Portulano is a small owner-run resort with excellent family-style service. The staff are all accommodating and professional. There is plenty of space to relax outside the room. The best draw for this resort however, is the fact that the house reef is truly stunning. Highly recommended!
Well run dive resort. Friendly, accommodating staff. Rooms were comfortable and clean. Food was yummy and portions were generous. House reef is easily accessible from the shore and featured tons of marine animals. Had a great time!
I rented a single room for 6 days. It was my treat to myself. There was virtually no one there as far as divers were concerned. Three days I had the resort to myself. Elmer was my dive master. He really took care of me since I am partially crippled . My friend Niko Santos stayed there for two dives. He is also a dive master. Every one was terrific helping me get dressed for my dives. The water was so warm that I did not need a suit. So much better diving there compared to Puerto Galera. I saw most of the critters on my bucket list here. Then there was the restaurant crew. They treated me like I was the Owner of the place. Now I am a very picky eater so some I did not or could not eat. Allergies to sea food. The one complaint I had was lack of desert. Another suggestion is to set up a small store that you could buy snacks.
It was expensive for me to dive as I was the only diver in the whole resort. The beds, ac where great. If you want quiet , this is the place for you. No phones, no TV, but the internet worked most of the time.
Hi Bill, glad you enjoyed your stay. We really wanted you to be comfortable and to be able to enjoy your dives and your stay. Take care always!
The resort was beautiful. If you value peace and quality time for yourself. You come to this place. You get to know the staff and owners of the resort as well. All of the members of the staff were accommodating and friendly. However, it was not the same case with the female owner of the resort. She could have made more effort to make the guests felt more welcome.
If you're not picky or fuzzy with the food, this place is fine. However, there is a fine line between healthy food and cheap food.
I particularly like their labrador, Snork.
Dear Janine,
I saw you gave us a low review on Tripadvisor. I'm sorry you felt negative about me, the female owner. When did you visit us? i couldn’t find your registration.
I am usually swamped and stressed with juggling resort back end duties plus homeschooling during these times and sometimes don’t have time to chat, or say hi and can't be as attentive and friendly as our dog, Snork.
For perspective, we have been running the resort on recovery mode due to the pandemic: operational restructuring, retraining, re-organisation & back end work is mostly my duty & is no walk in the park, or the beach.
Do consider also that many resort owners don't even interface with their guests, or that personalities differ. So it may not be a fair expectation and reason for a low rating.
A little "benefit of the doubt" for others always help us all move forward during these challenging times.
Been coming here since 2017 (then pandemic happened). Always always a lovely stay! Simple, no frills quick getaway. Short straight drive from Manila, parking is readily available and safe. Short 5 min boat ride and you're already transported to this secluded place. All rooms with an ocean view. Great for solo, couple, friends. Food is great (serving, portion size, variety, and taste). You should also try the short orders for snacks! Sunset view always amazing. Try their mocktails/cocktails while sunset viewing too.
Cell signal for smart/globe working. Suggest to bring your own portable wifi if you plan to work remotely like I usually do. No prob doing zoom calls, online consults (use pldt home wifi latest ver or globe)
Got my Padi Open water license here (very thorough and proper). House reef is good, great even for non divers if you just want to snorkel. Theres a saltwater pool (usually for dive training but can also be used for just swimming). All equipment readily available for rent and use.
2 loveable labradors (Tank and Snork, between the two, itll be just Snork who will play with you).
Stay-in owners are excellent divers/instructors who will always make you feel welcome.
Do come even for an overnight stay! 💯
Thanks Mara, we're so glad you were able to get dives in despite your super busy schedule and we are glad to be part of your discovery of the underwater world. We hope to be able to do more dives together and dive trips as well!
How nice to see you getting really good at diving!
Always so good to have you over, see you soon!
