Kamarikutan: Nature and Art in Harmony

Kamarikutan is the haven for artists wanting to see or join exhibits and art festivals. They hold Pagdiwata Festival in May with guests who are well-known national artists in music, fine arts, television, or literature. They also conduct workshops given by respected trainers in these different fields.

Spacious art gallery at Kamarikutan Restaurant

On a regular day, you may visit the spacious gallery covered by cogon leaves treated and bundled heavily before laid out as roofing. Do not forget to try the restaurant dishes. They have pasta, sandwiches, salads and typical Pinoy set meals. Don’t go home not having tasted the Kamarikutan coffee, brewed kapeng barako that will kick your sleepy spirit back in awe of the surroundings. There are also many souvenir items to choose from.

I personally love Kamarikutan for its advocacy for nature and art. It very well exemplifies what Kamarikutan means in English – forested or full of trees. From the gate, you will be greeted by towering trees that are home to different birds and even squirrels. There are big koi fishes in the pond, the favorite object of pictures among visitors. Bring along with you a good book while drinking a cup of coffee and forget the complications and yes, pollution in the world outside while seated on large stones below the trees.

Dang Maria’s: Scrumptious Food, Intimate and Homey Ambiance

When I think of Dang Maria’s I always think first of their roasted chicken with herbs. Then of course comes the thought that it is a very homey and a perfect place for intimate dinner with a date, friends or family members. The roasted chicken is an irresistible addiction, one that you actually crave for even while just writing about it. Do not miss eating this when you go to Palawan. It goes with a gravy that match the tasty effect of herbs.

Their pasta specialties are also bestsellers. Locals actually love their sarap-pinoy spaghetti because it is so affordable. There are also seafood and vegetable pasta and pizza.

If this is your first time in Puerto Princesa, you try going to the original Dang Maria’s in Manalo Extension. Dang Maria’s Dos in Rizal Avenue has a limited space contrary to the large area of the other. The main restaurant covers the whole ground floor of the Timbancaya ancestral house.

Its lawn is very wide that has been venue to various weddings. The Palawan cherries add color with their proud fiery leaves. There is a mini-park for kids, making Dang Maria’s a place for locals to treat their families out. There are also tables in the covered entrance and some kubo on the lawn.

The theme of the restaurant is jazz. Sometimes, Manay Jane or her children would play the piano for the guests. This is a family business and they themselves help serve the customers. They are indeed very good conversationalists, polite, articulate, soft-spoken and very accommodating. Through the years, their family has expanded to establish other restaurants with the same specialties as Dang Maria’s.

In Puerto Princesa City, there are many players in the food industry, may they be individual restaurants, bars, hotels or inns. Kinabuch for example is a famous hangout among locals and tourists especially those who love drinking and billiards. Other newer restaurants in the city are also slowly gaining popularity. Of these however, Kalui, Kamarikutan and Dang Maria’s are restaurants that excel with class, identity and character.

Tags: Palawan Dining Guide, Puerto Princesa Restaurants, Palawan Restaurants, Palawan Travel Tips