Arena Island Turtle Sanctuary - Day Tour

Arena Island Turtle Sanctuary - Day Tour

Arena Island Turtle Sanctuary - Day Tour
4.5
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Puerto Princesa, Filipinas

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Arena Island Turtle Sanctuary - Day Tour
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4.5
4,5 de 5 burbujas22 opiniones
Excelente
18
Muy bueno
2
Promedio
1
Mala
0
Horrible
1

Anna
Polonia22 aportes
5,0 de 5 burbujas
feb. de 2019
4 dni na wyspie, raj, cisza, spokój, wspaniałe rośliny, no i żólwiki :-) Miałam okazję uczestniczyć w ich czyszczeniu, czyściliśmy im skorupki szczoteczkami do zębów. 4 maleństwa, największe, najsilniejsze, wypuściłam na wolność, do morza. Niesamowite przeżycie. Obsługa na wyspie wyśmienita, posiłki serwowane w miejscu jakie wybraliśmy: taras, domek na drzewie, plaża... Na pożegnanie przygotowano nam romantyczną kolację na plaży, rozpalili ognisko :-) Polecam z całego serca, polecam pobyt, sama wycieczka to chyba za mało. Ja z pewnością tam wrócę, na dłużej
Escrita el 25 de enero de 2020
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.

PalawanEnglishExpat
Puerto Princesa, Filipinas96 aportes
3,0 de 5 burbujas
dic. de 2018 • Pareja
I was recently invited to a pre-Christmas day-out on Arena Island with a group of mainly local Palawenos and a few expats from various other countries.
The sea was a little rough (no problem for me as a seasoned sailor from UK) which meant the boat trip was almost 1 1/2 hours rather than the normal 45 minutes.
At the centre of the beautiful island there was a line of tables with plastic chairs, enough to seat maybe 50 people, next to a BBQ and food serving station.
There were some other buildings with signs but I've no idea what they were used for. Apart from some juice which was provided as part of our lunch, I couldn't see any bar or anywhere to buy drinks, but luckily we'd brought our own anyway. There were a few woven hammocks (maybe 4 or 5) swinging between the trees, a couple of elevated rooms with tables and chairs inside, and some massage beds. BUT....there were absolutely NO sun loungers or places where you could just lie down and relax!!!!!!!!!! BAD OMISSION !
We were given a set-menu buffet style lunch. I thought it was TERRIBLE! Some rice-noodle (pansit canton) dish (only so-so) fatty pork in a sauce (probably to hide the fat!), squid (which I personally don't like), breaded then fried baby shrimps, and some BIG shrimps COMPLETELY overcooked in some indescribable sauce. These were SO BAD they tasted as if they'd been lying around for several days. Truly HORRIBLE.
As an example of how BAD the food was, EVERY single person (locals included) headed straight for the local Jollibee take-away as soon as we landed back ashore later!
Although we thought we would be there until 5 or 6pm, at about 3.30 we were told that only 1 boat would be available to take us back to the mainland (there were 3 at anchor and by now the sea was relatively calm) and we had to leave because the 1 boat would need 2 trips to carry everybody (and each turnaround voyage was about 1 hour 45 minutes).
Actually because there was nothing to do, nowhere to lie down, and no bar to sit in this was probably a saviour!
Oh.....AND this 5 hour island experience with terrible lunch cost each person 900 peso (which is NOT cheap for locals).
Would I do it again......NO. It could (and should) be a beautiful day out. So to the management.......BUY 10 or 20 sunloungers. Learn how to BBQ a shrimp. Add a bar.......then people may return.
In case you don't already know......it's a 2 hour drive on a not very good road from Puerto Princesa.
Escrita el 11 de diciembre de 2018
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.

ahjh2011
Holmfirth, UK5 aportes
1,0 de 5 burbujas
sept. de 2017 • Pareja
This place is horrendous!!!! I felt sick to the bottom of my stomach that people like us are unwillingly funding animal cruelty! The trip said 'turtle island sanctuary'!!!!

It was none of these things! There were many animals subjected to the cruelty of tiny spaces, chains, duck tape round their mouth and being teased until they performed! It didn't stop at just the poor turtles that are over crowded and over handled!!

I cried and complained to the guides and even shouted at a Chinese man who was teasing a monkey in its cage with food, causing the monkey to bounce off both sides of his tiny cage in a fit of anger, whilst he and his friends laughed at how they got the monkey to 'perform'!!

They had a bat in broad daylight shaking it vigorously by its feet so it would open its wings for a picture!!! HORRIFIC TO WATCH!!

Please don't go here! Please! It was soooo busy with tourists all of which were more than likely conned like we were into believing it was for the breading preservation of turtles!!! 😡😡😡😡😡😡

Escrita el 14 de septiembre de 2017
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.

legaletlwanephiliam
Cape Town, South Africa26 aportes
5,0 de 5 burbujas
ene. de 2017
The best part of our trip was under sea. So many islands to explore. Clear beaches, sea rougher in the afternoon. Ther lifeguards are resourceful. You may attempt this even if you arent a good swimmer. help is always at hand.
The tours include delicious meals cooked on the boats, amazing.
Escrita el 10 de marzo de 2017
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
Hi! legaletlwanephilam, Thank you so much for your kind and generous comments on Arena Island. Hope to see you again in the near future. Best Regards, -Paolo
Escrita el 20 de marzo de 2017
Esta respuesta es la opinión subjetiva del representante de la gerencia, no de Tripadvisor LLC.

KumikoAnada
Quezon City, Filipinas2 aportes
5,0 de 5 burbujas
may. de 2016 • Amigos
Arena island is blessed with a rich natural environment.That is why, sea turtles loves this island. Coral reef is also well preserved.
Escrita el 24 de mayo de 2016
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
Hi! KumikoAnada, One of the things we are truly proud of in Arena Island aside from its innate beauty and diverse marine life, is our Marine Turtle Conservation Project. It is a commitment we intend to pursue for the succeeding generations. Thank you so much for your appreciation. - Paolo
Escrita el 27 de mayo de 2016
Esta respuesta es la opinión subjetiva del representante de la gerencia, no de Tripadvisor LLC.

Kwokie
Manila, Filipinas113 aportes
4,0 de 5 burbujas
3hrs away from Puerto Princesa (2hrs by van, then 1hr by boat) is Arena Island. Supposedly for the "harina" (flour in English) like sand. (To be fair to them, the sand was really fine on the sandbar but was full of corals and shells around - which is good since it's a sign of a healthy beach!) Stayed for 3 days and 2 nights. I found the place pretty expensive for the regular price so I waited for a coupon from the deal site.

I actually found the place after some research that it's a turtle sanctuary and its a usual breeding ground for "pawikans." (Sea turtles local to the Philippines) So I called them up, and asked about the "pawikan's" hatching season. This was in January this year. Got a reply sometime February that they already have their first "pawikan" for the season, that the eggs she layed will hatch sometime April and that they will be releasing them after 2 - 3 weeks. Tada - booked the trip for April.

The room is a casita which is technically a couples room, the washroom is outdoors, there is patio right outside the casita with lounge chairs. You can your meals right there on the patio. The bed is a king sized bed, they provide a fan and a refrigerator inside the room aside from the AC. Casita 1 and 2 are pretty dated, probably designed during the late 90s with the design of the fixtures. Casita 3 is newly made and has more modern fixtures and furniture.

The island has no electricity so they power on the generator 6pm to 6am. Reception is weak for cellular phones so it's a good time to reset and just relax. Spent most of my time on the island's tree house, watched the animals roaming around, went snorkeling, and yes - played with the baby turtles. Swam on the beach too of course! Meals are included in the package which is breakfast, snacks, lunch, pm snacks and dinner.

The highlight of the trip of course was the release of the turtle hatchlings. They're really cuddly and adorable, handle with care since the shell still isn't hard. No need to worry about the bite since the mouth/snout is still not sharp. When they "bite" your hand it feels like it's being softly pinched. Watching them walk towards the water as they sense it is an experience to be remembered for a lifetime! The island had 4 other nests with hundreds of eggs each. They don't show the eggs since the exposure harms the eggs, they only show a sample of the "under developed" ones to guests.

Most folks will find the place a bit pricey - USD800 for 2 nights but do consider that there are only a few casitas, (3 which can be used - 4 casitas eventually) you have the whole island to yourselves with the staff, fresh meals and seafood cooked for you - it's like having a personal chef, butler and assistant through your stay. They arrange the logistics for you too from the airport to the island.

Having the experience of releasing the hatchlings - makes it worth it for me.
Escrita el 30 de abril de 2015
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
Hi! Kwokie, We appreciate your good sense of timing in going to Arena in time for the release of some turtle hatchlings. They really waddle into the sea where they belong and you have actually participated in our marine turtle conservation project. Maybe next time you might be lucky to experience a turtle coming up to the island to lay its eggs. What we are doing in Arena is a humble effort in the protection of the endangered hawksbill and green turtles. It is our desire to protect the integrity of the island and the marine life surrounding it, that is why we are limiting our accommodations to 2 Casitas and 2 Casas, thereby making Arena a private getaway. We hope to see you again someday and hopefully you can try Casa Tres or Cuatro. Thank you once again for your kind thoughts.
Escrita el 8 de mayo de 2015
Esta respuesta es la opinión subjetiva del representante de la gerencia, no de Tripadvisor LLC.

shadow2288
Luzón, Filipinas53 aportes
4,0 de 5 burbujas
Arena island is a 2hr land trip from the airport and 30mins boat trip. A guide greeted us from the airport the moment we got out and everything was a breeze. The boat they use to transfer us was very comfortable. It was a big boat .
During our stay, we were lucky enough to see turtles hatching. My kids helped in getting the turtles.
The staff was very helpful in our needs. Roger who always snorkel around with my kids and hubby. He's always there to guide and keep them safe. Jona also was so kind enough to take care of me when I got sick.
The island is a quiet place to stay . If you want pure relaxation, away from city life. This is what you're looking for. No tvs .
The island is far from other islands. So no island hopping.
Escrita el 24 de marzo de 2015
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
Hi! shadow2288, We are exceedingly pleased to know that your family enjoyed your recent vacation in Arena Island. The service of our staff has always been appreciated by our guests. We are confident of maintaining that kind of service in our island. We hope to see you again the very near future, because Arena will always be there waiting.
Escrita el 31 de marzo de 2015
Esta respuesta es la opinión subjetiva del representante de la gerencia, no de Tripadvisor LLC.

JennyO
Manila, Filipinas162 aportes
5,0 de 5 burbujas
dic. de 2014 • Familia
We spend Christmas 2014 in Arena Island. There were 10 of us, 6 adults and 4 kids, so we rented 2 casitas. There is a 3rd casita on the island - a new one similarly to the 2 older casitas but a little bigger. There were also 2 dormitories good for about 20 people.

It was a wonderful experience with the kids. Since we had the whole island to ourselves, the kids could freely run around. You could walk the entire perimeter of the island in 15 minutes. I love the thought of choosing where to dine for our next meal --- in front of the beach, up the treehouse, by the casita, on the floating house... the possibilities are endless!

Bring mosquito repellent though.. the mosquitos are vicious!
Escrita el 16 de marzo de 2015
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
Hi! Ms.Jenny-COANM, Thank you for your kind thoughts. We are very happy to know that your Christmas vacation in Arena Island was an enjoyable one, especially the kids. Thank you also for your observation on the mosquitos. We will definitely do something about it. We hope you would still consider going back to Arena in your future vacation stint. Once more, thank you for choosing the Island.
Escrita el 31 de marzo de 2015
Esta respuesta es la opinión subjetiva del representante de la gerencia, no de Tripadvisor LLC.

wrkshy
Manila, Filipinas1.917 aportes
5,0 de 5 burbujas
feb. de 2014 • Familia
My apologies to Mr. Fuji for this very late review as I thought I already made one.
I stayed at this island December 2013 and it was one of my most relaxing stay. No TV. Electricity is available on certain times. There are only TWO, i repeat, TWO cottages in this island so it can never be more private than that. So, if you happen to be a Deal Grocer member and you see an ongoing promo, GRAB THE OPPORTUNITY! You will never ever regret purchasing the voucher/s. Or you may call Mr. Fuji directly and book your vacation. He is one awesome guy and he will absolutely make your stay relaxing and enjoyable. He will even personally pick you up from the airport and tell you interesting stories along the way. His boat is so big that it can take 50 guests on it and you will never worry that it will capsize anytime!
The food is superb and plentiful. The staff, super friendly and always smiling. The island is very interesting not only because of the turtles which by the way, you should time your vacation during a fullmoon. The turtles usually "visit" the island during a fullmoon or you may ask Mr. Fuji or his staff when will the next turtle hatching or releasing of the baby turtles would be so that you can add the experience as one of your memorable moments in life. Anyway, moving forward, the sand bars are great. You will notice that the sand bars "moves" to a different location each day! They also have a big tree house. You can actually relax, comfortably sleep, have lunch or play games there.
The cottages are big. They have an open air bath/shower room. Very spacious.
If you book your vacation, it comes will full board meals, round trip airport/resort transfers. Snorkelling, swimming activities, beach volleyball is possible, turtle release or turtle hatching encounter (when possible). Labuyo chicken (wild chicken) and gecko watching (no kidding!)

TIPS: This is an island in Narra, Palawan and a scenic 2-hour drive from Puerto Princesa. Bring OFF lotion or any anti-mosquito lotion or patches. When you take your meals outdoor, request for candles to ward off flies or bring those electric fly swatters. It will be handy. There is a refrigerator. Use it to store your pitcher of juice or beers (or wine, maybe). Bring sunblock! Enjoy the sun and the sea! Have loads of FUN!
I shall return Mr. Fuji and staff!
Escrita el 18 de enero de 2015
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
Hi! Wrkshy, We dont mind receiving late reviews, as long as they are as generous and interesting as your review. We are doing our best to preserve the beauty and privacy of the island as well as its marine life around it. We hope that when you decide to visit us again, you can say that the island is still as enchanting and interesting as when you first saw it. Thank you once more for your kind thoughts. Looking forward to seeing you again. Best Regards, Fuji
Escrita el 8 de febrero de 2015
Esta respuesta es la opinión subjetiva del representante de la gerencia, no de Tripadvisor LLC.

mikoramos
Pasig, Filipinas71 aportes
5,0 de 5 burbujas
jun. de 2014
Our family (group of about 15) had the whole island to ourselves. There were several spots where one could stay and be alone on a bench or on a hammock enjoying the breeze. There were also areas where several could converge as a group. Plenty to do in the island-- play hoops or volleyball, snorkel or swim, or release baby pawikan turtles out to sea! Delicious fresh Food is served 5x a day with even dinner by candlelight! Massage services available too and you could have it done on a tree house! Cabanas are artfully designed and comfortable! Highly recommended!
Escrita el 12 de agosto de 2014
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
Hi! Mikoramos, I'm truly sorry for this delayed reply. I wish I could blame it to the lousy signal here at Puerto Princesa, most of the time. Anyway, its always a pleasure to know that our guests are having a grand time when they come to Arena Island. We hope that you will find it just as interesting and fascinating if and when you decide to go to the island again. You are most welcome to do so. God Bless!!
Escrita el 25 de septiembre de 2014
Esta respuesta es la opinión subjetiva del representante de la gerencia, no de Tripadvisor LLC.

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