Inspiring Story
Imagine escaping the noisy engine of daily life and stepping onto a shore where the only sound is the rhythmic pulse of the Sulu Sea. A few years ago, a weary couple seeking an authentic escape discovered a quiet sanctuary tucked away in Barangay Lucbuan, Puerto Princesa. Far from the hyper-commercialized tourist lanes, they found a place where time slows down. Sitting at the ocean-view Grill Bar with fresh seafood and a cold drink, they realized that luxury is not about marble floors, but about having an entire stretch of private beach to yourself under a canopy of stars. It is a place where you arrive as a stressed stranger and leave as part of an island family.
Holiday Getaways
This quiet coastal escape is best for travelers seeking serene Holiday Getaways away from the heavy crowds. It serves as an exceptional retreat for couples seeking an uninterrupted romantic hideaway, scuba diving enthusiasts looking for a highly professional dive master and dedicated boat crews, and families wanting a peaceful, nature-focused environment where kids can explore the gardens and nearby marine life.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Direct private beach access with panoramic ocean views.
- Excellent on-site dive center perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Quiet, peaceful atmosphere far from crowded city areas.
- Friendly, accommodating staff that treats guests like family.
- Beautiful outdoor swimming pool and tropical gardens.
Cons
- Remote location roughly 45 minutes to an hour away from central Puerto Princesa.
- Limited dining choices nearby, making you reliant on the resort restaurant.
- The immediate beach area is better for boat departures and snorkeling rather than casual wading or sunbathing.
- Limited front desk hours and no rollaway beds or cribs available.
In-Depth Spotlights
Our In-Depth Spotlights show that room rates here typically start around 2033 PHP per night, making it an affordable mid-range option compared to luxury resorts in El Nido or Coron which can easily exceed 10000 PHP. While it lacks the lavish upscale amenities of Microtel by Wyndham or Hotel Centro closer to the town center, it provides far better privacy, direct beach access, and specialized diving services that standard city hotels cannot offer. It sits at a sweet spot for budget-conscious adventurers who prioritize reef access over downtown proximity.
Customer Reviews
- Service: 8.2 out of 10. Guests consistently praise the warm hospitality and helpfulness of the local staff and diving instructors.
- Facilities: 7.6 out of 10. The outdoor pool, hot tub, and dive shop are highly appreciated, though some room features are basic.
- Value for Money: 7.8 out of 10. Visitors feel the room rates are very fair given the private beach access and peaceful environment.
- Cleanliness: 8.4 out of 10. Rooms and communal gardens are kept well-maintained and tidy with daily housekeeping.
- Location: 7.1 out of 10. While loved by tranquility seekers, some find the distance from downtown and shopping areas inconvenient.
- Overall Rating: 7.8 out of 10. A solid, highly recommended choice for travelers focused on diving, snorkeling, and relaxation.
Solving the Travelers Problem
The biggest problem travelers face when visiting Puerto Princesa is choosing between a convenient city hotel or an isolated beach stay. Staying downtown means enduring traffic and noise, while staying at a remote beach can leave you feeling stranded. This resort solves that problem by providing built-in tour assistance, private boat rentals, and on-site dining. They bridges the gap by coordinating seamless airport transfers and custom day trips, allowing you to enjoy deep isolation without the logistical stress of planning your own transport.
Travel Guides, Safety, Scams, and Packing
When exploring the area, always use authorized resort transport or official tourist vans to avoid common overcharging scams from unmetered vehicles. Keep your valuables in the resort safety deposit box. The area is generally safe and peaceful, but it is wise to be cautious of stray dogs along public roads at night. For your packing guides, ensure you bring high-quality reef-safe sunscreen, strong insect repellent for the evening mosquitos, sturdy water shoes for rocky coral areas, a dry bag for island hopping, and enough local PHP currency since remote areas do not have nearby ATMs.
Transportation Tips
The property is located about 32 kilometers from Puerto Princesa International Airport. To avoid transportation hassles, arrange a roundtrip airport shuttle directly through the resort at least 24 hours in advance for about 1000 PHP per person each way. If you prefer public transport, you can take a local tricycle from the airport to the northern van terminal, then board a northbound shuttle van heading toward Roxas or San Vicente and ask the driver to drop you off at Barangay Lucbuan. Renting a motorbike from the city is also a great option for experienced riders who want complete freedom.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive at the resort, settle into your balcony room, and relax by the outdoor pool. Enjoy a sunset dinner at the Grill Bar.
- Day 2: Dedicate the day to the water. Hire a resort boat to take you out to the local reef for world-class snorkeling or diving with the resident dive master.
- Day 3: Take a day trip to the nearby Batak Visitor Center to learn about local indigenous culture, visit Binduyan Falls, and return for a relaxing beachside massage.
Local Food and Local Attractions
Do not miss out on trying local Palawan delicacies such as Lato (fresh sea grapes), Chicken Inato, and Chao Long noodles in the city center. Nearby local attractions include the beautiful Binduyan Falls for a refreshing freshwater swim, the Batak Visitor Center located just a short drive away, and the Maoyon River Cruise where you can experience peaceful bamboo rafting.
Events and Festivals
If you plan your visit around March, you can experience the lively Balayong Festival in Puerto Princesa, which celebrates the blooming of local cherry blossoms with street dances. In month of June, the city celebrates the Baragatan Festival, a massive week-long gathering showcasing the unique culture, local products, and vibrant heritage of all municipalities across Palawan.
Things to Know and Trivia
- Trivia: The resort serves as a key base for select liveaboard diving operations heading toward the famous Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
- The property features only 10 exclusive guestrooms, ensuring it never feels overcrowded.
- It is situated close to the Honda Bay area, making alternative island-hopping arrangements easily accessible.
- The standard check-in time starts at 14:00 and check-out is strictly until 12:00.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the exact distance from the resort to Puerto Princesa Airport? The property is approximately 32 kilometers or a 45 to 60-minute drive from the international airport.
- Does the resort provide free breakfast for staying guests? Yes, a complimentary breakfast is provided to help you start your day of adventure.
- Can I easily find public ATMs near the resort property? No, there are no banking facilities nearby, so you must withdraw enough Philippine Pesos while in the city center.
- Is the beach directly in front of the hotel ideal for swimming? The private beach is excellent for boat boarding and reef snorkeling but has shallow, tidal areas not ideal for casual wading.
- Are pets allowed to stay at this beach property? No, pets are strictly not allowed on the resort premises.
- What are the primary dining options available on-site? The resort features the ocean-view Grill Bar which serves a variety of local and international dishes.
- Is there a reliable wireless internet connection at the resort? Free WiFi is available within the public areas of the property to help you stay connected.
- Does the resort accept credit cards for all internal payments? Cashless payment options are growing but it is highly recommended to keep cash on hand for tours and minor fees.
- Can the resort arrange excursions to the famous Underground River? Yes, the front desk provides tour and ticket assistance for major Palawan eco-tours.
- What is the minimum age requirement to check in at the property? Guests must be at least 17 years old to legally manage the check-in process.
