Island Jewels: Dos Palmas-Arreceffi Island Resort

Palawan is known for its beautiful resorts. Its fine, white sands and clear, sparkling waters have attracted even celebrities such as Prince Andrew, Tom Cruise and Madonna. It is also a sanctuary to some of the world’s rarest birds and animals that have been studied by local and international conservationists. Unfortunately, most people know very little about the jewels of its capital city, Puerto Princesa.

A Haven For Endangered Species

The Palawan Wildlife and Conservation Center is located at Barangay Irawan. The center aims to preserve and breed two endangered crocodile species found in the country including the endemic Philippine crocodile. The well-equipped facility is manned by trained professionals in the field of research and development.

The tour starts with a view of the exhibit showcasing the different sections of the institute in breeding and protecting the crocodiles. Tourists are also ushered to an open-air shelter where some 50 live crocodiles are housed. It’s a rare treat to see the seemingly harmless creatures lying under the sun; crocodiles are said to sleep most of the time unless provoked.

Part of the tour is the mini-forest where Palawan animals are sheltered: the Nicobar pigeon, the talking mynahs, the Palawan bearcat, the porcupine, the peacock, pheasant, the hornbill, and snake-eating eagle, among others. One would never expect to find a carefully laid-out conservation project anywhere in the country. Yet, it is no surprise that you’ll find it in Puerto Princesa where nature’s bounty is well-preserved and treasured.

Cozy, Seafood Restos

A surprise attraction of the Puerto Princesa are the modern, cozy restaurants that surround the city. Upon entering Ka-Lui restaurant and coffee bar, it is customary to take your shoes off and walk barefoot to feel the soothing effect of the cool bamboo strip floor on the feet. Set amid a distinct garden of exotic flowers, plants and wild banana trees, the Ka-Lui’s rich interiors are surrounded with buho buri baskets and draped with hanging wooden flutes which serve as unique window curtains.

The food is not to be outdone by the rich interiors. Ka-Lui serves seaweed salad, bamboo shoot soup and entree of one of the softest, creamiest, tastiest grilled blue marlin. The dish is accompanied by spicy tiger prawns and char broiled tuna with fresh buko juice.

Rediscovering Dos Palmas-Arreceffi Island Resort

A private boat takes visitors to an island with two distinct palm trees jutting out onto the horizon: Dos Palmas-Arreceffi, lying on the calm waters of Honda Bay. This is the closest resort to Puerto Princesa.

The three-year-old luxurious resort is currently home to honeymooners, diving aficionados, families on vacations, businessmen on conferences and meetings.

Guests have a choice of marine sports adventures with the assistance of a professional, in-house guide. They are provided with gear and safety equipment for snorkeling, scuba diving (even for non-divers), kayaking by the island’s lush mangroves or fishing by the sea. Deluxe services for private picnics in nearby islands can also be arranged.

Dos Palmas-Arreceffi offers complete services for skin revitalizing, aromatherapy, and massage at its newly opened Tropical Spa located at the Garden Cottage. Leeds Trompeta, sales and marketing manager of Dos Palmas-Arreceffi Island Resort stated that the resort has undertaken improvements and innovations as it gears up for an exciting season this Christmas.

Currently, the Dive N’ Spa package for local tourists has resulted in 60 percent occupancy for the hotel until the end of December.

"Modesty aside, it is a good year for Dos Palmas-Arreceffi," Trompeta remarked. "People still look forward to great vacations. That’s why we make sure that the resort is complete with services and facilities so guests not only enjoy the moment, but come home with a memorable experience of the island as well."

It is no wonder that people continue to visit the resort for day tours or weekend getaways.

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Tours information about Dos Palmas-Arreceffi Island Resort may be coursed through its Puerto Princesa or Manila sales office at Unit 1005 Antel Global Corporate Center, Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Contact tel. nos. 637-4226 or 637-4236 or log on to www.dospalmas.com.ph.