Palawan Paradise: Your Dream Sea View Cottage Awaits!
Palawan Paradise: Your Dream Sea View Cottage Awaits! – A Review That's Honestly, All Over the Place (But Mostly Amazing)
Okay, so, I’ve just gotten back from Palawan Paradise, and honestly, my brain is still buzzing with sunshine and… well, a slight tan line shaped like a pair of sunglasses (don’t ask). This place… wow. This review isn't gonna be your typical dry, bullet-pointed affair. We're talking honest-to-goodness feelings here. So buckle up, because it's gonna be a wild ride, much like that bumpy (but totally worth it) ride to the resort from the airport.
First Impressions: The Wow Factor (and a Little "Uh… Where’s the Bug Spray?")
Getting there was an adventure (airport transfer, check!), but the moment I saw those turquoise waters sparkling from my sea view cottage (shoutout to the air conditioning in my room for battling the Palawan humidity), I knew I was in trouble. Good trouble. The view? Seriously, picture postcards come to life. Pure, unadulterated paradise.
Now, they say “dream sea view cottage awaits!” and believe me, it DOES. My cottage had a comfy seating area, a ridiculously huge bed with extra long bed and blackout curtains (thank goodness for those!), and a totally unnecessary but utterly delightful bathtub (hello, luxurious bubble bath!). Plus, tons of air conditioning to keep you cool in the tropical heat, so you'll actually enjoy your stay. And the balcony? Forget about it. I spent hours just staring out at the waves. Pure zen.
Room Aesthetics & Comfort: More Than Just Pretty Pictures
The bathrobes were plush, the slippers were fluffy, and the complimentary tea and coffee (thank you, caffeine lords!) were lifesavers. My hair dryer actually worked (a rare and beautiful thing in any hotel!), but the real winner? The Wi-Fi [free], because… you know, gotta Instagram that sunset. And the In-room safe box was great for peace of mind. And, like, this isn’t just a pretty face, it's got thoughtful touches like a socket near the bed (genius!) so you don’t have to crawl around looking for a power outlet.
(Okay, confession: I did forget to pack bug spray. A minor oversight, but one I quickly corrected at the convenience store on-site. Thank goodness for that!)
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind (Especially These Days)
Listen, in today's world, “clean” and “safe” are HUGE. Palawan Paradise gets it. I was super impressed with their commitment. They have anti-viral cleaning products and professional-grade sanitizing services. My room was spotless (thanks, daily housekeeping!), and I felt completely safe. All the staff trained in safety protocol, which is great to see. They even had hand sanitizer everywhere. It's also great that they are taking actions like room sanitization opt-out available for those who don't feel comfortable.
They also had a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit, which are both great to have, just in case. Plus, the CCTV in common areas and outside property. I felt like I was totally protected.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (So Be Prepared)
Okay, so the accessibility… it's a little mixed. They have some facilities for disabled guests and an elevator. I didn't personally need them, but I did notice a few ramps here and there. It might be worth checking specific details with them directly, depending on your needs.
Food, Glorious Food! (And My Waistline's Regret)
Where do I even start with the dining, drinking, and snacking? Let’s just say, I ate my weight in deliciousness.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Phenomenal. Seriously, I’m still dreaming of the Asian breakfast and the fresh fruit. They had everything from Western breakfast (bacon, eggs, the works!) to local delicacies.
- Restaurants: There's multiple restaurants to choose from! The International cuisine in restaurant was perfect for my first night.
- Poolside Bar: They have a poolside bar with the best cocktails!
- Snack bar: For those moments when you just want a little something in between delicious meals, they have a snack bar!
I definitely indulged in the A la carte in restaurant and desserts in restaurant options. But like, the bar had such a great vibe! I sampled the soup in restaurant, too! If you don't want a bunch of food, you can order the salad in restaurant. One thing I loved was the bottle of water they supplied.
**(Rambling time: Side Note: I *may* have gone a little overboard at the *happy hour* at the poolside bar. The cocktails were strong and plentiful… and the next morning, I was very grateful for the coffee shop. So, yeah… pace yourself.)**
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: From Bliss to Burnout (in the Best Possible Way)
Oh, the things to do! Let me tell you… The resort has fantastic options for relaxation and excitement, really offering something for everyone.
- The Spa: OMFG, THE SPA. You HAVE to go. I treated myself to a massage (absolute heaven!), a Body scrub and a Body wrap.
- Pool with view: The swimming pool [outdoor] is stunning. But the pool with view? Even better.
- Gym/fitness: The fitness center let me burn off some of those calories!
- Sauna/Steamroom: They have both a sauna and a steamroom, and I can't explain the relaxation that came with each.
- Foot bath: They supply foot bath for any of you who have aching feet.
Services & Conveniences: Above and Beyond
Palawan Paradise nails the details. They have daily housekeeping (thank you, housekeeping angels!), a concierge (always helpful), currency exchange (super convenient), and a convenience store (bug spray, remember?). Plus, they offer room service [24-hour]! Talk about decadence. Cash withdrawal is available too!
The luggage storage was super useful, and I appreciated the ironing service.
For the Kids: Seems Like Fun For The Whole Family!
Although I was traveling solo, I noticed they had some great stuff for families. There are kids facilities, and they even offer a babysitting service! Definitely a family/child friendly establishment.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly)
They have a car park [free of charge]. Taxi service is also available.
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because No Place is Flawless)
Okay, so here's the honest truth. While everything was amazing, there were a few minor hiccups:
- The internet… (okay, here i go!) the Internet was a little spotty at times in the common areas. The Wi-Fi in public areas was solid, but not blazing fast. My Internet access – wireless was great in my room, thankfully.
- The service, while generally excellent, was sometimes a tiny bit slow during peak meal times.
- There was a slight delay on my airport transfer!
The Verdict: Book It. Seriously, Just Book It.
Look, Palawan Paradise isn't perfect. But it's damn close. The pros far outweigh the cons. The stunning views, the luxurious accommodations, the delicious food, and the overall vibe? Unforgettable. It's the kind of place that makes you forget about emails, deadlines, and… well, everything.
SEO-Friendly Buzzwords: Palawan, Paradise, Sea View, Cottage, Pool, Spa, Restaurant, Buffet, Internet, Wi-Fi, Beach, Relaxation, Luxury, Family-friendly, Accessible, Sanitized Rooms, Safety Protocols.
My Final, Crazy-Good Offer (and Why You Should Drop Everything and Book Now!)
Limited Time Offer: Escape to Palawan Paradise and get a FREE $50 Spa Credit!
Why book now?
- Unbeatable Views: Wake up to the most breathtaking seascape you've ever seen. Don't just dream; live the dream.
- Unwind in Luxury: Sink into plush beds, pamper yourself in our spa, and lose yourself in the serenity.
- Culinary Delights: From fresh, local food to international cuisine, every meal is an adventure.
- Safety First: We're committed to your health and well-being with superior hygiene and safety protocols. (and I'm not mentioning your free spa treat)
**Don't wait! This paradise won't stay a secret forever.
Escape to Paradise: Serenity Island Resort, Fiji - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Palawan, You Siren Song (and My Messy Notebook) - A Cottage Conundrum
Okay, so here's the deal. I'm in Palawan. Well, I was in Manila, dodging rogue motorcycles and questionable street food. Now? New Wooden Cottage with Sea View (2). Sounds idyllic, right? Hold on to your hats, folks, because my travel diary's about to get real. Buckle up, buttercups.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Mosquito Massacre
- Morning (And The Great Delay): Flight from Manila. Let's just say Philippine Airlines and "on time" are not exactly BFFs. Sat on the tarmac for a solid hour, sweating in that humid pre-takeoff funk. Kept trying to convince myself it was "character building". Mostly just building up my rage.
- Afternoon: El Nido Airport - Pretty But Impractical The airport in El Nido is charming…if you like charm and zero air conditioning. Seriously, my luggage was delivered with a sheen of sweat. Found my driver (thank GOD I pre-booked). The drive…well, let's just say the roads are "characteristically Palawan." Bumpy, winding, with a healthy dose of stray dogs.
- Late Afternoon: Cottage Bliss! Okay, finally. Arrived at New Wooden Cottage with Sea View (2). And…it's beautiful. Seriously, pictures don't do it justice. That view? Jaw-dropping. Turquoise water kissing the sand, the little wooden cottage perched right on the edge… I practically squeaked with joy. Squeaked like a teenage girl at a Justin Bieber concert. Don't judge.
- Evening: The Mosquito War. Dinner on the porch. Romantic, right? Wrong. Turns out those little bastards love me. I swear, I was a walking buffet. Smothered myself in repellent, but it was a lost cause. Woke up at 3 am itching like I'd wrestled a cactus. Swore off the porch for the rest of the trip.
- Side Note: Bought a fan. Best. Investment. Ever. Seriously, a fan is a life-saver to beat the heat.
Day 2: Island Hopping: Sun, Seasickness & Savage Sandwiches
- Morning: The Boat Ride of Awesomeness & Unease: Island hopping tour. Hopped on the bangka (local boat). The sea was a glorious shade of…well, everything. Sapphire, emerald…it was unreal. Snorkeling was incredible. Saw coral reefs bursting with color. Literally gasped when a sea turtle cruised by. Pure magic.
- Mid-Morning: Seasickness Strikes! The water got a bit choppy. And I, who usually sails like a seasoned captain, felt…off. Green around the gills. Clinged to the side of the boat, praying to the sea gods. Ate a ginger biscuit. It helped a little.
- Lunch: The Sandwich Catastrophe: Lunch on a secluded beach. Picture this: pristine white sand, swaying palm trees, a picnic basket overflowing with…wait for it…soggy sandwiches. My expectations were soaring, only to come crashing down. The bread was damp, the fillings were questionable. I think there was mystery meat in that one. I had to eat my feelings. And about half of the soggy sandwich because I was starving.
- Afternoon: The Sunburn Incident & The Perfect Sunset: Tried to be cool. Got too much sun. Big mistake. Ended up looking like a boiled lobster. But the sunset…oh. The sunset. It was a masterpiece. The sky exploded in orange, pink, and purple hues. The waves whispered secrets to the shore. Worth the sunburn. Totally worth it. Pure, unadulterated beauty.
- Evening: Dinner & The Acoustic Guitar: Had dinner at a beachside restaurant in El Nido town, tried the local beer. Okay but not my favorite. Listened to a guy playing acoustic guitar. Cheesy, maybe. But felt kinda good. Maybe the beer helped…
Day 3: Corong Corong Beach & Unfulfilled Promises
- Morning: Corong Corong Beach: The "Almost Perfect" Beach. Decided to check out Corong Corong Beach. Beach bummin’ time! Nice sand, nice people! The view was… pretty good, but slightly less postcard-y than the initial cottage view. Still beautiful, but there are a few stray beer bottles and a lot of loud music. It isn't the peaceful Paradise I was hoping for.
- Afternoon: The Promised Massage That Never Was. The cottage offered a massage. Booked it. Waited. Waited. Waited. No masseuse. Apparently, the schedule got messed up. My shoulders have been tense for days now. Still tense. I wanted a massage! Need a massage. This is so frustrating.
- Evening: "Maybe Tomorrow" Syndrome. Ate at a cute little restaurant. Had some excellent fish. Felt slightly better. Kept repeating the mantra, "Maybe tomorrow, maybe tomorrow", to try and calm down about the massage situation.
Day 4: Kayak Adventures & Cottage Life In A Nutshell
- Morning: Cottage Life The cottage itself. Woke up with sea view. My own little wooden castle. Loved it. Had a mini fridge stocked with drinks. Enjoying the comforts.
- Late Morning: Kayaking: The Workout I Didn't Sign Up For Rented a kayak. Headed out on the water. Paddled around the bay. Getting tired. This is harder than it looks! It became a real workout. Which, considering I’d just spent the last few days eating and drinking, maybe wasn't such a bad thing.
- Afternoon: Pool Time (Finally!) The cottage has a pool. Relaxing in the pool. Read a book. Sipped some iced tea. Soaking up the sun. Not the most profound activity, but sometimes you just need a little mindless bliss.
- Evening: Sunset, The Sequel Had dinner cooked in the cottage. The cook was amazing! Tried the local seafood, which was superb. Watched the sunset. The second sunset was just as stunning as the first. More than worth the trip.
Day 5: Departure – Bittersweet Goodbye
- Morning: Packing & Breakfast Packing. Always a fun experience. Breakfast at the cottage. Fresh fruit, coffee. Another chance to enjoy that view.
- Late Morning: Farewell to paradise. Checking out. Saying goodbye. It was more difficult than I thought it would be. Already missing the sea view.
- Afternoon: Travel back to Manila Last flight to Manila. Thought about the cottage, the sea. And that darn massage. I’ll be back. Eventually.
- Evening: Back in Manila. Back to the chaos. But with a heart full of memories (and a few mosquito bites).
Final Thoughts:
Palawan, you magnificent, messy beauty. You gave me sun, sea, and enough adventure to last a lifetime. You tested my patience, challenged my comfort zone, and left me with a craving for more. The cottage? Perfection. The food? Hit or miss. The mosquitoes? Satan's offspring. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing industrial-strength bug spray. And pre-booking that damn massage. And maybe a hazmat suit… just in case.
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Palawan Paradise: Your Dream Sea View Cottage Awaits! - FAQ (with a Whole Lot of Extra)
Okay, so... what *exactly* am I getting into at this "Palawan Paradise?" Is it actually paradise? (Don't sugarcoat it.)
Alright, honesty hour. Palawan Paradise? Well, it's not *exactly* like the brochures. You know, the ones with the impossibly blue water and airbrushed sunsets? Those are… artistic interpretations. But! It's *close*. Think: waking up to the sound of the waves – seriously, *right* outside your door. That alone is worth half the price of admission. The cottages? Rustic charm, let's call it that. Don't expect marble floors and a butler. I spent a week there, and let me tell you, learning to live with geckos becomes a surprisingly zen experience. They’re cute…ish? ... And occasionally they fall off the ceiling. But hey, it's character!
The Sea View. Is it REAL sea view? Like, *amazing* sea view? I'm picky.
Oh, the view. Okay, *this* is where Palawan Paradise actually delivers. I'm talking, *breathtaking*. And *yes*, seriously amazing. I'm a "view snob," full disclosure. I've stayed in places that promised ocean vistas and delivered... a sliver of water between two palm trees. Not here. Each morning, I'd stumble out of my cottage, half-asleep, and BAM! The ocean. The colours... oh man, they shift constantly. Turquoise, sapphire, sometimes even this weird, shimmering emerald. One day, I swear, I saw dolphins playing *right* in front of my cottage during breakfast. Okay, it was more likely a particularly energetic school of tuna, but still! My point is, yes, the sea view is as real as it gets. Pack your camera… and maybe some Dramamine if you get seasick easily.
Cottage Life. What's it *really* like? Is the electricity reliable? (Cause, you know, modern life.)
Cottage life… is an adventure. Think “Robinson Crusoe… but with Wi-Fi occasionally.” Electricity? Uh, let's just say it's… unpredictable. There's a generator; it kicks in, it doesn't kick in, it hums menacingly in the background. Prepare to embrace the candlelit life. Which, actually, isn’t so bad. Bring a power bank for your phone! And maybe a book. (Although, honestly, you'll probably be too busy staring at the ocean anyway.) The Wi-Fi… it's there, in the loosest sense of the word. It's like a shy little creature that occasionally peeks out, then disappears. I managed to upload a picture after a lot of tinkering, and it took me 1 hour to upload a single picture of my cottage. Embrace the digital detox, people. It's liberating! And the geckos, as mentioned, are your roommates. Get used to it. They eat mosquitos. Consider it a symbiotic relationship.
Food? What's the food situation? Are we talking instant noodles or gourmet dining? (I need to know!)
The food, ah, the food! Okay, here’s the good news: they have amazing fresh seafood. Like, seriously, the best grilled fish I've *ever* had. The bad news? Options are limited. It’s a local restaurant, don’t expect Michelin star quality, but you're on a beach, you’re surrounded by the freshest catch, and the beer is cold. So, you know, perspective. They do a pretty good breakfast, too: eggs, rice, maybe some fruit. But get ready for a lot of rice. And I mean, *a lot* of rice. My advice? Embrace it! Also, if you have any dietary restrictions, let them know *before* you arrive. They're accommodating, but communication can be a little… challenging. I am a vegetarian, and the first day, I was staring at the fish on my plate with existential dread. (I got a veggie option the second day. I think the cook felt bad for me.)
Can I get a massage? (Because, hello, vacation!)
YES! Well… sort of. They have a lady who comes around and does massages. It's not a spa, mind you. Think… a lovely woman, skilled hands, a basic massage table set up on your porch. It's incredibly relaxing, and the sounds of the ocean while you're getting that done are just heaven. The first time, the sea breeze was so strong, my sarong almost blew away mid-massage. It was all I could do to get it back. It was the most memorable massage I've ever had, honestly. Be sure to book it in advance! And tip generously - she deserves it.
Beaches and Swimming! Are they good? (Or are they full of rocks?)
The beaches are amazing! The main beach right in front of the cottages is stunning. Soft, white sand. The water is clear and warm. The swimming is great. The snorkeling is even better. Bring your own snorkeling gear - it is recommended! I spent hours that day there, just floating and watching the marine life. I saw a sea turtle, a clown fish… everything! If you explore a bit further, you'll find some hidden coves, too. Just beware of sea urchins! (And the occasional rogue wave… I speak from experience. I lost my sunglasses that day.) Beaches = YES. Rocks? Minimal. Sand? Perfection.
Transportation: How do I *get* there? And how do I get around?
Getting there is part of the adventure. First, you'll fly into a local airport. From there, expect a bumpy (but beautiful!) ride in a van. The roads are a little… challenging. Think winding roads and stunning scenery. So, if you get travel sickness, get some meds. After that, you will either travel in a boat, or you just might have to walk. The walk I took was stunning, but, you're going to get muddy. Public transport is pretty basic, and if you have a scooter, be careful!
Is it safe? (Like, *really* safe?)
Generally speaking, yes, it's safe. I felt very secure during my entire stay. The staff are friendly and trustworthy. Pickpockets and petty theft aren't really a thing in the area. The biggest danger is probably overeating grilled fish and getting too much sun. JustHotel Radar Map
