slothis · English

Ugong Rock in Palawan: A Disappointing Dinner

2019-12-16 · Updated: 2026-08-11 · Original (Korean)

This article was translated from the original Korean post with AI assistance. Read the original Korean post →

The drive back from the Underground River was so long, and the tour took up so much time, that it was already dark by the time I returned to my accommodation. I felt like I needed to eat dinner right away, so I went into Ugong Rock, a place I had noticed while walking around. An event was in full swing, making it look unlike a normal restaurant. I hesitated, wondering if it was okay to go in, but they let me know the restaurant was open. Even without knowing the details, I could easily tell it was a Yamaha motorcycle event. The place was packed with bikes and people, as if everyone in the city who rides a motorcycle had gathered there. The vibe and how it was run felt a bit like a local rural festival back in Korea, but since it was entirely young people, it had a unique charm.

Illuminated sign for Ugongrak Grill and Seafood Bar at night
Photo zone with Ugongrak Grill and Seafood Bar written against a background of rocks and flower decorations
Various motorcycles displayed on a stage for the Yamaha Bike Night event
Customized motorcycles displayed on a stage with trophies placed in front of them
Yamaha Bike Night
Flashy customized motorcycles parked at an outdoor event venue and people sitting at tables
A band performing on a stage with blue lighting and people watching them
The guest singer, busy singing and cracking jokes

After coming in and sitting down, I was initially satisfied when I saw the prices. I excitedly ordered my food and waited, but it took a long time to come out. It seemed like the delay was because they were prioritizing the event. Perhaps because it was cheaper than 'La Terrasse' where I ate yesterday, the food quality seemed a bit lower. It was only slightly better than the buffet I had earlier today. It wasn't terrible, but yesterday's dinner was so impressive that this left me feeling a bit disappointed. If I come back, I think I'll just eat dinner at 'La Terrasse'.

Toasting by clinking two San Miguel Pale Pilsen beer bottles together
Fried fish dish served with red sauce and vegetables
The lighting was so dark I had no choice but to use a filter
Fried rice with carrots and green onions piled high on an oval white plate with a spoon stuck in it.
A stir-fried dish of shrimp, meat, and vegetables in soy sauce placed on an iron plate decorated with seashells.
A plate of fried rice and a fried fish dish tossed in red sauce placed on a wooden table.
I guess this is the actual color
A clear soup dish with large clams, chili peppers, and vegetables in a white bowl with a ladle resting in it.
This clam soup with lemongrass was the most delicious. I didn't even drink much, but it felt very refreshing. Exactly the kind of taste Koreans love
Small portions of fried rice, stir-fried shrimp and meat, and fish meat with red sauce served on a white plate.
A wooden table set with fried rice, a fish dish, clam soup, stir-fried meat, and beer bottles, while a person sitting opposite is wiping their hands.