Skylodge Adventure: Palawan's Most Unbelievable Hotel!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the unbelievable Skylodge Adventure in Palawan. And I'm not just reviewing it, I'm experiencing it – the good, the slightly wobbly, and the "holy moly, I can't believe I'm doing this" moments. So, let's get messy, shall we?
The Pre-Adventure Buzz (and the Internet…or Lack Thereof)
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility and maybe…inaccessibility. Skylodge is perched high, really high, overlooking the turquoise embrace of El Nido. If you're expecting a breezy, straight-shot-from-the-airport experience, think again. Because of that glorious, heart-stopping view, I'm guessing there's no wheelchair access. The ascent is part of the adventure, but those with mobility challenges, sadly, this might not be your cup of tea.
Now, internet. Oh, the internet. They boast about Wi-Fi in all rooms, right? Free Wi-Fi! Internet access! Let me tell you, the internet is a…suggestion. It's there, but it's more temperamental than my cat on a Monday morning. Forget streaming your favorite show, sometimes just loading a simple email feels like you're trying to reach the moon. But hey, maybe that's the point! A digital detox isn't the worst thing in the world when you're surrounded by scenery like this. They do offer Internet [LAN], but good luck finding a cable long enough to reach the nearest outlet. Rant over.
The Skyward Journey & The Room - Oh, The Room!
Getting to your room is an adventure. Think of it as a pre-hike fitness test. The climb itself is a sweaty, exhilarating experience that really makes you appreciate that view. My room? Let's just say I was prepared for a more simplistic experience given the nature of the lodge. And I was indeed surprised that it had Air conditioning in the room, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm. And despite the long list, I found the room itself to be simple. It's clean, comfortable, and the view… the view is why you're here. Wake up to that, and even the wonky internet access becomes a distant memory.
Eating, Drinking, and Being Merry (and a Bit Hungover)
Okay, let's talk fuel. The restaurant situation is pretty solid. They offer: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, The food is a mix of international and Asian flavors. The breakfast buffet is a lifeline after a night of happy hour cocktails. I gorged on fresh fruit, pastries, and enough strong coffee to fuel a small rocket. (Okay, maybe an exaggeration…but it's good coffee, people). The Poolside bar is a must-visit.
While we're on the subject of dining: I took it upon myself to try almost everything in the menu, and I found myself surprised by the quality of the food. I was fully expecting basic hotel food, but I was wrong. The restaurant staff deserves a medal for their commitment to the dining experience. Speaking of cocktails, the mixologists crafted a mean cocktail (I may have overdone it one night!), and the prices are surprisingly reasonable.
Relaxation, Rejuvenation, and Avoiding the Gym
Okay, here's where Skylodge nails it. They have: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], and let me tell you. That pool with a view? Forget about it. You could spend your entire vacation just floating there and soaking up the panorama. (I practically did). The spa? Divine. A massage after a day of climbing or kayaking is pure bliss. I didn't even bother to check the Fitness center, because, stairs.
Keeping it Clean, Keeping it Safe (and the Not-So-Romantic Aspects)
In the age of, you know, everything, I was impressed by their attention to safety and hygiene: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup.
They don't skimp on this. The staff are masked, there are hand sanitizers everywhere, and everything feels clean. I saw them constantly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. It gives you peace of mind, which is huge.
The Quirks, the Extras and the Small Talk
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, High floor, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Reading light, Scale, Seating area, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Wake-up service, Window that opens.
The Dark Side: Imperfections and the "Not Quite Perfect"
It's not all sunshine and infinity pools, folks. Let's talk about the minor downsides. The food, while good, can sometimes err on the side of bland. And the "soundproof rooms" claim is a bit of a stretch. I could, on occasion, hear my neighbor's cough (thankfully, from the other side of the hallway). Also, you're essentially in the middle of nowhere. If you're expecting immediate access to shopping or a buzzing nightlife, you're out of luck. Honestly, though, it comes with the territory.
The Verdict: My Honest, Unfiltered Opinion
Skylodge Adventure is more than just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a place to disconnect, recharge, and be awestruck by the raw beauty of Palawan. It's not perfect. But the imperfections are part of the charm. It's more than the sum of its parts. Yes, the Internet is spotty, the climb is challenging, and the rooms are basic. But the view? The staff? The feeling of being completely immersed in nature? That makes it all worthwhile.
My Opinion & Recommendation
This place isn't for everyone. If you need constant connectivity or consider a strenuous climb as a deal breaker, maybe explore a different type of accomodation. But if you crave adventure, breathtaking views, and a chance to truly disconnect from the world, book Skylodge. Book it now. And hey, if you happen to run into me at the poolside bar nursing a headache from all the cocktails, come and say hello.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this trip to Skylodge Resort in Palawan, Philippines, is gonna be less "perfect Instagram grid" and more "chaotic masterpiece painted with bug spray and existential dread." Consider this your anti-itinerary, a travel diary marinated in sweat, doubt, and the unwavering belief that I'll probably drop my phone at some point.
Day 1: The Arrival (and the Questionable Chicken Adobo)
- 6:00 AM (ish): Alarm. Or, more accurately, the insistent buzzing of my phone, which I angrily swat at before burying my head under the covers. “Vacation mode,” my butt! The pre-trip jitters are already kicking in. Are my passport and visa still good? Did I pack enough underwear? (Rhetorical question, the answer is always no).
- 7:00 AM: After a minor meltdown involving a lost sock and a near-miss with the coffee maker, I miraculously make it to the airport. Let the adventure begin! (Said with a heavy dose of sarcasm).
- 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Flight to El Nido. Flights are always a test of human endurance. The guy next to me spent the entire flight clipping his nails. Are you kidding me?! The air is dry, the crying baby gets louder, and I am dreaming of crispy fries.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Transfer to Skylodge. The drive is a testament to the raw beauty of Palawan. Lush green mountains, the turquoise ocean beckoning… okay, okay, I'm starting to feel less like a grumpy ogre and more like someone who might actually enjoy this. Then comes the bumpy ride to the resort. I already know my back will hate me by the end of this trip.
- 3:00 PM: Check-in. The staff are incredibly friendly. The view from the Sky Lodge cabin? Mind-blowing. It really is. I feel small. The sheer scale of it all is incredible.
- 4:00 PM: Unpack. Attempt to organize my life inside a slightly-too-small backpack. Fail spectacularly. Everything ends up a crumpled mess, but hey, at least I have a toothbrush, right?
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Chicken Adobo. Now, I'm usually a big fan of chicken adobo, but this… well, let's just say it left something to be desired. Maybe I’m just tired, maybe my taste buds are still recovering from airplane food, but it was a little… bland. Oh well, the sunset was beautiful. Pretty great trade-off.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Sunset cocktail. Seriously! The view from the bar is ridiculous. I swear I saw a dolphin jump in the sunset, am I dreaming? I have to remind myself to breathe. And the cocktail? Delicious. The perfect antidote to questionable chicken.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Exhaustion hits. I'm not sure if it's the journey or the adrenaline, but I am out like a light.
Day 2: Island Hopping and Existential Snorkeling
- 7:00 AM: Wake up to the sound of… nothing! Pure, blissful silence. Okay, maybe a few birds chirping. This is heaven.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Decent. Not mind-blowing, but the fresh fruit is a win. Maybe I can ask for extra chicken adobo for breakfast, to make up for the bland one
- 9:00 AM: Island Hopping! Yes! This is what I came here for! Boat trip. Sun, sand, crystal clear water. I'm trying desperately to appreciate it. I’m starting to relax.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Snorkeling. Holy. Moly. The fish! The coral! It's like swimming in a giant aquarium. The feeling of floating in the water is freeing. I kind of feel a little connected to the ocean, like my worries and anxieties are just floating away. I feel like I could stay there forever… until I realize the sun is beating down on my back, and I start to feel a little scared.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch on a deserted beach. Okay. Another mediocre meal. This is starting to become a theme. I wonder if I can sneak into the kitchen and cook myself?
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Beach time. Sunbathing, reading, people-watching (the ultimate sport). I try to enjoy the bliss of the sun but worry about getting sunburned.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: More Snorkeling. We're talking about the most beautiful coral reef. But the thing is, the more I see, the more I'm aware of its fragility. I see a tiny piece of plastic floating by and it just kind of steals the joy. I'm starting to feel overwhelmed by everything.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Sky Lodge. I take my time, exploring every single inch of the place. It's so beautiful, and I'm at a loss for words.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Another meal. This time, it's okay. I'm too burned out to focus on the taste.
- 8:00 PM: Stargazing. This is exactly what I needed. The sky is a blanket of stars. I'm really overwhelmed by the sky, and for the first time on the trip, I feel a sense of peace.
Day 3: Kayaking, Misadventures and a Bitter Farewell
- 7:00 AM: Rise and Shine!
- 8:00 AM: Kayaking. The sea looks beautiful. I fall off the kayak.
- 9:00 AM: I attempt to conquer it again.
- 10:00 - 12:00 PM: Another boat trip. After a while, every island looks the same. It's beautiful, but the repetition does get to me. Perhaps I'm the problem.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Still questionable food.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Back to the Sky Lodge. I spend a few hours in the Sky Lodge. I feel like I've become part of it.
- 4:00 PM: Packing up. It's time to go home. But honestly, I feel like I could have explored the place a little longer.
- 5:00 PM: Leaving the resort. The drive back is very quiet. The scenery is beautiful, and I'm starting to miss the place.
- 6:00 PM: Evening dinner. The restaurant is beautiful. The sunset is amazing, but the food, well. You get it.
- 7:00 PM: Sleep.
Reflections (Because I'm Supposed to Be Deep):
Palawan and Skylodge, you've been… well, you've been something. A mix of awe, frustration, and a whole lot of existential pondering. The food was a gamble. The people were wonderful. The views? Unforgettable. Did I find myself? Maybe. Did I learn a few things about myself and the world? Definitely. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just… maybe bring your own snacks. And be prepared to fall in love with the sky.
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Skylodge Adventure: Palawan's Most Unbelievable Hotel! (Or, My Brain's Still Up There…) FAQ
Is it *really* as terrifying/amazing as it looks in the pictures? I'm a little…vertically challenged.
Okay, let's be real. The pictures? They don't *quite* capture the sheer, gnawing terror… I mean, the *amazing* spectacle. Yes, it's up there. Very, very up there. Think less "glamping," more "hanging out with the eagles." I'm not gonna lie, my knees were knocking from the moment I saw the climb. I’m not a particularly athletic person. My idea of adventure is finding a new flavor of ice cream. But…and this is a big BUT… the view from the top? Holy. Moly. It's like the world's greatest movie, but you're the main character. So, yeah. Terrifying? Check. Amazing? Double-check. Just pack extra underwear. You'll need 'em.
What's the climb *actually* like? Be honest.
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. The climb is… a *process*. It's not just a casual stroll. You're basically rock-climbing, but with the added bonus of knowing that a slip means, well, a very long drop. They provide all the safety gear, which is comforting, but that doesn’t stop your palms from sweating through your gloves. The guides are amazing, though. Seriously, angels disguised as tanned, muscle-bound humans. They offer constant encouragement ("You got this!" even when I’m pretty sure I didn't). The worst part? Probably the mid-climb "pee break" that's... well, let's just say it involves a very specific kind of harness maneuvering. And the realization that there is nowhere, absolutely nowhere, to hide your shame. On the way up it's just constant focus. One hold, one step, one prayer to whatever deity you choose.
What if I get scared or can't make it? (My anxiety is already screaming.)
Okay, deep breaths. Your anxiety is valid. MINE WAS SCREAMING TOO. The guides are prepared for this. They’ll assess your skill level and adapt the climb accordingly. They have a system in place to help people who just… can't. Maybe you'll get to a point where you might just not be able to go further. If you start to panic (totally understandable!), they will talk you through it, offer pep talks, or even help you ascend or descend to a resting spot. No one judges! It's about pushing your limits, not risking your life. They are really, really excellent at their jobs. And even if you *do* have to turn back, you’ll be rewarded afterwards. With like… food. And bragging rights, maybe.
The food. Is it like, survival rations? Or actual food?
This is the real mystery! Honestly, the food was surprisingly good. Coming in, I imagined dehydrated space-food. Nope! They cater. You tell them your allergies and preferences etc. They cook it on the ground and then haul it up to you. So it's fresh. You get a filling meal. Hot, cooked on site. They had me at the pasta arrabiata. It tastes even better when you have earned it, which you totally will have by this point. They even brought up a pineapple one day, which was a total game-changer. And if I’m being honest, any food tastes amazing after you've clung to a cliff face for hours.
What about the bathroom situation? *shudders*
Okay, yeah, the bathroom situation. Let's just put it like this: It’s… an experience. Privacy is…relative. You do have your own toilet (blessedly). It’s a composting toilet, which is a fancy way of saying things get… processed. It's all handled with discretion, of course. The guides are good about that. They're professionals. But there’s no way to escape the fact that you are, essentially, pooping in the sky. But at least, it's with an amazing view. Remember the feeling of the wind on your face? Or, you know... other parts. All the little things. The beauty, the fear...you can get to know yourself well, to the point of having an epiphany.
What's the room itself like? Is there AC? WiFi? Netflix?
Heck no to the AC, WiFi, and Netflix! This is *adventure*, remember? The "room" is a capsule, basically a weatherproof pod. It's snug, but comfortable. There’s a bed (thankfully). You'll sleep *hard*. The view is the TV. You'll see the stars, the sunrise, the storms rolling in. It's… humbling. And romantic. Seriously. You are at the top. No distractions. No emails. Just you, your thoughts, and the vastness of the sky. And maybe the person you are with.
What's the best time of year to go? (I hate rain.)
Okay, the weather is your friend or your enemy. The dry season (roughly November to May) is your best bet for clear skies and ideal climbing conditions. But Palawan is… well, it's tropical. Even in the "dry" season, you might get a little rain, and be prepared for that. Check the weather forecast constantly. The guides are excellent about safety, but if the weather is bad, they may cancel your climb, or your stay on location. This is one of those things. The best part of being ready for everything? Finding out exactly what is important to you.
Can I take my phone to take pictures?
Yes! You *can* take a phone, however, it is recommended. It's a good idea to bring a waterproof case – things can get wet on the way up and down. Also, make sure your phone is well-charged. And if not, take a back up charger. Because honestly, the pictures you get are going to be amazing, and you'll want to share them. Also, you’ll want proof that you actually did it. Otherwise, people might think you’re making the whole thing up. You'll have to go back, and start thinking of all the things you missed. And what if you were to stay, and go even further?
Would you do it again? Honestly.
