From Singapore to Hong Kong

Outside Puerto Princesa, the streets are quieter. I notice that there is no litter anywhere on the streets. This is remarkable, as you do not often see this in Asian countries (except Japan). Along a winding road, we drive into the mountains. We are on our way to the underground river in St. Paul’s Subterranean River National Park. This national park lies on the other side of the island of Palawan. In the bends, it is important to hold on tightly in the minibus. We arrive safely in Sabang after about two hours. Here, several traditional fishing boats are moored, now serving as tourist boats. On both sides of the boat, an extra beam is attached for stability. From the pier, we step aboard. We are handed a life jacket. It doesn’t really fit. I doubt whether such a life jacket would help if you fell into the water—the vest would shoot straight up. I tell myself that I could quickly take it off anyway. When the small fishing boat heads out to sea, the engine makes a hellish noise. Talking to each other is no longer possible. The crew doesn’t seem fazed; this must be normal.