Sunday, December 4, 2016

URSULA BEACH CLUB | Sibaltan, El Nido, Palawan


THE RESORT | 

One gem, tucked inside the historic suburban neighborhood of El Nido, plucked from the frenzied town, embalmed with too much beauty and humility - the Ursula Beach Club. It welcomes visitors from all parts of the globe who want to see Palawan in a different perspective. Custom made itineraries are offered to help guests maximize their stay. Seemingly endless profusion of unspoilt scenic spots and activities: beach hopping, waterfall hikes, underwater heavens, kitesurfing. Beach beds and chairs are as equally inviting for relaxation: lounging, sunbathing and massage while kissing the salt-rimmed brim of your ice-cold margarita glass.


HOW TO GET HERE |

From El Nido - buses and vans
Public non-a/c buses bound for Sibaltan depart daily at 11 AM from El Nido Bus Terminal; fare is Php 70.
Alternatively, there are vans  that travel twice a day: 10 AM and 4 PM, bound for the same route at Php 100. Public buses usually take an hour and a half to reach Sibaltan as there are frequent stops to allow passengers to board  and alight, and cargo to load and unload at almost each sitio or barangay. Although vans are unarguably more comfortable and faster than public buses; but on a personal note,  for liberating reasons, I prefer the traditional means when I'm not in a hurry. These oldies are budget-friendly, allow more baggage, stimulate interaction with other travelers and locals, and its large opened window provide you incredible scenic views - mountains, people, and ocean. Once you factor in all these things, the long drive can be rewarding.

From El Nido - motorbike
Motorbike is another option if you're willing to pay Php 1500 for a swift transfer to Sibaltan.

And, as always, get lost..


STAY | 

Sibaltan is a relatively secluded fishing village with the addition of botanical forest around the area, providing a perfect ground for agriculture. The community relies on solar power to operate their household or business. Expect intermittent power interruptions on days that are cloudy and grey. On a sunny day, electricity runs from 8AM-8PM. Themed dinner nights can run as late as 11PM until midnight.

Two spacious rooms, up for grabs, each has its private toilet and bath, wooden furniture pieces and a patio facing the beach. Make sure to confirm reservation prior your arrival date as these are almost always tenanted by tourists. Room rate is Php 2200; check-in time is flexible if no guest is expected to occupy it. **One hilltop room is currently under construction and will be available soon**

Now, here's something cool for those who would like to keep it rugged.
Outdoor accommodation? Yes! Pitching of tent is allowed at Php 150/night.


THE SERVICE |

S T A R T | |
- MEET THE TEAM -

Dennis, the owner and manager of this paradise, with years of experience in high end resorts, has redefined luxury and customer service in its true form. His team, equipped with hospitality and warmth , ensures your comfort at all times; from providing cold towels and refreshments after your island or inland tour, to serving you a feast by the beach would quite equate to a slice of heaven in this haven. 

  • Group island tour starts at Php 1200/ head, inclusive of sumptuous lunch: seafood, pork, greens and fruits, soda, bottled water and beer. Private boat rental can be also be negotiated.
  • Kitesurfing package: Php 1300/hour, Php 2500/ 3hours, Php 15000/ 1 week.
  • Diving: Php 1800/dive


PLUNGE |

K A Y A K I N G, D I V I N G  &  S N O R K E L I N G |
- BUBOG ISLAND - BINULBULAN ISLAND - CAGDANAO ISLAND - 

The best thing about doing the island hopping in Sibaltan versus in El Nido, is you get to see the beauty of each place without the cluster of other tourists. You get to be mesmerized  for a moment and you get to own it without the rush. There are no colossal limestone cliffs but its waters and underwater ecosystem are undebatable in pristine condition.

Bubog Island, peacefully seated just across the shoreline of Sibaltan,
is one of the first stops during the island tour;
alternatively, using a kayak is another cool recourse to reach it.

Binulbulan Island can't be missed as it hold rich aquatic creatures.
On some occasions, sightings of turtles are noted.


Cagdanao Island, the last stop, is yet another luxury resort due to open once San Vicente Airport is finalized.
Ursula's team were able to manage an agreement with the island's caretakers to have our ocular survey and lunch during the tour.
Once it starts the operation, guests from the airport will be ushered directly to the island via private transfers.
The cost? A little over hefty, I bet.



ROAM | 

I N L A N D  T O U R |
- NACPAN BEACH - SANTERIA GUESTHOUSE -

Inland Tour is a good alternative if riding a boat is not for your liking. Two cool spots - Nacpan & Calitang Twin Beaches and the cozy restaurant/guesthouse of Santeria -  can be covered during this activity.

Nacpan & Calitang Twin Beaches, is approximately 30-45 minutes away from Sibaltan.
Crystal waters, extremely long stretch of fine white sand with great seafood restaurants await travelers,
just immediately after that sweet-sweaty scooter ride.

Santeria, one cool bar/guesthouse in Barangay San Fernando, offers surprisingly delicious meals and cold beers!
From the junction point, a 15-20 minutes of hiking is needed to get the bird's eye view of the town:
the ocean, the mountains, the forest, and of course, that unfailingly adorable sunset.



LOUNGE |

S U N B A T H E  &  D R I N K S  O N  S U N S E T S |
- COCKTAILS & BEER -

If all things mentioned above still don't thrill you, then probably simply lounging at the beach will do the trick. Three things: a good book, your faithful drinks and the sublime parade of sunset can do all sorts of magical things.




NIGHTLIFE |

D I N E | S O C I A L I Z E |
- THE RESTAURANT - CULTURAL PROGRAM -

Soon after darkness envelopes the locale, when all seems quiet and pitch dark, travelers from different resorts gather altogether to celebrate good food and  new found friendships. Occasionally, Ursula Beach Club organizes cultural themed dinner parties. This is a great avenue where people can savour the moment as they slowly dance the night away under the brights of the moonlight.


For any inquiries, please contact:
Mobile: 09175800040
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ursula-Beach-Club
Website: http://www.ursulabeachclub.com/rooms-and-rates







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