Palawan has been one of the top travel destinations in the country for decades now, but despite being known as one of the best island destinations in the world, it still retains a wildness that reminds visitors why it still holds its reputation as “the Philippines’ last frontier”.
Sabang is a perfect example of this. Tourists are drawn to the area, about 70 km northwest of Puerto Princesa town center, because of the famed Subterranean River. Once there, they are greeted by the dense forest that belongs to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and by the dramatically windswept Sabang Beach.
“Why go to Sabang? There are an incredible number of possibilities for active travel here. There is the Subterranean River to explore, the mangrove forests to paddle through, there are jungle paths to hike, clear waters to snorkel in, and a 1.3-km white beach to enjoy. We have eight kinds of forests around us, and many opportunities to encounter Palawan’s unique wildlife,” says Dietmar Platz, general manager of Four Points by Sheraton Palawan, Puerto Princesa.
Introducing Four Points by Sheraton Palawan, Puerto Princesa: A One-Of-A-Kind, All-In-One Stop on Sabang Beach
To truly enjoy such an unmatched and unique location, travelers need a hotel that is perfectly suited to their needs and to the environs—and Four Points by Sheraton Palawan, Puerto Princesa strives to be just that.
Four Points by Sheraton Palawan is the first of the multinational brand’s hotels to open in the country and is the only one of its class on Sabang. Catering to all sorts of travelers, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan, Puerto Princesa is nevertheless especially equipped to welcome “bleisure tourists” who combine business and leisure, as well as families who are traveling with children.
With 168 rooms, two restaurants, a 1,367-sq.m. pool, and full amenities on a sprawling 5.25 hectares of beachfront property, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan is the perfect base for further exploration of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, a spa and sauna, and a playground at the Kids’ Club, making Four Points by Sheraton Palawan a truly comprehensive stop for travelers, whether they’re in Puerto Princesa for adventure or for relaxation.
“When it comes to Four Points by Sheraton Palawan, I think one of the main attractions is space. We have 5.25 hectares and only 168 rooms—later 240—so you have a lot of space for yourself. Every room has a balcony or pool access. We have an open courtyard. We have ensured that guests enjoy the luxury of space, and we have paid attention to our use of space throughout the hotel,” adds Mr Platz. “Combine all these elements with Four Points by Sheraton’s service standards, and guests can be assured of a memorable stay in Palawan.”
The hotel is also fully equipped to host social occasions like weddings and parties, as well as business events. For the latter, meeting rooms come with wi-fi and AV equipment; catering services and a full business center are also available. For events, open-air setups are currently ready to accept guests, while indoor venues will be available in 2024.
True Farm-to-Table Dining Experience Featuring the Best of Local Flavors
Experiencing the local food is an integral part of travel for many people, and the team at Four Points by Sheraton Palawan designed the hotel dining concepts around Puerto Princesa’s natural bounty. Besides preferentially sourcing the day’s harvest from local farmers and fishermen, there is a local farm located a short car ride away that will be accessible to guests.
“You have chickens, horses, water buffalo all around, and there are cabanas overlooking the mountains and the rice fields. We want guests to truly experience the farm concept,” says Mr Platz.
This true farm-to-table experience brings guests up close to the source of the food that ends up on their plates, which hopefully will lead to an appreciation of the work and the concerted effort that it takes to bring quality ingredients to the table.
In the hotel itself, guests may choose to dine at Evolution, the main all-day-dining restaurant, which features a buffet and various cooking stations and an open kitchen. Vegetable dishes featuring produce from the local farm, along with other sustainably grown and caught ingredients, takes center stage on the menu—diners can expect black rice, cage-free eggs and farm-fresh greens, among other things. The dining hall itself pays homage to the location, with high wooden ceilings and outdoor seating that allows guests to take in the fresh Sabang Beach air.
There are other interesting dining outlets on the premises: Il Fiore specializes in Italian cuisine and which offers al fresco seating with a sea view; the pool bar, which features seating in the middle of the centrally located swimming pool, offers a fun option.
In the Heart of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The best feature of the hotel is its incredibly fortunate location. About 70 km away from the Puerto Princesa International Airport and Puerto Princesa city center, the resort is situated right on the Sabang beachfront. It is also close to Sabang’s other natural attractions, including the Sabang Mangrove Forest (1 km away), Sabang Waterfalls (2.5 km), and of course the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (3.41 km). Other destinations within Puerto Princesa include Ugong Rock Adventures and the Iwahig Firefly Watching Mangrove and Wildlife Park. By boat, visitors can go to idyllic Isla Felomina, or plan a day trip to another popular site – Honda Bay.
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, which runs 8.2km underground, still remains as one of the country’s main attractions, having been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around it, the 22,202-hectare Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a protected zone with dramatic karst limestone cliffs and what UNESCO describes as “a full mountain-to-sea ecosystem, protecting the most significant forest area within the Palawan Biogeographic Province.”
With eight kinds of forest areas intact, the national park fosters outstanding biodiversity, and is home to endemic flora and fauna. It is also home to the largest and most valuable limestone forest in Asia.
“Our hotel is uniquely located in the heart of this natural reserve, making it the perfect destination for solo travelers, groups or families looking for adventure off the beaten path. Imagine waking up every day in the midst of a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” says Amie Villena, director of sales and marketing. “And since Four Points by Sheraton Palawan is fully equipped with everything a bleisure traveler might need, we are also ready to welcome those who want to combine work with leisure.”
Ready for travelers
Four Points by Sheraton Palawan officially opened on December 1, 2023.
As part of Marriott International, Inc., Four Points by Sheraton recognizes the Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program, which allows members to earn Bonvoy points for each stay, and enjoy exclusive perks.
Marriott International, Inc. brands include JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels and Resorts, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, Westin Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, and Fairfield by Marriott, among others.
For more information about Four Points By Sheraton Puerto Princesa Palawan, call (048) 550 9000 or visit FourPointsPalawan.com