Woke up at 4.30am in readiness to depart for Narita Airport to catch our JL741 flight bound for Manila.

We walked in the still of the night for Waseda Station and transferred to catch an airport line to Narita. Airport formalities were actually quick for an international airport. Our flight took 5 hours to reach Manila. Most of us watched movies. Dad was in seventh heaven – la la land and snoring happily!

On arrival into Manila, it was a hot 27 degrees (as expected). We stripped out of our thermals and had to repack a few bags as we did not want to take unnecessary bulk to Puerto Princesa with us (not only lugging it, but paying for extra baggage).

We went to withdraw some money … $1AUD = 35PHP (as on the island they don’t have credit card facilities and we need to be cashed up for the next week).

Once the task was done, we arranged a mini van to drive us to Terminal 3. From 1800, we got it for 1000 ie: $25 (after refusing to pay $40 for the short drive there). There was a massive queue to be screened before entering the airport itself. We went through a self check-in with Cebu Airlines, whilst Dad arranged for our 7 pieces of excess luggage to be stored.

Airport procedures were stringent with shoes having to be taken off. Owen even had Dad’s beer confiscated from his carry on!

Our flight to Puerto Princesa (CEBU Pacific Air 5J 639) was delayed 2 hours due to ground and air congestion. So many people in the departure hall.

The Philippines are quite different to the previous Asian countries we’ve visited, the vibe is total relaxation!

After exiting the arrivals hall, we were bombarded by offers for transportation. As we were told how to get to ‘Love and Peace Jungle Resort’, we at least knew what to do and how much to pay. Time was also not on our side as the last bus north leaves at 10pm (it was 9.30pm by this time). So we jumped onto 2 tricyles (motorbikes with side cars that take 3 passengers) and raced to the bus terminal where a Cherry Bus was waiting. Paid 100PHP pp for the one hour ‘wild’ ride to the junction of ‘Love and Peace Jungle Resort’.

Once there, we started walking the 1.5kms to the resort. Luckily a resort employee was coming the other way (pushing a tricyle that had run out of gas). He regased on the main road then came by to pick us up in 2 groups to take us to ‘Love and Peace Jungle Resort’ … yay! We stayed in a family room tonight (all very relieved to find a comfy bed after a long day of movement!).