Palawan SandCastles
Lakdayan Cheey, Busuanga Town, Busuanga Island 5317 Philippines
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Room & Suite (12)
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About
#5 of 14 Specialty lodging in Busuanga Town
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Go native and stay at Palawan SandCastles, ground-zero for wreck and reef diving, including the world-renowned Apo Reef. SandCastles is a strategic launch pad to discover Palawan's islands and marine life. An expedition camp & beach resort for 4x4 wildlife safaris, dugong watching, mountain biking, sea kayaking, snorkeling and island hopping through the hundreds of islands of Palawan's Calamian archipelago.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Plunge pool
Bar / lounge
Beach
Bicycle rental
Babysitting
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pool / beach towels
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary welcome drink
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Bicycles available
Boating
Canoeing
Diving
Hiking
Snorkeling
Bicycle tours
Canoeing offsite
Fishing
Walking tours
Board games / puzzles
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Airport transportation
Car hire
Full body massage
Massage
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
First aid kit
Umbrella
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Dining area
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Extra long beds
Bidet
Bath / shower
Room service
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Complimentary toiletries
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Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Languages Spoken
English, Filipino, Indonesian, Malay
Location
Contact
Lakdayan Cheey, Busuanga Town, Busuanga Island 5317 Philippines
Getting there
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19Reviews0Q+A1Room tip
Reviews
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Didn’t stay here but went for the day for kayaking. The area is beautiful and the kayaks were in good condition. The owner showed us the best places to go to and found a couple of islands all to ourselves.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Greg Hutchinson, Owner at Palawan SandCastles
Responded 26 Aug 2020
Even before Covid the paddling was divine. Even more like heaven on the water. Hope to see you paddle again on the other side
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NO pool Not a private beach as there is another hotel next door You have to wade out over mud and stones at times to reach the sea We were shown to the wrong room and it was only when I pointed out that we should have an en suite with sea view and showed them the print out of the booking, that we were moved to the correct room. Dated photos of the rooms, they are not like this now. Mosquito nets full of holes and dirty. Not maintained. Would not walk in bare feet on the bath mat yuck Bedding and towels are clean Staff pleasant and friendly but need training in hospitality. There was nil information given on how to get breakfast, what to do in the area, how to hire kayaks etc , felt as we had just been dumped there. Free cold water but had to pay 20Ps for tea Had to wash your own glasses if you used them in reception even thought there were staff sitting doing nothing. We then got to see the broken draining board and basic sink area. Ate dinner sitting on a wooden bench surrounded by 5 large dogs. No chairs for dinning. No sun loungers at all, no where to sit on the beach. Internet and hot water turned off so you had to ask what had happened and they turned it back on. Went on the dugong trip, expensive for what it was, especially as we were staying there. Not enough food for lunch. Difficult to discover what was included. When we returned we found out that another couple were offered the trip on a 2 for 1 basis! No info on what to do around the resort. A walk to another island across the sandbar was good to do but watch out for sea urchins. Had to pay extra to hire a bike or kayak - we had stayed at Balinsasayaw Resort and they offer it free. We had paid in advance for breakfast but when I tried to order the staff said it was only continental. I pointed out that via booking.com it doesnt say it is continental and for £5 I had expected a cooked breakfast. I thought that this had been sorted out but when we came to check out they tried to charge us 50Ps for each egg that we had consumed. Yet again we had to battle to sort this out, the owner got involved and he agreed that pre paid guests are entitled to a full breakfast. As it was the breakfast was poor. 2 eggs, 3 pieces of toast and jam. No fruit, no juice. Not worth buying in advance. The owner was nice. To sum up it is not as advertised, poor accommodation and expensively overpriced. I wouldn't bother, there is nothing here that you cant get elsewhere cheaper....except the dugong. Go to Balinsasayaw instead…
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Date of stay: February 2020
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: go for the air conditioned beach room if you insist on going despite the reviews
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Greg Hutchinson, Owner at Palawan SandCastles
Responded 26 Aug 2020
Really appreciate your detailed feedback. As a result of Covid, we're offering through to 2021 free use of Navigator sea kayaks. We hear you. Stay safe!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We only stayed for a night but wished we could have stayed for longer! Greg was very helpful with communicating beforehand. Great base to do lots of scuba diving in the area. It’s a very relaxing and tranquil part of Coron!
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Greg Hutchinson, Owner at Palawan SandCastles
Responded 26 Aug 2020
Thanks for your feedback. Stay safe!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
This resort is terrible. Never go there. It's very dirty. The bathroom hasn't been cleaned for years. Rubbish everywhere. The water of the beach is very shallow and full with stones. The restaurant area is very dirty too. Although the food is good. There is a nice resort next to SandCastles. Many guests check out and go there.
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Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote1 Repost
Helpful
we Only rented mountainbikes, eventually we didn’t stay there but next doors which is a lot better maintained and way nicer overall. The mountainbike fleet is in bad condition. Max size bike available are M’s, max for 1m72 people. The quality of the bikes is terrible. Although “new” We had to stop very often for tech problems. The suspension, the bearings, awful quality. Good enough for some big road sightseeing, but you cannot call this a “mountainbike expert” place. For that better go to Guimaras, to tommy. The guide though really did his best, showed us a very nice single trail and was very helpful. Massive potential of the region, but it needs a real mountainbike guy to walk in there and get decent bikes
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Date of stay: November 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Its very basic, so if you are used to luxury you should book 'Cashew grove'. my girlfriend and I went everyday to cashew grove for breakfast lunch and dinner. Basically, we just slept in the hut of Palawan Sandcastles for 2 night. Which was great
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Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I stayed at Sandcastles for two nights because I wanted a cheap accommodation while I went for dugong diving. I got the cheap accommodation (900 php/night). On top on that you will have to add 1000 php/day if you want all meals. The only other place near is the resort Cashew Grove which is a bit more expensive. At Sandcastles there is no WiFi, hardly any cellphone signal, no hot water at the shared bathroom, but a friendly Filipino staff. I wouldn’t recommend the place though. Not because the beach isn’t something special or the reasons mentioned above but mainly due to the owner or should I say his way to run the place. There are two reasons for that. Two days before my scheduled stay he sent me a message to cancel my stay claiming he had another customer coming and that I hadn’t confirmed my booking - which I had. So I had to call him from Japan to tell him that ofcourse I was coming Secondly the transfer from the airport to the place is heavily overcharged. First he wanted to charge me 2000 php one way. Then he said he wasn’t able to pick me up because the car was full. But I ended up paying 1500 php. If the weather is not bad like when I visited you have the option to take a bus going there. The price for that is 150 php. Of course it’s not fair to compare those two means of transportation. However, 10 times the price is a bit too much especially since two other guests were riding the car with me. Later when I arrived to Coron town I found out he is asking a different and lower rate in his promo material. In my reviews I have never talked bad about a place I have stayed. Then I simple choose not to review them. But in the case I had to share my experience with others. Henrik, Palawan SandCastles sent you this message: Palawan SandCastles Minuit 24 Jul | 26 Jul “Haven't heard back from you Henrik since I sent you the invoice. We're very full on the 24th of July and those who have confirmed their stays will get priority when it comes to the choice of rooms. Thank you. Cheers”…
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Date of stay: July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
My husband and I stayed 6 nights here and wish we could have spent all of the 12 days we had in Palawan at this one place. We got the adventure package and would highly recommend it. The food, tours and service are phenomenal! The guides were the most knowledgeable we’ve ever had and you could easily see that Myka, Em, and Bobby were highly experienced. Anytime we had a question they either knew the answer or went out of their way to find it out for us. The boat captain and his crew were professional and would sometimes go out of their way to kayak us the short distance from the shore to the boat in the morning and in the afternoon. We felt safe and taken care of at every moment during our trip and there was always an abundance of water, both on the tours and at the resort. When you get the adventure package the meals are all included which is one reason I would recommend it although you can also purchase the meals if you are just staying at the hotel. The fruits and vegetables are all from the local market and the home cooked meals are just fabulous! :) Vida, Em, Bobby and Ronna are excellent cooks. Em and Bobby prepared lunch for us several time on the boat in the middle of various tours, it was such a treat to enjoy such delicious food on the boat. Vida would come up with the most inventive recipes for dinner and I so looked forward to seeing what she had created. One night she made a vegetable curry using coconut milk she made that afternoon from coconuts around the hotel. The grounds and rooms of Sand Castles are rustic and charming. A herd of goats and many obedient dogs running around really made the place feel like home. The view from all rooms is beautiful and the stars and silence at night is so peaceful. It really felt like a heaven on earth to me and I would have to say that it is my favorite vacation I have experienced so far. I just have to say THANK YOU so much to Vida, Em, Myka, Bobby, Ronna, Lurna for making our time here so spectacular. I can’t put into words all the little details which made this vacation so special but you all are amazing, fabulous people! Sandcastles is my happy place :)…
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Date of stay: March 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Simple and natural habitat for active adventurers, not for party lovers. About 80 minutes away from messy Coron Town, beautiful nature, fantastic spartan bamboo huts or cottages, great food, exciting tours and plenty of opportunities to be active: snorkeling in the private beach, kayaking to near islands and bays, cycling to local villages. Absolutely get the generous all-inclusive deal: tours are not shared with other tourists, and you’ll have the opportunity to kayak on Coron Island’s most secret lagoons. Dugong spotting tour was great as well! Greg, an Australian journalist, is a charismatic but discrete host with a lot to share with you about Philippines, its history and people.
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Date of stay: March 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
A perfect hidden gem of the island! Surrounded by nature and full of adventure. We picked this resort for its adventure packages. People who wants to enjoy most the island must come here without much expectations. Real nature adventure happens in this place. We have really enjoyed our stay, delicious and fresh foods and of course our banca tours. We have visited all the places we wanted to see with our best, caring and knowlegable guide "kuya Bob and boat captain kuya George" of course all the staff in the resort who are very polite, caring and prepare for us delicious food and the owner Greg who always makes sure we are being taken care of. We have done biking, hiking and kayak adventures, cave huntings, safari animal feeding, dugong spotting, infinite snorkeling and of course island hopping! We spent 5 days and 4 nights, it is our best adventure ever! Being surrounded by just the nature is already a start of a wonderful adventure! My friends and I, highly recommend this place and truly you will not regret it! An adventure that leads you to fall in love to this island, still fresh of new wonders with crystal clear water, magnificient coral reefs, fishes, undiscovered islands and wonderful people! …
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Date of stay: June 2017Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from tribaladventures2015, Guide at Palawan SandCastles
Responded 20 Jun 2017
For those of us who view the glass as half-full the comments underscore that travel is far more about interacting physically and emotionally with a natural environment than for admiring or otherwise a resort's man-made facilities. If you're searching for a comfy, natural experience and you're an adventurous soul you're Palawan SandCastles' material, a participant more than a guest, at an expedition base more than a resort. Happy travels!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
US$23 - US$44 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
PhilippinesMimaropaPalawan ProvinceBusuanga IslandBusuanga Town
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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Frequently Asked Questions about Palawan SandCastles
Which popular attractions are close to Palawan SandCastles?
Nearby attractions include Lakdayan Beach (1.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Palawan SandCastles?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Palawan SandCastles?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a bidet, and a dining area.
What food & drink options are available at Palawan SandCastles?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Palawan SandCastles?
Yes, guests have access to a plunge pool during their stay.
Does Palawan SandCastles have airport transportation?
Yes, Palawan SandCastles offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are pets allowed at Palawan SandCastles?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Palawan SandCastles?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Indonesian, Malay, and Filipino.
Does Palawan SandCastles have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.