Tamarind Tree Paradise: Palawan's Hidden Gem (2 Must-See Spots!)
Tamarind Tree Paradise: Palawan's Hidden Gem (And Honestly, It's Pretty Damn Good!) - A Chaotic Review!
Okay, so I just got back from Tamarind Tree Paradise in Palawan, and let me tell you, it was… something. Trying to distill it into a neat little review is like trying to wrangle a herd of manic monkeys. But hey, I'll try! Buckle up, it's gonna be a glorious, messy ride.
First Impressions (and the Wheelchair Accessibility - Kinda Important!):
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. This is a big one for a lot of people, and the info online can be… vague. Tamarind Tree does say they have facilities for disabled guests, and honestly, they try. The main areas, like the restaurant and pool, are relatively easy to navigate. Elevator is a massive plus, for sure. However, the terrain is a bit… Palawan-y. Paths aren't always perfectly smooth, and some of the villas are definitely not built with a rambunctious wheelchair user in mind. So, it's not perfectly seamless, but they're putting in the effort, and that's something I appreciate. Make sure to confirm specific needs with them before booking, though. Seriously, double-check. Don't get caught with your pants down (figuratively speaking, unless you're into that).
The Vibe (and Those Two "Must-See Spots" They Keep Talking About!):
Alright, “Paradise”. They aren’t kidding on that general vibe. Picture this: Lush, verdant surroundings, the air thick with the scent of… well, paradise. This place is all about relaxation, which, after the whirlwind of the last few years, was exactly what I needed. The hotel staff are super friendly and warm and they really work hard to make you feel welcome. The "Hidden Gem" line? It's pretty accurate. It feels secluded, like you've stumbled upon a secret. And yes, there are two “must-see spots.” More on that later (I'll probably forget and ramble on about the pool first, but you get the idea).
Rooms: Cozy Nests (and Free Wi-Fi? Yes, Please!)
Okay, the rooms. Pretty darn good. I’m not going to lie; I was worried. But the air conditioning worked like a dream (essential!), and there’s free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, which is a huge win in my book. The bed was ridiculously comfortable, with blackout curtains that meant I could sleep until noon and not feel guilty. Also, they had free bottled water, an in-room safe box, and a mini bar, and a coffee/tea maker (!). Basically, everything you need to be a happy hermit. The bathrobes and slippers were a nice touch too. The daily housekeeping was efficient and discreet, and the room was always spotless, a bonus after a day of exploring.
Food, Glorious Food (and That Asian Breakfast… Mmm!)
The restaurants are a definite highlight. I mean, I'm a sucker for a good breakfast, and their Asian breakfast? Chef's kiss. Seriously, I'm still dreaming about those fluffy pancakes and that perfect coffee. There's a definite mix of Asian cuisine and Western cuisine, so there’s something for everyone. The poolside bar is fantastic. You can just float around, getting a tan, order a cocktail and snack, and feel your worries melt away. They also have a snack bar which is great. And the room service [24-hour], well, let's just say I may have taken advantage of that a few times. (Don't judge, I was on vacation!) The vegetarian restaurant is good, and they do offer vegetarian options at the main restaurant, which always helps.
The Pool (My Personal Nirvana):
Alright, listen. The swimming pool [outdoor] is… the star. It's an infinity pool with a view, overlooking all the lush greenery. Imagine: floating in crystal-clear water, sipping a fruity drink, and gazing upon this postcard-perfect scene. I spent a good chunk of my vacation just existing in that pool. It’s that good. I’m not exaggerating.
Spa Shenanigans (Body Scrubs and Wraps and Oh My!):
They have a spa here, and it is glorious. I went for a body scrub and a body wrap (because, hey, vacation!). Again, it’s all about relaxation, and it delivers. Seriously, I stepped out feeling like a new person. They also have a sauna, steamroom, and they offer massages. Treat yourself, you deserve it.
Activities and Things to Do (Beyond the Pool… if you dare!):
Now, about those two "must-see spots." Here's the thing: They're great! I mean, Palawan in general is just stunning. You've got pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and that classic, unspoiled Palawan landscape. The hotel can arrange tours, and they’re definitely worth doing. Just be aware that it can be a bit of a trek to get around (taxis and car rentals are available). But, for me—the pool was my main thing.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, you know, the World):
Okay, let's talk practicalities. Daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocol. They clearly take sanitation seriously, which is reassuring, especially in these times. I felt safe. They also have a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit.
The Little Things (and a Few Quirks):
- Cashless payment service is a lifesaver (thank goodness!).
- Their luggage storage is great.
- The gift/souvenir shop is filled with local crafts.
- The terrace offers a great spot for evening drinks.
- They have a shrine somewhere, which I found quite poignant.
- I don't know what kind of a maniac would ever need the bathroom phone, but it exists.
The Messy Bits (because, let's be real):
- The internet can be a little spotty in some areas.
- While they try their best for accessibility, like I said, it’s not perfect.
- Sometimes the music by the pool could be… questionable. I preferred the sound of the birds and the wind, which was often better anyway.
What About Getting Around?
They offer airport transfer, which is convenient. There's also car park [free of charge], which is always a bonus. They can assist with taxi service!
The Verdict (and a Compelling Offer!):
So, is Tamarind Tree Paradise a perfect paradise? No. Is it a damn good place to stay and a welcome break? Absolutely. It's a place where you can truly unwind. The staff are lovely, the food is delicious, the pool is divine, and it’s got a lovely relaxed vibe.
Here’s My Offer to You (And Why You Should Book NOW!):
Tired of the grind? Craving that escape? Book your getaway to Tamarind Tree Paradise in Palawan TODAY and get:
- 15% off your entire stay! (Just use code "PARADISE15" when booking!)
- A complimentary couples massage at their amazing spa. (Because you deserve it!)
- Free upgrade to a villa with a private balcony (subject to availability, obviously).
- Plus, a special welcome gift: a bottle of locally-sourced wine! (To help you relax even further.)
Don’t wait! This offer won't last forever. Escape to Tamarind Tree Paradise and discover your own slice of heaven. (Just, you know, double-check that accessibility thing, okay?).
P.S. Don't forget your camera! The photos you'll take… ugh. Pure Instagram fodder.
P.P.S. If you see the staff, tell them the crazy lady from the review sent you!
Pattaya Paradise: Andromeda's 2-Bedroom Luxury Condo Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-ironed itinerary. This is my attempted dive into The Tamarind Tree 2 in Palawan, Philippines. And let me tell you, just thinking about escaping to a place with "tree" in its name, after the last few months… yeah, needed it. So here's the messy, honest, and probably slightly rambling itinerary:
Pre-Trip Nervous Breakdown & Flight Shenanigans (AKA – The Start of the Adventure)
Day -2: The Spreadsheet of Doom. Okay, confession time. I love planning. And by love, I mean I can spend hours agonizing over font choices in a color-coded spreadsheet that would make a NASA engineer weep with joy. This spreadsheet, naturally, was a complete disaster. Flights? Booked. Accommodation at Tamarind Tree? Confirmed. But the details? Oh, the details… snorkeling gear, mosquito repellant, and a half-eaten bag of gummy bears (essential travel fuel). I spent the whole afternoon fretting about whether my passport picture made me look like a wanted criminal (it probably did).
Day -1: Packing Panic & Existential Dread. Packing is where it all falls apart. Am I overpacking? Underpacking? Will I need a formal gown for… what, exactly? My suitcase looked like a clown car exploded. Clothes crammed in haphazardly alongside a travel pillow shaped like a sad, deflated donut. The emotional crescendo? Realizing I’d forgotten my favorite book. Cue the internal screaming.
Day 0: The Flight of Fury & The Filipino Welcome. The flight itself was a symphony of horrors. First, a toddler screamed for 5 hours straight. Then, my entertainment system died, leaving me staring at the back of the seat in front of me, contemplating the meaning of life (or maybe just how to survive another hour). Finally, landed in Puerto Princesa. The humidity hit me like a warm, sweaty hug. But the airport? Organized chaos at its finest. Friendly faces, vibrant smiles, and a tuk-tuk driver who looked like he’d just stepped out of a movie. (More on him later).
The Tamarind Tree 2 & My Love/Hate Relationship with Paradise
(Okay, let's be clear, this is where it really gets real!)
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Skepticism (followed by absolute surrender). The Tamarind Tree! Finally. It was more… rustic than the pictures suggested. "Rustic" in the way, you know, your definition of rustic, not the magazine definition. There was a quaint little bungalow. But it was also… open. Like, open to the elements. (Mosquitoes, come at me). But, then I opened the door and saw the view - the ocean was this unbelievable, vibrant turquoise, and I swear, the air smelled like pure peace. I walked around, and that's when it hit me. I melted. In the best way possible.
I spent the afternoon just…being. Reading my book (thank God I packed it). Sipping iced tea (with approximately 500 mosquitos trying to share). Just letting the world slow down. But, that night…oh, the night. The wind howling through the open windows? The jungle sounds (that, admittedly, made me somewhat nervous)? Then, a downpour so fierce, I thought the roof would collapse. I huddled under the covers, feeling utterly insignificant, but also, strangely, content.
Day 2: Snorkeling Saga & Marine Mayhem. Snorkeling day! I borrowed one of those clunky, but hopefully water-tight, snorkels from the resort (or, rather, fought off the tiny sandflies to do so). The water? Crystal clear. The fish? A riot of color. Then… the current. It started dragging me out towards the open ocean. Anxiety started bubbling. I was flailing, swallowing seawater (delicious, haha?). Suddenly, I saw a giant sea turtle. He/she/it swam right past me. It was one of the most majestic, beautiful things I've ever seen, and it completely grounded me. Forget the fear, embrace the wonder of the sea.
Day 3: The Island Hop & The Tuk-Tuk Tango. A full-day island-hopping trip! White sand beaches, hidden coves, and more fish than you can shake a stick at (I tried). The boat ride was bumpy, which made the already-salty water go down the wrong pipe. The best part involved a hidden beach with a swing. The worst part? The sunburn. The worst, worst part was the hike to get to the hidden beach - straight through the jungle. I wasn't prepared for the humidity, my already-sweaty self felt like a drenched sponge.
The tuk-tuk ride back to my bungalow? A hilarious comedy of errors. My driver, "Pedro" (probably not his name, but let's go with it) was lovely. But. We may or may not have gotten terribly lost. We may or may not have missed a turn and ended up on a dirt road, dodging chickens and potholes. He was chatting away and gesturing wildly at the scenery. It was one of the best things that ever happened.
Day 4: Relaxation Reconsidered & The Great Mango Debacle. I decided to be "chill" and finally get a massage. The massage was great, but I spent the whole time trying to decipher the Filipino masseuse's soft-spoken instructions, I was a sweaty, confused mess! Then, I purchased so many mangoes at the local market. I was basically eating a mango every five minutes. I was happily covered with sticky, sweet mango juice from head to toe, with no regrets.
Day 5: Sunset Serenity & The Farewell Blues. The last night. The sunset? Breathtaking. A riot of orange, pink, and purple against the turquoise sea. I sat with a cold beer. I watched, I listened to the waves crash, and I felt a profound sense of contentment. I still needed to make some changes in my life, but at that very second, I was, finally, okay.
Packing up the bungalow felt bittersweet. I'd grown to love its chaos, its quirks, its open nature. A part of me didn’t want to leave, but a part did. A part that knew I was ready for a new adventure.
Post-Trip Ramblings (Because, Well, Why Not?)
The Food: Simple, fresh, and unbelievably delicious. I had so much rice. And the fish? Grilled to perfection. I'm pretty sure I've added 5 pounds. Worth it.
The People: The most welcoming, kind, and genuine people I've ever met. They have a way of making you feel utterly at ease.
The Imperfections: The power outages, the mosquitoes, the humidity. They were all part of the charm. I realized it's actually freeing not to be so plugged in, or so perfect.
The Verdict: Go. Go to The Tamarind Tree. Go to Palawan. Go, and let the chaos, the beauty, and the imperfections wash over you. You won't regret it. Just pack the bug spray. And maybe a good book. And probably a few hundred mangoes.
So, there you have it. My attempt at a "messy" itinerary. I hope it helps, even if it's just to confirm that everyone travels weirdly, and that's totally okay. Happy travels!
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So, You Wanna Know About Tamarind Tree Paradise? Buckle Up, Buttercup! (And Palawan's Secrets!)
1. Okay, okay, I'm intrigued. Where *IS* this "Tamarind Tree Paradise" everyone's raving about? And is it even REAL?
2. What *is* it about Tamarind Tree Paradise that makes it so… special? Like, what's the hype all about?
3. Alright, you’ve got me. How HARD is it to get to this so-called paradise? Do I need a helicopter? (Because, budget…)
4. What kind of accommodation is available at or near Tamarind Tree Paradise and around Palawan? Am I roughing it? Is that a good thing?
5. Okay, okay, spill the beans! What are the *two must-see spots* you mentioned? I'm ready!
(*Sigh*) I could go on for hours about that Lagoon. It's probably the single greatest natural experience of my life.
6. What else? Give it to me! And is it better than the Lagoon? (Impossible, I know!)
7. I'm a foodie. What’s the food situation like? Do they have anything other than sea-food (because, allergies!)?
