Villa Saturnina's 2014 Promos!

Our customers deserve the BEST value for the money they shell out. In this regard, Villa Saturnina has come up with better Puerto Princesa Packages and Promotions that guarantee satisfaction and maximum enjoyment!

These improvements will take effect on January 1, 2014. Among the changes are the following:

1. EARLY BIRD PROMO - Book your trip at least one month in advance, and get as much as 20% off! This is perfect for groups who want to get maximum savings by planning their trip in advance. 

2. HONEYMOON RATE - Couples or small groups (and individuals) who book at least one month in advance will also get a substantial discount on their tours.

3. ALL-IN PACKAGES - The new packages are all-in, meaning, all packages include the following: hotel accommodations, breakfast, airport transfers, underground river tour (with lunch), honda bay tour (with lunch), firefly watching (with dinner) and city tour. Combined with the Early Bird Promo, you will be surprised with the huge savings you'll be getting! It's like getting your room or one of the tours for free! All or nothing, regardless of your travel schedule.

4. ALA CARTE PACKAGES - Those who do not wish to avail of the all-in packages have the option to "Build" their own vacation. Just get the room rate depending on how many you are in your group, multiply by the number of nights you will be staying, and then add the costs of the tour/s you want to avail of! 

5. FOOD! - In case you find yourself too tired to venture out for dinner and drinks, you can always ask our "cook" to prepare a feast for you. For a minimal cooking fee, you can enjoy a sumptuous seafood meal. While waiting, you can use our Karaoke Machine and belt out your favorite songs. Please note that dinner is only served upon special request and with advance notice.

To book, email VillaSaturnina@gmail.com and provide your flight details, full names, and tour preference. You may also reach Sam at 0999 9928276 or 0917 2001222. Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of a minimum (non-refundable) downpayment of 500 pesos per head (to be used for permits).

Some of the tours (Underground River and Honda Bay) are closely monitored by the Coast Guard and the City Government. For safety reasons, tours may be cancelled with short notice due to poor weather conditions.  

Villa Saturnina is a Bed and Breakfast located near the Honda Bay Wharf in Sta Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City. It is right across the Chinese Temple, and is approximately 12 kms away from the airport. Robinson's mall is approximately 10-15 minutes away.

Tips for the Frugal Traveler

Times are tough, and every penny saved is a penny that can be used for something else. Travel does not have to be expensive for it to be memorable.  If you know how to make adjustments to your vacation budget, you will be able to do more, buy more, and have a much better experience. Here are some tips on how to get huge savings from your next travel adventure.

1. Know Your Options

There are a lot of travel packages options and packages available in the market, each one promising you the best experience or the cheapest vacation. Most of these providers will push their customers into a corner, pressuring them with deadlines and time constraints. You should not allow yourself to blindly close a deal because “it is your last chance” or “it is impossible to find a better deal later on.” If an agent tries to sell you something under pressure, there is a big probability that you are getting a bad deal. Consider your options and look into the details and inclusions of several packages. Here's an example of a package that has excellent inclusions:

2. Avail of Airline Discounts

Every now and then, major airlines offer huge discounts on airfare. Availing of these promotional rates could spell the difference between a “nice trip” and a “fabulous trip.” You can get as much as 80% off from the regular rate if you plan your trip ahead of time. This will come out much cheaper than the “all-in promos” that some travel agencies and groupon sites offer.

3. Travel Buddies

It is less expensive to travel with a group, and travel agencies usually provide substantial discounts for groups of 7 or more. If you find yourself traveling alone or with a small group, it may be best to consider finding travel buddies who can share your costs. You can meet  these people at the airport, or at your hotel. You will be surprised at how much you can save on transportation costs, meals, and other expenses. This will also be a great opportunity to meet new friends and contacts.

4. Get Cheap Transportation

When you arrive at a new place, you should try to get information on your transportation option from the experts: the locals. Cheap transport alternatives are always available if you knew where to look. Airport cabs and tricycles, for example, usually charge more than the public utility vehicles you can catch outside the airport gates. There are also travel agencies and inns that offer free airport transfers to your hotel.

5. Buy Your Own Booze

Some hotels may charge a minimal corkage rate for drinks, but you will still end up saving money if you bought your own beer or liquor from a local supermarket.

6. What Guidebook?

Guidebooks are useful if you want to learn random information about a potential destination, but you should never make the mistake of relying too much on these bulky (and possibly outdated) books. They are usually expensive, heavy, and limited. A much better alternative is to whip out your smart phone and search for good travel blogs. Also, you can always get information from your hotel’s front desk officer, as well a from locals.

7. Cook for Yourself

If you have access to a kitchen (and if you know what you’re doing), it may be a good idea for you to cook your own meals. It will be cheaper if you buy your own ingredients from a supermarket and cook sumptuous meals for your family and friends. Ask your hotel beforehand if they allow the use of their cooking facilities, or if they are willing to cook for your (usually for a minimal cooking fee). Of course, you will end up missing out on local cuisines and delicacies (which is a travel experience in itself). Some hotels like Villa Saturnina allow the guests to use the kitchen facilities, as well as cook for the guests.

Puerto Princesa Group Packages (Great Value!)

Whether you prefer an inn that's located in the heart of the city or a bed and breakfast near the city's premier tourist destinations, we have the right place for you!  

Check out these great and affordable tour packages from Villa Saturnina and Seasons Guesthouse! Look closely at the inclusions and be amazed by how far your hard-earned money can go! 

Villa Saturnina, on the other hand, is located approximately 12 kms away from the airport, and is near the Honda Bay Wharf (also about 10 minutes away from Robinsons Palawan). You can check out the Chinese Temple right across the street, or enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine at VietVille. 

 Seasons Guesthouse is located in front of the Skylight Convention center, and is accessible to most of the local bars and restaurants within city proper. Perfect for tourists who want to spend the day touring, and the evenings bar hopping.

Sabang X Zipline

I'm not exactly a fan of ziplines, but I had the chance to try out the Sabang X Zipline the last time I joined the Underground River Tour. This one is different from the Ugong Rock Zipline and the Irawan Ecotour Zipline (both of which I have yet to try). All of the other tourists on the van were excited to try it out, so I shrugged and decided to go for it as well. After all, how bad can it be? I'm pretty sure the cables are secure (with regular maintenance checks), and should an "accidental slip" happen, the ocean is right there to break my fall.

This quick side trip is available to most tourists, and all they need to do is to request their tour guide or van driver to make a detour to the zipline. The drop off point is on a beach located a few minutes away from the Sabang Wharf. The guests are then expected to take a "short trek" (10-30 minutes, depending on your stamina) to the jump off point (which is on top of a mountain). 

I was out of shape that morning (understatement of the year), so I had to take a couple of stops to catch my breath. But the effort was worth it when I saw the breathtaking view on top of the trail. It was so beautiful, that I totally forgot about the fact that in a few minutes I was going to be hooked to a metallic wire and pushed into oblivion. 

When I was finally sliding down from the mountain top to the beach, all I can think about was how beautiful the scenery was. I actually wished that the line was longer, and I had to consciously prevent myself from grabbing the wire just so I can dwell on the experience for a while longer. It was truly worth the effort and the P550 entrance fee.

Butterfly Garden and Tribal Village

The Butterfly Eco Garden and Tribal Village is not typically part of the guided city tours, but is conveniently located near Baker's Hill. As such, it is easy enough to ask the van driver/tour guide to drop by this location for a few minutes of education and entertainment. For a minimal fee of P50 (discounted fee is P35), you get to spend as much time as you can spare enjoying the tourist attraction and learning new things in the process.

Located a few meters away from the main highway, the entrance is hard to miss. It also has a reasonably sized signage for those who are unfamiliar with the place. Upon entering the garden, one of the first things that you will notice is the huge net that covers the entire place. Obviously, they don't want any of their fluttering creatures escape and move on to other places. They also have a mini fountain that is reminiscent of a river or a stream. The colorful insects fly around freely, seemingly oblivious to human presence. The guide was also helpful enough to explain how these creatures start from humble beginnings, and end up being creatures of beauty and grace.

As added attractions to the garden, exotic animals such as the Bearcat, Palawan Peacock, scorpions and geckos are also on display.

For me, the best part of the tour was the Tribal Village. They set up a couple of bahay kubos, which actually serve as dwelling places for the Palaw-ans (tribe name) who were there. They also have musical instrument, weapons, baskets, and livelihood paraphernalia on display. One guy was playing music using his kudyapi, while the lady explained how these villagers spend a typical day in the mountains. Another guy was kind enough to demonstrate how to use the supok, a weapon used for hunting wild boars and animals.

The experience and interaction was awe-inspiring. It brought me back memories of immersion during college days. I couldn't help but feel envious of how simple their lives are, and at the same time feel blessed that modern conveniences are available at my disposal. In my opinion, everybody needs a humbling experience like this once in a while.

Enjoying Puerto Princesa on a Budget

They say it can't be done, but it is actually possible to spend only 6000 and have the FULL Puerto Princesa experience!  All you need is a little insider information and minimal planning skills!

Here's the basic computation of what you will be spending:

Airfare - 1,160

Room (2 nights) - 798

Tours - 4,000

Total: 5,958

*** add extra for one dinner, trike fare and pasalubong shopping.

So here's what you need to do:

1. Book a cheap flight! Piso fares from major airlines come more frequently than all your employment bonuses combined, you just got to know when they happen! Check out www.facebook.com/VillaSaturnina for updates, or you can also check the airline websites! Obviously, you will have to spend more than 1 Peso to book a flight, but you can still get a cheap round trip ticket for only 1,160 (inclusive of fees and taxes). Not bad! 

2. Get reasonably priced accommodations! You don't need to spend more than two thousand pesos for a room if you're gonna spend the whole day on tours! Who needs a pool when you have the ocean at your disposal? It would be best to choose a hotel that will take care of your needs and assist you every step of the way! Choose between Villa Saturnina and Seasons Guesthouse! You can get nice air-conditioned rooms with breakfast, airport transfers, and hot shower starting at 399/head/night! (Room rates vary depending on location and number of guests). And did I mention we have decent TripAdvisor reviews from previous guests?

3. Find the best tour rates! Starting at 4000, you get the best tours that include Underground River (with lunch), Honda Bay (with lunch, up to 5 islands), City Tour, and Firefly Watching (with dinner). Groups of 5 or more also get exclusive tours. It truly doesn't get better than this.

For inquiries, you can leave a message at our Facebook Page.

Changes in Tour Pricing and Inclusions

Hello Everyone!

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the following changes have been implemented by the local travel agencies as far as tours are concerned:

1. The Honda Bay Tour short distance option will now include the following islands: Cowrie, Pambato and Luli island. Lunch and transfers are still included in the package.
2. The Honda Bay Tour long distance option now only includes 2 islands: Pandan island and Luli island. Lunch and transfers are still included in the package.
3. These changes have been brought about by the sudden increase in the entrance and cottage fees of some islands, as well as the revisions in the boat rental fees from the Honda Bay Association. Supposedly, this is standard among all local travel agencies.
4. For now, the rates for the Underground River, City Tour, Firefly Watching, and Dolphin Watching tours remain unchanged.

***Please note that the Honda Bay changes apply to agency-booked tours, and not to walk-in tours (cheaper rate for groups of 5 pax or more, up to 5 islands, and can be availed of from the Villa Saturnina location)

There are also "rumors" about a possible increase in the Underground River permit, which will inevitably result to an increase in the Underground River Tour rates. For now, these remain as rumors, hence our partner agency has decided to stick to the old rates.

Please also note that Villa Saturnina is running the 399/head promo effective July 2013, until further notice. This supercedes previous promos that may have been published on our site. The 399/head promo covers the room accommodation, breakfast and airport transfers, and applies to groups of 5 or more. Seasons Guesthouse has a similar promo, with different rates. Please refer to the photo below for more details.

The Tour Rates provided above are based on current market prices, and may be subject to change at any time (we can only guarantee the room rate, which is within our full control). The tour price changes will depend solely on industry standards/local government mandate and are not within the control of the hotels.

The Iwahig Firefly Watching Experience

Thanks to my friend Kenny and her group of SK kids from Batangas, I finally had the chance to try out the Firefly Watching Tour at the other side of the city: Iwahig. Compared to the one at Baywalk, the Iwahig tour is a bit on the "rough" side. I would say that choosing between one or the other will boil down to personal preferences and choices, but both tours are worth experiencing.

The tour started at 6PM, when the tour guide/van picked us up from Villa Saturnina. The first stop was a buffet dinner at Asturias Hotel. There was a wedding reception at the usual venue/dining area, so they instead setup the buffet at the coffee shop. While it was a bit cramped, everybody was able to comfortably have dinner. The food was nothing exceptional, but a buffet is a buffet. I would say that the highlight of that stopover was the photo ops session with Mayor Hagedorn. I was actually surprised when the kids suddenly became excited and approached him. Luckily, Mayor Hagedorn was very accommodating and allowed the kids to have their pics taken with him.

Back to the tour, we left Asturias after dinner and went on a 15 minute ride to Iwahig. I must say, the road leading to the location was too dark because of the lack of street lights. It probably added to the sense of adventure and thrill, but I wouldn't want to be stuck there with a flat tire or an engine problem. Once we got to the site, however, the excitement of being with the fireflies came back in a rush. Supposedly, these creatures only thrive in a clean and balanced environment. I am truly blessed to be living in such a place.

After registration, we were asked to group ourselves into 3. There were 24 of us so the division was pretty even, although one person backed out because of an uncontrollable fear of the unknown. We were also assigned number tags, representing our turn for the tour. The waiting time was surprisingly fast, and we were on the platform in no time. A few photos were taken by the on-site photographer (sold at 150 a piece for interested parties) and we were off into the darkness of the night.

The Iwahig tour was different from the Baywalk tour in several ways. For starters, we used smaller, non motorized boats for the tour. They say this is more eco-friendly and less disruptive, and I tend to agree. We also did not use any form of artificial lighting, and we had to make do with the moonlight and our natural night visions. I seem to remember seeing more fireflies at the Baywalk tour, but this could be attributed to the season/time of year. The boatman, Anthony, seemed to be very knowledgable with his job and was able to answer all of our questions with authority and confidence.

The planktons were also remarkable. These microscopic creatures glow in the dark when disturbed, and I enjoyed dipping my hand in the water once in a while (half scared that an unseen creature would take notice and bite my arm off). It reminded me on the whale in "Life of Pi." It took every ounce of will power to stop myself from diving in (or pushing one of my boat mates) to see if we would actually glow in the dark.

What made the tour more memorable for me was the stargazing. At one point, we started to ignore the fireflies and focused our attention to the stars instead. I was amazed when Anthony pulled out a small battery-operated contraption that emitted a laser light that pointed straight to the stars! It was like listening to a teacher pointing at the constellations using a giant stick, with the entire sky as the board. 

The actual tour lasted for approximately 20 minutes. It was exciting, educational, and entertaining. It could also be romantic if went on the tour with your significant other. I'm sure the boatmen won't mind if you stole a kiss or two, or make a marriage proposal. Definitely a place you need to visit when you go on a Puerto Princesa vacation.

More Rooms, More Options!

We are pleased to announce that Villa Saturnina will start to manage and operate a 50-pax capacity pension house located at the heart of the city! SEASONS promises to provide excellent service at a very reasonable rate.  As you may know, Villa Saturnina has been highly ranked by TripAdvisor for providing great value and exceptional customer service. We are very excited to provide an option for guests and tourists who prefer the city life and be accessible to local bars and restaurants at night.

Seasons (by Villa Saturnina) is strategically located in front of one of the biggest convention centers in Puerto Princesa, Palawan (Skylight Convention Center). Being at the heart of the city, most of the local bars, restaurants, and attractions are within arm's reach. It is the perfect location for tourists who are looking for accessibility and great service. 

Villa Saturnina, on the other hand, is located near the Honda Bay Wharf (approximately 12 kms from the airport). It is a great starting point for tours, and is within arm’s reach from several tourist attractions such as VietVille, Hidden Valley Spring, Honda Bay, and the Chinese Temple. This bed & breakfast boasts of a truly provincial feel. A home away from home.

Rooms are fully air-conditioned with hot shower installed. Wifi access is also available to the guests. Our promotional rates also include free breakfast and airport transfers.

Starting July 1, 2013, you will have the OPTION! 

1. CHOOSE. Which location suits your needs and budget better? SEASONS is located at the heart of the city, and is accessible to the local bars and restaurants. VILLA SATURNINA, on the other hand, is located near the Honda Bay Wharf and offers a peaceful recluse near the tourist attractions.

2. VISIT our Facebook page or check the photo above for the room and tour rates that apply to your preference. Rates will vary depending on location and number of guests.

3. BOOK. Leave a message at our Facebook Page, call or SMS 0917 2001222 // 0999 9928276, or email VillaSaturnina@gmail.com for inquiries. Your questions are always welcome!

4. NOTE that a minimum stay of 3d2n is required to avail of the promotional rates. Room assignments are “run of house” and will depend on availability. Tour rates may change without prior notice, depending on the Puerto Princesa Tourism regulations.

A Special Father's Day and Independence Day Promo

It doesn't get better than this! To celebrate our Independence Day and to honor our Dads, we have a special GROUP promo for June 9 to 16, 2013!

Groups of 5 or more can avail of our special 350 pesos per head room rate! That's more than 50% off our regular room rate!

Here are the mechanics:

1. Must book a minimum of 2 nights. Rate is 350 per head per night.

2. Travel dates must be between June 9 and 16, 2013.

3. Free breakfast and airport transfers!

4.  Tours will be charged separately.

5. This promo is available to groups of 5 people or more. 

6. Room assignments will depend on availability and are subject to management discretion. 

7. Promo is applicable for direct bookings (made via email, SMS, or Facebook messages) only.

Your Third Night, for FREE! A special promo, only for COUPLES/PAIRS!

Do not miss this chance! It's time to celebrate love this June at Villa Saturnina. June is famous for being the month of weddings, and it also happens to be the month of my birth. To give thanks for all the blessings we have received this year, we have come up with a great promotional offer just for you!

Couples who book a room for 4Days 3Nights will get a deal of a lifetime and get the third night for FREE!

Here are the mechanics:

1. Must book a minimum of 4d3n.

2. Travel dates must be between June 1 and June 30, 2013.

3. The promo applies to the room rate (regular room) only. Room rate is 1,500 per night.

4. Breakfast will be complimentary.

5. Airport transfers not included. This will be charged separately (P100 per head, one way). Guests will also have the option of utilizing public transportation.

6. Tours will be charged separately, but may be provided.

7. Slots are limited. 

8. This promo is applicable to couples/pairs/2pax ONLY. Different rates will apply to groups of 3 or more.

9. Promo is applicable for direct bookings (made via email, sms or facebook messages) only.

The BEST Puerto Princesa Packages!

Puerto Princesa City is truly one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. With the wide range of activities and tourist destinations available, there is always something fun and exciting to do. The city is sprawling with restaurants that serve great food, cultural destinations that would feed the mind and the soul, natural wonders that are famous all over the world, and white sand beaches that rival the best ones in the country!

A 3day-2night trip may seem tight, but is actually enough to see the best of the city. As long as you get an early flight in (around 7AM) and a late flight out of the city (there are evening flights), you should be able to fit the following tours: Underground River, Honda Bay, Firefly Watching, and City Tour. You can of course opt to extend your visit to have a more relaxing vacation. Villa Saturnina offers the BEST packages that will definitely give value for your money.

WHAT MAKES THE VILLA SATURNINA PACKAGE SPECIAL?

1. Check out the inclusions. Our 4,800 package already includes breakfast, airport transfers, Underground River Tour, Honda Bay Tour, City Tour and Firefly Watching. Most of the other packages available do not include as much. Even the so called "cheap" group bookings that offer "50% off" will actually result to more expenses. Most of the time, these bookings do not include transfers, or only include ONE TOUR.

2. Exclusivity. Our group tours (minimum of 4 pax) will be exclusive. This means you won't have other people joining your tour. This means that you get to do whatever you want to do and enjoy your vacation without worrying about strangers in your group.

3. Flexibility. You can make changes to your itinerary and decide to stay longer at certain places. You can opt not to go to certain tourist destinations, and move at your own pace. Extensions to the allotted time may be allowed, subject to minimal charges.

4. No hidden charges. Everything will be itemized in your itinerary, and you will be informed about all the inclusions and exclusions.

5. We find ways. At certain times, the tours may be fully booked and it will be almost impossible to get permits. This is particularly applicable to the Underground River Tour. We exhaust all means to ensure that every avenue is explored in an effort to make you experience this wonder.

6. Serenity. Villa Saturnina provides a unique Puerto Princesa experience. Unlike other inns and hotels, we are located where there is peace, quiet and tranquility. You can truly get a good night's sleep after a long day of touring.

7. Accessibility. Villa Saturnina is located approximately 12 kms away from the airport. It will only take you about 20-30 minutes to get there. The pl

WHAT DO OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US?

We pride ourselves for providing excellent and personalized service to our guests. Communication is very important, and we always remind our guests to notify us in case they need any assistance. We make them feel at home and try to give them everything that they need.

BUT DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT.  Check out our TripAdvisor page and read the customer reviews for yourself.

Firefly Watching: A Unique Experience

When I first heard about the firefly watching tour, I had mixed expectations. I wasn't sure I wanted to see a bunch of fireflies in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere. The mere thought of paddling through a dark river was intimidating enough. I was sure there were other (better) ways of spending my 1,300. Then my thoughts wandered to magical movies (The Little Mermaid being on top of the list), and that fireflies song. Indeed, I wanted to find out if what would happen if ten million fireflies lit up the world as I fell asleep. Out of sheer curiosity, I decided to go for it.

The drop off point is a sight to behold in itself. 

There are at least two Puerto Princesa Firefly watching tours available: the one in Iwahig and the one in Baywalk (jump off point). I initially went to the one in Iwahig. It is not easily accessible because of the distance from the city proper. The best way to get there is to hire a private van. The tours usually start at around 6pm, and runs up until the wee hours of the night (depending on the number of guests in queue).  You will also need to make prior reservations, otherwise you may have not choice but to wait until everyone else is done with their tours. This is the more intimate of the two tours, as each boat can only carry up to three guests. This is perfect for lovers who want a romantic escapade (just ignore the two guides), or for groups that are divisible by three. Villa Saturnina can arrange for this tour for groups of 6 persons or more. The package will also include a buffet dinner at one of the local establishments.

Discover how this tight space transforms into a comfortable dining area!

The second Firefly Watching Tour has a drop off point at Baywalk. In my opinion, this is the more organized tour. It also accommodates a bigger number of tourists on it's two daily runs. There are two big boats that leave at exactly 6PM. They cruise the bay for approximately 20 minutes right up to the entrance of the mangrove area. At this point, the big group is divided into two. One group will transfer to a smaller boat for the tour, while the remaining half will be served a sumptuous seafood dinner onboard. After about an hour, the groups will swap. Villa Saturnina can make reservations for this tour for individuals, small groups or large groups.

Relax at the BayWalk while waiting for your ride.

A word to the wise. If you are expecting ten million fireflies to hover around your boat while a mysterious voice crab sings "Kiss the Girl," then you are in for a huge disappointment. Expect, instead, to see mangroves that are illuminated by what seems like glowing christmas light after certain "triggers" are pushed. Learn more about these triggers as well as other interesting tidbits at the tour itself. Most of the fireflies stay on their trees, save the occasional renegade that ventures into the boat. Yes, I was lucky enough to catch one (with the help of the guide). Obviously, I had to let it go.

Yes, We Can Book Your Tours For You

Villa Saturnina has also been getting requests for tour arrangements from guests who have booked with other hotels. Either they got the recommendation too late, or they just recently stumbled upon our Facebook fan page. And why wouldn't they? There are several reasons why a Villa Saturnina-arranged tour is preferable, especially for groups of 4 or more.

1. The tours are private. We can arrange for private vans for our city tour (minimum of 4 pax), underground river tour (minimum of 6 pax) and firefly watching tour (minimum of 6 pax). Our Honda Bay tour is also exclusive to your group (minimum of 4 pax). 

2. The tours are flexible. Because you won't have to adjust to the schedules of other groups, you can do pretty much anything that you want within your allotted time. For the city tour, you can skip certain destinations and make a quick side trip at a nice restaurant. For the Honda Bay tour, you can stay at any island until you are fully satisfied, or head home early to catch your afternoon flight. For the Underground River tour, you can ask the driver/tour guide to bring you to popular destinations such as Ugong Rock, Sabang Zipline, and the Mangrove Paddle Boat tour. This is hassle-free and stress-free!

3. The tours are cheaper. Getting the tour packages will make you save money. Compared to regular rates, we provide additional discounts for group packages.

4. We find ways. Some of the tours get fully booked early on. Most of the time, a lead time of one month is needed to guarantee slots. We find ways to book these tours no matter what the odds are. 

5. We communicate. We are in constant correspondence/contact with our guests to inform them of the status of their requests. Text or email messages are sent out regularly to remind our guests of their schedules and activities. 

We also book tours for smaller groups. We have partnered with one of the most reliable local travel agencies to assist us with our group tour needs. The best packages, of course, would be the ones that include accommodations at Villa Saturnina. If you want a stress-free vacation (like visiting a friend's hometown), look no further.

Check out Villa Saturnina's Facebook fan page, Twitter account, and TripAdvisor page. You may also contact 0917 2001222 or 0999 9928276.

The Hidden Valley Spring

A couple of minutes away from Villa Saturnina lies a secret location that not a lot of tourists (and even locals) know about. True to its name, the Hidden Valley Spring has remained a secret to me until very recently. My brother and I were just driving around, looking for a place to relax, when we stumbled upon this gem. It doesn't look like much from the highway, and we wouldn't have bothered to go down if the sun was a bit hotter or we were on the way to doing something important.

It's not much to look at, but a wonderful surprise awaits you.

Upon entry, the friendly "manong" will ask for a minimal entrance fee and ask if you would want to rent a cottage. He will then direct you a downhill trail that will lead to the spring. The short walk will only take a few minutes, and you can enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery while anticipating the cool waters that await you.

The stream itself is nothing fancy, and it looks a bit small from above. I remember looking at it and debating with myself if it's worth the bother. I can imagine dozens of "manangs" doing their laundry while chatting endlessly at the river bank. I was glad that I took the dip because it truly was an amazing experience.

The water is really cool and clean. You can actually see the bottom of the riverbed from above. The place is never crowded (we were the only ones there), and the dip can truly relax and rejuvinate you. There is a small "waterfalls" that adds novelty to the experience. The place is perfect for kids and grown ups alike. The kids can stay at the shallow portion at the top area, while the adults can take a swim at the deeper end.

Enjoy the cold water, or take a swim at the deeper end of the river.

If you have the luxury of spending the entire day at this place, you can bring food with you and use the grilling area near the cottages. This is a great picnic site, especially for those who enjoy the simplicity of nature. Night swimming is also allowed, but not recommended.

The Hidden Valley Spring is a few minutes away from Villa Saturnina.

The PP Chinese Temple

Not a lot of people know about the existence of a serene Chinese temple in Puerto Princesa City. Located in barangay Sta. Lourdes, tourists who go on the Honda Bay Island Hopping Adventure can see this place from outside the walls. It is not, however, part of the standard tour. I doubt that the van operators even bother to acknowledge its existence to the guests.

Not a lot of people know that this temple exists, and that it's open to the public.

The temple is located right in front of Villa Saturnina. Guests can simply walk in, sign up with the guard, and take a quick tour. It is best to visit at around 7-9 in the morning or 3-5 in the afternoon. You may not feel comfortable walking around and taking pictures when there's an ongoing activity or ceremony.

Literally across the street from Villa Saturnina.

On a good day, visitors will get to talk to Chinese monks who will try to explain certain aspects about their faith. It will be a challenging and interesting conversation due to the language barrier, but you will get to learn a thing or two about how things work. For instance, I was told that if I light three candles, kneel in front of the huge Buddha, and bow a couple of times, I will be blessed with good health, good finances or a good love life. Or at least I think that was what he said. 

Light your chinese candles and stick them here.

The origin of the temple remains a mystery to me, but the people who stay there told me that most of the materials used to build it came straight from China. As you enter the temple, you will be overwhelmed by the huge statue in the middle (from floor to ceiling!). There are also several smaller statues of idols with different facial expressions and dispositions. The place also looks new enough to surmise that it was built within the last 3 to 5 years.

Intricate Designs, imported straight from China.

At the back of the main temple is a Filipino-inspired temple made from indigenous materials. It is an interesting building to look at because it stands out from the regular temples built with cement and stone. It also feels more relatable to locals.

This Filipino inspired temple is a sight to behold.

While a visit to the temple is free, there are certain rules to abide by. First, you need to behave inside the facility. You can't be too rowdy or too vulgar. This is a religious place, and you need to respect the area regardless of your personal beliefs. Second, cameras are not allowed inside the temple. You can take photos outside the temple, but please refrain from taking photos of the idols and statues. I don't know why this is so, but I imagine facing a string of bad luck should I decide to violate this rule. Finally, shoes/slippers off when you enter the temple.

Photos are allowed outside, but not inside the temple.