An after-summer affair with Puerto Princesa

MANILA, Philippines - Who says vacations are just for summer? There are many advantages of cruising, sailing or flying to destinations even when summertime is long over. For one, affordable deals are a lot more available, allowing one to stretch his funds to be able to book in a top-notch hotel, do more tours and stay a bit longer.

Puerto Princesa City in Palawan is a top destination throughout its shifting seasons. Rain or shine, there’s simply no let-up of tourist arrivals to Puerto Princesa with its plethora of attractions and activities that can be enjoyed by R&R seekers throughout the 365 days of the year.

One proof of this impressive tourism gain is the increase to more 100 flights a week, from a very few number of flights in the 1990s.

Its most precious gems are the Underground River, which was declared one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011; Palawan itself, which was hailed as the World’s Best Island by Travel+Leisure Magazine, overtaking fellow tourist mecca Boracay; and the city itself for being the “cleanest and greenest city” in the country.   

Even with the rising tourist inflow, it never feels congested here owing to the expansive landscape of this destination. Just as expansive is the array of surprises the city has up its sleeves to complement its popular attractions.

When in Puerto Princesa, what better place to make your home than Hotel Centro? The prime favorite of domestic and foreign visitors, Hotel Centro is found at the heart of the city, featuring accommodations and amenities that match the world-class offerings of Palawan and take care of the needs of every discerning traveler. 

Hotel Centro sits on a 1.4-hectare property, replete with 111 guestrooms, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a spa, a souvenir shop, a travel and business concierge, five conference venues, a garden venue and three restaurant outlets.

“There is no reason why travelers cannot enjoy a good vacation in Puerto Princesa even when it’s wet and damp. Hotel Centro is here to help travelers get the best experiences at whatever time of year with its irresistible after-summer offerings,” says hotel manager Kharla Luneta.

Now is one of the best times to head for Puerto Princesa what with Hotel Centro’s After Summer Specials.

One can avail oneself of the superior room, which is originally priced at P6,000, for only P1,488 per person per night. At this affordable rate, the regular inclusions for a comfortable and convenient stay are still available such as airport transfers, buffet breakfast, with additional perks such as 10 percent discount on F&B orders, 10 percent off on spa services, 10 percent off on a tour of Kamia Bay. Two kids (aged 11 and below) are free of charge if sharing bed with accompanying adults.

And there are more After Summer Special offerings with UR Holidays, Hotel Centro’s Holiday brand, that will give travelers the chance to know a different personality of Puerto Princesa when the clouds breeze in.

For P7,228 per person, the UR Holidays All Inclusive promo offers a three-day, two-night stay on twin-sharing at Hotel Centro, complete with roundtrip airport transfers and daily buffet at Expressions Café. All Inclusive also means holidaymakers can experience Puerto Princesa’s top three crowd-drawers: Explore the natural beauty of the caves of the Underground River; indulge in seawater adventures — island-hopping, snorkeling, fish-feeding — of Honda Bay; and go on a fun-filled tour of the city itself.

The UR Holidays All Inclusive covers the van transfers, boat, lunch, permits, entrance fees, travel insurance and professional tour guide — especially customized for those who are too busy to think of the nitty-gritty of trip arrangements.

But if you wish to change sceneries within the city, you can also check out the spanking-new Kamia Bay Resort. A 30- to 45-minute drive from Hotel Centro, Kamia Bay Resort is the answer to couples, individuals, families and groups looking for a serene and pristine place that lets them experience a smorgasbord of eco-adventure activities.

UR Holidays offers a three-day, two-night stay with Kamia Bay Excursion that includes roundtrip land transfers, welcome drinks, set picnic lunch, use of resort cabana, floating balsa, kayaks, snorkeling gears, eco-tour activity, boat transfer to nearby snorkeling site, activity/tour coordinator services and travel insurance — all for only P5,688.

With UR Holidays All Inclusive, you will get an instant Underground River permit confirmation by calling Manila reservations at (02) 556-5656, the Palawan Reservations at (048) 434-1110 or the mobile hotline 0917-5991912.

For more details, log on to www.hotelcentro.ph or like Hotel Centro’s fan page at www.facebook.com/HotelCentro to win a three-day, two-night stay for two. Hotel Centro is located at San Pedro National Highway, Puerto Princesa City 5300.