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Wedding Queries
Paradise, A Heaven on Earth Experience

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In a seamlessly isolated and quiet town that had made its name famous for its relaxing environment and cool waters, who in today’s generation have thought that paradise still exist?  And yet, the beauty of this place made every photograph I took perfect and exciting even with my amateur eyes.

It all started months before our son’s 2nd birthday and our enthusiasm to find solitude away from the busy schedules of our daily lives.  Fortunately, we had friends that were anxious to invite us to their resort and give us the breather we always needed.  So, off we flew via Cebu Pacific as we begin our enlightenment towards the beauty of Palawan.

It Feels all Natural

As soon as we landed and got off the plane, we were greeted with warm welcomes and generous smiles by the people of Puerto Princesa.  From the airport porter to the security personnel, each of these people knew the exact ingredients to make their town a successful tourist destination.

The refreshing air and abundant foliage made it even a perfect setting, reminding me what it was like during the early years of the Philippines way before towering buildings, supersized malls and flyovers were built.  It was an image of what our fathers and grandfathers enjoyed during their youthful years.  Majority of the transportation around town is through their specially designed tricycles where one can go from one area to the other for as little as six (6) pesos.  Van rentals are also available and one can hire at around three thousand (3,000) pesos for a whole day use.  This includes gas, driver and his assistant that would help you carry your extra stuff around.

If you are worried about being too far away from home, there are several banks around for you to withdraw some cash.  There are also some of our favorite fastfood restaurants like Jollibee and Chowking as well as a handful of internet café’s scattered around the city.  Quite frankly, the folks at Puerto Princesa did a good job on ensuring the natural beauty of their place while having all the necessary amenities we find in our highly urbanized environment.

A Resort Built for Honeymooners

That same day, we were driven to Duchess Resort, 64 kilometers from the city proper and to our amazement; it seems as if it was designed with couples in mind.  At an almost ankle deep waters spanning several meters from the shoreline, couples can take a walk and be reminded of how good it feels to be together alone for a few days.  For those who timidly want to sit and talk while watching the sea, each of the cottages has their own veranda facing the ocean.

The food was also exceptionally good especially since it is Palawan and seafood abounds, fresh crabs, shrimps and squids are cooked either fried or grilled depending on ones taste. There is also pork and beef as well as vegetables from the selection.  My family stuck with mostly seafood though since we wanted to enjoy its freshness which literally is quite hard to find in Manila.   It is simply, home-made cooking at its best.

As soon as morning breaks, it’s fantastic to find oneself outside walking along the beach on its lowest tide and watching the sun as it rises.  Imagine yourself being able to walk towards a barrier reef and looking down at schools of fishes that flourish in the area.  At these hours, you can’t help but forget the busy schedules you have and the commitments you need to fulfill.

Often did I remarked to my wife that Duchess Resort is somewhat a secret haven, a sanctuary perfect for newly wed couples to enjoy each other.  A yet to be known destination not far from Puerto Princesa’s city proper the resort provides the needed privacy for their guests.  Did I mention too that staying at this resort doesn’t even break your budget and you won’t need to count in dollars like any of the other already well-known and foreigner focused resorts?  An overnight stay would just cost you approximately four hundred (400) pesos to less than one thousand (1,000) pesos per day depending on the type of accommodation you wanted.  The cottages are simple, clean and evoke a country feeling.  The staffs are friendly and the owners were very accommodating and helpful in giving us information about the wonders of Palawan.

Islands… Islands and more Islands

Ever imagined being in an island and seeing its beauty from beneath the sea and around the shorelines?  This is what makes Palawan so unique.  With several islands around it, I was fortunate enough to hop into a boat at Honda Bay and enjoy the sea at one of their famous island… Snake Island.

No, there are no snakes here but rather the island is long and resembles like a snake thus getting its name snake island.  Clear waters surround the area, and the sand is as white as it can get.  Underwater features are something to behold.  It is a must have for anyone to actually snorkel and see how beautiful sea life can be.  My 2 year old kid was also fortunate enough that day to see some fishes swim at shallow waters and was able to feed these beautiful creatures crumbs of bread.

I’d strongly advise to take the island hopping tour so you can also see the other islands such as the luli island which according to our boatman, stands for “Lulubog-Lilitaw”.  Amazing as it can be, it is a private island complete with a house, speed boat and a diving tower.  Whoever owns this island sure has some money to spare.

Outstanding Adventures

Palawan has a vast number of unique and unforgettable places aside from their world-class islands. The subterranean river has always been the pride of Palawan and one must see this site at least once in their life and be facinated by the beauty our country.

If you love diving, then turtle bay is a dive spot you would not want to miss. As a couple, you may also enjoy mangrove sightseeing and river cruises along Bahile River and Kayulo River. Spelunking is also available at Ugong Rock Tower. And of course, Jungle trekking and nature adventure are just about everywhere in Palawan.

Paradise, A Treasure We Must Be Proud

After four (4) days, my family and I are still eager to linger and enjoy this paradise which many of us take for granted but are being enjoyed by our foreign neighbors.  But we have to get back to reality and start working again. But this time, with memories of this wonderful place made in heaven for us to enjoy.

 

(We would like to thank the Gideons International - Palawan Camp for their warm welcomes and most gracious assistance during our stay.)