A couples Dream – Perfect Paradise Palawan
Club Paradise Palawan (in the Palawan region of the Philippines) was to be our first ever island getaway as a couple and it is one we will never forget. From the moment we touched down at the teeny Basuanga airport where chickens roamed free right outside the terminal we knew we were in for an unforgettable experience!
The Palawan region is popular with couples and families alike, not to mention it came with glowing recommendations from a number of Filipino locals and fellow travelers. Quieter than the more touristy Boracay island, we chose Club Paradise because of its private location, reasonable price and to be quite frank – because it was FREAKING GORGEOUS!
After navigating our way through the chickens and onto the awaiting Jeepney, we were driven through gorgeous farmland, transferred onto a catamaran and then the magic started – we’d arrived at Club Paradise Palawan. We were welcomed off the boat to a group of acoustic guitarists (who Andrew would later befriend at the island restaurant) and a nice, cold cocktail, I instantly knew we were going to LOVE this place!
After ditching our bags we basically RAN to the beach where Andrew literally giggled with excitement – in a manly way of course – and we just stared at our magnificent surroundings, it was so beautiful!
The golden sand glistened, the blue ocean stretched out as far as we could see and there was not a sound other than a few birds in the distance! Think of any beautiful island postcard picture you’ve ever seen and you’ve basically summed up what it was like to stand on the beaches of Club Paradise that day.
Each and every one of the 5 days we spent on that island was phenomenal. We ate, slept, sunbathed, got burnt to a crisp, swam, drank, read, island hopped, got massages, drank some more and relaxed SO much it could be deemed a crime in some nations!
Here’s just a few of the highlights from our amazing Club Paradise Palawan experience…
1) The Serene Solitude
One of the things we loved most about Club Paradise was how quiet the resort was. During the 5 days we stayed there we barely saw another guest other than at the candlelit restaurant each night for dinner. The beach was always deserted, the pool always your own, and the grounds free for you to explore at your leisure.
2) The Cocktails
Don’t get the wrong impression, Andrew and I aren’t big drinkers at ALL, but when you’re living the island lifestyle starting the night… ok afternoon… with a cocktail is basically compulsory. We made firm friends with the bartender and enjoyed our $3 cocktails each and every night! The bar was beautiful, the sunsets were sublime and the whole experience was awesome!
3) The Deserted Island
We chose to do the island hopping tour put on by Club Paradise on one of our days, at just $30 each we couldn’t really say no! As part of the tour we got taken by boat to this deserted island in the middle of the ocean (about 15-20 minutes from Club Paradise) and left with beach umbrellas, towels and a picnic lunch.
It was the most surreal feeling being completely alone on a desert island, no one in sight, nothing but ocean around you! We swam, walked around the island, spent an unusual amount of time examining coral and took advantage of the seclusion to get rid of some tan lines – of course it was then that the boat showed up… awkward!
4) The Food
It was a buffet set up at Club Paradise Palawan and I know what you’re thinking, ‘ick buffet’, but it was really good! There was good variation over the 5 day period with just a few things repeated and quality of the food was always awesome. And I simply must add that there was the most amazing roast lamb I have EVER had in my entire life (please don’t tell my Mum!)
5) The Overall Island Experience
It seems absurd to list 5 things about this holiday that we loved because it was the most amazing experience from beginning to end! Our villa was beautiful, the island itself was stunning, the food was incredible, the sunsets were breathtaking and just the act of being on an island, in the middle of nowhere and basking in the sunshine was like nothing else!
Andrew and I have traveled a lot since our first island getaway but we will ALWAYS remember our little piece of Filipino paradise! If you ever get a chance to explore that part of the world then please do yourself (and your partner) a huge favor and stop in Palawan for a blissful stay – you will not regret it!
More on this Guest Blogger
Elysia and Andrew are two travel addicts exploring the world and trying their hand at blogging about it! Their motto: “Have laptop, will travel!” You can read more on their blog That Traveling Couple.
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