TAG RESORT Palawan: Paradise Found (Luxury Getaway Awaits!)
TAG RESORT Palawan: Paradise Found? (Or Mostly Found… Let's Be Real) – A Really Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on TAG RESORT Palawan. This isn't your sanitized, PR-approved review. This is me, after a week fighting off humidity, mosquitos, and the persistent urge to just live in that infinity pool. So, here we go… prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, some serious praise, and a few "hmmm, could be better" moments.
Metadata & SEO Stuff (Gotta Play the Game, Right?)
- Keywords: TAG RESORT Palawan, Palawan, Luxury Resort, Philippines, El Nido, Accessible Resort, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Swimming Pool, Best Hotels Palawan, Island Getaway, Family Friendly Resort, Romantic Getaway, WiFi, Restaurant, Beachfront, COVID Safety, Filipino Hospitality.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of TAG RESORT Palawan! Diving deep into the accessibility, food, spa, and overall experience. Is it paradise? Let's find out, flaws and all! Plus, all the crucial info on safety, amenities, and what to expect.
- Focus: Honest & Detailed Hotel Review
Getting There & Around (Accessibility & the Great Wheelchair Adventure!)
First things first: Accessibility. This is a huge one for me, and honestly, it's where TAG Resort shines… and falters. The good news? Facilities for disabled guests are definitely present. You can see that effort in the design. The elevators were crucial, and thankfully, they worked! This is a huge win.
However, I'm going to be blunt (as I am): the pathways aren't perfectly smooth for wheelchairs. Some ramps are a little steep and the occasional uneven paving stone tried to sabotage me. My wheels are still feeling it! But even with that, compared to some other places in the Philippines, it's a solid effort. Kudos!
Airport transfer was smooth, and thank GOD for that. We needed it. The car park [free of charge] was a bonus. And the taxi service? Well, that tried to be available, but it took a little bit to get a car, but at least it's available.
Rooms: My Little Slice of Heaven… Mostly
Okay, the rooms themselves? Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning (thank the heavens!), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (essential for those jet-lag-induced sleeps), Coffee/tea maker (my morning savior), Free bottled water, Hair dryer (crucial for taming the humidity-induced mane), In-room safe box (because paranoia is real, especially with my passport), Internet access – wireless, Mini bar(a bit overpriced, but hey, options!), Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers (luxury!), and Wi-Fi [free]. Everything you'd expect from a luxury resort.
I LOVED the Air conditioning! It was a lifesaver. The Extra long bed was perfect for stretching out after a long day of doing nothing. The Wake-up service was on point. And the Umbrella came in super handy from time to time!
One minor irritant: the "luxury" often felt… slightly less luxurious than advertised. The decor was nice, don't get me wrong, with all room decorations. But the upkeep could have been better. A few scuffs here and there. But let's be honest, I wasn't that bothered.
Let's Talk Food… Munchies, Munchies
Oh boy. Dining, drinking, and snacking. This is where TAG really delivers… and slightly disappoints.
Restaurants: The resort has several options. From the A la carte in restaurant to the Asian cuisine in restaurant, there's something for everyone. Speaking honestly, everything was delicious! I ate so much Asian food I think I'm starting to look like a dumpling.
Breakfast Buffet: I'm a buffet fiend. The Breakfast [buffet] was amazing. The Western breakfast, the Asian breakfast the Coffee/tea in restaurant, the Buffet in restaurant – all top-notch, with plenty of options. I mean, come on, who can resist a perfectly cooked omelet with a side of fresh fruit? The Breakfast service was efficient, the staff friendly (and patient with my early-morning zombie tendencies), and I made it my mission to try everything.
Other Delights
- Poolside bar: Cocktails with a view? Yes, please! The happy hour was tempting (and a real bargain), and the mojitos were my go-to.
- Pool with view: The main pool? Stunning. Infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Pure bliss. I spent hours in there (see earlier confession).
- Coffee Shop: Perfect for a late afternoon pick-me-up and reading your book by the pool.
- Snack bar: Quick bites and drinks without leaving the pool? Essential.
- Restaurants: A la carte, Asian cuisine; it has it all.
- Room service [24-hour]: I took advantage of this [24-hour] service once or twice during those nights where I decided to just stay huddled up in bed with a movie and snacks.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days & Beyond!
The Spa/sauna was where the magic happened. I'm generally not a spa person, but I went for the Body scrub and Massage, and I'm converted. The therapists were amazing, and the treatments were pure indulgence. Seriously, let me tell you about it, the Sauna and Steamroom were wonderful!
But let's be honest, it's all about the Swimming pool [outdoor]. And, if you have kids, TAG also offers some For the kids, you have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids meal.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID's Shadow
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: COVID. TAG did a decent job. They had the Hand sanitizer stations, the Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff were masked, (not perfectly, but they tried). They were also using Anti-viral cleaning products, which I was happy to see.
We were also happy to have a Doctor/nurse on call. The First aid kit was there too. The most important factor: that Hygiene certification. It made me feel safer about staying there.
I was very happy to hear all these safety precautions!
Services & Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Odd
- Concierge: Super helpful for booking tours and activities. They even managed to arrange a private dinner on the beach (more on that later).
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent. The rooms were always spotless.
- Laundry service: Efficient, but prices were, yikes.
The Quirks:
- The Gift/souvenir shop was… forgettable. Overpriced trinkets, mostly.
- The Security [24-hour] was visible, which is reassuring.
- The Shrine: There's a small shrine on the property. A quirky touch, but totally harmless.
- On-site event hosting: They have the infrastructure for special events, if you're into that.
- Cash withdrawal: They had this, even if I didn't use it.
The Beach: Paradise Found (Mostly)
The beach at TAG is… a mixed bag. It's not the pristine white sand beach of your dreams. The sand isn't super fine, the water is a bit murky, and there's sometimes seaweed. However, the views are incredible, and you're in El Nido, so the island-hopping tours (easily arranged with the concierge) are where the real magic happens.
The "Perfect" Moment (That Wasn't Quite)
Remember I mentioned that private dinner on the beach? Well, the concierge, who I think actually loved my company (kidding… kind of) arranged it. The setting? Unreal. The food? Delicious. The ambiance? Romantic.
Then… the power went out. Completely plunged into darkness, with only the moon for light. To their credit, the staff scrambled to get us candles and flashlights. We spent the rest of the meal laughing and chatting, and it turned into a pretty memorable experience. (I guess that's why it's sometimes okay that things get a bit messy).
The Verdict: Should You Go?
Yes, with caveats.
TAG RESORT Palawan is a beautiful property with incredible potential. It’s a great base for exploring El Nido. It gets a lot right: the food, the pool, the service (mostly). And the accessibility is a big plus.
However, it's not a perfect experience. It's expensive, the upkeep could improve, and the beach isn’t the best.
But, if
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my chaotic, sun-kissed, sandy-toed adventure at TAG Resort in Palawan. Forget the pristine itineraries; we're building a glorious, messy, wonderfully imperfect travel story. Let's do this!
TAG RESORT PALAWAN: Operation "Lost in Paradise" (and Loving It!)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (Just Kidding… Mostly)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Manila to Palawan: Flight delayed! Obviously. Nothing screams "vacation" like staring at a departure board, wondering if you'll ever escape the city. My inner monologue was basically, "Am I really doing this? Is this worth the airport food? Oh god, I forgot my sunscreen." (Spoiler: I did, and my pasty white skin suffered.)
- Noon (12:00 PM): Landed in Puerto Princesa - the air felt… different. Less smog, more… humidity. And a whole lotta smiles! The TAG Resort van picked us up – bless their souls for the air conditioning. The drive itself was an experience. Lush green rice paddies, tiny villages, and the kind of scenery that makes you question everything you thought you knew about beauty. (I may have shed a single tear. Don't judge.)
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Check-in (finally!). Okay, the resort is stunning. Seriously, Instagram-worthy. But let's be real, after battling travel delays, my stomach felt like a deflated balloon. I ordered room service immediately – a burger, fries, and a large Coke. My spirit animal is definitely a golden retriever during this phase.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Sunset on the beach. Yes, that beach. The one you see in all the pictures. The sand felt like powdered sugar. My jaw dropped. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. And then… a mosquito bit me. (Reality check, folks. It's still paradise, just with biting pests.) Dinner at the resort restaurant - I inhaled the seafood. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I didn't even chew.
Day 2: Island Hopping & the Great Snorkel Fail
- Morning (8:00 AM): Island hopping tour! Yes! I’ve dreamed of this. The boat ride was ridiculously scenic. Turquoise water, towering limestone cliffs… it was like being in a postcard. The first stop was a pristine beach. I swear, I gasped when I saw the white sand.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Snorkeling. This was my biggest, most epic failure. I’m not a strong swimmer, and my mask kept fogging up. I looked more like a confused, water-filled potato than a graceful mermaid. After a few hilariously panicky moments, I retreated to the boat. Humiliating? A little. But hey, the view from the boat was still pretty great!
- Lunch (12:00 PM): BBQ on a deserted island. Paradise. The food was simple but amazing – fresh grilled fish, chicken skewers, and the sweetest pineapple I've ever tasted. I devoured it, even though my snorkel-induced embarrassment was still humming in my brain.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Secret Beach exploration - I almost lost my shoe in the sand. But it was beautiful. I wish I could have stayed longer. It was the one place that made me forget about my previous failure.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Back at the resort. Cocktails! They were strong. And delicious. It was the perfect end to a day of beauty, blunders, and a whole lotta sun.
Day 3: Kayaking, Massage, and Existential Reflections on the Sun
- Morning (9:00 AM): Kayaking in the lagoon. This was my redemption! The water was calm, the scenery was sublime. I even managed to avoid capsizing. I felt like a total explorer… until I bumped into a mangrove root and nearly tumbled out of my kayak. Close call.
- Mid-Morning (11:00 AM): Spa time. Oh, sweet, sweet relief. I opted for a traditional Filipino massage. I emerged feeling like a new woman. Every muscle melted away. Pure bliss. I considered staying there forever.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): I’m starting to feel like I've spent more time eating than doing… well, anything. But the resort food is excellent, so no regrets.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Beach bumming and deep thoughts. I spent hours on the beach, just staring at the ocean. The sun, the sand, the vastness of the sea… it's humbling. I had a moment of pure zen and then immediately started thinking about what to eat for dinner.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Farewell Dinner. The restaurant - I ordered every single appetizer. The food was good, the company was fantastic, and I made peace with the fact that I'm a terrible snorkeler. I watched the sunset – one last, glorious time.
Day 4: Departure & The Post-Vacation Blues (aka "Send Help!")
- Morning (9:00 AM): Last breakfast – Trying to savor every last bite of the amazing local fruits. I definitely overate.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Check out. Heartbreaking. The process was smooth, but saying goodbye to paradise is harder than it looks.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Flight back to Manila. More delays, of course. My post-vacation blues kicked in hard. My suitcase was full of dirty laundry and sand, my skin was sun-kissed, and my soul was a little bit lighter. But I was already dreaming of my return.
- Final Thoughts: TAG Resort, you were amazing. Palawan, you stole my heart. I'm leaving with sunburn, mosquito bites, and a thousand happy memories. And maybe, just maybe, a newfound appreciation for the beauty of imperfect moments. Until next time!
This is a messy, silly, and honest version of a travel itinerary. Remember, the best travel stories are the ones that capture the real, human experience – the chaos, the triumphs, the failures, and the moments that make you laugh until your sides hurt. And that's precisely what I hope I’ve delivered! Now, to start planning my return trip… and maybe learn to snorkel!
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TAG RESORT Palawan: Paradise Found (and a Few Minor Quirks) - My Honest FAQs!
Is TAG Resort REALLY paradise? Like, Instagram-perfect paradise?
Alright, let's be brutally honest. Yes and no. The photos? They're pretty damn close. The infinity pools overlooking the ocean? Utterly breathtaking. The white sand, swaying palms? Check, check, check. I mean, seriously, the sunsets? I almost cried the first time I saw one. But... (and there's always a "but," isn't there?) it's *real* life, not just Instagram. We're talking humidity. And let me tell you, my hair did NOT cooperate. You'll sweat. A lot. And sometimes, the Wi-Fi is... well, let's just say it's on Palawan time. Still, the beauty overwhelms everything else. The view from my room at sunrise? Worth every single, slightly frizzy, hair.
How's the food? I mean, is it just fancy hotel food, or is there actual tastebud-exploding deliciousness?
Okay, the food deserves its own paragraph. Like, maybe its own novella! The main restaurant? Excellent. The breakfast buffet? Prepare to loosen your belt. The mangoes alone... oh, the mangoes! Honestly, I loaded up on those things like I was preparing for a mango apocalypse. The cocktails? Perfection. But the *real* winner? The beachside grilled seafood. I literally devoured a whole fish, bones and all, because the flavors were just THAT good. One slight hiccup: one evening, my friend ordered a pasta dish that arrived a bit undercooked. Complained? Sure, politely. But then the manager comped us a bottle of their best red wine and a dessert platter fit for royalty. So, y'know, a win-win! Don't be afraid to speak up if something's not quite right - they really *do* care.
What kind of activities are there? Is it just lying around and looking pretty? (Not that there's anything wrong with that...)
Oh, honey, you can lie around and look pretty all day long if you want. I did! For like… three hours. After a while, I got restless. They have all the usual suspects: snorkeling, island hopping, kayaking. I went snorkeling and saw a sea turtle! I nearly swallowed my snorkel tube from excitement. But here’s where it gets even more interesting: they have a spa. And not just ANY spa. This is the kind of spa where you can genuinely melt into a puddle of bliss. I got a massage with local coconut oil, and I swear my muscles thanked me for days. They also arranged for a private sunset cruise on a traditional outrigger boat. Pure magic, people. Pure magic. Okay, maybe a tiny bit cheesy, but still… utterly unforgettable.
The rooms. Are they worth the price tag?
Alright, the rooms. Listen. They are *gorgeous*. Seriously, Instagram-worthy, magazine-spread-gorgeous. I stayed in a beachfront villa. Private plunge pool, outdoor shower, king-sized bed… heaven. The decor is a mix of modern and local, and it's done beautifully. The only downside? We had a slight issue with the air conditioning one night. It went out. At 3 AM. Ugh. I called reception, and someone was there within minutes to fix it. They actually gave us a complimentary fruit basket and a bottle of champagne as an apology. So, even with the minor hiccup, yeah, I’d say the rooms are worth the price. Especially if you're celebrating something special (hint, hint!). It’s a splurge, no doubt, but one I wouldn’t entirely regret.
Any tips or things I should know *before* I go?
Okay, pay attention! A few pearls of wisdom, gleaned from my own slightly chaotic experience:
* Pack light clothes. You'll be sweating. Trust me.
* Bring bug spray. Mosquitos are a thing, especially at dusk. Consider this your public service announcement.
* Learn a few basic Filipino phrases. The staff are incredibly friendly, and a little effort goes a long way. "Salamat po" (thank you) is always a winner.
* Embrace the slow pace. This isn't a place to rush. Sit back, relax, and let Palawan's magic wash over you. (And, yes, the Wi-Fi might be slow, so embrace it.)
* Don't be afraid to ask for help. The staff is AMAZING, and they'll go above and beyond to make sure you have a great time.
* Sunscreen. Seriously. Layers of it. You'll feel the power of the sun!
* Most importantly: Go with an open mind and a willingness to be amazed. TAG Resort Palawan isn't perfect, but it's damn close. Take it all in.
What about the service? Were the staff helpful?
Oh. My. Goodness. The staff. Let’s just say, they are the reason this place feels like paradise. They’re genuinely friendly, helpful, and seem to genuinely want to make your stay the best it can be. Like, I had a minor medical issue (nothing serious, just a silly sunburn) and they went above and beyond to help. They remembered my name, my drink order and my favorite snack after only a day, and they were always smiling. This sets TAG Resort apart and it's hard to exaggerate how great the staff are. It was truly exceptional service.
Is it kid-friendly? Because I'm thinking about bringing my little monsters...
That's a tricky one. I didn't have kids with me, so I can't speak from personal experience there. They do have a kids' club and a kids' menu. But from what I observed, it felt more like a romantic getaway destination. However, I saw families there. Some parents seemed to have a great time with kids, so it really depends on expectations and what you're looking for. Consider it carefully because a luxury experience to you may not be fun for your kids. It could easily become stressful.
So, would you go back? Spill the tea!
Absolutely. 100%. Even with the sweaty hair and the dodgy Wi-Fi and the one undercooked pasta incident. I'd go back in a heartbeat. The beauty of Palawan, the incredible staffBudget Hotel Guru
