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By Jodelen Ortiz

Dos Palmas Arreceffi Island Resort in Palawan was already famous among the tourists, both local and abroad even before the unfortunate kidnapping of the Burnhams by the Muslim rebels Abu Sayyaf spread across the globe, which expectedly gave Dos Palmas instant worldwide exposure.

Same thing happened in a national level with the death of actor Rico Yan. The media coverage did not necessarily promote the resort but it did help in increasing its popularity to the public.

Today, when you speak of Dos Palmas, the people would usually still associate it with the tragedies mentioned above. Then of course, its reputation for being highly expensive.

However, before passing judgment on the cost, ask yourself this question: How would you consider a Php1,800/pax for a whole day treat in a resort? Not so expensive if you think of how good the quality of service, food and leisure package is. This is the package that Dos Palmas offers for a daytime stay in the resort with free welcome drinks, buffet lunch, snorkeling, kayaking, biking and use of other facilities.

Dos Palmas is located northeast of Puerto Princesa nestled in Honda Bay, along with other almost famous islands usually patronized by the locals namely Snake Island, Pandan Island, Lu-li Island and Starfish Island. Dos Palmas covers a total of 20 hectares land area, 60,000 square meters of which is for rest and recreation facilities for biking, basketball, tennis, beach volleyball, beach soccer, badminton, and billiards.

The Karawatan Recreation Center on the north side of the island is a cluster of huts with indoor facilities for billiards, table tennis, and darts. There is also a bar and a videoke lounge at Karawatan. There is also a 3-hectare mangrove area on one edge of the resort.

When we had a chance to come to the island, it was for an official business. We were fetched by the bus service from the city and together with other Filipino and foreign guests we rode a medium-sized boat owned by Dos Palmas. Four resort crew played the percussions and gongs when we arrived, the trademark welcome for guests.

Welcome drinks were also served. Two tour guides conducted a brief introduction and orientation about the facilities and the resort rules. Then, we were all dismissed to proceed with our individual activities.

We had the first few hours upon our arrival absorbed in the documents and the laptop, obviously to serve the major purpose why we were in the resort. Since brewed coffee was free-flowing, I instantly like Dos Palmas. We preferred staying in one of the large and open beach cottages but later in the afternoon, I discovered a smaller cottage, near the swimming pool, and very near the coast.

Iliked this one better because vines and flowers have crawled atop it and it was for me the most perfect place for my two most favorite things to do: read and sleep – except that I was in Dos Palmas and didn’t have enough time to indulge. In the morning we went snorkeling and kayaking and we had biking and billiards in the afternoon. At 4PM, all the guests of the PhP 1,800.00 package boarded the boat again, the Dos Palmas experience had ended.

In Dos Palmas, snorkeling is done only in the morning since the waves are turbulent in the afternoon. There was a speed boat that awaits at the port for those who opt to go snorkeling. There were also lifeguards who serve as guides. Indeed the underwater scenery is a sight to behold because of the corals and fishes in different colors and forms.

A hearty lunch was prepared in buffet: seafood, pork, beef, chicken and vegetables prepared by the expert Chef and staff. Kara-e-nan restaurant, which can seat up to 200 people, is the main dining venue. Kara-e-nan’s bar, Ereneman, is ideal for wines and spirits. For al fresco dining, a special dinner buffet is served in a different part of the resort every night.

There’s also a marine sports center at Dos Palmas that offers scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, island hopping and fishing. Diver guests without C-cards or proof of certification may take the Introductory Dive course. Full PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) diving courses were also available.

The Tropical Spa offers relaxation treatments using natural oils and essences for aromatherapy, body massage, body scrubs, milk baths, aromatic facials, smoothies, and foot spa.

If you prefer to spend the night on the island you may choose between two types of cottages: a bay cottage or a garden cottage. The Bay Cottages are the famous ones because they have been built from stilts and fronting the port. It could accommodate two adults and one child. A Garden Cottage is spacious enough for five adults. All cottages have private balconies; air conditioning; toilet and bath; hot and cold running water; a mini bar; and an intercom phone with NDD/IDD.

To complete the list of facilities and services of Dos Palmas, they also have baby sitting services, safety deposit boxes, laundry services, flight reconfirmation, postal services, internet, souvenir shop and a clinic.

For the rates and packages, check out The Dos Palmas website site.

Those who are afraid of terrorists and abductors suddenly showing up, stop worrying. Dos Palmas is now well-guarded by private guards and members of the military. Every guest is treated as VIP so you’ll have the rest of the day enjoying the feeling of being pampered and deserving of such piece of paradise.

Tags: Philippine travel tips, Philippine Hotels and Resorts, Dos Palmas