Sony Rx100VII is out now!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

 Related Links

RX100 Street Photography in Singapore’s Colorful Chinatown District

My Detailed Comparison Between Sony RX100 & Ricoh GR II

RX100 Street Photography in Manila, Philippines

15 Jaw-Dropping Photos of the Philippines

Social Media

The post Low-Light & Night Photography – Handheld w/ the Sony RX100 appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

 By Nathan Allen

Well that can be good, too…and of course I have plenty of those shots. However, I want this post to be different. My goal was to create a snapshot “time capsule”…a window into the daily life of historic Manila, in 2017.

To accomplish this, I decided to take my tiny Sony RX100III on a photo walk. I went during the week, to experience less tourists and more locals. After lunch, I boarded a packed MRT train in Mandaluyong, and started the long journey to Divisoria.

The Bustling Outdoor Market of Divisoria.

The crowds in the market were thick, even during the week. This place is famous for the best deals – on almost everything. There are pickpockets in Divisoria, so I was careful to avoid them. Knock on wood, I’ve never had a bad experience in 4 years exploring the Philippines.

I also popped into a few camera stores while here. Hidalgo Street is also famous for great deals on camera equipment. In fact, this is where my little RX100 came from! I think my baby was happy to be back for some Manila street photography.

The shot below is a good example of what I’m talking about. This street food vendor didn’t notice me until after I took the photo. Then he let out a big smile and posed for a picture. Super nice guy.

I studied the afternoon light, and tried to use the sun / shade drama to my advantage.

I am a landscape photographer at heart, so I actually prefer the wider lens of the Sony RX100III. It’s 24mm, and I guess this makes me somewhat of a unique street shooter. Even 28mm is too wide for most “street ‘togs”.

Quiapo Church – Now Almost 600 Years Old.

This iconic church is one of Manila’s oldest landmarks. As you can see, there are many vendors selling candles to the devotees who attend services there. Originally made of bamboo and nipa, the church dates all the way back to 1586!

Again, I enjoyed how the afternoon light perfectly illuminated the church, while leaving the crowds blanketed in shadows.

Escolta Street, One of Manila’s Oldest.

After Quiapo, I started making my way to Escolta Street, another historic part of the city. There were no sidewalks in this section, so I actually had to walk with the street traffic to pass by. Of course, anybody who knows Manila is used to doing this now and then.

I love to walk. I have explored countless regions of Manila on foot, and at all hours of the day and night. People are quite surprised to see me in areas that are believed to be unsafe, but as mentioned before, I have never had a problem. A friendly smile and bit of Tagalog (the local language) goes a long way.

(continued below)

This is a “Jeepney”, an old military vehicle repurposed for transporting the public. I spotted this one while crossing the Jones Bridge. The Japanese bombed this structure back in WWII. One of the busiest bridges in the country, it was repaired in 1945 with the help of the U.S.

Manila Street Photography – Historic Intramuros

The old Spanish fort of Intramuros is just across the Jones Bridge. By now it was very late in the afternoon, and the sun was just about to dip below the fort walls. Below, I was lucky to capture 2 horse drawn carriages, called “kalesas”, beautifully lit by the sun.

Pictured here is an ancestral house. I love the cobblestone used to paved these streets. It’s one of my favorite part of Intramuros, and even though I don’t have any pictures from this trip, check out beautiful San Agustin church nearby! It’s by far my favorite in all the Philippines.

This is a less touristy street on the outskirts of Intramuros, and I was lucky to catch this moment. The late afternoon sun created a lot of dramatic shadows on the streets.  This my favorite picture from this Manila street photography series.

I also toured Fort Santiago while here (again, no pictures), and by the time the light had all but faded completely, I was starving. There was an eatery nearby, and had a great time sharing a table with some locals.

Fiesta at Sundown

Afterward, I was lucky to stumble upon a fiesta there in Intramuros! People were kind to invite me to join their groups celebrating the event.

We had a lot of fun (perhaps a bit too much)…late into the night, I even got on the microphone and sang Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” right there on the crowded streets! I don’t know if I did OK, or if the locals were just 3 sheets to the wind, but they clapped and cheered as I reached the chorus and belted out the ending.

I’ll never forget those guys, Diego, Juneer, Wendel, Jun, Ian…I don’t know if they’ll ever see this, but thanks for taking good care of me. I told you I’ll return to Intramuros…and I promise you, someday I will.

For those who are curious, all shots were taken with my Sony RX100III pocket camera. . Sony is not a partner of mine. However, if you use the links above, it will help me continue providing stories like this.

In closing, I hope you enjoyed my Manila street photography series. You can also check out my Singapore street photography – it’s a change of pace.

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Related Links:

Low Light & Night Photography Tests w/ Sony RX100 III

Sony RX100 vs Ricoh GR II – Which Pocket Cam is King?

Street Photography in Chinatown, Singapore w/ Sony RX100 III

Like my page to follow along with me  – Nathan

Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

Have something to add?  Please leave a comment! 

The post Manila Street Photography w/ RX100 – The Beauty & The Chaos appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

The Ride of a Lifetime: The Long Way Home–Chapter 8

After the jaw-dropping island-hopping photos I captured at Linapacan with Tapik Resort, I decided to ride the “long” way back to Taytay. Ironically, the long way is actually shorter in distance, and much more direct. However, the road is still very long…and very much unpaved. 

I had it in my mind that I wanted explore the full loop of (north) Palawan, with as little backtracking as possible.  Despite people advising me against it, I continued. For this, I was rewarded with endless vast stretches of scenic coastline few tourists have ever seen.

Up until now, I had done 850 (often challenging) kilometers without any incident. The journey was beautiful, but I could see why the locals advise against it. It’s just very hot, very rough, and mostly quite secluded.

It was so far that I starting running low on gas. I found a hut with the ultimate symbol of “fuel” in the Philippine provinces: A row of 1 liter Coke bottles, full of green gas. After buying 10 litters of “Coke” for my thirsty Kawasaki, I snapped a photo of the nice sales girl and continued on my way.

Breakdown (In the Middle Of Nowhere)

It was about 2 hours later, and I was really in the middle of nowhere. Suddenly I saw a Caterpillar backhoe working in the dirt ahead of me. I slowed down and was signaled through by the young guy assisting the operator. I smiled and waived as I passed by, and that seemed to catch him off guard. His serious “work face” suddenly broke into an ear-to-ear grin, and he waived back at me.

I continued out of sight up the next ridge, and just then I heard a loud “clunk!!” come from my bike. Suddenly I couldn’t accelerate anymore. I came to a halt right there on the steep dirt hill. When I looked down, I noticed that my chain had come off.

I somehow managed to turn the bike around and coast back down toward the workers on the next ridge. When they saw me pushing the bike and waiving, they quickly ran down to meet me.

In a mixture of broken English and Tagalog, we were able to communicate what needed to be done. Amazingly, these guys just happened to have the tools needed to put the chain back on–and in the middle of nowhere!

They were nice as can be. We became friends as they quickly got my “trusty stallion” back on the road…but they told me it would be wise to ride to their house up the road so they could properly oil the chain. That was very kind of them, too.

(Continued below…but I’d be honored if you follow along with me on FB)

When I arrived at their nipa house, they laughed when I asked where the C.R. (bathroom) was. They just smiled and pointed to the trees along the edge of the property. I should have known better. It’s nature’s way. I snapped this photo of their native house:

I wanted to leave them with a bit money for their effort, I mean, they really saved me out there! How lucky I was that they were there, after all that time riding and not seeing a single person or structure. They refused any kind of payment many times, but I kept insisting, so eventually they reluctantly accepted.

Thank you so much kuya Noli, Gerry, and Ronnie! They asked that I text them when I made it safely back to Puerto Princesa. People in the Philippines are generally wonderful.

(Note: It is a bit misleading to call what happened a “breakdown”…nothing actually broke. The chain simply came off, which is quite common if you ride long enough. Simple fix for those who own motorbikes.)

The Longgggg Dirt Road Ahead

Once I was back on the road, I had no problems at all. Well, apart from the verrrry long rest of the ride back. Roads like the one above require quite a bit of concentration to ride, especially on a bike like mine.  It was hours and hours (and hours) of careful riding in the hot sun. I was already exhausted and sore by the time I reached Taytay.

I had been through Taytay before, but a new Australian friend told me to check out the old Spanish fort on the water there. I’m so glad I did! It was well worth the small admission price. Great for photos, especially on a nice day.

Fort Santa Isabel Photos

It is said that Taytay was ruled by a monarch king before the arrival of the Spanish. The king was waited on hand-and-foot by 10 scribes. After being conquered by the Spanish, Taytay became the capital of Palawan (then known as Paragua) in 1818.

Historic Taytay fort, known as Fuerza de Santa Isabel, was built in 1667. I think it was only 20 pesos to visit.  I loved seeing the artifacts in the museum, as well as the colorful tropical flowers along the outside walls.

You can still see the chapel and vintage military equipment, such as the canons they used to fight off Moro invaders. Such a fascinating place, I can’t believe I didn’t know about it on my previous trips to Palawan!

When I wrapped up my tour, I came back to find this little man trying to steal my bike! Haha…JK, that’s not mine. Have you already forgotten what my motorbike looks like?

One Wrong Turn is One Too Many

You’d think I would just stay there in Taytay, knowing how exhausted I was after this epic day of riding. The problem was that I was still hours away from Puerta Princesa, where I had an early flight the next morning. I basically had no choice but to push through. I stopped at an eatery near the turnoff to Puerto.

There was a roundabout, and it sent the road in 4 different directions. Confused and with no sign, I asked the woman at the eatery which direction I needed to go. She pointed to the same road I suspected.

Now, as a general rule, when traveling in another country, I always ask 3 separate people for directions…and make sure they all give the same answer before I follow it. This helps avoid language barrier issues, or just those times when people want to give you some kind of answer instead of admitting that they don’t know (you’d be surprised how often this happens).

Well, I went outside and asked a worker on the street as well. He pointed to the same road, so because I didn’t have a third person to ask (and I thought it was the right way already), I continued on my way. I couldn’t wait to be back in Puerto resting.

 *If you’re wondering, I took this most of these shots with my Sony RX100III. <–Amazon, but in the PHL you can find it HERE.

I was making good time…about 50 kms down the road when I noticed a tour bus that said “Puerto Princesa” pass the opposite direction. Wait a minute…if that bus was going to Puerto Princesa, that meant I had been going the wrong way for 50kms already! I was heartbroken.

I had to turn around and head all the way back to Taytay…adding an extra 100kms to my trip home. This is why I always ask THREE separate people. Haha.

Very, Very Happy To Get To Pagdayon Traveler’s Inn

Anyhow, after many long, dark hours, I finally made it back to Puerto Princesa. I was mentally and physically destroyed. I limped into a native-styled guest house that caught my eye when I arrived the first time. The owner was also very kind, and even recognized me from the blog! What a small world.

It was called Pagdayon Traveler’s Inn, and it’s really a great value. I think I paid 900 pesos ($18) for an aircon room with a private bathroom, veranda, and 2 beds. There was a particularly good breakfast included the next morning as well. Oh, and it’s so close to the airport.

If you’re lucky enough to catch the owner himself, he’s very nice, and can provide a wealth of information about touring Palawan. Famished, I asked for advice on where to eat dinner, and he pointed me to KaLui restaurant, right across the street. Man, am I happy I listened to him…

KaLui Restaurant Photos

Wow. KaLui is such a beautiful place. I have no idea how they manage to keep their prices so reasonable.  The ambience is warm and inviting, with native styling and artwork surrounding you. Expect to see a lot of tourists, because this is the #1 restaurant in Puerto Princesa. I can see why–the seafood was delicious and the experience is worth every penny.

I’m more of a traveler than a tourist, so I don’t always have room (or money) for souvenirs. However, I was visiting friends after this trip, so I decided to check out some of the handicrafts made by local Palawan tribes. So cool, and surprisingly affordable! This is very close to KaLui as well. 

Before I knew it, my epic day of travel was behind me, and I was snoozing back at the inn.

I’ll never forget this trip. 1000 (accident-free!) kilometers around one of the most breathtaking tropical islands in the world–truly the ride of a lifetime. Big thanks to all who made it possible, and all of you following along.  If you have any questions about this trip, feel free to let me know.

Stay tuned on FB for the next big adventure!

By the way, and the Philippines has excellent budget flights available. I flew to Manila from Singapore for just $40, and to to the paradise of Palawan from Manila for just $25! You can scan for the best deals HERE. 

Cheers.

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Pt 1. <  Pt 2. <  Pt 3. <  Pt 4.  < Pt.5 < Pt 6. < Pt 7. < Pt 8.

*Aside from the tiny issue of my chain coming off (it happens to all motorbikes occasionally), my Kawasaki performed flawlessly on this trip. Started up every time, and I never had so much as a flat tire. It was very generously provided by rent-a-bike.ph, just steps from the Puerto Princesa airport. It’s the ONLY place I know of where you can choose & reserve a reliable bike online before your trip. Highly recommended. (Sorry, I think it may be closed now?)

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

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The post Palawan By Motorcycle – Pt.8: Sibaltan to Fort Santa Isabel…and “Home” appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

The following is my review of Long Beach, San Vicente, a beautiful stop along my tour of Palawan.

 Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

The Ride of a Lifetime: Chapter 4

My next stop was San Vicente’s “Long Beach” to the north–the longest stretch of white-sand beach in the Philippines. 14kms, I believe. However, getting there would be a real challenge. This time there WAS a dirt road connecting Port Barton and San Vicente, but it is quite long, and very rough.

Much of it was muddy after the recent rains, so that made things even more challenging, especially on a street bike with slick tires. As I was on a mission to take photos along the way anyhow, I just took my time and rode cautiously.

Bigaho Falls

About 30 minutes outside of Port Barton, I came into a small village and noticed a sign for “Bigaho Falls”. I like to “leave no stone unturned”, so of course I stopped to check it out. Very rewarding! There is a short hike through a beautiful and rustic community.

The waterfall is quite beautiful in my opinion, and the pool at the base is nice and refreshing. It’s a cool, shady area with a few large boulders you can climb around on. Nice place for photos.

The rocks are a bit slippery, so be careful. You can take a refreshing swim here, but prepare yourself for the cold!

I believe you can also take a boat tour here from Port Barton–it’s only about a 20 minute ride (and a 15 minute hike).

I was fortunate to have such nice weather here. This really was one of the most friendly and picturesque areas I have visited in the Philippines.

In Order: 1. Trail passing through native huts in Bigaho village 2. Colorful clothes drying in the jungle

A native house in the Philippines is called a “bahay kubo”, and they are often made of bamboo and nipa materials. This is one of the most beautiful examples I have ever come across!

It was a rewarding stop with plenty of good pictures, but I had much more ground to cover. I hopped back on the bike, and soon all signs of life had faded from view.

Letting My Instincts Guide Me…

I had assumed there was only one road, so it should be easy to navigate all the way to San Vicente. However, it was very remote out there, and the dirt road split off quite a few times. There are no people and no signs, so I really had to use my intuition.

I ended up studying the tire tracks in the dirt, to see which direction the majority of traffic was heading. I assumed that must be the way to San Vicente. In the end….whew. I was right.

Untouched, Remote Beaches

Being deep in the jungle for some time, I was relieved to catch a glimpse of the sea finally. As long as the coast was on the left, I knew I was going the right way. Haha. I was treated to some incredible views out here. Being so isolated on rough, dirt roads, I doubt many people have even seen some of these beaches.  What a feeling it was to be there…just my bike and I–not a soul around.

Thankfully the nice weather continued, so I wasn’t hit with any rain to further muddy up there roads. A couple times snakes, lizards, and even turtles scurried across my path…that was a first for me in the Philippines. I loved seeing all the wildlife. For many more hours in the hot, tropical sun, I carefully negotiated the rocky (and sometimes muddy) dirt road.

Crossing Rivers & Bridges

There were a few sections of road that were completely flooded. I really wasn’t sure how to get across–I had to get off the bike and really study the situation. I didn’t know how deep and soft the mud was. My bike wasn’t exactly designed for situations like this. Haha.

In photos: My motorbike confronted by a flooded section of road, and other shots crossing a river on a wooden bridge

I ended up slowly skirting the muddy edge of the pool, and somehow avoided dropping the bike and all my gear. I guess all my trail riding in California paid off. I found a picturesque wooden bridge and figured it’s a good place for a motorcycle photo shoot…

After what seemed like forever, I was dumped into a decent-sized town, and that was a welcomed sight. I was mentally and physically exhausted after such a long, technical ride. My shoulders ached. You can imagine how much sun I had been getting riding the past few days, too.

It wasn’t clear which direction Long Beach was, so I stopped and asked directions. Turned out I was just a few kms away. When I finally joined the road alongside the famous beach, I could hardly contain my excitement. It really is almost completely undeveloped.

Long Beach At Last…

It’s easy to see how Long Beach is the “longest stretch of white sand” in the Philippines….if you catch it at the right angle, you can see that the beach goes on for miles and miles. I’d love to see it from a plane someday!

You really can have the beach to yourself…there’s hardly any development, but I doubt this will last long. Be wary of sand fleas, depending on the season.

I followed one of the only signs I could find, one pointing to “Turublien Resort”. The groves of coconut trees and perfect beach to my right was just too much ignore. I had to get of the bike and take some photos.

It Takes a (Fishing) Village…

Further up the trail I spotted two local fishermen pulling a net onto the shore. Soon many villagers joined in to help. I had witnessed this previously in Antique province, it was called “sahid fishing”. The locals (including children sometimes) work together to pull a heavy catch in from the sea. Sometimes it takes up to 2 hours, but then they all split the catch afterward.

(Continued below…but I’d be honored if you follow along with me on FB)

This fishing boat on Long Beach was captured with my Canon Powershot G3x <-Amazon (In the PHL or SG you can find it HERE)

Just before I reached the resort, I came across hundreds of fish drying on trays in the sun. When I noticed a few dogs playing by the water, I really had to do a double take. They weren’t dogs at all–they were pigs! These happy pigs roam one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, rolling around in the sand and cooling off in the sea.

More Long Beach photos: Thousands of fish drying on racks under the sun, while pigs roam the beach and locals ride through the sand on motorbikes

Another interesting things about Long Beach is that the locals ride their motorbikes right alongside the water. I suppose it really is the fastest way to get from point A to point B on a vast stretch of beach like this.

Turublien Long Beach Inn & Bar

When I finally arrived at the resort, you can imagine how exhausted I was. I was hot, dusty, sunburned, and covered in sweat. Alex, the owner of the simple place, was very helpful. He quickly brought me some cold water and cooked an excellent meal.

Turublien is one of very few lodging options on Long Beach. This is by far the more rustic and affordable option. The other is a very fancy resort called “Club Agutaya”. I hear it’s owned by the Governor of Palawan.

Photos of Turublien beachfront and lagoon

Sharing the place with me was a French/American couple, and 2 women from Denmark. Being the only people for quite a distance in any direction, the 5 of us quickly bonded, discussing my Danish heritage, travel blogging, and newly elected President Trump, among other things.

Also pictured are some friendly locals who were in Palawan for work. They stopped by for dinner and we had a great time hanging out.

Long Beach Moonglow

What a view we had. As the sun began to set, the sky lit up with fiery sunset hues. We noticed giant bats, known as “flying foxes”, making their nightly pilgrimages in search of fruit. Alex mentioned that we could go for a night swim and see the glowing plankton in the water.

How surreal it was to be out there in the warm, tropical sea…with each movement creating a glowing, phosphorescent trail through the water. I looked up in the fading light and saw a full, yellow moon rising from the coconut trees. I’ll never forget the magic of that moment.

 *If you’re wondering, I took this shot with my Sony RX100III. <–Amazon, but in the PHL or SG you can find it here.

Turublien is a simple place, and the beach front section is only the restaurant / bar area.

The actual lodging is unique, because to get to your room, you literally  have to take a paddle boat across a lagoon. The staff will assist you in this. The rooms have air-conditioning, but are quite spartan otherwise. If you want to get away from it all and have a very unique island experience, this is the place for you. The Tripadvisor reviews are fantastic, and after meeting Alex you’ll see why.

So Happy To Meet You, Long Beach

This place is just stunning. Fine, powdery white sand as far as the eye can see–and the water’s perfect for swimming. One for the memory books. Thanks, Alex and friends!

By the way, if you take a bus or van here, it’s a much more pleasant experience. Haha. I just love to push myself and explore backroads. Next episode will take us through the stunning beach town of El Nido, and on to the relatively unexplored northern tip of Palawan. Stay tuned!

You can check Turublien rates and reviews HERE

Check out other Palawan hotels HERE

Wondering how much flights to and around the Philippines might cost?

 Pt 1. <  Pt 2. <  Pt 3. <  Pt 4.  > Pt.5 > Pt 6. > Pt 7. > Pt 8.

*Motorbike for this trip was graciously provided by rent-a-bike.ph

If you notice any misinformation or something that needs correcting, please don’t hesitate to let me know!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

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The post Palawan By Motorcycle – Pt.4: Long Beach, San Vicente – A Wild Ride appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

Below you’ll find my Port Barton review, I stopped here on a memorable journey around Palawan island.

The Ride of a Lifetime: Chapter 3

After I said goodbye to my new friends at Daluyon Resort in Sabang, I started the long ride to Port Barton, a place I have always dreamed of visiting. I actually had to backtrack a bit to get there, because there aren’t too many roads in this region yet. When I realized it was late afternoon and I hadn’t even reached the cutoff for Port Barton yet, I decided to stop at a local eatery. I was starving. Here’s a photo:

These are called “carinderias” in the Philippines, and this one was owned by a nice woman with a daughter in Canada. She was interested in my tourism projects, and I enjoyed practicing some Filipino (the national language) with her. She also taught me a bit about their local language, called Cuyonon.

End Of The (Paved) Road

Anyway, I thanked her, said goodbye, and turned off the main highway just as the afternoon sun was starting to fade. The small paved road I was on grew more and more narrow with each kilometer.  The nipa houses and shops started to disappear, and soon I was on a dirt road deep in the jungle.

For quite some time, there wasn’t a structure or person in sight. I motored loudly along, apologizing to the silent spirit of the jungle. Haha. I had to be careful on that slippery, muddy road. It started to rain, but luckily, just a tiny bit. This ended up being great practice for some of the very challenging riding the next few days.

I rode on and on, and just before it was completely dark, the road came to a dead end at the sea. I made it! There, I was greeted by a helpful boatman named Jensen. He was so nice that I decided to go on his island hopping tour the next morning. He pointed me to my destination, which was Summerhomes Palawan. I was so thankful to have a nice meal and get some good rest after my ride.

Port Barton Island Hopping Photos

I woke to a beautiful day in the paradise of Palawan…as promised, I met kuya Jensen and a small group of tourists on the beach the next morning. One man was from Russia, and the two women were from Belgium I think. In anxious anticipation the adventure ahead, we headed out to sea. First stop was snorkeling, where we were able to see a few sea turtles, along with stunning German Island in the distance.

German Island

This island has a private owner, but your tour can still stop there (assuming you purchased the right one). As far as I know, there is no charge to visit German Island. You can snorkel around here, but finding the best corals can be a bit tricky, so be sure to ask a knowledgeable guide. You may see a turtle as well!

Exotic Island’s “Water Bridge”

After this, we docked our boat on beautiful “Exotic Island”. This really is an incredible place to swim and relax. This kind of paradise is why I always travel with an ultralight hammock!

There are actually 2 islands here, with a crossing that gets swallowed up by the sea at high tide. Pretty unique!

This was our view from the boat as we left…and it was hard to say goodbye.

Port Barton hotel rates and reviews HERE (Agoda) or HERE (Booking.com)

Twin Reef Snorkeling Photos

We continued to Twin Reef for snorkeling…with some of the best corals I’ve seen anywhere in Palawan…and even in the Philippines! I really didn’t expect it. As always, I recommend using “reef safe” or “child friendly” sunblock if you’re going in the water. That kind generally doesn’t damage the corals.

It’s best to put it on 15-20 minutes before you go out and start sweating in the sun, otherwise it will be wasted (and contaminate the water).

There were also plenty of giant plate corals here. Really cool! Hopefully the boatman will drop you off in deep water, so you never touch the bottom. It’s best to avoid puncturing your skin, or damaging the fragile ecosystem here. Wearing a life vest is recommended – that way you can rest at the surface without having to put your feet down.

(Continued below…but I’d be honored if you follow along with me on FB)

Lunch, & The Sandbar @ Starfish Island

After a lunch of fresh caught fish in our nipa hut, our last stop was a sandbar full of starfish in the shallows. Our guide picked one up to show us, but I’m not sure this is good for the starfish. Probably best to avoiding touching any sea life.

4. Tourist Silhouettes on Sandbar 5. Starfish from the sea

By now the afternoon sun was creeping toward the horizon. We made our way back to the beach in town, and I snapped a few more photos along the way. 

Overall, it was well worth the price of the tour, which is about half of what you’ll pay in places like El Nido now. Kuya Jensen’s boat is called “Tres Palawaneños”, and his contact # is: 09216269191

Mangrove River Tour Photos

The next day, Summerhomes offered another fascinating tour, this time of the nearby mangrove forests.

It’s a mystical place, full of colorful kingfisher birds and beautiful mangrove snakes that sleep high in the branches during the day. There’s nothing like slipping silently through these waters and taking in the otherworldly landscape.

3. Mangrove Snake high in trees 4. Lone fisherman on rustic boat

Pamuayan Falls Ride + Trek

The last tour I did was self guided, as I rode my motorcycle there. It’s a short trek to Pamuayan Waterfall, about 3 or 4 kms away. It’s a beautiful place, worth the trek if you ask me. If you ride there, it’s only about a 1km hike afterward. Just make sure you get good directions from your resort or from a local. If you prefer, you can pay for a guide / transport.

A Sunset Walk In The Village

I love low-light photography. It was nice to make friends with some families in the village nearby, and then take these shots of the kids (and cat) playing by the sea. Further up the coast, I found a group of fishermen pulling a large net in from the sea.

If you’re wondering, I took almost all (dry land) photos with my Sony RX100III. It’s a powerhouse of a little camera! That link is for Amazon, but in the Philippines you can find it here.

Hot To Get To Port Barton

There are Recaro vans which can transport you here to Port Barton from Puerto Princesa. They take 3 or 4 hours and the cost is 350 pesos ($7). There is an open air bus that is 100 pesos cheaper, check the Puerto Princesa bus terminal for more info. Note: You can also take a boat from here to Sabang if the weather is nice, and even from here  to El Nido!

The town has a great vibe, and is not nearly as crowded as other beach destinations in Palawan. There are plenty of restaurants and lodging options, yet it doesn’t feel overdeveloped at all. The paved road will be completed soon though, so let’s hope it retains its small town charm in the future!

Oh, almost forgot! They are starting to throw full moon parties in Port Barton, so if you happen to be in Palawan during that time, check it out.

Hotels – Where to Stay

You can check Port Barton hotel rates and reviews HERE (Agoda) or HERE (Booking.com)

Curious about how much a flight to Palawan (or the Philippines) costs? You might be surprised, check it out.

Special thanks to Summerhomes Palawan for making this part of my journey possible. The next episode is the verrrrry arduous ride to Long Beach, San Vicente. The longest white-sand beach in the Philippines! Spoiler: It was worth it.

Pt 1. <  Pt 2. <  Pt 3. >  Pt 4.  > Pt.5 > Pt 6. > Pt 7. > Pt 8.

*Motorbike for this trip was graciously provided by www.rent-a-bike.ph.

If you notice any misinformation or something that needs correcting, please don’t hesitate to let me know!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

Have something to add?  Please leave a comment! 

The post Palawan By Motorcycle – Pt. 3: Port Barton Island Hopping appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

Words & Photos By Nathan Allen – Updated January 18, 2021

The Ride of a Lifetime: Chapter 2

I said goodbye to the wonderful staff at Ivywall Hotel in Puerto Princesa and started riding north toward the beach town of Sabang. Before I left city proper, I noticed Robinson’s shopping mall on the right. I prefer to support “mom & pop” stores, but with limited time, this is probably your best best to find everything you need. Once you’re in paradise, options will be few and far between, and possibly more expensive.

Viet Ville Restaurant

Further up the road on the same side, you can find “Vietnamese Village”. During the Vietnam War, many refugees came to this part of Palawan, and a few remnants of their culture remains. There is a restaurant, a few bakeries, and even a Buddhist temple here.

This is a very worthwhile photo stop on the way to Sabang, because you can order some fresh baked Bánh mì (bread) and delicious phở gà, or chicken soup. The staff was very kind, and the decor and surroundings were quite beautiful.

The Fascinating Landscapes of Sabang

Soon, I was well on my way through the jungles and limestone cliffs near Sabang. There is nothing quite like this region in the Philippines. Tall, elegant trees with slender white trunks provide shade along the way. If you happen to know the name of these trees, please let me know!

To me they make the area look reminiscent of an African landscape…I kept expecting to see giraffes as I turned each corner! You will also pass quite a few sleepy local villages and huts along the way.

Karst Mountain – Elephant Cave

After a while I noticed some fascinating limestone cliffs on the right, jutting up from the rice fields. I decided to stop and hike around a bit. A signpost read that this is the “Elephant Cave”, and the location of one of the Amazing Race episodes. Today there wasn’t a soul around, just a lonely carabao (water buffalo) and I.

This was also a great place to take a photo of my trusty traveling companion:

As you can see below, I trekked around here a bit. Sometimes in the tropics, you have to take your flip flops off to avoid breaking them. They get stuck in the mud with each step, and when you pull your foot up, you can easily tear the strap. I’ve learned my lesson on previous trips:) Anyhow, it’s nice to feel the mud between your toes sometimes, right?

What you don’t see is the close up of all the bug bites I received on my feet during this trip. You’re welcome.

Don’t forget that insect repellent!

(Sabang, Puerto Princesa in photos: 1. Countryside hut made from bamboo 2. Tropical yellow flower near Elephant Cave 3. My muddy feet trekking through the grass

This is a great location to see the majestic limestone cliffs and mountains in the area. Just be warned, people familiar with the Rockies, Andes, or Alps might just call these “hills”. Haha. Very beautiful, in any case. 

Scenic Sabang Beach, Palawan

Soon I was back on the bike and arriving at Sabang Beach in no time. It was about a 4 hour ride, including my photo breaks. This area is famous because of the Underground River, but scenically, it’s also one of my favorite beaches in the Philippines.

I love how the coconut trees and fishing boats line the beach, and how you can see lush, green mountains off in the distance. This is the rugged paradise I came for.

One reason you don’t hear much about Sabang Beach is because it’s steep, and has a strong current. This doesn’t make it well suited for swimming, but for taking photos or simply relaxing in a hammock, it’s just perfect. Watch out for sand fleas (locally known as nikniks). They tend to be along the water’s edge around sunrise and sunset. I heard OFF lotion helps, but I can’t confirm.

These bites are the worst! Like mosquito bites that itch for 2 weeks instead of 15 minutes.

Anyhow…

My ultimate destination after this ride was Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort, which was kind enough to invite me to share the experience with you. What an incredible place to rest and relax after a full day of riding and shooting! I recommend reading the full blog post when you get a chance.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

I enjoyed Sabang Beach on a previous trip, but what I actually came for this time is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

The next morning I woke up and met my guide Jay from 8 Dragons Tour Company. They were very kind to provide my tour as a token of thanks for promoting the Philippines. They even mentioned there was no need to promote their business specifically, but I honestly had a great time, and I love to share the best with my readers.

We ended up joining a boat with a family from the Bay Area in California, exactly where I’m from! What are the chances? Water was a bit choppy due to the windy season, but it was nothing we couldn’t handle. Within 20 minutes we arrived at the walkway to the world famous Underground River, one of the longest navigable water caves in the world.

Wildlife Near Underground River Entrance

On the walk to board the actual Underground River tour boat, you’ll have a chance to see some of the exotic animals that can be found in Palawan.

Giant Monitor Lizards

You will probably see large monitor lizards along the sides of the trails. They are harmless, unless you push your luck and get too close. These are relatives of the giant Komodo Dragons of Indonesia. They’re definitely not that large, but they still probably weight up to 25kgs (55lbs), and for a lizard, that’s pretty massive.

Monkeys

Monkeys can be found scavenging around the site, and if you’re carrying a plastic bag or snacks, they might come right up to you and swipe it out of your hands! They do this in other countries as well. It’s best to avoid carrying anything they might be interested in. They can be surprisingly aggressive if you challenge them, and you don’t want to cut your trip short because of an infectious bite or scratch from a cheeky monkey.

The Underground River Tour

I boarded the boat with the same group, but an elderly couple joined us and sat in the very front. I’m not sure if they were elder missionaries, or just a young-at-heart, but I loved the fact that they were on the other side of the world taking a boat tour through a mysterious jungle cave together at this age. Life goals!

The Underground River tour now includes an audio accompaniment. They provide headphones, which you can keep afterward. This was one of my favorite things about the tour, so kudos to whoever thought of it. Somehow closing yourself off in your own little “headphone world” makes it feel more personal and intimate.

The narration is quite fascinating and informative…my only suggestion is that they consider having a Filipino English speaker do the narration next time. It’s a bit odd to be in the Philippines, a very capable English-speaking country in SE Asia, and hear the narration done by a British person.

Just as many others are, the cave itself is home to thousands of bats. You can see them peppering the ceiling along the way, assuming your guide has his flashlight aimed correctly. If you’re lucky, you might see a snake or two as well…they climb high up on the walls and snatch bats right out of mid air!

Along the way, the narrator will point out plenty of formations that resemble various animals, objects, and in a highly Catholic country, religious figures. Of course, there are plenty of stalactites and stalagmites as well. The scale of this water cave really is just massive. It’s no wonder it’s been named one of the world’s “New 7 Wonders of Nature”.

I don’t recommend using your camera flash here, so it helps if you have a very fast, low-light lens. Mine has an f1.8 aperture, so it worked pretty well to capture the enchanting scenes along the way. A piece of advice, though: Water drops fall from the cave ceiling every now and then, so be mindful of that. I had one hand covering my camera for a good portion of the tour, just in case.

Now that I think about it, a very good camera for this tour would be the Olympus TG-4, which I have previously reviewed. It has a fast f2.0 lens, and is completely waterproof! It takes great pictures, and is also a perfect underwater camera for snorkeling and diving in the Philippines.

After our tour, the American group decided to do the jungle hike on the way back (instead of returning in the boat). That is another option, just so you know. I caught up with them later on the beach in Sabang, and they said they quite enjoyed it.

(Continued below…but I’d be honored if you follow along with me on FB)

Filipino Food Lunch Buffet – and Tamilok!

My guide Jay and I took the boat back, and then walked to the far end of Sabang Beach, where a nice buffet of local Filipino food was waiting for us. Your guide can help make recommendations or answer any questions you might have about the food.

This is something interesting: At many buffets in the Philippines, they will actually charge you extra if you don’t finish all your food! This must be to keep people from feeding their friends with their single purchase:)

It’s a steep penalty, too! 200 pesos is equal to $1,000USD. OK, OK….just kidding. It’s actually less than $5, but still! Haha.

If it’s available, you might be able to try the infamous “tamilok” or giant “wood worm” here. You may have seen it on TV. I was able to try it at Daluyon Resort where I stayed. They made “kinilaw”, or Filipino ceviche with it. I guess that’s kind of cheating, but at least I tried it! Haha.

By the way, I took virtually all the shots on this page with my Sony RX100III. It’s a powerhouse of a little camera! That link is for Amazon, but in the Philippines or Singapore you can find it here.

All in all, the Underground River Tour was much better than I expected it to be. It can book up quickly, so try to make your reservations as early as possible. You can contact 8 Dragons Tour company HERE.

You can check hotel rates and reviews in this area HERE (Agoda), or HERE (Booking.com)

Flights to and around the Philippines don’t cost as much as you might think.

Big thanks to Jennifer & Jay @ 8 Dragons, and Kimberly @ Daluyon for making this leg of my Palawan trip possible. Next episode is the adventurous off road ride to the beautiful and sleepy beach town of Port Barton…

Pt 1. <  Pt 2. >  Pt 3. >  Pt 4.  > Pt.5 > Pt 6. > Pt 7. > Pt 8.

*Motorbike for this trip was graciously provided by www.rent-a-bike.ph.

If you notice any misinformation or something that needs correcting, please don’t hesitate to let me know!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Have something to add?  Please leave a comment! 

The post Palawan By Motorcycle – Pt. 2: The Underground River Tour + Sabang appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

 By Nathan Allen

After the positive response from my recent series “Manila in Black and White“, I decided to use the B&W format to capture the beauty of life in the Philippine countryside.

In my mind, it’s perfect. A timeless format for these timeless landscapes.

I captured the following images with my little Sony RX100III.

A Story in Pictures – Life In The Provinces.

As I walked toward the sea, I noticed these 3 men…and wondered how many generations their families have been fishing here.

This is one of my favorite shots. A few fishing boats have been pulled off the beach, and I found this one resting on the pavement under some dramatic storm clouds.

Sto. Domingo is known for it’s black sand beaches, and here I found a local fisherman casting his line directly from the shore. A black sand beach lends itself perfectly to striking black and white photography, I realized.

These regions of Bicol are often hit by typhoons coming in from the open waters of the Pacific. In fact, I was near here, in Legazpi, when typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines. I volunteered for repacking relief goods afterward.

(continued below)

Farms, Rice Fields & The Countryside

I found this little guy while walking through a rice field. He is already black and white, so I suppose he feels perfectly at home without color:)

There are so many beautiful tropical plants and fruits in the Philippines. Here I captured some bright young papaya contrasted against the dark rice seedlings growing behind it.

Around the Barangay

In the Philippines, a neighborhood is called a “barangay”. The community is quite tight-knit, and for the most part, everybody looks out for each other.

This picture of an old Spanish church was actually taken from a moving car. I guess I was pretty lucky. With a fast lens and the right shutter speed settings, you can also capture some truly candid photos this way!

Here is a nice slice of everyday provincial life. I assume this is a lola (grandmother) walking with her grandson in the rain. Small pathways like this often lead through barangays in the provinces.

As a photographer, I am always fascinated by the colorful clothes hanging out to dry in the Philippine sun. I guess I love the splash of color against the lush green background of coconut trees. Of course, the shot below is black and white, but the shirts were all white anyway, so it was perfect…

(Again, all of these photos were taken with a Sony RX100III pocket camera. That link above is for Amazon, but you can find it in the Philippines and Singapore HERE. I am not partnered with Sony, but using those links will help me create more content like this)

Home In Time For Dinner

There is nothing like real home cooked food in the Philippines. For me, the deeper in the provinces I go, the better the food tastes. Family is expected to eat meals together whenever possible…I always enjoy seeing how these traditions are preserved.

The image above shows a typical indoor kitchen, but I think meals are generally cooked in a connecting outdoor or “open air” kitchen (pictured below).

In this series, I tried to provide a unique and artistic glimpse into provincial Filipino life – I hope I achieved this, and I certainly hope you enjoyed. Please feel free to share, and join me for more adventures on FB!

– Nathan Allen

(Updated January 18, 2021)

www.idreamedofthis.com

Like my page to follow along with me  – Nathan

Click the camera image below to read more about the Sony RX100III featured in this article…

Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

Have something to add?  Please leave a comment! 

The post The Timeless Beauty of the Philippine Provinces – in Black & White appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.