Basio's Place: Palawan's Hidden Paradise Awaits!
Basio's Place: Palawan's Hidden Paradise…Or Is It? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I've just returned from Basio's Place in Palawan, and let me tell you, it's a lot. The website promised a hidden paradise, and well… let's just say it's more like a found paradise, with a few quirks. But hey, that's life, right? And honestly, those quirks are what make it memorable.
Accessibility: The Good, the Okay, and the "Hmm…"
First things first, let's talk Accessibility. This is important, so I'll try to be clear. The website claimed to have facilities for disabled guests. I didn't test them personally, but I saw an Elevator, which is a huge plus! However, the pathways around the grounds seemed a little uneven in some spots, and I didn't spot any ramps. So, while they say accessible, I'd advise calling ahead and getting a very specific description if this is a dealbreaker for you.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges? I didn't notice anything specifically branded as accessible. The main restaurant has a few steps, so again, check beforehand.
Getting There & Getting Around (and Dealing with the Heat!)
Airport transfer is offered, which is a lifesaver after a long flight. Thank goodness! My flight was delayed, and I was a sweaty mess. The driver was waiting, bless his heart. Car park [free of charge] is a bonus, especially in a place like Palawan.
Internet: The Wi-Fi Wobbles
Alright, let's be honest about the Internet. They shout about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and they're technically right. BUT, it’s a bit like a shy turtle – sometimes it's there, sometimes it hides. Internet [LAN] is listed, but I didn’t even bother. Wi-Fi in public areas was slightly better, but still… patchy. Prepare to embrace the digital detox, or bring a serious data plan. (I just spent an hour trying to upload a selfie of me looking majestic on a swing, and it just wouldn't happen. Sigh.)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Paradise Found (and Maybe a Little Over-Promised)
Okay, the good stuff. The website really sells the Spa/Sauna and Swimming pool [outdoor] and Pool with view. And, thankfully, they delivered! The pool? Gorgeous. Infinity edge, overlooking the… well, let's just say the view was postcard-worthy. Lounging by the pool, sipping something cold – that's the life. I didn't try the Sauna, but I'm a sucker for a Steamroom, and it was… well, steamy.
Now, the Spa… I booked a Body scrub and a Massage. And, oooooh, that massage. It was the kind that melts away all your worries, all your travel stress, all your… well, everything. It was pure bliss. One of those moments where you're just thinking, "Yep, this is why I came here." It was so good, in fact, I almost fell asleep. (Almost. I'm a light sleeper.) I'd go back just for that massage.
The Fitness center was there, but I’m on vacation, people! Let’s be real. And the Gym/fitness area was, well, functional, but I'm not sure how well it was utilized.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Pandemic Edition
Okay, in the age of COVID, cleanliness is KING. And Basio's Place tried. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere. They had Daily disinfection in common areas. They had Individually-wrapped food options. They seemed to be following the Hygiene certification rules. They even had Rooms sanitized between stays. But, and this is a big BUT, I did see a few stray face masks lying around. It's not perfect, but I give them credit for trying. I also saw they had Staff trained in safety protocol which made me feel better.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (Mostly)
The Restaurants were decent. The Breakfast [buffet] was… standard. Asian breakfast was available. They had an A la carte in restaurant option. There was Coffee/tea in restaurant. There were Desserts in restaurant. Western breakfast was also an option, and I went for it. The Poolside bar was excellent, especially during Happy hour. I’m a sucker for a cocktail at sunset. The Snack bar was handy for those mid-afternoon cravings.
The food was generally good, but nothing mind-blowing. The International cuisine in restaurant was better than the Western cuisine in restaurant, in my opinion. They also offered Room service [24-hour], which was a lifesaver when I just wanted to hide in my room with a book.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They had a Concierge, which was helpful. Daily housekeeping was a godsend. The Laundry service was efficient. They had a Cash withdrawal service, which was handy. They also had a Gift/souvenir shop, perfect for last-minute presents (or, you know, a little something for yourself). And the Facilities for disabled guests were at least listed, which is a start.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly, Mostly
They had Babysitting service, which is great for parents. They are Family/child friendly, and they have Kids meal. So, seems like a good option for families.
Rooms: The Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room was… okay. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver (Palawan is HOT). The Bed was comfy, and I loved the Blackout curtains. They had Free bottled water, which is always appreciated. The Bathroom was clean, and the Shower had good water pressure. The Wi-Fi [free] (when it worked) was a bonus. They had Complimentary tea, but no coffee (a tragedy!). The Refrigerator was useful for keeping my water cold.
The Imperfections: Let's Be Real
Okay, here's where the cracks start to show. The Soundproofing wasn't amazing. I could hear the people in the next room talking (and snoring!). The Internet access – wireless was, as mentioned, a bit of a joke. And the room decor? Let's just say it wasn't exactly cutting-edge. A bit dated, if I'm being honest.
Overall: Should You Go?
Look, Basio's Place isn't perfect. It's got its flaws. The internet is dodgy. The decor is a little tired. But… the staff were friendly and helpful. The pool was amazing. The spa? Chef's kiss. And Palawan itself? Stunning.
Here's the deal: If you're looking for pure, unadulterated luxury, maybe look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a relaxing getaway with a few quirks, a stunning setting, and a killer massage, then Basio's Place is worth a shot.
My Final Verdict: 7.5/10. Would Recommend, with a few caveats.
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A Compelling Offer (and Why You Should Book Now!):
Escape to Basio's Place: Your Palawan Paradise Awaits!
Tired of the everyday grind? Craving a slice of tropical heaven? Then look no further than Basio's Place! We're offering a limited-time deal for those seeking a truly unforgettable Palawan experience.
Book your stay now and enjoy:
- A complimentary spa treatment: Indulge in a blissful massage, body scrub, or body wrap to melt away your stress. (Trust me, you need this!)
- Free upgrade to a room with a view: Wake up to breathtaking scenery every morning!
- Complimentary welcome drinks and a fruit basket: Start your vacation in style!
- Free Wi-Fi (when it works, wink wink): Stay connected (or disconnect!), as you wish.
- Access to our stunning infinity pool, spa, and other amenities.
But that's not all! We're also offering a special bonus for early birds:
- Complimentary airport transfer: (Save on taxis and start your vacation stress-free!)
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Queenstown's BEST Villa Moana: Gas Fire, BBQ & FREE Parking!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-packaged travel brochure. This is the real Basio's Place, Palawan, and trust me, it's a wild ride.
Basio's Place: A Human's Guide to Paradise (and Potential Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival - Beach Bumming and Existential Dread (Kinda)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Landed in El Nido. Holy moly, the airport? Tiny! Felt like I was being swallowed by a coconut. Taxi ride to Basio's Place – bumpy, dusty, scenic. The driver, a guy named "Bob" (I think), kept pointing out stuff like "Look! Rice field!" like I'd never seen a field before. But hey, he was friendly.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check-in at Basio's. Okay, the "cottage" is…rustic. Think "charming" mixed with "slightly precarious." The aircon? Praying it works. The view, though? Unreal. Turquoise water, jagged cliffs, the whole shebang. Dropped my stuff, changed into my swimsuit (which, let's be honest, hasn't seen the light of day since last summer), and basically collapsed onto the beach.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a little shack on the beach. Ordered the grilled fish. Ate it with my fingers (because, who cares?). The fish was amazing. The sand, however, got everywhere. Like, everywhere. I spent a good fifteen minutes trying to shake it out of my…well, everything. This is the life!
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Beach time. Swam in the ocean, which was gloriously warm and clear. Did some snorkeling. Saw a fish. Felt like I was in a postcard. Then, existential dread hit. Like, what am I doing with my life? Am I truly happy? Is this the peak? But then, another wave came, and the worries washed away, literally.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Sunset drinks. Watched the sun melt into the sea, painting the sky in fiery hues. Found a little beach bar with a hammock and a guy strumming a guitar. Ordered a mojito. Drank it. Watched the sunset. Repeat. (Perfection).
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at the Basio's restaurant. The food was good. The company was even better. Met a couple from Germany who were obsessed with mangoes. We talked for hours, sharing stories and laughing.
- Evening (9:00 PM - onwards): Fell asleep to the sound of the waves. Bliss.
Day 2: Island Hopping - Boats, Beauty, and the Dreaded Sea Sickness
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast. The coffee at Basio's? Strong. Thank god. Packed my bag for island hopping. Sunscreen, check. Hat, check. Dramamine? Uh oh.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Island hopping tour. First stop: Secret Lagoon. Crowded. But still beautiful. Navigating the opening was a bit tight, I bumped my head a couple of times. The water was so clear you could see the fish swimming around, which was awesome.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch on the boat. Buffet style: rice, grilled fish, and fresh fruits. So good.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Big Lagoon. My favorite! Kayaked around the lagoon. The water was so calm and crystal clear. It was like swimming in a giant aquarium.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Snake Island. The sandbar that connects the two islands. The best part was the view.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to Basio's. Showered, changed, and collapsed on the bed.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Dinner. More delicious food.
- Evening (7:00 PM - onwards): Fell asleep immediately.
Day 3: The Great Adventure - Nacpan Beach and the (Almost) Lost Wallet
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The best breakfast in the world.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Rented a scooter (scariest thing I've done). The drive to Nacpan Beach was…an experience. The road was rough, the sun was blazing, and I almost ate it a couple of times. But the views! The rice paddies, the mountains, the sheer feeling of freedom!
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Nacpan Beach. This beach is EPIC. Huge, sandy, and the waves were perfect for playing. Spent hours swimming, sunbathing, and just generally feeling content.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Panic. Realized I'd lost my wallet. Frantically retraced my steps. Checked the scooter, the beach, the restaurant. My heart was pounding. My passport, my cash, my cards… GONE.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Found it! It was tucked under the seat of the scooter. I felt a surge of relief so strong I almost cried.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Back to Basio's. Dinner. Drinks. Celebrating the survival of my wallet.
Day 4: Relaxation - Sunset, Seafood, and Goodbye
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast at Basio's.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Walked around the beach.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Relaxation.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Sunset drinks.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner.
- Evening (9:00 PM - onwards): Packing and preparing for departure.
Day 5: Departure - Goodbye Basio's Place
- Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Breakfast.
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Taxi to the airport.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Flight
Final Thoughts:
Basio's Place? It's not perfect. The internet is spotty, the cottages are basic, and the mosquitos are relentless. But it's beautiful. It's authentic. It's full of moments that will stick with you long after you leave. It's a place where you can lose yourself and find yourself all at once. Go. Just go. And don't forget the Dramamine. And maybe a spare wallet. You'll thank me later.
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Basio's Place: Palawan - You've Got Questions? I've (Maybe) Got Answers! (And Probably Some Rants)
Okay, So What *IS* Basio's Place, Exactly? Is It Paradise or... A Tourist Trap Disguised as Paradise?
Alright, let's get this out of the way. Basio's Place? It's a collection of beachfront bungalows and a restaurant/bar situated on a relatively secluded stretch of beach in Palawan. Think rustic charm meets... well, sometimes just rustic. It's not the Ritz, let's be clear. It's more like... a really charming, slightly rickety, but utterly captivating hideaway. Think Robinson Crusoe, but with Wi-Fi (thank god!).
My first impression? "WHOA. This is... different." It's not overly manicured. There are sand-covered walkways, the occasional stray dog (who quickly becomes your best friend), and a vibe that screams "chillax." But *is* it paradise? Depends on your definition. If your idea of paradise involves perfectly manicured lawns and room service, skip it. If you crave authentic experiences, breathtaking sunsets, and the sound of the waves lulling you to sleep... pack your bags!
How Do I Even *GET* to Basio's Place? Is it a Trek? Because I HATE treks.
Okay, the journey *is* part of the adventure. It's not like stumbling out of an airport and BAM, paradise. You'll likely fly into El Nido Airport (which is a tiny, adorable airport, by the way – try not to giggle when you see it), then you'll need to arrange transport. Most likely, this involves a van or a tricycle ride (depending on how adventurous you're feeling and how much luggage you have – I’m a chronic over-packer, so I always go for the van). The ride itself is scenic, but be warned: the roads in Palawan can be, shall we say, *character-building*. Potholes? More like crater-sized surprises!
The last leg might involve a boat ride. Which, honestly, is the best part. Picture this: turquoise water, the sun kissing your skin, and a gentle rocking motion that immediately melts away all your stress. Just... make sure you pack seasickness medication, just in case. I learned that the hard way. Let's just say the fish got a *very* expensive lunch that day.
What's the Food Like? Because I live to eat. And I get HANGRY.
The food at Basio's? It's... good. Really good. It's not Michelin-star dining, but it's fresh, flavorful, and prepared with love. Think fresh seafood, grilled to perfection, local fruits bursting with sweetness, and rice. Lots and lots of rice. (I love rice, so no complaints here!).
The restaurant is open-air, right on the beach, so you can watch the sunset while you're devouring your meal. And the sunsets? Oh. My. God. They're ridiculously beautiful. Seriously, I’ve seen a lot of sunsets in my time, and these are in the top five. Maybe even number one. It's almost *too* perfect. Like, is this real life? Am I dreaming? Probably dreaming after my third cocktail.
My one piece of advice: Try the grilled fish. Seriously. Just do it. I still dream about it. And order extra rice. You'll thank me later.
Are the Bungalows Comfortable? I Need My Sleep! And Air Conditioning!
Comfortable is a relative term, my friend. Let's just say they're *rustic*. Think basic, but charming. They’re made of local materials, which is cool. They have mosquito nets, which are essential. And… well, air conditioning? Some of them. Some of them don’t. Check *before* you book. If you're a heat-sensitive individual (like yours truly), AC is non-negotiable. Trust me. I spent one night in a non-AC bungalow, and I’m pretty sure I lost five pounds in sweat. It was... an experience. A sweaty, mosquito-ridden experience.
The beds are generally okay, but don't expect a five-star mattress. Think more "firm and functional." But the view from your bungalow? Priceless. You'll wake up to the sound of the waves and the sight of the turquoise ocean. Which, frankly, makes up for a lot. Just bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper, because the waves can get a little chatty at night.
What is There to *DO* at Basio's Place? Besides, you know, *exist* in paradise?
Well, first and foremost: relax. Seriously. That's the main activity. But beyond that… there's plenty! You can swim, snorkel (the snorkeling is amazing – I saw a sea turtle! A REAL sea turtle!), kayak, or just laze on the beach with a good book (or your phone, if you're addicted to social media like me).
They also organize island hopping tours, which are a must-do. You'll visit hidden lagoons, stunning beaches, and secret snorkeling spots. Just be prepared for crowds – it's Palawan, after all. But even with the crowds, the beauty is undeniable. And the water? Crystal clear. You can see the bottom! It's like swimming in a giant aquarium. (Just be careful not to step on any sea urchins. Ouch.)
And then there's the sunset. Did I mention the sunsets? Watch them. Every single night. They're that good. Seriously, my phone is full of sunset photos. I'm not even ashamed.
Is it Good for Solo Travelers? Because, let's be honest, I'm going alone.
Absolutely! Basio's Place is perfect for solo travelers. It has a really friendly, laid-back vibe. You'll meet other travelers, share stories, and maybe even make some new friends. I went solo on my first trip, and I never felt lonely. The staff are super welcoming, and there's always someone to chat with at the bar.
Plus, you can do whatever you want, whenever you want. Want to spend the day reading on the beach? Go for it! Want to explore the island on your own? Do it! Want to drink cocktails and watch the sunset? Well, of course you do. And you won't feel judged. It's a judgment-free zone. (Unless you order a pineapple daiquiri at 8 AM. Then maybe you'll get a raised eyebrow. But that's okay.)Stay Finder Review
