"Although we enjoyed our privacy thanks to an almost total lack of tourists in Palawan I realise that without them resorts and their staff cannot exist, so I’m writing these comments to encourage people to travel there, despite all those official government warnings about the dangers of the Philippines. The only danger we encountered were coconuts falling from palm trees. People in Palawan are very friendly and at no time did we feel unsafe.

The trip for most of the way from Puerto Princesa was on smooth concrete road (Lonely Planet descriptions of torturous roads is very outdated). Only the last 30 minutes of the 3 and a half hour trip was a bit rough, through dense forest which was the most interesting part of the trip. Greenviews Resort welcomed us with its idyllic location, traditional cottages with clean bathrooms and beautifully landscaped grounds. All cottages had water view and cost only P800 per night (the cheapest and best value for money but without that cheap feeling). We were so excited because it felt like we were in an exclusive resort. We had the privilege of meeting the owners, David and Tina. We had a few San Migs and some Tanduay rhum in their beautifully crafted restaurant, and almost instantly befriended the owners and staff. You feel at home here, not like just a number in a hotel.

Everything in Greenviews looked exactly like the pictures in their website (only better with sounds of numerous birds, sights of exotic insects, especially butterflies which are David’s passion, flying lizards and swaying coconut palms, and in the background lush tropical forest). You could tell that you are in a special place and the owners really care about nature. We had a great time in Greenviews Resort; every one there was so friendly and helpful. They have their own bancas that took us island hopping. You don’t feel like you are on a packaged tour in the bus, this was like real adventure discovering all those beautiful islands with competent guides on traditional bancas. We also explored on foot through deep forest to a nearby waterfall where we had a relaxing spa-like experience, with all that water falling on our backs. Local guide Tito made us hats from palm leaves so we looked like real explorers.

Days were full of activities; there was also a festival in Port Barton where we got the chance to meet local people, and watch a real cock fight (that was a bit too brutal for our girls but a new experience). Nights – relaxing in the traditional hand carved restaurant, enjoying delicious meals washed down with quite a few San Migs (good thing about San Mig Light is Light means low in calories while still 5% alcohol). Also Tanduay rhum - while it is very cheap it tastes better than scotch and you don’t have a hangover next day.

We were really spoiled in Greenviews and didn’t want to move on but there was still so much to see in Palawan, especially all those islands around El Nido. We took a banca from the resort with two skippers. It was still dark when we left early in the morning so we got to watch the spectacular sun rise over the hills sitting comfortably in the boat. Journey was pleasant, water calm. We had our first stop on Turtle Island after 4 hours of sailing. What a beautiful island it is. On one side sharp cliffs, on the other a small beach with tons of colourful shells and broken coral. We swam there and had lunch – what an experience. We caught big tuna on the way, plus there was already big fish prepared for us in the esky. Our guides made fire in one of the caves – they had all the spices, soya and vegetables so it was like a first class restaurant meal but served in the cave on a beautiful exotic island. Then we visited Big Lagoon on Minoloc Island. Another spectacular sight. In El Nido we had to say goodbye to our skippers and started another adventure."

Jan, Brisbane, Australia