Club Noah-Isabelle: Heaven on earth

TAYTAY, Palawan (PNA) - On the south cove of Apulit Island on the bay of

Taytay, northeastern part of northern Palawan is Club Noah-Isabelle, the

newest resort in the country.

The private resort, Club Noah-Isabelle took its name from an old Spanish fort that sits

near the harbor of Taytay, Puerto de Sta. Isabel, named in honor of Spains Queen

Isabel II. It was built to protect the local townspeople from the 18th century pirates.

The luxury resort was the venue of the launching of the first GSM Tawag Center or

Public Calling Offices (PCOs) of Smart Communications, Inc.

A short notice by Smart stated that we will be going to the Club Noah-Isabelle resort

and will be staying there for three days and two nights. Off we packed our bags

myself, Digs Ramos of Manila Times; Melvyn Calderon of Asia Pic, Ruth S. Tadeo from

Smart Public Affairs and Aida Baltazar.

The other Smart officials arrived the following day Dave T. Fernando, Smart chief

technical officer together with his wife; Tina Mariano, manager, special projects;

Bryan Masigan, the Pricebuster man, Geoff Prudencio, public affairs; and Jericco

Juico, also of Smart.

It was an hour-and-20 minutes flight from Manila to Sandoval airport (its terminal

made of nipa and wood) in a 19-seater plane (Pacific Air). From the airport to the

resort, we had a 10-minute ride by land; from a small boat we transferred to a big

boat where we got a glimpse of mangrove-lined Tamisan River, which is part of

Palawans protected areas.

Finally, we reached the place and up we went to Nirvana Pavilion where we were met

by Bong Romero, assistant resident manager of Club Noah and gaily dressed staff who

greeted us with native songs and cool welcome drinks.

With the clubhouse as the hub, on the either side of the cove stand the cottages

jutted out into the sea. The large cross on top of the rock hill is the symbol of the

resort.

The sea infront is shallow to some distance, where sun-decks floating around for

sunbathing and snorkeling.

There are 50 cottages called Cabana thatched with cogon, giving the impression of

Tahitian, Beach house are all furnished with air-conditioner, hot water shower,

balcony facing the sea. Of the 50 cottages, 20 two-storey cottages are for family

use.

Fourteen cabanas are located at the west side and 16 are located on the east side.

On the very far end on the east side (room 16) was my cottage. They said I had a

nice location because right after my cottage is the Octagonal terrace where one can

just go down for swimming or snorkeling.

The clubhouse where the main dining room is housed has triangle-shaped roof. A

miniswimming pool with jacuzzi is right in front. Unique Rock-bar can be reached by

stepping up 109 steps where a spectacular view of the bay is great.

The resort can hold at least 150 guests. The guests can go diving, kayaking,

windsurfing, island hopping with snorkeling, cave tour, picnic lunch, sunset cruise,

swimming pool (pool with jacuzzi), or just sunbathing.

Smorgasboard or full-course of seafood or continental is served at the clubhouse and

floating restaurant. A variety of rice gruel, Japanese food such as sushi, sashimi, as

well barbecue are available. Sunset dinner on the beach or by the pool gives one an

unforgettable experience.

Isabelles seven charms include Silanga Island (Noa-Noa) where one can drink and

dance at the bar; the Pabellon, an island made up of marble; Quimbaludan, nicknamed

as Isla Blanca because of its lovely white-sand beach; Dinot Rocks, designed as the

sanctuary of marine-life; Tamisan River, otherwise called Rio Verde and is good for

kayaking, eelfishing along thick mangroves; Taytay town, the capital of Palawan

which is formerly called Estrella del Norte; and Lake Danao, nice spot for

bird-watching.

When its time for us to say goodbye, the staff gave the guests a hat made of sawali

as a gesture of their hospitality.

During our return flight, we were supposed to take Seair, but the one in-charge at the

airport kept on saying that I should board Pacific Air, separated from the group. They

dont want to put my luggage inside the plane. There were discussions, until I asked

the one in-charge where the manifest came and he answered from Manila.(PNA)