Discover the Natural Wonders of Palawan – Travelling the Island Paradise with Claudio and Marisa
Text: EUROBUS AG
Two who love Palawan – Claudio & Marisa
When Claudio talks about Palawan, his eyes light up. The green island group in the west of the Philippines has been his home for more than 30 years. He emigrated in 1993, set up his own business in the restaurant trade and fell in love with life in the rainforest, the wild mountain landscapes and the quiet seclusion. His partner Marisa joined him later, for love. Today the two of them live in Palawan, have their own coconut plantation and lead EUROBUS guests through their adopted home with great dedication.
Claudio is an experienced driver who began his career in the travel business in 1978 and has been part of the EUROBUS family for around ten years. Marisa brings charm, organisational talent and heart – originally from a commercial background, she is now a passionate travel companion. The two lead this trip together, not as a job but as a calling. «We do it out of joy. Claudio drives with great assurance, I look after the guests – that's how we complement each other perfectly,» Marisa says with a laugh. You can tell that their guests benefit from this well-rehearsed teamwork: more time, more closeness, more experiences – as individual as the island itself.
Off the beaten track – experiencing Palawan authentically
Palawan has more than 1,000 islands, and almost every one tells its own story. Most travellers know El Nido, the jewel in the north with its dramatic karst cliffs and dream bays. Claudio and Marisa also head for this well-known spot – but their trip goes far beyond it. They lead to hidden bays, secluded mangrove channels and into their own garden, where they show everything that is contained in a single coconut. «We live here and know the island better than any guidebook,» says Claudio. And that is exactly what makes the difference. A real highlight is the underground river of Puerto Princesa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Guests glide through the mystical cave system in a paddle boat, a quiet, awe-inspiring experience.
The mangroves of Sabang are memorable too – this is where the so-called tamilok woodworm lives, a local delicacy that the brave may taste. «Sometimes all it takes is one look into the jungle to sense how special this place is,» says Marisa. «This trip keeps giving us new perspectives – on ourselves, too.»
Culture, cuisine and simple happiness
Besides natural wonders, this trip also shows the cultural face of Palawan. In Puerto Princesa, for example, Claudio and Marisa visit the «prison without walls» with their guests – an unusual institution in which inmates earn freedoms through good behaviour. «The system is impressive, and the inmates' dance performance gives you goosebumps,» says Marisa. Another highlight: the firefly boat trip at night, when thousands of glowing dots dance like stars above the river.
Guests also discover Palawan's cuisine in all its facets. Whether fresh fish straight from the grill, spicy vegetable dishes or exotic fruit – the island cuisine is simple but delicious. «We ate the best mangoes, papayas and bananas here,» raves Claudio. And those who dare can also eat with their hands like the locals, an experience that brings people together.
Island rhythm and heartfelt moments – what remains
What Claudio and Marisa particularly appreciate is the relaxed way of life of the Palawanos. «The people here are cheerful, friendly and take life as it comes,» says Claudio. This calmness quickly rubs off on guests. Appointments? More of a recommendation than an obligation. Time? Not clocked, but felt. «We hope our guests will enjoy this rhythm of life and perhaps take a piece of it home with them,» says Marisa. Thanks to their many years of experience, however, EUROBUS has been able to put together a travel programme that is perfectly timed – of course, all days of the trip are kept as planned.
Little moments of revelation arise everywhere: at sunrise over the bay, while paddling through mangroves, in the smile of a villager or the first bite of fresh pineapple straight from the field. Claudio and Marisa are more than just tour guides – they are bridge builders between worlds, between culture and nature, between guest and home. «Light clothing, open shoes, swimming trunks and an open heart,» advises Marisa when packing your suitcase. Anyone travelling with them doesn't simply travel – they experience.
Want more?
This trip is more than a coach-and-flight combination: it is a slice of real life on one of the last unspoilt islands in the world. You will find all the details and booking options at www.eurobus.ch/upala – the island awaits with unforgettable moments.