New online booking: It’s more fun on underground river tour

By Jocelyn R. Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer

3:52 am | Tuesday, February 19th, 2013

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Travelers can now expect a smoother visit to the famous subterranean river in Puerto Princesa City with a new online booking system, a project launched by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in partnership with the local government.

MANILA, Philippines—Travelers from across the world can now expect a smoother visit to the country’s famous subterranean river in Puerto Princesa City with a new online booking system, a project launched by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in partnership with the local government.

In a statement issued Monday, the DOT said the online booking system was aimed at easing the traffic of tourists visiting the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) and avoiding confusion in securing permits from the PPUR office.

“Puerto Princesa City is a perfect example of a local government unit that works hand in hand with the national government,” said Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. in a statement on Monday.

“We in the department are enablers of tourism. The active participation on the ground is what makes things happen, as it is always done on the people’s behalf,” he said.

The DOT and the local government’s joint launch of the online booking system for the PPUR is just the beginning of their effort to implement measures that would help ensure that the world-famous attraction’s carrying capacity will not be compromised, said Jimenez.

Being named among the world’s new Seven Wonders of Nature last year, the 8.2-kilometer Palawan river has become a top tourism draw, recording an increase of 45 percent in arrivals since 2011, according to the DOT.

The tourism agency turned over the online booking system—which can be accessed through http://ppur.com.ph even by travel agencies all over the country and even abroad—to the city government on Feb. 7.

It noted that successful bookings will receive an e-mail notification, which will serve as a digital invoice that has to be printed and presented upon the visit to the PPUR.

For his part, Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn said he was optimistic the new system would result in “renewed fun” in the city and would help put in place a more efficient payment mode for visitors.

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Resort opens near Palawan’s underground river

By: PJ Enriquez
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Palawan has long been known for its crystal blue waters, powdery sand beaches, and unspoiled landscapes—the setting of the new Sheridan BeachResort and Spa outside Puerto Princesa City.

After a short flight to Puerto Princesa City, guests are shuttled to the resort, some 70-80 km north of Puerto Princesa City.

The drive gives the passengers the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Palawan’s outback.  Limestone cliffs, jungle-covered mountains, and untouched coastlines are just some of the sites along the way.

Opened only last July, Sheridan is built near the end of a 1.5 km beach near the fishing village of Sabang.  The property, a former coconut plantation, is spread over 4.3 hectares, with the resort hotel and facilities occupying about two hectares.

Looking out toward the beach from the main lobby, one can see two parallel buildings which house a total of 94 rooms, ranging from deluxe to suite accommodations, all fully furnished with a modern Asian feel.

A four-foot-deep pool, complete with Jacuzzi, splits the hotel in the middle. The lobby building and guest rooms surround the main pool, with no building higher than the tree line.  Trees and vegetation surround the resort on three sides, with the beach serving as the only opening.

“We wanted to build a world-class resort as part of the natural environment,” said managing director Jacqueline Tan. “The pool in the middle creates an oasis-like feel.”

The resort has two dining outlets, the Lobby Lounge, which serves snacks and refreshments, and the South Sea Restaurant.

Being situated within a nationally-protected site requires most of the produce to be shipped from Manila or Cebu, especially seafood. Vegetables, on the other hand, are supplied by the resort’s own organic farm.   In the evening, weather permitting, dinner is sometimes served in the veranda or beach side.

If you get thirsty, the Sip n’ Dip Bar offers guests drinks and snacks at poolside, while the Blue Bar is a great place to unwind with friends after a long day under the sun.

Sheridan also has a convention hall that can cater to between 300 and 500 people, depending on the setup.

Signature ‘hilot’

To round off the amenities, Sheridan also has an outdoor gym and small spa.  Their signature Sheridan Hilot is worth trying out.

While Sabang is devoid of any real tourist infrastructure, guests in Sheridan can enjoy a variety of activities, ranging from tours to water sports, all just a short distance from the resort.

For the more adventurous, Sheridan’s beachfront is just a step away.  Don’t be surprised to see people jogging in the morning or taking a nice stroll at sunset.  The 1.5 km stretch of fine sand reminded me a lot of China Beach in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Like in Da Nang, the water also is not that calm with strong waves, so bathers beware, but signs and flags are found all over the beachfront.

For land lovers, two ATV tours are available, a technical one through a jungle trail and a more leisurely one to the resort’s organic farm.  In either case, prepare to get dirty, especially on wet days.

Several caves in the area, which are easily reached, can be explored with a local guide.

One can take a paddleboat tour through a mangrove forest, a 45-minute boat ride with a well-informed local guide who will not only tell you about the different types of mangroves and creatures who live in and around them, but will also entertain you with his unique singing talent.

One thing not to miss on this tour is the tamilok, a local delicacy.  More commonly known as woodworm, you find it inside the trunks of fallen trees.  Boatmen will harvest these and serve them at the end of the tour. Those who are as adventurous as Anthony Bourdain can dip it in vinegar, chili, and kalamansi.  It actually tastes similar to oysters, but with a milkier texture.

Finally, just 20 minutes away by pumpboat is the world-famous Underground River. Visitors can hop on a pumpboat at the Sabang jetty (a five-minute walk along the beach).  A finalist in Unesco’s Search for the New 7 Wonders of the World, it is a source of pride, both locally and nationally.  Prior scheduling is required, as they limit the number of visitors per day.

“Sheridan’s true attraction lies in its location, and giving our guests access to Palawan’s amazing natural environment,” says Tan.

Contact Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa at tel. nos. 376-6960 or 921-6963, or e-mail mso@sheridanbeachresort.com