Escape to Paradise: Buko Beach Resort, Palawan's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of Escape to Paradise: Buko Beach Resort in Palawan. Forget polished brochures, this is the REAL DEAL, the good, the slightly… well, let's just say interesting. I’m talking honest-to-goodness, warts-and-all, Palawan paradise (with a healthy dose of SEO thrown in, because, you know, gotta find this place).
Let's Talk Accessibility, Because, Hello, Real Life.
Right off the bat, this is where things get a little… fuzzy. The website claims "facilities for disabled guests." Okay, cool. But like, specific details? I’m envisioning a wheelchair trek across the sand (not ideal, unless you're into epic beach workouts). I honestly didn’t see a ton of dedicated ramps or anything super obvious. So, caveat emptor (that’s Latin for ‘buyer beware’ – I read a lot). Definitely call ahead and be super specific about your needs. Accessibility is a big deal, and it seems like this might be an area for improvement. We're talking Palawan's "Hidden Gem" so it's probably less developed than, say, Boracay.
Food, Glorious Food (or, "Can I Get a Fries, Please?")
Okay, food is important. Very important. And Buko Beach Resort… well, they've got options. Lots and lots of options.
- Restaurants Abound: Several, including "restaurants," coffee shops, and a poolside bar. You're not going to starve. They proudly boast “Asian & Western Cuisine." But honestly, the menu feels a little… everything. (I'm looking at you, "Happy Hour" – always a winner). The breakfast [buffet] was decent, your usual eggs, the usual bacon, fruit options, etc. You could even snag a breakfast in room which is perfect for those "don't want to put on actual clothes" days. There’s a la carte in the restaurant – good for later on – and they even had a vegetarian restaurant option.
- The Quirks: I found a salad that was divine! And the coffee/tea in the restaurant was perfectly brewed! The desserts in the restaurant were a mixed bag. One night, I had some kind of chocolate creation that was pure heaven. The next night? Let's just say I felt like I was eating a chocolate hockey puck. But hey, this is real life.
- Snack Bar Rescue: Thank god for the snack bar. Seriously. Between meals, when you're just too sandy and lazy to actually go anywhere, the snack bar is your best friend.
- Drinks: The poolside bar is a must. They have happy hour. I drank questionable fruity cocktails, and watched the sun disappear. A perfect moment of bliss.
- My Food Disaster Anecdote: Okay, so one night, I ordered the international cuisine. BIG mistake. My stomach was not up to the challenge. I’ll spare you the details, but let's just say I was very grateful for the doctor/nurse on call (and the first aid kit). They were quick, but don’t expect a gourmet experience!
- Safe Dining: I was super impressed with the sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and the safe dining setup with the physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
- Takeaway option: A breakfast takeaway service lets you eat on the go.
The Rooms: Paradise Found (Mostly)
Let's talk rooms. Because where you sleep is pretty important.
- Amenities Galore: They've thought of almost everything. Air conditioning, alarm clock, blackout curtains, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra-long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access – wireless, iron/ironing facilities, laptop workspace, mini-bar, non-smoking rooms, private bathroom, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, soundproofing, telephone, towels, toiletries, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free] – the whole shebang.
- The Little Things: The bathrobes were fluffy. The slippers were a nice touch.
- The Imperfections: I really wanted a bathtub at the end of a long day. (I'm a bath person, sue me).
- A/C: The air conditioning worked, but it took a while to cool down.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sweat, and Sunshine
This is where Buko Beach Resort really shines. They get the whole "escape to paradise" thing.
- Spa Bliss: The spa is a must-do. I indulged in a massage – seriously, get one. Just let all your worries melt away. They also had body scrubs and body wraps.
- Pool with a View: The swimming pool [outdoor] is the star. Seriously beautiful. Swim up to the bar, sip a cocktail, do some people-watching.
- Fitness Fanatics: They have a fitness center with gym/fitness equipment.
- Sauna and Steamroom: Didn't try it.
- My Massage Story: Okay, my massage therapist? She was a wizard. I went in feeling like a crumpled piece of paper and came out feeling like… well, like I could conquer the world (or at least order another cocktail). Pure bliss.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitize, Sanitize, Sanitize!
In today's world, this is essential. And Buko Beach Resort actually seems to take it seriously.
- Obsessive Attention to Detail: Seriously, they’re practically spraying everything in sight. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options, professional-grade sanitizing services, room sanitization opt-out available, rooms sanitized between stays, staff trained in safety protocols, the whole nine yards.
- No-Touch Check-In: Contactless check-in/out. The perfect way to start your vacation.
- Hand Sanitizer Stations: Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- The Oddity: They have sterilizing equipment. I'm not even sure what they’re sterilizing, but hey, better safe than sorry, right?
Internet: The (Sometimes) Elusive Connection
Being disconnected is part of the escape, but sometimes you need to check your email, right?
- Wi-Fi Freedom: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! (and Wi-Fi in public areas)
- The Caveat: The internet is… well, it's Palawan internet. It's not always the fastest or most reliable. You might have to channel your inner zen master. The Internet [LAN] and Internet access – LAN are in-room, the Internet services probably refer to the wifi, the internet access-wireless would probably be more reliable.
- Digital Detox Warning: If you depend on a super-fast connection, this might not be the place for you.
Things to Do (Besides Drinking Cocktails)
Okay, so it's not all lounging by the pool.
- Water Sports: They’ll probably arrange snorkeling, diving, and island hopping. This is Palawan, after all.
- My Recommendation: Explore the beach! You'll find some incredible hidden coves.
- Babysitting? If you're traveling with kids, babysitting service is available.
- For Special Events and Seminars: Meeting/banquet facilities and audio-visual equipment for special events are available.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
- Helpful Staff: Concierge and doorman service.
- Laundry and Ironing: Laundry service and ironing service.
- Luggage Storage: Luggage storage is available.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer and taxi service can be arranged. You also can park with car park [free of charge] and [on-site].
- General Conveniences: They have a convenience store, daily housekeeping, and facilities for disabled guests. And a basic first aid kit.
For the Kids
- Family-Friendly: The resort is marketed as family/child friendly
- Kids Meal: You can request a kids meal
Getting Around
- Airport transfer
- Car park
- Taxi service
Final Verdict: Escape to Paradise (with a grain of salt)
Escape to Paradise: Buko Beach Resort is a mixed bag. It has all the potential to be heavenly, with its stunning location, gorgeous pool, and fantastic spa. The food is good, but not
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Buko Beach Bonanza: A Hilariously Imperfect Palawan Pilgrimage (AKA, Pray for My Stomach)
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Panic (AKA, "Is this paradise or a sandcastle?")
10:00 AM - Arrival at El Nido Airport (ENI): Okay, so the flight was fine. Except for the screaming toddler two rows back who apparently thought the entire plane was his personal bouncy castle. I'm pretty sure he stole my sanity during the descent. Disembarking in El Nido felt like walking into a postcard. Turquoise water, lush greenery… and a relentless onslaught of humidity that clung to me like a desperate boyfriend.
11:00 AM - Transfer to Buko Beach Resort: The bumpy van ride. Let's face it, the road was less "road" and more "unpaved adventure." I'm pretty sure my spine has taken on a zig-zag shape. But hey, the scenery. Wow. Just… wow. Buko Beach Resort, upon arriving, was a mix of "ooh" and "aw, it's not as perfect as the photos" . I'll admit, my first thought was, "This is where they film The Bachelor, right?"
12:00 PM - Check-in & Bungalow Inspection: The staff at Buko were genuinely lovely, although the check-in process involved more forms than my tax return. We’re in a bungalow literally steps from the beach. I nearly squealed with glee. (Don't judge me.) Then I noticed the tiny, slightly-too-close-for-comfort scorpion scuttling across the bathroom floor. My glee deflated. Immediately. "Okay, okay, just breathe," I told myself. "It's part of the experience!" (Please, God, don't let it bite me.)
1:00 PM - Beachside Lunch & Existential Dread: The restaurant is open-air. The food? Mostly edible! I ordered the grilled fish. Delicious, until I realized a rogue mosquito had become a garnish. Shudder. My stomach is already grumbling. "Is this traveler's diarrhea waiting to happen?" I wonder. But the view…the ridiculously stunning view… calmed me down. I swear, this place is so beautiful it’s almost annoying. Like, can we not have one, one ugly rock?
3:00 PM - Beach Exploration & Photo Opps: I wandered the beach, eyes wide with wonder and a healthy dose of sunscreen-induced anxiety. Snapped a million pictures. Attempted a yoga pose (failed miserably). Got sand everywhere. I felt like a cheesy Instagram influencer, and I hated myself for loving it.
5:00 PM - Sunset Cocktails & Philosophical Ramblings: Ah, sunset. The sky painted itself in fiery hues of orange and purple. I perched on a beach chair, cocktail in hand (a surprisingly strong margarita, thank the heavens), and watched the sun dip below the horizon. My mind wandered, as it often does. I spent more time on my phone than looking at the sunset. Is that a sign of the apocalypse? Probably. But then I took another sip, and everything was…okay.
7:00 PM - Dinner & Early Bedtime (Thank God): Dinner was a seafood buffet. Delicious, but my stomach is cautiously optimistic. I'm praying to the toilet gods for mercy. I'm tired and mildly sunburnt. This is my perfect vacation starter. I'm already exhausted. Bedtime at 9 pm? Yes, please.
Day 2: Island Hopping & Marine Mayhem (AKA, "I swear I saw Nemo!")
8:00 AM - Wake-up, Breakfast, and General Grogginess: Sunscreen. Coffee. Trying to remember how to breathe. That's the morning routine. Breakfast was simple. Tropical fruits. What's going to happen with this toilet situation?
9:00 AM - Island Hopping Tour Begins: We're off! First stop, Secret Lagoon! (Which, ironically, wasn't that secret, given the boatload of tourists clamoring to get in.) The lagoon was stunning, a hidden gem of turquoise water and jagged cliffs. I was slightly claustrophobic, and I didn’t have a waterproof bag! I'm terrified of my phone being ruined. But still… wow.
10:00 AM - Snorkeling Adventure & Near-Drowning Experience: The snorkeling. Oh. My. God. I’ve never seen anything like it! Coral reefs bursting with color, fish of every size and stripe, and the eerie silence of the underwater world. I think I saw Nemo. Or maybe it was a hallucination brought on by the salt water up my nose. The current was strong. I’m not the strongest swimmer. There was a brief moment of panic when I thought I was being swept out to sea and a helpful boat guide pulled me back in. "Just breathe," he said. Easier said than done when you’re swallowing saltwater and wondering if your life insurance covers shark attacks!
12:00 PM - Lunch on the Beach (And Praying for Dietary Compliance): Lunch was on a secluded beach, with grilled fish. Delicious! More fruit. By this point, my stomach has gone from "cautiously optimistic" to "mildly rebellious." Hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst, which is probably a mad dash to the nearest restroom.
2:00 PM - More Island Hopping & Beach Bumming More islands and more snorkeling! I'm starting to feel like a fish. In a good way (mostly). I want to stay underwater forever. At one point, I stumbled upon a beach so perfect that I felt a pang of pure joy, followed by an irrational urge to build a sandcastle empire.
4:00 PM - The Great Bathroom Hunt: After the last stop, I started feeling a bit…off. It was during the trip back to the resort, that I realized I absolutely, positively had to find a toilet. Now! This became my top priority, my everything. Praying that I get there in time. The rest of the boat passengers were quite patient as I hopped from one foot to the other.
5:00 PM - Sunset Cocktails & the Sweetest Relief Back at the resort, and thank god the bathroom gods heard my prayers! I had to have a cocktail immediately. A well-deserved cocktail. I never thought I would love a toilet, but here we are. The sunset was stunning tonight, a beautiful light show.
7:00 PM - Dinner & a Newfound Appreciation for Life: Dinner at the resort restaurant. Food was divine and I actually enjoyed it. I was so thankful for a toilet that I spent the night in a state of bliss. I'm going to make it.
Day 3: Relaxation & Departure (AKA, "Leaving Paradise, and My Sanity?")
- 8:00 AM - Sleep in, a miracle! I slept in! What a blessing!
- 9:00 AM - Beachside Breakfast More fruit. The usual. My stomach is still a little wary.
- 10:00 AM - Massage & Bliss: Booked a massage. I was so relaxed.
- 12:00 PM - Final Lunch & Souvenir Shopping One last meal at Buko Beach Resort, a moment I savored. I didn't want to leave.
- 2:00 PM - Pack & Say Goodbye: Packing up. Checking out. Saying goodbye to the stunning beach. It was over…
- 3:00 PM - Departure: The ride back to El Nido airport was a bit less bumpy, maybe because I'd come to terms with the impending doom of leaving Paradise. Then the screaming toddler.
- 4:00 PM - Last View & Reflection: On the plane. Looking out the window, one last view the turquoise water turned to dark blue and the green turning grey. Was the trip perfect? Absolutely not. Was it memorable? Hell yes. I swear I'll be back.
Escape to Paradise: Buko Beach Resort - Palawan's Raw and Real FAQs (Brace Yourself!)
1. Okay, spill it. Is Buko Beach Resort *really* as idyllic as those Instagram photos make it out to be?
2. The food! What's the deal? Is it all, like, grilled fish and coconut water? And will I *starve*?
3. Rooms? What are they *really* like? Are we talking luxury or… let's just say, "basic"?
4. Bugs. Tell me about the bugs. I'm terrified of the creepy crawlies.
5. Activities? Is there more to do than just, like, lie on the beach? (Which, let's be honest, is pretty good.)
6. The Staff - What are they like? Are they helpful? Friendly? Or just… there?
7. What's the vibe? Is it a party place? Romantic getaway? Family-friendly? Tell me the *feels*!
8. Anything I need to *really* prepare for? Anything you wish you'd known before you went?
