Palawan love affair

Palawan has always been one of my dream destinations in the Philip- pines and so it was with a mixture of profound anticipation and excitement that I finally grabbed the opportunity to go there a few weeks ago. I was even luckier that we were headed for the north of Palawan which boasts of a wide array of flora and fauna and generally unspoilt natural beauty in the province which is known as the Philippines’ last frontier. Going to the municipality of Coron, our group boarded an Asian Spirit flight which landed at the Busuanga Airport. This is a very small airstrip which can be credited for being well-maintained and having a clean restroom. We exited here without a hassle to a waiting jeepney and then to a huge outrigger boat which would take us after an hour to our home for the next few days - Club Paradise in idyllic Dimakya Island.

As we enjoyed the boat ride, the wind caressed our faces and the open deck gave us a scenic view of the islands with their abundant greenery and the tourquoise blue waters. The waters were so clear that we could even see schools of fishes swimming underneath. I realized then that going to these remote parts can be the best therapy there is. It makes you forget all your troubles as well as the rut the country is in. After all the smog, traffic, dirt and noise of Manila, Palawan lets you believe once again that this was how God envisioned our beloved Philippines to be - beautiful, pure and pristine.

As we arrived in Club Paradise, we were immediately given our welcome drinks by the resort’s friendly staff and then partook of a hearty lunch. I must say that the softshell crab in chili sauce was to die for and so were other seafood specialties like the grilled labahita, squid, and tanguigue. I would learn later that while fish and other treats from the sea were abundant in Palawan, the vegetables and fruits come all the way from Manila. That’s because agriculture is not a common industry in the province.

Afterwards, we settled in our nicely-appointed cottages which had a cozy hammock by the entrance. The verandah itself offers breathtaking views of the mountains and the South China Sea. Most importantly, the beach was just a few walks away, making the whole place ideal for swimming, diving or just plain strolling and smelling the breeze.

Ms. Glo De Paz, Club Paradise manager, revealed that the resort has embarked on a steady expansion since it opened in December, 1989. Through the years, it has been encouraged by the influx of Free Independent Tourists (FITs) like Asians and Europeans who continue to patronize the resort despite adverse incidents like the Dos Palmas kidnapping in 2001.

Surrounded by the best of what nature has to offer, Club Paradise takes pride in its top-class facilities and accommodations which has earned for it the Resort of the Year in the annual Kalakbay Awards (AA Category). Guests can choose from the beachfront cottages in Sunset Beach or opt for the duplex/condominium-type family cottages on Sunrise Beach. The unit’s designs are patterned after the traditional Filipino hut or "bahay kubo" with wooden floors and screened windows. The addition of a Phase III in the area, also called the Island View, has given rise to new apartment-type rooms and suites which are built on a hillside fronting the island’s natural lagoon.

At Club Paradise, there is never a dearth of activities to keep one occupied 24/7. I especially loved our boat ride through the surrounding islands with a view of the mountains and the lush mangroves. On the other hand, sports-minded individuals can have their fill of different water sports activities such as fishing, swimming, diving or just plain snorkeling. Club Paradise happens to be centrally-located in well-known scuba diving areas like the Housereef, a known feeding ground for green turtles and the dugong, an endangered marine mammal. Another prime dive site, the wreck of the World War II Japanese freighter Kyokuzan Maru, is just 30 minutes away.

For the adventurous, the resort can be a jump-off point for exciting visits to such tourist sites as the Cayangan Lake, the Maquinit Hot Springs and the famed safari in Calauit Island which is home to several species endemic to Palawan like the Calamian deer, bearcat and mousedeer.

For an alternative destination, the travel weary can check out Club Paradise’s sister resort, El Rio Y Mar which is only a 20-minute boat ride away. This one is strategically located in a cove and is set amidst a 500-meter stretch of pure white sand beach. Moreover, it offers a panoramic view of neighboring islands and abundant mangroves. Before planing to Manila, we made sure to drop by El Rio Y Mar and were at once enthralled by the sight of those cozy bayview cabanas made of imported cedar and native wood. The resort is known for its extensive watersports offerings and I made sure I tried the adventurous banana boat and Ringo Tube rides. For the latter, my cylindrical-shaped lifeboat was attached to a rushing speedboat and while it went around in semi-circles, I thought this was truly not for the fainthearted.

What would a perfect vacation be without lots of laughter, dancing and booze going around? Make it a few shots of tequila please. Even though Club Paradise was very romantic and reeked of "honeymoon," our group of predominantly single girls were determined to enjoy it the best way we can.

Staying in Club Paradise, I was in love in a different sense. I was in love and in awe at the beauty surrounding me that it made me think I would definitely retire in the islands by the sea someday.