Waking up at two in the afternoon is a regular thing for me. It’s been a year since I’ve change my sleeping routine because of work. It was a Sunday, I got up and cooked late lunch. While I was sitting at my table, I remembered something. A memory that seems like a dream. Six hours ago (as we were writing this article), I was waving goodbye to the very accommodating crew of Club Paradise in Palawan. It was surreal and it felt like the whole experience was just a dream.
Two days ago …
We arrived at Busuanga around 9:45am. It was a 45 minute or less flight. Coron is located at the northern part of Palawan, quite near Manila. Busuanga is the only airport located in the island of Coron. Everything in the airport is being done manually, from weighing, checking and even unloading and reloading of bags. From the airport, we headed towards our a picturesque stretch of cattle farms, a river, the ocean then to our accommodation at Club Paradise in Palawan. We wanted a hassle free stay so this was the perfect choice. From the airport, a van is already waiting for us outside. This I think is the only means of transportation you could use on your way to the island.
The land route took around 30-45 minutes. It was a bit shaky because of the rough roads which I think is caused by undeveloped lands. Untouched, I also felt that it makes the journey more exciting. You’ll see meadows with cattles and cashew trees which is one of the main source of living in the island (aside from fishing). Our guide was too eager to tell stories about the island. Along the way, I learned that they use two dialects in the island, Busuanganin and Cuyungin. Learning the dialect won’t be necessary for most of them know tagalog, and grasped English too.
At the end of the fun ride to the port, a boat will take us to Dimakya island. It was a smooth sailing trip via Dimayan River. I saw tons of Mangrove Trees on both sides and at the middle of our river trip we found a small fishing village. According to our guide, some of the residents here are expats who found love in the Philippines and settle for a very simple island life.
To the island called #Paradise #coron #clubparadisepalawan #palawanstaycation A photo posted by Rodel Flordeliz (@rodelflordeliz) on
Our home for 2 days – Club Paradise
The white sand, cool breeze, refreshing drink and island vibe music welcomed us on the island. They prepared an amazing treat for us to cool down. Club Paradise is an exclusive island resort in Coron Palawan. I could just stay here and enjoy the pristine white sand beaches, rustic and charming accommodations, colorful flora and fauna and a myriad of outdoor activities plus lounging options. It’s definitely paradise!
If you’re planning to visit Club Paradise, you’ll have the option to pick five accommodation options – the Beachfront Cottage, Garden View Room, Sea View Cottage, Hillside Cottage and Garden Suite. We chose the Beachfront Cottage for obvious reasons.
I felt so pampered after seeing our room. Ate Elaine (our female butler) was assigned to tend to our needs. We got complimentary fruits and sweets plus a foot massage right after we settled in our room. It was awesome to relax from that short journey there. The room was spacious enough for two to four people. It’s fully air conditioned with double beds, a living room, a bathroom, a walk-in closet, electric kettle, mini bar, personal refrigerator and your own safety deposit box.
The hammock at the veranda was the best part for me in the villa (aside from the bed). It was just relaxing to lie down and listen to the birds chirping while you feel the cool breeze sway me to sleep.
Another thing that I love about our room is on how they make it personalized by putting in framed photos along with a banner welcoming us to the place. It felt like home.
Roaming around Club Paradise, I found a 6 ft deep pool in front of the beach. I planned to do swim there later in the evening. There are also different bars in that area called Dugong Bar, Shack Bar and Sand Bar. There’s a recreational area found at the reception with table tennis, darts and working billiard table. Free Wi-fi is also accessible in this area and at the Ocean Restaurant.
If you’re extra adventurous, you may try to do some trekking towards Eagles Point and witness the islands beauty with a 360 degree view. Water activity is a must when you visit this place as it’s got a rich array of coral reefs just meters away from the shore. Good thing snorkeling gears are free to use here.
And if you are already hungry doing stuff, head on to Ocean restaurant and enjoy the different international cuisines they can offer whether be in ala carte or buffet.
One of the things that I’m really interested in witnessing in the island are the fruit bats. I heard stories from our guide that the bats hang there in the morning and leave to look for food at dusk. From a distance, they look like leaves on the trees but as you take a little closer you’ll see these large fruit bats hanging upside down. I tried to get closer. They weren’t dangerous but just be careful not to get pooped on. It’s amazing to watch them fly in and out of the island, they go in groups so make sure you have your camera handy while you’re there. Check out the video:
It was a very chill first day for me here at the island. I did some OOTD shoots under the heat of the sun while John (Kumagcow) was sleeping at the villa. I tried to finish all my shoots on the first day as I saw the second day would be full of activities.
We planned to do a Coron Tour arranged with the good people of Calamianes Expeditions. You can check out their services at http://www.corongaleri.com.ph or get a hassle free package deal by booking them up through Club Paradise.
I’m excited to share with you our second day! But for now, let’s all give love to Club Paradise. If you want to know more about the place, visit their website http://www.
