Avilon Zoo is currently the largest zoological institution in the Philippines in terms of land area and collection of animals. The 7.5-hectare (19-acre) facility located in Rodriguez, Rizal houses more than 3,000 specimens of exotic wildlife representing more than 600 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fishes and invertebrates.(Source: Wikipedia)


The regular entrance fee for adults is PhP400 and PhP300 for children.  But I got a deal from Metrodeal for PhP199/person.

Going there on a Sunday morning, I decided to take the Marikina-Montalban route.  Having seen the road and experienced driving here (with the traffic and never ending two yellow line two-lane roads), I have already made up my mind that I'll take the Batasan route on the way back.  Anyway, it took us about 1.5 hr to get here from Taguig area (the drive home took only an hour).

Entrance

Reception Area

They don't have a map of the place yet but they are offering the services of a tour guide for PhP350.  Since we just wanted to tour at our own pace (and we're on a budget), we decided to do it on our own.

It was a short walk from the entrance before we got to this sign.

Here are pictures of some of the animals inside Avilon Zoo.

Barn Animals

Horses	Donkey and Deer
Wild Boar	Sheep

Birds

Ostrich	Cassowary	Hornbill
Macaw	Toucan

Turtles and Tortoises


Reptiles

Spiders and Scorpions


Crocs and Gators


Others

Arapaima	Leopard	Bengal Tiger
American Black Bear	Orangutan	Capybara

Most of the animals are hiding in the shade.  I think they're also feeling the heat of the sun.  We were not able to see the lion and the hippopotamus.  I'm not sure where they were during the time of our visit.  Overall, we enjoyed the place.

After the early dinner and coffee, we decided to walk a few meters to the provincial capitol.  We've passed by the capitol on our first day and it's unusual structure caught my eye.

One of the LED screens at the intersection 
 by the provincial capitol

Palawan Provincial Capitol

We asked permission from the guard to enter the lobby of the building as there's a sign  at the door for "No ID, No Entry".  I guess they're not that strict here.

The next day, we were already on our way to the airport at 5:30 in the morning.  Check-in counters for our flight are already open.  Oh, there's still a PhP40/person terminal fee that has to be paid at the airport.

After check-in, we proceeded to the gates.

This is just it... the boarding gates and waiting area

The gate

There are cellphone charging stations at this airport

This sign caught my eye as this is the first time I've seen it in airports.

Passenger Bill of Rights

It's time to say goodbye to Palawan for now.  We'll be back for sure.

After the bumpy ride to and from the Irawan Eco Park, we got hungry.  And since we only had light lunch, we decided to just have early dinner.  I wanted to try the bird's nest soup so we went to Balinsasayaw Chicken Grill and Restaurant in the town proper.  It was about 30 to 45-minute ride that costs PhP20/person (from Irawan).  Going to the town proper, it would be on the right side of the street, near the multicab terminal.

Facade of Balinsasayaw Chicken Grill and Restaurant

Tables are set up in elevated, nipa-hut-feel platforms

What did we order?  Of course, there's the infamous balinsasayaw soup (bird's nest).  One order is good for 3-4 persons and costs PhP495.  Good thing the server informed us that they have half order so we don't have to make ourselves full just because of the soup.  We also had pancit canton, crispy pata and rice.  We also had an order of mango shake and 1L of cola.  That's more than enough for the two of us.  The price is not that expensive.  If I remember it right, we paid around PhP900 for our order.

Balinsasayaw (Bird's Nest) Soup

Crispy Pata and Pancit Canton

The verdict: In my opinion, their pancit canton and crispy pata tastes just like that of other restos.  As for the bird's nest soup, it was really yummy.  Of course, I won't be able to compare it to others as this is the first time I've tasted it.  It looks like an egg soup but the color is plain white, it's not too thick and tasty, like the Nido soup but more delicious.  Just eat the soup as it is, no need for any condiments.

After the hearty early dinner, we were craving for coffee.  So, we crossed the street to Itoy's Coffee Haus.  I liked the ambience of the place, plus they have free wi-fi... yehey!  Coffee, though, is just ok... at least for the one I tried which is Cashew Frappe.  I forgot to ask if they have a specialty but maybe I could just save it for next time.

Facade of Itoy's Coffee House

 

Interior of Itoy's Coffee House

Near the counter

A frame hanging on the wall

Cashew Frappe