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6 Top Things To Do In Dos Palmas Island Resort And Spa [With Kid-Friendly Options]

June 27, 2023

Find out how you can fully enjoy your holiday at the luxurious Dos Palmas Resort and Spa in Palawan.

Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa offers the ultimate luxury island getaway to its guests. Located on Arrecife Island off Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Dos Palmas is surrounded by pristine turquoise waters and boasts stunning white-sand beaches; truly a visual treat for those who love the sea. It's the perfect hideaway for the entire family where you can just relax and enjoy the quietude that Dos Palmas has to offer.

White sand beach at Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa

6 Top Things To Do In Dos Palmas Island Resort And Spa [With Kid-Friendly Options]

    At Dos Palmas, guests can look forward to unharried days without the crowd and other distractions so that they can enjoy their holiday to its fullest. 

    Sunken boat at Honda Bay in Palawan
    Sunken boat off Honda Bay

    Dos Palmas may have earned notoriety and made it to the headlines because of two unfortunate events: first was the untimely demise of matinee idol Rico Yan inside the resort and second was the Abu Sayyaf kidnapping incident which involved some of its guests. 

    Both of those events happened just a year apart! Looking past these two unfortunate events, however, there are so many things to love about Dos Palmas.

    Our experience at Dos Palmas


    Immediately upon our arrival at Dos Palmas, we were given a brief about the resort. It is during this briefing that we learned that the island, powered only by generators, observes total power and water shut down from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM every day to conserve energy. 

    At the front desk of Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa

    We booked an overnight stay at Dos Palmas Island Resort & Spa to cap our week-long holiday in celebration of our second wedding anniversary. 

    We spent most of our time on the beach. When dusk came, we quietly sat on the beach as we waited for the sun to set. It was, for us, the best activity to conclude the day. 

    Sunset at Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa
    Sunset

    We marveled at how peaceful the beach was on this side of Palawan. We watched in awe as the sun began to descend over the horizon, and as the sky was painted a hue of red and orange.

    The changing colors of the sky seemed dreamy. We considered ourselves lucky to behold one of nature's most wondrous sights. We were also fortunate in being able to find contentment in the simplest of things.

    How to go to Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa


    The only way to go to Dos Palmas is via ferry boat ride which is included in all tour packages. Keep in mind though that the boats follow a set schedule. 

    Arriving at the wharf of Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa
    Arriving at Dos Palmas

    As such, you should arrive at Sta. Lourdes/Honda Bay wharf on your intended time of departure. An air-conditioned van is also included in the package, as such, you can arrange for it to fetch you from your hotel or the airport and take you to Sta. Lourdes wharf so that you will not miss your boat ride.

    The same ferry boat will take you back to the wharf after checking out of Dos Palmas.

    MAP OF DOS PALMAS

    Old-looking but well-maintained rooms


    We booked a room in one of the Beach Villas, which is located immediately at the beachfront. Dos Palmas’ rooms obviously look old but they are well-maintained, thus ging the air of an antique beach house.

    Beach Villa at Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa
    Beach Villa

    Our room had a standard queen-sized bed, cabinets, and a personal refrigerator. It opened to a verandah which gave a view of a mangrove patch and the beach. 

    Bed at Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa
    The bed

    Meanwhile, the bathroom also had all the standard amenities, including a hot and cold shower. The water from the faucet and shower is slightly salty though, which made it challenging to wash the soap off.

    Toiletries at Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa
    Bath amenities

    Since the island uses generators, don't expect the air conditioning to blast out freezing cold air. But don't worry because the air is cool enough to provide respite from the blazing sun outside.


    6 top things to do at Dos Palmas 


    While we spent most of our time at the beach, we also took advantage of some of Dos Palmas' amenities and package inclusions. 

    Here are some of the complimentary activities that you can do at Dos Palmas. You can even bring your kids with you in some of these activities.

    1. Visit Isla Puting Buhangin


    What we love most about the tour package of Dos Palmas is the inclusion of a complimentary tour to the beautiful Isla Puting Buhangin in Honda Bay. 

    Isla Puting Buhangin in Honda Bay, Palawan
    Isla Puting Buhangin

    We were not able to check in early, hence, we immediately availed of the tour. The island is a sandbar, very raw with just 2 cottages. The sand was very white, almost as fine as Boracay's.

    Exploring Isla Puting Buhangin

    Since it is in the middle of Honda Bay, strong waves are to be expected. The surrounding water was incredibly deep turquoise. 

    Catchy sign at Isla Puting Buhangin

    Much of the island is submerged in water during high tide but during low tide, one may walk along the long sandbar and enjoy a good view of the clear water. 

    2. Go snorkeling


    Immediately after our Isla Puting Buhangin tour, we went snorkeling at Honda Bay. This is also a free activity, including the boat and the swimming gear.

    Snorkeling at Honda Bay in Palawan
    Snorkeling

    Being non-swimmers, we found it challenging being in the open sea because of the large waves and the strong current. 

    Boat ride at Honda Bay, Palawan

    We did enjoy the underwater view of the reef though, with all the colorful fishes. Our boatman gave us a piece of bread to lure the fishes closer to us.

    3. Kayak at the beach


    Guests are free to use the kayaks are much as they want. However, guests are reminded to practice safety precautions by wearing life vests and aqua shoes even if they were swimming in shallow waters.

    4. Swim in the pool


    There is a swimming pool located near the dining hall and in the spa area. Guests may take a dip anytime they want to, except during evenings when the pools are closed. 

    Swimming pool at Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa
    Swimming pool

    If you want a more private swimming session, then you should go to the spa area.

    5. Have a relaxing massage at the spa 


    If you want maximum relaxation during your vacation, you can opt to indulge in a relaxing Swedish massage in the hands of a well-trained therapist at the spa. 

    Spa area at Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa
    Spa area

    Take note, however, that these wellness services are not included in the tour package. Payment for massages and treatments is separate.

    6. Enjoy the recreation area


    The recreation area is open to guests who want to play billiards and darts, among others. Use of these facilities is free of charge. 

    Beach benches at Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa
    Beach benches

    By the way, there is no nightlife in Dos Palmas. There are no beach parties or booming music. As such, expect to be enveloped in a lot of peace and quiet during your stay.

    Lastly, Doa Palmas has a clinic, a chapel, and a souvenir store. You might want to check these out during your stay. 

    Dining at Dos Palmas


    There is a restaurant at Dos Palmas where they serve all their meals. This is also where we had all our meals during our stay.

    Dining at Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa
    Breakfast food

    The menu is quite extensive as it features a lot of meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes. They also have light snack offerings for quick bites.

    If you availed of an overnight stay, the breakfast buffet is included. The food that they served is really good and is something to look forward to.

    Epilogue


    We didn’t regret in any bit our stay in Dos Palmas. It was one of the best resorts that we have ever been to. 

    Departure from Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa

    Our experience in Dos Palmas is comparable to our stay in Costa Pacifica – the rooms, the quiet evenings, the affordable food, and the hospitable staff. Dos Palmas is definitely worth a visit when in Puerto Princesa City.

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    Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa hotel review


    For inquiries on overnight room rates and day tour packages, you may get in touch with Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa through the following:

    Dos Palmas Island Resort & Spa
    Arreceffi Island Resort
    Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa
    Palawan, 5300, Philippines

    Manila Sales Office
    Unit 1005 Antel Global Corporate Center
    Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center
    Pasig City 1605, Philippines

    Contact Numbers:

    Phone: +63 2 637 4226/36 
    Mobile: +63 917 500 0154 
    Fax: +63 2 637 4230 Email: info@dospalmas.com.ph
    Office Hours: Monday – Friday (8 am to 6:30 pm)

    Palawan Sales Office
    89 Lacao St.
    Puerto Princesa City, Palawan 5300 Philippines

    Contact Numbers:

    Phone: +63 48 434 3118 
    Mobile: +63 917 590 4442 
    Fax: +63 48 434 5362 Office Hours: Monday – Sunday (8 am to 6:30 pm)

    Disclaimer: This Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa review is not sponsored. All opinions are ours.

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    6 comments

    1. Beautiful getaway location. You both had a lovely time there I suppose! Specially in love with the sunset capture!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Yes, we indeed had a wonderful time at Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa. Thank you!

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    2. I had the best time there too. The staff was awesome!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I'm glad to hear that you had a similar experience at Dos Palmas. Thank you for dropping by.

        Delete
    3. Yes, it was indeed a wonderful time. Thank you!

      ReplyDelete
    4. Glad you had a similar experience. Thank you for dropping by.

      ReplyDelete