I came across the chance to go to Dos Palmas through Ensogo. It was 50% off so I grabbed the chance and explore this very well known resort in Palawan. For those who can't recall where they heard Dos Palmas from let me refresh your memory. This resort is known worldwide since it is where Gracia and Martin Burnham were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf Group. The resort is most commonly known to Filipinos because this is where the young actor Rico Yan died. BUT despite this two things, I know I still wanted to go there and experience being at DOS PALMAS! I know that there are good thing about this resort and I want to experience it!
The package that I got included transfers from the airport to the resort and back. Our plane landed on time and we were warmly greeted by the Airport Staff of Dos Palmas. They took our bags and led us to the waiting bus. Apparently there were a lot of tourists booked for that day so they had to use a bus. The tour guide Josh was accommodating. She answered all the questions of the guests and she had a real pretty smile. The bus ride to the beach for the boat transfer took a little under an hour. From there we were escorted to a boat. The boat ride to the resort itself took almost an hour since the captain did not choose to "drive" fast to avoid the passengers getting dizzy. When we were told that the next island in the horizon is Dos Palmas, we got excited. We're almost finally there! We saw some people on kayaks near the shore and thought that they were the other tourists enjoying the amenities. To our surprise, the men showered the boat with flowers as we were passing by and greeted us with "Welcome to Dos Palmas!". Everyone on the boat were surprised and felt special which I guess is the experience that the resort owners want us to feel.
We were then assisted off the boat and was lead through the very famous walkway. The resort staff were playing local instruments and were greeting all the guests. At the end of the walkway, were were welcomed by another group of resort staff and we were given necklaces and our welcome drinks. We were then introduced to our Guest Officer who explained to us what they have on the resort and other stuff.
We then took a ride from a multicab like vehicle. We were dropped off at our beach villa. Ours was located at the 2nd floor. When we opened the door, it was really really nice. Air-conditioning has already been turned on prior to our arrival, flowers on the bed, restroom and our bags there as well. One important thing missing from the room was a TV. Which was really not that big a deal for me since i went there for the place and not just to watch tv. I opened the door from our balcony and was greeted with a very lovely view. See for yourself...
After unpacking our stuff, we then went to the restaurant. By the way, all the meals on Dos Palmas are BUFFET! Just like what Josh mentioned when we were on the bus, "Diets are not allowed in Dos Palmas!" What she said was definitely true. Mark and I were in food heaven. The restaurant staff just like the rest of the staff on the resort were really friendly. It was also nice since all the guests have reserved seating on the restaurant so you dont have to reserve seats yourself. After a hearty meal we looked around for a bit. We then got two bicycles since the rooms were really far away from the main buildings in the island. It took us some time to get good bikes. Unfortunately not all the bikes available are on good working condition.
After finally getting good bikes, we biked around the resort to check out other facilities. We reached the spa area so we decided to check out the services. As expected prices were really high since we are on an exclusive island. We biked around some more and found a lap pool. I said to myself that I would swim here first thing tomorrow morning then have a buffet again hahaha. There was also a big function room, a tennis court and a basketball court on the island.
The next day, we woke up early so I can go for an early morning swim. Good thing that the lap pool was pretty far from the main building so I think only a few guest know of its existence. I was the only one using the pool haha. After several laps, we got ready for breakfast. As usual, the meal was sooooo good. I got to eat a lot of bacon again just like in Resorts World Manila during my first visit there.
After breakfast we decided to go snorkeling. We of course had to sign some documents first then we were handed the masks and the vests then we proceeded to the dock. We took a speedboat going to the area designated by the resort as ideal for snorkeling. It was really nice since we can already see lots of fishes from the boat and we are not yet under the water! The water was not cold which was really good for me since I am not that comfortable with cold water. We took some pictures and videos underwater thanks to my GE underwater camera that I bought a year ago.
For our lunch, we decided to take it on the a separate island from the main resort of Dos Palmas. We took a boat to an island just for the use of Dos Palmas guests. The island was small but really really beautiful! We had a very sumptuous meal then strolled along the shore.
We then went back to the main island and decided to go kayaking. Both of us have never experienced it so we gave it a try. We were wondering if its going to be easy to navigate it since from the episodes of The Amazing Race that we saw, the racers were definitely having a hard time. From our experience, it was pretty easy using a kayak. You should have a good upper body strength though.
Dinner on our second night was at the garden. It was so nice with all the lights and the music. I cannot overemphasize the quality of the food that was being served. From the appetizers, to the main course to the deserts! I love them all!
After dinner we played Foosball a bit. There were also billiard tables available as well as tables for table tennis. At this time we no longer had our bikes so we had to walk the long way from the main building to our beach villa. We then had a well deserved rest.
Our last day was pretty much allotted to resting and a bit of eating. Checkout time was 12nn so we were forced to wait for the 1.45pm boat ride to the main island of Puerto Princesa at the restaurant which does not have air conditioning. We decided to drop by the souvenir shop while waiting but to our dismay is was closed since the personnel is on lunch. We checked with the Front Office and they were happy to have it opened for us! Good thing the personnel is done with his lunch otherwise its going to be awkward for us. Transfer from the resort to the main island to the airport was pretty much routine but was still pleasant.
Staying at Dos Palmas was really really nice and enjoyable. Given the chance and the budget, I would definitely go back here to escape from everything.
