Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Microtel Puerto Princesa Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Microtel Puerto Princesa - My Chaotic, Wonderful, and Surprisingly Accessible Getaway (SEO'd to the Max!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I've just returned from a trip to paradise – or, you know, Microtel Puerto Princesa. And let me tell you, it was less a smooth, perfectly curated Instagram post and more a gloriously messy, unexpectedly heartwarming adventure. And, bonus points, it was surprisingly accessible, which is a HUGE win in my book. This is my brutally honest, often rambling, definitely opinionated review, complete with enough keywords to make Google weep tears of joy.
Accessibility: A Breath of Fresh Air (and a Few Tiny Glitches)
Let's start with the good stuff. Accessing the hotel itself was a breeze, even with my slightly-less-than-nimble gait. The airport transfer (thank god for that!) was smooth as butter. They've got facilities for disabled guests, and the elevator (another hallelujah moment!) meant navigating the floors was easy. The corridors are wide and well-lit. Honestly, I felt like I could actually breathe knowing I wouldn’t be battling narrow hallways or treacherous steps.
Now, the "buts." Some of the pathways around the pool were a little… uneven. And while the wheelchair accessibility was generally on point, I noticed a few tiny things that could be improved, like maybe widening the entrance to the gift shop? But overall, considering the Philippines' reputation for accessibility (or lack thereof), Microtel Puerto Princesa absolutely surprised me. They're making a genuine effort, and that’s what matters.
Rooms – Clean, Comfy, and Wi-Fi That Actually Works!
Okay, the room. This is where Microtel really shines. First of all, Wi-Fi [free]! And it actually worked! I mean, lightning-fast, streaming-movies-without-buffering Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi in all rooms!) - a miracle! Forget dial-up experiences – this was pure, unadulterated digital bliss. Then came the air conditioning, a life-savor in the Puerto Princesa heat. The room was impeccably clean. Shoutout to the daily housekeeping crew; you guys are rockstars. They've also got blackout curtains, allowing me to sleep-in and hide from the world!
I loved having the desk and dedicated laptop workspace. I was able to catch up with some work every morning. They also had in-room safe box which proved useful. They also had complimentary tea and a coffee/tea maker. The coffee was surprisingly good, which is always a win in my book!
Food, Glorious Food! (And the Occasional Minor Mishap)
The food scene was a mixed bag, which honestly, is part of the charm. The Asian breakfast was a solid start to the day. They have a breakfast [buffet] which offers a whole lotta options. The western breakfast was also pretty darn good. And the coffee shop was a lifesaver for my caffeine habit.
Now for the less-than-perfect: The restaurants (a few on-site) had some hit-or-miss moments. I ordered the salad in restaurant one night, and the lettuce was, well, let’s just say it wasn’t exactly “fresh from the garden.” Ah, but the desserts in restaurant? Heavenly. And the bars? They have a poolside bar which is a perfect spot to relax.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: More Than Just Lounging
This is where Microtel really delivers. Forget just lying around (though they have ample opportunities for that!). They have a fabulous swimming pool [outdoor] with the view. Ah, the pool with view; I could have stayed there forever. Sun, water, a cocktail… pure bliss.
They also had a fitness center (which I bravely attempted…once). I'm more of a "walk on the beach" type myself. But they also had a massage service and a spa. A spa/sauna is always a great thing!. I have been wanting to try one for a while! They also had a steamroom. All of these sound great!
For the Kids & The Grown-Ups (A Little Something for Everyone)
While I was sans-kids on this trip, I noticed that family/child friendly is a HUGE selling point. They had kids facilities and even a babysitting service (if you desperately needed a break, which, let's be honest, we all do).
Safety & Cleanliness: Feeling Secure
This is where Microtel earned major points. In the era of… everything, cleanliness is paramount, and Microtel nailed it. They had professional-grade sanitizing services, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. I felt incredibly safe, especially with the hand sanitizer stations EVERYWHERE. And yes, the staff trained in safety protocol. This is a big deal, and Microtel truly cares.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter.
From the concierge (who was amazingly helpful despite my endless questions) to the convenience store (perfect for late-night snacks), Microtel had all the little things covered. Having the dry cleaning and laundry service available was a HUGE help. I can't forget the daily housekeeping! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
The Undeniable Charm & A (Slightly Dramatic) Conclusion!
Overall, Microtel Puerto Princesa exceeded my expectations. It wasn't perfect (no place is!), but the genuine effort, the friendly staff, and the overall value for money made it a truly memorable experience. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
My Chaotic Microtel Puerto Princesa Getaway: Book Now!
What are you waiting for?! Escape to Paradise with Microtel Puerto Princesa! Enjoy free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, relax by their stunning pool with a view, and experience the comfort of wheelchair-accessible facilities. They have a fantastic Asian and Western breakfast and a staff dedicated to your safety, with anti-viral cleaning products and staff trained in safety protocol! Book your stay now and create your own unforgettable adventure. Don't delay; Paradise awaits!
Indonesian Oceanfront Paradise: Your Romantic Escape Awaits (K191)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We're diving headfirst into the glorious chaos that is… my Microtel by Wyndham Puerto Princesa, Philippines adventure! Consider this less a well-oiled itinerary and more a hastily scribbled fever dream fueled by cheap coffee and the existential dread of not packing enough sunscreen.
Day 1: Arrival – Mild Panic, Possible Sunset Tears
6:00 AM (ish) - Manila Airport, Gate C: The Pre-Flight Freakout. My flight’s at oh-dark-thirty, which means I'm running on fumes and pure adrenaline. Did I remember my passport? Did I actually book the flight? Wait, did I even want to go to the Philippines?! (Spoiler alert: YES!) The airport is a glorious stew of bleary eyes, luggage-hauling heroes, and the faint scent of instant noodles. The sheer bulk of people attempting to board the plane is a sight to behold.
8:00 AM - Puerto Princesa Airport Arrival (and Immediate Humidity Slap): OMG, the humidity! It’s like someone threw a wet blanket over me, and I love it. Disembarking the plane is like stepping into a warm, welcoming hug. The airport's tiny, charming, and a world apart from the sterile, soul-crushing monoliths of other international hubs. Finding a tricycle to Microtel feels like a gamble between a potentially sketchy driver and the hope they can actually understand my destination.
9:00 AM - Microtel Check-In (and the Room Revelation): Okay, the lobby looks… promising. Clean, modern, air-conditioned bliss! Check-in is surprisingly smooth. I finally get my key and the world stops spinning… for, like, a minute before I'm faced with the daunting task of figuring out how to operate the aircon, a task I'm pretty sure I'm failing while typing this.
9:30 AM - Room Exploration & Immediate Bed Embrace: The room? Awesome. Simple, clean, and… the bed! Oh, the bed! It's calling my name. It's whispering sweet nothings of sleep and blissful oblivion. I instantly collapse.
12:00 PM - Lunch Panic & First Filipino Feast: Somehow, I've surfaced! Hunger pangs are hitting hard. I stumble out to the hotel restaurant, eyes wide with a mixture of eagerness and utter bewilderment at the menu. Chicken Inasal! Sisig! Adobo! Oh My God, it's just too much, I need all the food, the waiters are smiling and I am freaking out inside. I'm definitely getting the Chicken Inasal (I think…or was it the sisig?). Later, I'm full and happy, and suddenly I'm loving this trip.
2:00 PM - Poolside Bliss… With Minor Sunburn Concerns: The pool! Glorious, sparkling, inviting! I spend the next few hours alternating between swimming, splashing, and avoiding the direct sun. The sun is a brutal master, and I'm already starting to feel a faint pink glow creeping across my shoulders despite my copious sunscreen application.
5:00 PM - Sunset Hunting & Emotional Collapse (Maybe): I'm determined to witness a spectacular Puerto Princesa sunset. Armed with my camera and a healthy dose of optimism, I head to the beach. The sky explodes with color. It’s absolutely breathtaking. I might shed a tear of pure joy (or maybe it's just the humidity).
7:00 PM - Dinner & Post-Sunset Contemplation: Dinner. I find a tiny, local eatery, and the food is amazing. I spend the evening reflecting on the day, the adventure, and how I could possibly survive the next few days.
9:00 PM - Sleep. Sweet, Glorious Sleep. (Hopefully.) Day 2: Underground River & Unspeakable Wonders
7:00 AM: Breakfast - The Breakfast Buffet Battle: Microtel's breakfast buffet… a battlefield of sleepy tourists and delicious smells. Pancakes? Scrambled eggs? Filipino breakfast staples I can't even pronounce? I go for everything. Everything. I feel like a champion.
8:00 AM: Underground River Tour - The Pre-Cave Hype: Off to the Underground River! I’ve seen the pictures, read the reviews, and now I'm buzzing with anticipation. This is what I came for.
9:00 AM - To Subterranean Paradise!!!: The ride to the river is long and winding, with glimpses of stunning scenery. The van is packed with eager adventurers. I'm trying to make small talk with my neighboring tourist; it's an attempt at awkward camaraderie.
11:00 AM - The Underground River: The Good, The Bad, and The Bats: OMG. The river! The cave! It’s mesmerizing. The boats gently glide through the darkness, and the formations are like something out of a sci-fi movie. The guide's stories are a mix of educational info and the occasional joke. I feel a mix of awe and a touch of claustrophobia. The bats are a bit unnerving.
1:00 PM - Lunch After the River: The Food Coma After: I'm starving after all that wonder! A local restaurant serves a simple but filling meal. Rice. Pork. More things I can't name. I eat everything. Post-meal, I'm ready for a nap in a dark cave.
3:00 PM - Beachside Relaxation: After the cave, I hit the beach so I can rest my body and mind, I feel exhausted by everything I saw.
6:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Place: The food is great again. The Philippines may have stolen my heart.
8:00 PM - Sleep. Again. I am a Master Sleeper. Day 3: Island Hopping, Snorkelling, and Existential Crisis
7:00 AM: Breakfast - The Hangover Cure (Maybe): More buffet! More victory! However, I'm feeling slightly depleted from yesterday's activities. Coffee is my friend today.
8:00 AM - Island Hopping Departure: Today, it's island hopping! The boat is colorful, and the sea is calm. I’m slightly terrified of falling into the water.
9:00 AM - Snorkelling Debacle (and Unexpected Beauty): The water's clear, and full of fish. I'm okay with that. Snorkelling is a challenge. I am not graceful. The mask fogs up. Water gets in my snorkel. I swallow a mouthful of saltwater. I think I'm drowning! But then, I see a rainbow of fish dancing around the coral, and it's undeniably beautiful. I get lost in the moment.
12:00 PM - The Island Feast!: Lunch on a secluded island! Grilled fish, rice, and more deliciousness. Life is good.
2:00 PM - Another Beach (Who can have too many beaches?): Back at the hotel, I find a beach spot under a palm tree and pass the afternoon there.
7:00 PM - Farewell Dinner & Sudden Panic: My last dinner. I am sad, but it was fun, and I'm going home. I am already regretting my departure so I'm trying to enjoy the moment.
9:00 PM - Packing & Pre-Departure Anxiety: The packing is a disaster. I look around the room, realizing I'm leaving behind a few memories and making up for the rest.
11:00 PM - Sleep (Or Attempt to Sleep): The flight home looms. I fail.
Day 4: Departure - Farewell, Philippines!
6:00 AM - Last-Minute Panic & Airport Dash: The final sprint to the airport! I'm a mess. Did I leave anything important behind?
8:00 AM - Goodbye, Puerto Princesa!
Okay, so Microtel in Puerto Princesa... Is it actually "Paradise"? Because, y'know, marketing.
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Paradise" is a BIG claim. Look, it's not like you're stumbling into the Garden of Eden the second you step off the plane. BUT, and this is a hefty but, the Microtel Puerto Princesa? It gets pretty darn close, especially after you've been wrestling with Manila traffic for a week. The view alone, oh man, the view. Waking up to that ocean... yeah, takes you away. Paradise-adjacent, definitely. Paradise adjacent, with a side of awesome breakfast buffet.
The rooms. Let's talk rooms. Clean? Crummy? Just… meh?
Okay, full disclosure: I'm a bit of a clean freak. And the rooms? They passed the test. Seriously. Spotless. Which, after a long day of island hopping, is like, the BEST feeling. Not luxurious, mind you. Think clean, comfortable, and functional. No gold-plated faucets, thank God. Just a good, solid place to crash. I will say, though… the air conditioning. I'm the kind of person who needs an arctic tundra to sleep, and the AC was perfect. Probably the most amazing thing about the whole hotel experience.
Food! The crucial question. How's the grub situation at Microtel and nearby? Did the breakfast buffet actually deliver?
Oh, the food. Listen, I'm a breakfast person. A VERY serious breakfast person. And the buffet? It was… good. Not groundbreaking, world-altering food. But GOOD. The usual suspects: eggs (cooked to your liking!), bacon (crispy, thank the heavens!), pastries (some better than others), and a selection of local fruits. The mangoes? Divine. Absolutely, positively, eat-until-you-can't-breathe divine. So, yeah, the breakfast buffet delivered. Made me so happy in the mornings. I was grumpy, but then I got to the buffet and I was okay. Like, I think the mangoes saved my trip. Also, there are some good restaurants nearby, you know if you want something else, but the buffet is generally good enough for a stay.
Is the location convenient? How far from the airport and other attractions? I really don't want to spend my vacation in a car.
Okay, this is a big win for Microtel. It's conveniently located. The airport? Basically a hop, skip, and a jump away. Uber/Grab is available (THANK GOD), so no haggling with taxi drivers necessary. As for other attractions… well, it's not *right* in the middle of everything, but everything is also close. The Underground River tour? They can arrange that for you. City tours? Easy peasy. Bonus: you're right on the beach, which makes the evenings... well, blissful.
What about the pool? Does it actually look like the pictures? Is it swimmable? Can you get a decent drink?
Island hopping! Is it worth it? What are the best tours to do? (I have limited time!)
Island hopping is a MUST. Seriously, don't even think about skipping it. The tours are organized through the hotel/local agencies. They're pretty standard. The usual suspects: snorkeling, lunch on a beautiful beach, stunning views. I actually did two tours! I went for **amazing** snorkel at one island... and then another one where the fish were... less impressive. In fact, one island had so many tourists that I was nearly run over by the boat. But the other island? Pure magic. Fish of every colour imaginable. Coral reefs like something out of a Disney movie. I'm telling you, the underwater world is incredible. Ask for recommendations on the best tour from the hotel. Don't be afraid to be upfront; you don't want to be disappointed. Also, pack sunscreen and a hat. I looked like a lobster at the end of the first day. Learn from my mistakes.
The Underground River. How was it? Claustrophobic? Worth the hype?
Okay, the Underground River. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, so the hype is HUGE. Is it worth it? YES. Even if you're a bit claustrophobic (like me, a little bit). The boat ride itself is magical. You're in a cave, surrounded by these incredible rock formations. The guides are great; they're full of interesting facts. I will say, it can get a little crowded (tourists, everywhere!). And the wait... the wait is a bit of a drag. Be prepared. Bring water. But, honestly, the actual experience? Stunning. Don't miss it. Just... mentally prepare yourself for the crowds. And the humidity, oh god, the humidity!
Any downsides? Things I should be aware of before booking?
Alright, the honest truth? There are a few… minor irritations. The WiFi can be spotty. Don't expect blazing-fast internet. Be prepared to unplug (or at least, attempt to). Also, sometimes the service can be a little… slow. But hey, you're on island time, right? Try to be patient. If the staff is not responding, you can always try again. Also, occasionally there were some issues with noise. But hey, mostly these are minor issues, and those downsides are definitely worth it because of the price and the location! The biggest thing? Pack some bug spray. The mosquitos are real. And they're hungry.
Overall verdict: Would you go back? And would you recommend it?
Would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Despite the minor imperfections, the location, the views, the clean rooms, the *mangoes*… it won me over. Would I recommend it? Yes, definitely. Don't expect perfection. But expect a really, really good time. Escape toBudget Travel Destination
