Escape to Paradise: Bountiful Inn, Palawan Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my recent Palawan adventure at "Escape to Paradise: Bountiful Inn." Honestly? The name's a bit much. Paradise is a big ask, but hey, let’s see what this place is really about. This ain't your typical travel blog, folks. This is me, unfiltered, after a week of sun, sand, and a whole lotta questionable decisions. So, here goes…
Accessibility & Safety: The Real Deal (Maybe)
Okay, so first things first: Accessibility. Uh… they say they've got "Facilities for disabled guests." They say they've got an elevator. I'm not a wheelchair user, but I did see a few ramps, so that's a plus. The website doesn't go into super detail, which always makes me nervous. Maybe call ahead and grill them about it if accessibility is a MUST-HAVE.
On the cleanliness and safety front? They're trying. They’ve got the whole COVID spiel – anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, hand sanitizer everywhere. My lizard brain was still a little freaked out, to be honest. They also boast about rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety protocol. I saw cleaning happening a lot, and the staff did seem to be taking it seriously. First aid kit present, and a doctor/nurse on call (thank god, because I managed to walk face-first into a palm tree on day two).
They even have this weird thing called "Room sanitization opt-out available." Like, you can opt out of cleanliness? WTF? Honestly, I didn't bother. I needed all the sanitization I could get after the aforementioned palm tree incident and a questionable street food encounter.
Internet, Glorious, Possibly Spotty, Internet
Okay, internet. This is crucial, people. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Glorious! But… hold your horses. Internet [LAN] – huh? Who uses LAN anymore? Internet access – wireless – yes, thank you, finally! The Wi-Fi was… okay. Let's just say I wasn't streaming Netflix without some serious buffering. Wi-Fi in public areas – worked a bit better, but expect some dead zones. The Internet services themselves were fine, you know, for checking insta and whatnot.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax) – Let's Get Pampered (or Not)
Ah, the fun stuff! Swimming pool – yep, they have one. Swimming pool [outdoor] – also yep. It was actually pretty nice, with that classic "infinity pool with a view" vibe. The Pool with view? Absolutely. You're in Palawan, people. The views are basically the point.
They've got the whole spa shebang: Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap. Did I use them? Okay, maybe. I did get a massage. It was… intense. The woman was tiny but had the strength of ten men. I swear she could have kneaded concrete. Worth it, though, after all that sun. Foot bath? I didn't try it. I was too busy trying to figure out how to order a cocktail.
They also have a Fitness center – I walked past it. Looked shiny. I walked back to the pool instead. Gym/fitness – yeah, they've got one. No judgment. (Okay, some judgment, but mostly self-directed.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food (and Booze!)
Alright, the food. This is where things get interesting. They have Restaurants, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar. Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant. Options, people! I love options.
Breakfast [buffet] – yes! Asian breakfast, Western breakfast. I did the buffet every morning. It was…what you’d expect. Some questionable sausages. But the freshly baked bread? Amazing. Breakfast service was on point. Coffee/tea in restaurant – yes, and it was strong, which I needed… frequently. Coffee/tea maker in the room? Praise be!
A la carte in restaurant – yep. Buffet in restaurant– yep, again! Bottle of water – supplied! Desserts in restaurant – yes. Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant – all there.
And the best part? The Bar. I spent some quality time there during Happy hour. The cocktails were strong, the staff were friendly, and the sunset? Unforgettable. Room service [24-hour] – yes, and I may or may not have ordered a pizza at 3 am. (Don't judge.)
Also they have a Vegetarian restaurant and provide Alternative meal arrangement.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (That Matter)
Okay, this is where Bountiful Inn starts to shine. They just try.
- Air conditioning in public area and Air conditioning in the rooms – essential.
- Air conditioning is very good and efficient.
- Airport transfer – yes! Thank god, because I had no idea how to get around.
- Babysitting service - I can't tell you, I wasn't here with kids, but the option is present.
- Cash withdrawal - yes, very handy.
- Check-in/out [express] & [private] - I am a fan of the private check out!
- Concierge, Daily housekeeping: They are definitely trying to keep you happy and comfortable.
- Currency exchange.
- Elevator.
- Food delivery, Invoice provided, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safe deposit boxes.
- Smoking area.
- Taxi service, Valet parking.
For the Kids: Family Friendly (Or Not?)
They claim to be Family/child friendly. They have something called Kids facilities and a Babysitting service, plus Kids meal. I can't personally vouch for this since I was flying solo, but hey, good to know the options are there!
The Rooms: My Little Paradise (Or Not)
Okay, let’s talk rooms. Non-smoking rooms are a must, and they have them. My room, thankfully, was pretty clean. Air conditioning was a lifesaver. (Palawan is HOT, people.) Blackout curtains helped. Bed was comfy, and they had the standard stuff: Coffee/tea maker, Mini bar, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels.
Bathrobes and Slippers - you can find these in the hotel And the bathroom: Private bathroom, Separate shower/bathtub, Toiletries, Shower, Additional toilet.
The Annoying Little Details (Because Life Isn't Perfect)
There were minor imperfections, of course. Minor things to be careful of, although they did their best:
- The Soundproof rooms were good, but you could still hear some noise from the hallway on occasion.
- The Exterior corridor gave me very little privacy, but the privacy was never a problem.
- The Alarm clock was a bit archaic.
- Some minor problems I had were solved by the Front desk [24-hour].
The Verdict: Should You "Escape to Paradise?"
Okay, so, is "Escape to Paradise: Bountiful Inn, Palawan Awaits!" a true paradise? Nah, not exactly. But honestly, it's a solid choice.
My Unfiltered Recommendation:
You should absolutely book this hotel if:
- You want a decent, clean, and well-located base in Palawan.
- You enjoy a good massage (or need one after a particularly stressful year – hello, me!).
- You value having options for food and drink.
- You appreciate a strong cocktail and a killer sunset view.
- You need a good internet connection and good services
My Target Audience:
- Couples
- People who are looking for a break, an escape
- Groups of Friends
My Offer for You:
Book now and get a discount!
How:
Call now and get a 15% discount on your first stay! The earlier you book, the better the chances you will be satisfied.
Why:
Because everyone deserves a little escape, and this is a good place to do it!
The Bountiful Inn ain't perfect, but it gets a solid "thumbs up" from this slightly sunburnt, slightly hungover, and thoroughly satisfied traveler. Now, go book that trip!
Luxury Estanplaza Funchal: São Paulo's Hidden Gem Revealed!
Alright, Buckle Up Buttercups, Because This Isn't Your Grandma's Posh Itinerary. This is Palawan, Baby! And we're about to get gloriously, wonderfully messy. This is my shot at Bountiful Inn, Palawan. Let's see if it actually is bountiful – or just bountiful in mosquito bites.
Day 1: Arrival - Land, Sea, and… Laundry? Oh, Lord.
- Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Ugh. Pre-dawn flight. Who thought that was a good idea? Cramped seat, dry peanuts (seriously, airlines, up your snack game), and the eternal gamble of whether the person next to you will spend the flight attempting interpretive dance in their sleep. Arrived in Puerto Princesa. Sun already blazing, despite the ungodly hour. Passport stamp: check. Wallet: still present (a small victory).
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): The airport chaos. Somehow navigated the taxi gauntlet without getting scammed into paying a month's rent for a 10-minute ride. Found a driver, finally. Smelly air, the driver was very friendly.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): The "Bountiful Inn Shuttle": The first taste of island time: slow moving. Traffic was minimal, but the road was a rollercoaster ride. The views? Stunning. Like someone threw a rainbow at the ocean and said, "Here, you go, Palawan."
- Late Morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Checked into Bountiful Inn. Place is charming, but a bit…simple. Okay, it's rustic. I'm pretty sure the air conditioner is older than I am. Room: clean-ish? Definitely smelled of sunshine and something else I can't quite put my finger on. (Hopefully not mildew.)
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): First meal! Managed to find a small restaurant nearby. Trying the local fare: "Chicken Inasal." Spicy, flavorful, and about to make me regret not packing more Imodium. (Just kidding… mostly.) The rice was perfect, though. Fluffy, like a cloud you can eat.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Nap time. It was hot. The pillow was a little too… firm. Woke up drenched in sweat, but hey, I'm on vacation!
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Laundry! Did my first laundry here.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel. It turned out to be a Filipino version of a pub grub: Beer and some fried chicken.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Strolling the beach. The sand was between my toes. The water was a gentle, warm embrace. Saw a few beautiful sunsets. This is what I came for. The stars popped out like someone lit a million tiny candles. Felt a profound sense of calm. The only problem was the annoying mosquitoes. I swear, they're out to get me.
Day 2: Island Hopping - Paradise Found (and Maybe Regretted?)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Breakfast at the Inn. Simple but filling. The coffee? Weak. The banana? Perfect. The anticipation for the day's island-hopping adventure? High. I'd read reviews: clear waters, hidden lagoons, and Instagram-worthy photo ops abound!
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Picked up by the boat. The other tourists – bless ‘em – mostly seemed nice. One guy wore a shirt that said, "Professional Traveler," which immediately made me question the validity of his Instagram account. But, ok.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Island-hopping. First stop: "Secret Beach." The photos don't lie. Turquoise water, powdery sand, towering limestone cliffs. It was breathtaking. Took a million photos (yes, I'm that person). Snorkeled around a coral reef. Saw a sea turtle! Nearly drowned because I got so excited.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Grilled fish on a beach. Fresh, delicious, and eaten while feeling the sun on my face and the sand in my toes. Life is good.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Second stop: "Hidden Lagoon." Now, this is where things get interesting. Had to swim through a narrow cave opening to get inside. Felt a flash of panic. Claustrophobia, anyone? Eventually, I made it. The lagoon was incredible. Like a secret world. Then, on the way out, I banged my head on a rock!
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back in the boat. Exhausted, sun-kissed, and slightly salt-encrusted. Chatting with other people. A German couple were comparing camera models. An older woman told me about her life.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Dinner was back at the inn. I just wanted a shower and my bed.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Stargazing. The sky was a masterpiece dotted with a million tiny diamonds, each one a distant sun.
Day 3: Underground River - Darkness and Delight
- Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): The underground river trip. Another early start. I was starting to get used to it.
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): The road to the underground river was winding through the jungle. The scenery was spectacular.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The underground river. Honestly, I'd seen the pictures, read the reviews, expected amazing things, but the reality was even more stunning. The water was dark and mysterious, the rock formations breathtaking. The boat guide was a mix of informative and funny. He pointed out stalactites and stalagmites (yes, I now know the difference). The darkness was a unique experience. I could hear the sounds of bats and small animals.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Chicken and rice. Simple picnic lunch.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): A walk with a view and a hike.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the inn.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Dinner.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Trying to sleep, with the sounds of the Inn.
Day 4: Farewell Palawan - A Bittersw-Ugh…
- Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Breakfast, packing, reminiscing.
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): The driver.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 PM): Airport.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): The plane.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Home.
Notes and Musings:
- Bring bug spray. Lots of it. They're relentless.
- The weather is hot. Hydrate. Drink lots of water.
- Embrace the "island time." Things move slowly. Relax.
- The people are kind. Smile. Say "Salamat."
- Don’t be afraid to be a tourist.
- Bountiful Inn: Not five-star, but with location it is alright.
- Overall reaction: Palawan is a paradise. The kind of place that gets under your skin, and leaves you longing for more.
- I have to admit. I actually love this place.
This is my Palawan adventure! The imperfect, the messy, and the memorably human. I’ll keep the memories close. Now, let's plan the next trip!
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Escape to Paradise: Bountiful Inn, Palawan - Frequently (and Frequently Asked) Questions!
Okay, Seriously, Is Palawan *Really* Paradise? Or Just Instagram Paradise?
The Rooms: Are They Actually "Bountiful?" Or Just Small and… Moist?
Food, Glorious Food: What's the Grub Like? Will I Survive on Adobo and Rice?
Activities! What Can I *Actually* Do Besides Lie on a Beach (Which, Let's Be Honest, is the Goal)?
Getting There and Getting Around: Is it a Nightmare or a Dream? (Or Something in Between?)
The Staff: Are They Actually Friendly? Or Just Pretending For Tips?
