Palawan has been repeatedly hailed as one of the best islands in the world, and with good reason -- it is blessed with so many natural wonders, from beaches with white sand and crystal clear waters to stunning limestone cliffs.
Another top attraction in the province is the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in Sabang, about 80 kilometers from the city center of Puerto Princesa, it has one of the world's most impressive cave systems which is navigable up to 4.3 kilometers from the sea.
To get to the underground river, most people join a day tour, riding a van from the city proper to Sabang and back. But here's a better option: stay right at Sabang beach and enjoy modern comforts with nature's perks. Standing out from the rustic accommodations by the shore is the newly opened Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa, which is the first of the multinational brand's properties to open in the Philippines.
While it carries the Four Points by Sheraton name, which is known for targeting business travelers with its smart, no-frills spaces, this 168-room property in Sabang offers so much more -- a fitness center, a spa and swimming pool, and direct access to the beach, among others. It may look familiar to some as it takes the space of an older resort, but that is where the similarities end.
WHAT TO EXPECT
One of the biggest draws of Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa is that it is just a short walk to Sabang Port (the jump-off point for the Puerto Princesa Underground River), which means you can have a more relaxed itinerary.
You can also take the time to explore the Sabang Mangrove Forest (where you can plant your own mangrove and sample the local delicacy tamilok, if you're lucky) and Sabang Waterfalls, which are also in the area. And the resort is a beachfront property, which means you can take a dip at your leisure.
"Imagine waking up every day in the midst of a UNESCO World Heritage site," said Amie Villena, the resort's director of sales and marketing. In her chat with us during a media familiarization tour, she recalled how some visitors of the underground river booked with them on the spot after seeing how the resort is a convenient base for exploring Sabang's attractions.
The resort is 70 kilometers or nearly two hours from Puerto Princesa airport, with guests having the option of booking a shuttle service for a hassle-free experience. This also includes access to a partner lounge near the airport, in case you need to freshen up or leave your luggage to do some last-minute shopping.
Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa aims to cater to all kinds of travelers, from honeymooners and families with children to those who are combining business and leisure. The rooms are clean and spacious (each has either a balcony or pool access, and the suites have bathtubs), the Wi-Fi is fast and stable, and in-room dining is available all day.
"We have 5.25 hectares and only 168 rooms -- later 240 -- so you have a lot of space for yourself," said general manager Dietmar Platz. "Every room has a balcony or pool access. We have an open courtyard. We have ensured that guests enjoy the luxury of space, and we have paid attention to our use of space throughout the hotel."
Guests at the resort can bring their little ones to the Cubs Club, which has both indoor and outdoor areas. Kids can try different toys, go to the playground, do crafts, watch TV, and even take a nap in this supervised space.
The fitness center here is open 24/7, ideal for those who prefer doing early morning or late-night workouts. There is also a spa complete with private rooms and a sauna, an all-day dining restaurant with a buffet spread highlighting local products and produce, and a pool bar that looks lovelier when lit up at night.
Four Points Palawan Puerto Princesa is part of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, which means members can enjoy exclusive perks and earn points during their stay at this resort. An Italian restaurant will soon be launched in the property, with a convention center also under construction to accommodate larger events.
ABS-CBN News visited Four Points Palawan Puerto Princesa as part of a media familiarization tour.