Thursday, July 10, 2008 The lure of Palawan: Dos palmas and an undreground river By Chinggay V. Utzurrum
AS typhoon Frank lashed in all its fury and feistiness, carrying with it death and destruction in southern Luzon and Central Visayas, a group of Cebuanos bravely crossed the sea en route to an underground river, completely clueless of the weather conditions at that time.
The 20-minute crossing to the cavernous underground river in Palawan left the passengers drenched to the bone. Another 15-minute walk on rustic and slippery wooden planks, brought the group to Puerto Princesa city’s renowned and breathtaking Underground River, touted to be one among the contenders in the global search for the seven wonders of nature.
Clad in life vests and raincoats with helmets to boot, we were indeed ready to plunge into a wet adventure. Six persons to a bangka, the boatman paddled us in, while one of us manned the giant flashlight to guide us into the dark depths.
As we viewed Mother Nature’s handiwork, we marveled at the stone formations on the walls and ceilings of the cave. There were religious tableaux depicting the Three Kings, the Nativity, a magnificent cathedral and then we came to a market scene, where the formations took on shapes of vegetables, tomatoes, eggplants and corn-on-the-cob, among them.
What made the 45-minute boat trip absolutely intriguing were the stalactites that hung precariously above, prompting our guide to say, “Watch your head.” Being a rainy day, the slits above the cave, gave us a free shower.
Crossing back to Buenavista town, again with angry waves lashing at our bangka, we survived the 20-minute journey, Only to find out that indeed, there was a storm, signal number two in Palawan!
Our guide the day before, gave us a background of Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa, before we explored the pristine (and pricey!) sands of this slice of paradise. Located on Honda Bay, Dos Palmas is on the island of Arreceffi, one of the many sandbars and islands, surrounded by mangroves, sea grass beds, and unbelievably picturesque coral reefs, making a trip here, a diver’s dream.
The first taste and sight of Dos Palmas are those bay cottages built on stilts, giving the guest a feeling of being seaborne! A concrete walkway leads to the resort proper, where a comely receptionist greets and guides us on the various amenities of the place.
There are 10 bay cottages, 19 beach villas and two deluxe beach villas or a total of 90 rooms.
The usual perks include individual patios, sofa beds, IDD/NDD facilities, safe, piped-in-music and mini-bar, then there’s the Paranarian Island Spa, which leaves a guest with a feeling of being in a luxurious sanctuary of well-being.
A certified diving supervisor overlooks the Padi Dive Shop, where utmost safety is implemented. There are the famous banana boat rides, island-hopping, kayaking, snorkeling, wind-surfing for non-divers.
What a varied lunch we had at the Kara-enan Restaurant, where we savored an international buffet. Others chose to dine al fresco, while still others had a picnic treat at Puting Buhangin island.
With Dos Palmas’ welcome greeting of a “haven for the freedom of escape, the luxury of time, and the tranquility of nature,” why not sail on!
As for Puerto Princesa, if you’ve a hidden phobia caused by a series of unforeseen, unpleasant events in 2001, perish the thought. The resort was completely renovated and refurbished with a plus factor on security.
Now you can have that sensation of luxury in a safe island paradise!
