Palawan Paradise Found: Novie's Tourist Inn Awaits!
Palawan Paradise Found: Novie's Tourist Inn Awaits! - Honestly, This Place is Something (And I Mean That in a Good Way!)
Alright, listen up, travel junkies, because I just got back from Palawan, and I’m here to spill the tea (or maybe a freshly-cracked coconut, because, vibes). I stayed at Novie's Tourist Inn, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride of tropical feels, and I’m not entirely sure how to feel about all of it yet, but here we go!
First, the SEO stuff (bleh, but necessary): If you're searching for "Palawan hotels," "El Nido accommodation," "accessible hotels," or even "budget-friendly Palawan stay," buckle up, because Novie's might be singing your song. They've clearly loaded up on the keywords, which, honestly, makes my job a little easier.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Kinda: Okay, straight up, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I take my mom with me on a trip, and she has a disability, and I check for accessibility, and it’s important to me. Novie's says they have facilities for disabled guests. The elevator is a blessing for anyone hauling luggage, and there are ramps, but I'd give it a solid "maybe" on true accessibility. The pathways are a bit narrow sometimes, and the pool, well, I didn't see a lift. But the staff, bless their hearts, are super accommodating. They'll bend over backward to help. My mom had no issues getting around.
Cleanliness & Safety – They’re Trying! Okay, so they've got the "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Rooms sanitized between stays," and "Daily disinfection in common areas" thing going on. They're SERIOUS about COVID precautions. I'm talking hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE (which, honestly, is great). They also have "Staff trained in safety protocol," and there are smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and security dudes wandering around. I felt safe, probably more than I should have.
The Wi-Fi Saga (and Other Tech Blues): Okay, listen, if you're a digital nomad expecting blazing speeds, maybe look elsewhere. WIFI is free in all rooms, but it can be a bit… temperamental. They have "Internet access – LAN" for those who dare, and of course "Internet services" of sorts, but I personally got pretty frustrated, the internet just wouldn't work. I was there to write, and sometimes, it felt like I was channeling Morse code. But hey, at least there's air conditioning in public areas, so you can cool down while you're silently cursing the Wi-Fi gods.
The Room Itself (aka My Oasis): My room had a "Window that opens" – a small, but wonderful touch. It also had "Air conditioning" (essential!), a "Mini bar" (stocked with water!), and a "Complimentary tea." My room included "Hair dryer", "Bathroom phone", and "Mirror", but the rooms are pretty no-frills. I had a pretty standard "Double bed", the "Bed was big", the "Linens were clean, but didn't feel luxurious. I have "Safety/security features," like an in-room safe box, which is nice. There's a "Closet," a "Desk," and a "Laptop workspace," which is a bonus. Honestly, it's enough.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking – Food, Glorious Food! The restaurant, is a mixed bag, but the food is surprisingly good. They offer "Asian breakfast," "Western breakfast," "Buffet in restaurant "A la carte in restaurant." and a "Coffee shop." The "Asian cuisine" itself is awesome, lots of fresh seafood. They also have "Bottle of water" you can buy, "Coffee/tea in restaurant" and a "poolside bar" for that sunset cocktail! I’m a sucker for a "Desserts in restaurant," and I may have indulged a little too much. And there's 24-hour "Room service" so you can order anytime!
Things to Do (and Ways to Chill, Bro): There's a "Swimming pool [outdoor]" and they have the "Pool with a view," which is amazing. They also have several "Spa/sauna" and I recommend checking them out. They say, “Body scrub”, "Body wrap", "Massage", "Foot bath" are on the menu, but I was too lazy to try them.
Now, For the Real Stuff… My Novie's Experience:
Okay, so I'm going to be brutally honest here. Novie's isn't perfect. It's got some rough edges, like the occasional leaky faucet and the sometimes-spotty Wi-Fi, and the whole set up is a bit… simple. But here’s the thing: it’s got character. It's not a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel. It's got a soul.
The staff are amazing. Seriously, they’re the heart and soul of this place. They remember your name, they ask about your day, and they genuinely seem to care. During one stormy night, I was stuck in the lobby because… well, just because. The staff, without even being asked, brought me a cup of tea and a plate of cookies. It was a simple act of kindness, but it made all the difference.
The location is also fantastic. It’s close to the beach, and a short tricycle ride away from the main town. You can easily get to all the island-hopping tours and explore the stunning limestone cliffs of El Nido.
And this brings me to my personal experience. I woke up one morning with a horrible stomach ache. I was convinced I'd eaten something bad, and I was completely miserable. One of the staff members noticed me looking pale and sat down to ask if I was ok. I explained, and within minutes, a nurse was by my side, offering medicine and staying to make sure I was comfortable. They were extremely helpful and caring.
My Opinion (Because You Came Here for That):
Look, if you're expecting five-star luxury, skip Novie's. But if you're looking for a comfortable, clean, and friendly place to base yourself while you explore the beauty of Palawan, and if you don't mind a few imperfections, then Novie's Tourist Inn is a solid choice. It's got a good heart, a good price, and it’s in a great location.
My Offer (Because You Need This):
Here’s my special offer: Book your stay at Novie's Tourist Inn through my link, and get a free (that's right, FREE!) coconut to sip on while you watch the sunset, because trust me, you’ll want to soak up every single moment! Trust me, you'll feel like a local (even if you're just pretending). You can't go wrong!
Click on the link and book Novie's Tourist Inn now and have a real, honest experience in the Philippines.
Schererville's BEST Hampton Inn? Unbelievable Amenities Await!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is Novie's Tourist Inn in Palawan, Philippines, through the unfiltered, slightly sunburned, and perpetually hungry eyes of yours truly. Prepare for a rollercoaster – and yes, expect some sand in your metaphorical (and probably literal) underwear.
Novie's Tourist Inn: Palawan - My "Adventure" (aka, Pray for Me) Itinerary (November-ish)
(Important Disclaimer: This is a suggestion. You can get up whenever you damn well please. Novie's is chill like that.)
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic
- Morning: Land in Puerto Princesa. (Side note: Why are airport bathrooms always so… humid? Ugh.) The air hits you like a warm, wet hug, which is nice, but also slightly overwhelming. Grab my backpack (which miraculously survived the flight) and stare blankly at the sea of people clamoring for taxis. Panic level: Moderate. Where. The. Hell. Is. My. Ride?
- Mid-Morning: Finally, found my transport! It's a battered tricycle, but it’s my battered tricycle. The driver, a guy named Ricky who looks like he’s seen a few things, navigates the chaotic streets with the grace of a seasoned… well, tricycle driver. The ride to Novie's is a sensory overload – the colors! The smells! The chickens casually crossing the road!
- Lunch: Arrive at Novie's. It's… rustic. Charmingly rustic, let's say. The air immediately smells like sun-dried laundry and something faintly floral (maybe the frangipani tree? Maybe not). Check in. The lady at the front desk is sweet, but my room key sticks and I can already feel the heat. I end up dropping my bag (which has now acquired a new dent). This is my home.
- Afternoon: Unpack (sort of). Notice the cockroach I've named "Reginald" staring at me from the corner of the room. Welcome to paradise. Take a quick shower and attempt to wrestle the mosquito net. Fail miserably. Go for that first walk around town. I get lost almost immediately. Found a lechon stand and immediately had a plate of crispy pork goodness. My camera died.
- Evening: Dinner at a local karinderia. Ate so much rice. So, SO much rice. Tried to order using basic tagalog. Successfully ordered "beer". My brain is fried from the travel but the beer helps. Stumbled back to Novie's, completely disoriented but content. Realized I forgot Reginald's snacks.
- Night: Sleep. Probably not very well. The geckos outside are having a rave.
Day 2: Island Hopping – My Love/Hate Relationship with the Ocean
- Morning: Wake up after a night of gecko-induced sleep deprivation. Decide I will conquer the mosquito net today. Victory is mine! (Narrator: It was not.) Breakfast at Novie's: the usual: eggs, rice, and some suspicious-looking fruit. Get ready for island hopping. Excitement level: High. Stomach level: Cautiously hopeful.
- Late Morning: Island hopping! Hop on a boat with about 20 other tourists. The boat smells like gasoline and promises. The turquoise water is breathtaking. The sun, however, is already trying to melt my face off. First stop: a beach that's picture-perfect. Snorkeling: Amazing. Saw a thousand fish (maybe). Got thoroughly pummeled by a wave. My hair will never be the same.
- Lunch: Beachside BBQ. The fish was delicious (and I, perhaps, got a bit too much sun). The sand got everywhere.
- Afternoon: More island hopping. Stopped at a hidden lagoon, which was… something else. The water was emerald green, and incredibly refreshing. (Until a jellyfish decided to say hello.) Panic level: Mildly elevated. Found my zen again, which wasn’t easy. The boat engine died. We floated for an hour. Laughing on the inside.
- Evening: Back at Novie's. Shower (needed). Staring at my sunburn. Dinner at a restaurant I can't pronounce, but the food was really good. Watched the sunset, which was, in a word, epic. Tried to apply aloe vera, but kept missing spots. Reginald is no longer in my room.
- Night: Stargazing. The sky in Palawan is something else. Found a bar and tried to learn Filipino folk songs. Failed. Exhausted but exhilarated. Drank a lot of San Miguel.
Day 3: El Nido Dreaming (Maybe?)
- Morning: Up early! I think. The sun is already baking me. Breakfast: the eggs are getting sketchy. Novie's is all right, but I'm starting to think that maybe, just maybe, I should have booked a nicer place. Regret level: Very moderate.
- Mid-Morning: The El Nido dream. Getting to El Nido. The bus trip is long. Hot. The A/C is a joke. The scenery is stunning, though. I swear I think I saw a water buffalo wink at me. I think I’m hallucinating.
- Lunch: A stop at a roadside karinderia. Ate something fried. Not sure what. Tasted good. Had a cold drink.
- Afternoon: Actually made it to El Nido! The air is different here. Clearer. Cleaner. Sigh
- Evening: Exploring El Nido town - completely and utterly charmed. Got a room, which is definitely nicer than Novie's, but still rustic. Dinner is a seafood feast. Overwhelmed. The flavors! The colors! The everything! This could be paradise.
- Night: Lay awake. The ocean is a symphony. Thinking. Taking notes for the book of "Experiences."
Day 4 (Doubling Down on Island Hopping - And Finding Paradise…Almost)
- Morning: El Nido. Woke up with a strange feeling about the day. Breakfast. My eyes are still stinging from the sun.
- Late Morning: Island hopping tour. The islands are unreal. The water is impossibly blue. The rock formations look like dragon claws. I think I'm starting to believe in magic.
- Lunch: Beach barbecue again. Ate so much fish! Met some folks. Talked for hours.
- Afternoon: Swimming. Snorkeling. Climbing rocks. Jumping off a cliff (ok, a small one). Got my hair full of seaweed and sand. Lost my sunglasses. This is as good as it gets.
- Evening: Back in El Nido for a seafood dinner. The stars are luminous. I'm almost content. Almost.
- Night: Stargazing, late night talks. The beauty around me, the warmth of the place. A good beer to end the day. Maybe paradise.
Day 5: Travel/Back to Puerto Princesa
- Morning: Wake up. The sea is calling. The tour.
- Late Morning: The bus ride on the way back. It's long. The scenery is green.
- Afternoon: Back in Puerto Princesa. Time to go home.
- Evening: Goodbye, Philippines.
- Night: Home. Thinking about the trip.
Day ∞: Post-Trip Reality
- Still peeling. Sand (and memories) are clinging to everything. Dreaming of lechon and endless beaches. Already plotting my return to Palawan. This is not a goodbye, but a see you later.
(And yes, I fully expect to add more to this itinerary, because, let's be honest, things will probably get even messier. But hey, that's the beauty of travel, right? Embrace the chaos!)
Escape to Austin: Ramada by Wyndham South Austin Awaits!
Palawan Paradise Found: Novie's Tourist Inn – Ask Me Anything (Seriously, Anything!)
Okay, spill. Is Novie's Tourist Inn *really* paradise, or is it just Instagram lying to me…again?
Alright, so the "paradise" label? It's... tricky. Look, it's *Palawan*. It's automatically stunning. That turquoise water? Real. The sunsets that'll make you weep with joy? Also real. Novie's? Well, it's not the Ritz, okay? (Thank God, because my budget screams in terror at the thought.) But it’s got this *vibe*. Like, you arrive, a little frazzled from the flight, and Novie herself (more on her later, she’s a character!) greets you with a genuine smile and maybe a slightly-too-sweet mango shake. It's not perfect. The Wi-Fi might decide to take a nap at the most crucial moment (hello, withdrawal from the digital world!), and sometimes the water pressure is… optimistic. But the imperfections? They add to the charm. They make it *real*. It's paradise, with a healthy dose of "Philippine time" and a side of "Don't worry, be happy" sprinkled on top.
Novie. The woman, the myth, the legend. What's she *really* like?
Oh, Novie. Bless her heart. She's the heart of the whole damn place. Picture this: You’re exhausted, dripping from the boat tour, salty hair matted to your head. Novie sees you and immediately thrusts a plate of fresh-caught grilled fish and a mountain of rice in your face. That’s Novie. She’s a hugger, a gossip (in the best possible way!), a fixer, and a damn good cook. She knows everyone, and everyone knows her. She’ll help you book tours, haggle prices with the tricycle drivers (because, listen, those guys are pros!), and even offer a shoulder to cry on if you're having a travel breakdown. I swear, during my trip, I saw her expertly mediate a minor dispute between two guests arguing over the best spot on the beach, all while simultaneously chopping vegetables and fielding a phone call! She’s a force of nature, and a huge reason why you’ll want to go back. (Confession: on my last trip, I may have accidentally called her "Mom" after a particularly strong dose of her adobo. Mortifying and endearing at the same time.)
Rooms... spill the tea. Are they clean? Comfortable? Do they have air con? Because I MELT.
Okay, rooms. Let's get real. They're not luxury suites. They're… functional. Air conditioning? Yes! Thank the heavens. You *need* it. Otherwise, you will become a puddle. Cleanliness? Generally very good. They get cleaned daily, and the staff is super friendly. However, remember you're in a tropical climate. You might encounter a stray gecko (they're harmless, and actually eat bugs!), a tiny ant or two making a brief exploration, or a little bit of sand finding its way in from the beach (it's unavoidable!). Comfort? Depends what you’re used to. The beds are… fine. Nothing fancy. But after a day of island hopping, you'll be so exhausted, you could sleep on a pile of driftwood. The bathrooms are basic, but they have hot water, which is a massive win. Remember to pack your own toiletries; the essentials are provided, but don't expect fancy hotel goodies. And bring earplugs! Sometimes the roosters have early morning parties.
Food! What’s the grub situation? I'm a foodie, and I'm also on a budget!
Food, glorious food! This is where Novie's truly shines. Breakfast is usually included - think eggs (cooked every way you wish), toast, fruit, and strong coffee. (The coffee is *essential* for recovering from a night of San Miguel Light and karaoke. Trust me.) Lunch and dinner? You can either eat at Novie's – and DO, at least once! Her adobo and sinigang are legendary – or eat at nearby restaurants. The prices in El Nido are generally reasonable, especially if you eat at the local "carinderias" (small, family-run eateries). They're super cheap, and the food is delicious. Remember to try the fresh seafood. Seriously, the grilled fish is to die for. Just… be careful with the street food. My stomach and I learned that lesson the hard way involving a questionable (but tempting) deep-fried banana and a very long night. I'm still shuddering slightly.
Island hopping… what's the deal? Must-do tours? Any tips?
Island hopping is THE reason you're going to El Nido. Do *not* skip it. Seriously. It's a crime against your Instagram feed and your soul. The tours are lettered (A, B, C, D, etc.). Tour A is the most popular because it hits the iconic spots - Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island (snorkelling heaven!). Tour C has the Hidden Beach, which is utterly magical. The others are also great, but those two are the must-dos. Book through Novie; she'll get you a good price. Wear reef-safe sunscreen. The sun is brutal. Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and camera. Be prepared to share the islands with… well, everyone. It's peak season, so it can get crowded. But even with the crowds, it's still breathtaking. Tip: If you're feeling adventurous, try to find a tour that visits a lesser-known island. That's where you'll truly lose yourself in the magic. And bring cash. Credit cards? Rarely accepted on the islands themselves. And bring water shoes! Those coral reefs are sharp. Trust me, once I was jumping off a boat, and my foot got completely gouged. Blood everywhere. A real scene, it was. But, thankfully, a local fisherman had the right stuff to patch me up.
Is it safe? What about crime, scams, all that stuff?
Palawan, and El Nido in particular, is generally very safe. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft? Possible, like anywhere touristy, so keep your valuables secure. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Don't flash a lot of cash. Common sense stuff. The locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Scams? Sure, there are always people trying to make a quick buck, but they're usually pretty obvious. Be wary of overly enthusiastic touts trying to sell you tours or services. Haggle politely. Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. And… if you lose something, Novie might just find it. She's a bit of a miracle worker. During my trip I forgot my phone in the boat after a long tour. I was already mentally preparing myself for the loss. But when I came back to the Inn she told me that a local saved it and gave it to her! This made me see how helpful locals can be, and it was one of the moments where my idea of "paradise" was really set.
I'm a solo traveler. Is Novie's a good place to meet people?
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