Marina de Bay

The T House

I must say, this resort grew on me. When we first arrived at the place, I thought it was acceptable. But as we spent more time there, I became convinced that it was ideal.

One of the cottages

It's about 20-25 minutes away from the city center so, if you're looking to roam around in the late hours, this place is not for you. But if you're looking for a relaxed ambience, a nice view of the bay, very friendly and efficient service and value for money, then you've found the right place. Our bed and breakfast package for 5days 4 nights cost Php4,000/person. Breakfast was a choice among danggit, longganiza, corned beef or ham. I was even treated to bacon and rice one time even though it wasn't part of the menu selection.

The Clubhouse

We arrived on a Saturday and found ourselves to be the only guests at the resort. Aware that we wouldn't be disturbing any guest, we had videoke at the lobby lounge till 3am. The staff patiently waited on us without complaints. In tours, the resort sent a representative to go with us and attend to our needs. Going to Honda Bay, we asked if we could inihaw for lunch and we were happily indulged.

Massage cabana with a view

For fishing

Although the resort is some distance from the center, there's a free shuttle bus that can drop you off at your destination. And the reception desk will happily arrange for a tricycle or multicab for you if a shuttle is not available.

Palawan Sunset

We arrived in Puerto Princesa close to sundown instead of morning the way we planned. Our flight was canceled in anticipation of Typhoon Santi. We managed to rebook to the afternoon flight but still encountered delays due to chaos at the airport. Naia Terminal 2 was packed with passengers, confirmed or otherwise. We were relieved when we finally arrived in Puerto Princesa.

Marina de Bay wasn't as nice as it appeared in the pictures but it had everything we could ask for for the price that we paid (Php4,000 per person for 5d4n inclusive of breakfast). The loft cottages had so many spare beds that we didn't even need to use the pullouts. There was a boardwalk that led to the T-House, a floating shack where we enjoyed most of our breakfasts. The resort is about 20 minutes from the city center but there's free shuttle service. All in all, good choice.

On our first night, we headed out to KaLui', the city's most popular restaurant. It looked so much better than the photos posted on the web. We had to take off our shoes before stepping in but everyone else was barefoot so we didn't mind. It was my sort of place, furnished as it was with tasteful indigenous art. I particularly liked the handcarved wood masks.

The kids didn't seem to savor the idea of the all-seafood menu but I was ecstatic. Mr. G and I shared a meal for two that included fish escabeche, prawns in butter and garlic, and tuna steak. Mr. G also ordered kilawin, which was mildly spicy and perfectly sour. At the end of the meal, we were served fresh fruits dusted with muscovado served on buko husk bowls. Great start so far.