I’m not much of a spiritual person, but I urge anyone seeking some kind of awakening to book the earliest flight to Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
This is, of course, thanks to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, whose sheer magnitude made me unabashedly realize that I really am just a tiny speck in the universe. And to think that these were not the same rock formations seen by visitors over decades; now I’m emotional about my smallness and the passage of time.
Such points of reflection were only possible because I stayed at a hotel that encouraged it: the newly opened Four Points by Sheraton Palawan, just 20 minutes away by boat from the subterranean park. It cemented my belief that a beachfront hotel is better off shaving away the grandiosity and letting its prime location speak for itself.
On days I was not touring the underground river, I was reading on the quiet Sabang beach or working from the hotel’s all-day-dining restaurant facing the ocean. Four Points’ main selling point, aside from being the only hotel of its class near the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the luxury of space enjoyed by all guests. The 5.3-hectare property only houses 168 rooms across two floors, each with pool access or a balcony.
Four Points by Sheraton is known globally for genuine service in a casual environment, and its Palawan iteration remains committed to uncomplicated hospitality experience. It’s perfect for travelers like me — 20-somethings finding themselves, as our favorite cliche goes — but also families and groups looking for a new take on bleisure. The property boasts a 24/7 fitness gym, a spa with sauna, a pool bar, and The Cubs Club, an irresistible play area for the little ones.
Evolution, the all-day-dining restaurant, is buffet-style in line with the hotel’s casual atmosphere. Soon to open beside it is Italian joint Il Fiore, with similar al fresco seating. The hotel’s dining concepts are designed around Puerto Princesa’s natural bounty, sourced from local farmers and fishermen.
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Nature is a patient artist, says the electronic tour guide about the underground river’s magnificent rock structures. And it seems Mother Nature took her time with Sabang. Also near the hotel are Sabang Waterfalls and the Sabang Mangrove Forest — at the latter, our boat rower wildly caught the famous Tamilok and then served it to us with vinegar, fresh from the tree trunk. It was good according to some members of our media group; I was not brave enough to try so you will have to take their word for it.
At the heart of the island — and I think what made my trip so arresting and memorable — are the people. Every tour guide we met was not only impressively knowledgeable but also extremely passionate about their locality. The team at Four Points by Sheraton was filled with pride when talking about their collaborations with the local community; even their uniforms were made by nearby craft-makers. Their words brimmed with love for the natural wonders they call home. It was hard not to fall in love with it, too, even if it was only my home for a couple of days.
I recommend the hotel’s 3D/2N adventure package, which includes a Deluxe Garden View room, breakfast buffet, and a tour for two at the Underground River, Hundred Caves, or Ugong Rock Adventure with Zipline. It allows you to explore Sabang’s best while keeping your days free for poolside relaxation, coffee breaks at the al fresco restaurant, and contemplation by the beach, which I think is the part of the trip I enjoyed most.
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Four Points by Sheraton Palawan is part of Marriott International Inc. and recognizes the Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program. For more information on the Puerto Princesa hotel, call (048) 550 9000 or visit FourPointsPalawan.com.