TAYTAY, Palawan, (PNA) – Even as eco-tourism becomes a byword in the worldwide travel industry, there is still little assurance to travelers that the resorts truly live up to the tag.
But Club Noah Isabelle here located in the northernmost tip of Palawan, is one resort that truly commune with nature.
Visitors will appreciate that its environmental philosophy is infused in every aspect of the resort’s operations.
Tourism Secretary Richard J. Gordon has been pushing for Palawan as the model for eco-tourism in the country.
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 Spain’s Queen Isabel II. It was built to protect the local townspeople from the 18th century pirates.
Upon the invitation of Globe Telecom officials namely, Cynthia Evidente, Gold Endriga, Allan Cuevas and Menchi Cruz, Manila-based journalists were invited to visit Club Noah Isabelle.
Travel time from Manila to this scenic resort was one hour and 35 minutes, including a 45-minute plane ride aboard SeaAir.
Nestled on Apulit Island, just off the municipality of Taytay in northeastern Palawan, Club Noah Isabelle was opened in 1995.
The roots of the resort date back to two decades ago, when a young Japanese adventurer teamed up with a local Spanish-Filipino group to explore the waters of Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, and other coasts of the Philippine Archipelago.
The Team established the first Japan-Philippine Dive Jamboree in the Philippines using all the scuba gear and accessories the entire country could muster.
In 1976, the Team pioneered the dive cruises in Apo Reef, Tubattaha, Cavile, Arena, Boracay, Balicasag, Panglao and the rests of Northern Mindanao with the use of the luxury yacht – the M/V Sea Quest. The team later bought M/V Via Mare, a 75-foot dive boat bringing the group to more places in the Philippines.
In 1979, they ventured towards the westernmost islands of Palawan, now known as the Kalayaan Islands. While they were crossing the Calavite Point in Mindoro, the boat’s propeller got stuck with fishernets. They took shelter on a nearby island, popularly known as El Nido.
Abandoning the dive boat business after the last of their boats went under, the divers, together with the boat’s crew, built El Nido Resort on Miniloc Island in 1982.
Intended as a 15-cottage dive camp for Japanese, by word of mouth the beauty and splendor of El Nido spread quickly like wild fire.
El Nido Resort found itself an avalanche of clients, both domestic and foreign despite the prohibitive cost of coming here. The customers did not mind cluttered in 30 cottages sharing common bathrooms.
In 1993, an evolution of sort took place. The same people formed a new company they first call Club Noah and later renamed it as Club Noah Isabelle.
In 1995, the first GSM “Tawag Center” or Public Calling Offices (PCOs) was set up by Smart Communications, Inc. so that social issue could be addressed by good communications. It was established in Club Noah to link up the business with the outside world.
Bong Romero, Club Noah’s service quality controller said the Resort has 50 cottages called Cabanas, thatched with cogon, giving a touch of Tahitian beach-house built over the water with a balcony.
Sixteen of these cabanas are located on the east side, 14 are on the west side, encircling the cove.
At least 20 of these are two-storied family cottages with two rooms fronting on the west side. The Family cottages, the cabanas are all furnished with air-con, hot water, inter-phone, balcony.
The large cross on top of the rock hill is the symbol of the resort. The cross according to our guide, VJ Simin, faces the route in going to El Nido.
The clubhouse, on the other hand, where the main dining room is housed has trianngle-shaped roof. A mini-swimming pool with Jacuzzi is right in front. There are also several dining areas and bars scattered throughout the resort.
Rates are packaged. They include buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These are usually served at the main dining room, unless the resort is hosting a picnic, lunch or sunset dinner on another island.
The unique Rock Bar can be reached by stepping up 109 steps where a spectacular view of the bay can be seen. El Capitan has a pool table and is great for unwinding and the newest is the Nirvana Water Pavilion, which offers a great view of the West Beach area.
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