Palawan, Philippines
MID SEMESTER BREAK TRIP TO PALAWAN
April 2019
Palawan, Philippines
Regan and I flew to Manila (only took a short 7 1/2 hours - and of course, I slept through every meal lol) We stayed one night at the Nobu Hotel Manila. The hotel was just lovely, and the food was incredible (just as amazing as the DC Nobu!!) And yes, I need to take a moment to discuss how I CRIED over the miso cod and the espresso martini! (oh and, of course, the sushi rolls!)
The morning after our amazing dinner, I woke up to go down to the awesome breakfast buffet at Nobu, where they have the best selection of fruits and an omelette station (YAY!)
NEXT STOP PALAWAN - PUERTO PRINCESSA
In Puerto Princessa, we stayed at the “Amazing Villa” Airbnb hosted by this incredible couple - Herwig and Theresa. The Airbnb was about a 1 1/2 hour drive from the city and on a private beach. The villa was beautiful and tucked away in the jungle with a stunning view of the beach. Every morning we could wake up and see a stunning sunrise over the ocean and then later watch an incredible sunset.
Here is a list of things I found unique about the villa in general
Herwig made homemade bug spray
He also had an extensive and good cocktail menu
Herwig and Theresa grow all their own food - they have a massive garden
They also have chickens = fresh eggs!!
They filter their own water.
Theresa (who is an amazing cook) cooks all the food on a wood fire stove - powered by palm tree leaves they light on fire.
We slept with mosquito nets and took nice refreshing cold water showers
I loved the fact the wifi was so sparse. It really gave us the opportunity to really immerse ourselves in the culture and the vacation.
They also had the cutest dogs and kittens.
NEXT STOP EL NIDO
We took the Cherry Bus from Puerto Princessa to El Nido which was about 6 hours in total. The drive was pretty and the bus played the Titanic. In El Nido we stayed at these super cute cottages on the beach - Lally and Abet Beach Resort , it even came with a free breakfast buffet! The highlight of El Nido is the island beach hopping tours - I would recommend Tour A and Tour C with Go Paradise!
TOUR A
Big Lagoon
Secret Lagon
Shimizu Island
Commando Beach
Ipil Beach
TOUR C
Helicopter Island
Matinloc Island
Secret Beach
Hidden Beach
Star Beach
HAPPY HOUR IS THE BEST HOUR!!
Sava Beach Bar
!!!Buy One Get One!!!
MANILA - LAST DAY
We stayed at the Nuwa Hotel - Next to the Nobu Hotel (in the city of dreams). Regan and I had a relaxing spa day. I got an amazing massage where they used traditional Filipino chili oil. The hotel even upgraded us to the Presidential Suite - it was incredible!
