Kindest, most generous owners/hosts in the most private, peaceful and idyllic of settings (From Philippa of Cape Town)
We were greeted by Mina, who is the owner and just the loveliest, most generous of people. She was so warm and friendly. All the staff and her family who also help are amazing too.
The cottages are simple and rustic but done with charm and perfect for the setting. Its relaxed and low key. we were a group of 6 and most of the time had it to ourselves. There are hammocks outside the rooms, its heaven! The beach is pebbled, but some sand, and gorgeous for long walks. The food is the best we had in our trip- really fresh, tasty, inventive and plenty of selection. Really good. We are well at both breakfast and dinner.
Mina organised some trips for us- all went really well. She also organised a private little exclusion for me to take photos- very off the beaten track. She showed us her Fruit/veg farm, and taught the guys how to make Crispy Pata. Every day had another fantastic experience.
We had a really special time there, and would highly recommend a few nights at least to unwind and really experience the best of Filipino hospitality. It was my birthday on the day we left, and they made us a really special birthday breakfast which was a real treat, and made us really sad to leave!!!
Breathtaking location with amazing hospitality (From Mikey of San Diego, California)
Mina was our host for four days while we toured Palawan – she’s an amazing hostess. She provides all your meals, and her helper Elmer will do just about everything else for you – drive you around, arrange your tours, take you to the port, get you a boat for island hopping, etc.
Mina met us at the airport in Puerto Princesa when we landed, picked us up, and gave us a tour of town. She had arranged transport back to the resort for us – we didn’t have to arrange a thing for the whole four days we were at Tarabanan. When we were ready to depart she accompanied us all the way back to the airport and dropped us off.
The location is unbelievable, the cottages all face the beach. Every morning brings another amazing sunrise.
I can’t wait to return. Absolutely the best place we stayed while in the Philippines.
Filipino hospitality in a peaceful environment (From Louie of Chicago, Illinois)
Great things about Tarabanan resort:
1) The beach is all yours
2) A lot of peace and privacy in a low key setting
3) Homecooked meals
4) Nipa huts!
5) Affordable
6) Very easy booking process and checkout. We were emailed very specific instructions on the booking process, how much things would cost and that someone will meet us at the airport. Checkout was easy, we just paid in cash
7) Tita Mina, the owner of the resort. She met us at the airport, helped us obtain permits for the Underground River (no service fees whatsoever), made us delicious dishes and made sure we were comfortable during our stay
Recommendations for anyone planning on staying here:
1) From the airport, ask Tita Mina to take you to Robinson’s to buy your snacks and groceries, then take the van/ bus to Concepcion. If you don’t have a permit for the underground river yet, Tita Mina can accompany you to the government office to obtain them
2) You can get to the Sabang (Underground River) from outside the resort but it takes a while. My buddy and I took 2 buses from the front of Tarabanan. If you have limited time, I suggest booking thru one of the “Lexus” vans to pick you up from the resort.
3) From outside the resort, you can also catch a bus/ “Lexus” van that goes all the way to El Nido
4) As with most places outside Puerto Princesa, bring cash. No ATMs closeby
4) Enjoy your private beach!!!
I recommend at least spending a night here, I even enjoyed it here more than crowded El Nido.
Quiet, friendly, and restful (From Sarah of Qingdao)
Tarabanan is the perfect spot to relax and disconnect from the chaos of life!
Our stay there began with a private pick up from the Puerto Princesa airport and Mina (the owner) greeting us with beautiful shell necklaces. Upon our arrival, we were treated to fresh coconut water (straight from coconuts picked from the trees on the resort!) and given time to take in our surroundings.
The resort hosts a handful of small cottages and 2 big cottages. The small cottage easily accommodated my husband, me, and our 2 year old son. Each cottage has its own bathroom, but it does not have hot water (however, in February it was not needed).
During our stay there, we greatly enjoyed Mina’s cooking and produce from the trees on the resort itself and from local farmers – especially the freshly roasted coffee sourced from local coffee farmers! For the majority of our stay, other travelers came for brief stays on their way to or from El Nido, but overall it was very quiet and peaceful.
Furthermore, we appreciated the time Mina took to talk with us about local culture and share with us her passion for pouring back into the local community and preserving the beauty on Palawan. Hailing from Palawan herself, she holds a unique perspective and strives to continually make a difference in the lives of people in her local community, Palawan, and the Philippines. Tarabanan is one of those places that I could see myself returning to many times!
Perfect stay in a beautiful place with a wonderful hostess! (From Anton of California)
We stayed at Tarabanan in January 2014 for a quick 3 day getaway from the reality of the reason of our trip to the Philippines. My mother in laws last request was that her ashes be brought back from Canada to her hometown on Luzon. We were fulfilling her last request. Our group of 9 arrived at
Tarabanan after a very beautiful and peaceful drive through the mountains from the airport by Mina and her driver.
Tensions amongst our group were high considering the reality of why we were all there. One of our group boiled over after we arrived at the resort and Mina did a wonderful job of maintaining order and peace, and providing a solution to keep the peace. She handled it with grace, and poise. I cannot say thank you enough.
After the rough start because of said members boil over (whom Mina guided to another local hotel), we settled in for some wonderful home made food.
Next morning we woke up to the ocean waves, that wonderful smell of the ocean, and sunshine. Then, breakfast. Homemade, pure natural cooking.
Mina’s homemade mango and pineapple jam are simply to die for. Sounds silly for just jam, but after you taste it, you’ll know. Then, a first for our entire group, wild board (bacon?)! Again, simply to die for!
Mina arranged for a day of island hopping, just a wonderful experience. Some amazing snorkelling on the islands and the sand bar we stopped at is just a sight to behold.
After 1 day, it felt like we’d known Mina for a long time. She’s a wonderful lady and a perfect host.
I’ll sum it up with this, if you want to stay in a natural setting, very little distractions to allow you to clear your minds and souls, you cannot go wrong picking Tarabanan.
If you are looking for 5 star millionaire for a week hotel, look elsewhere because you won’t be doing Mina any help.