Bambua Lodge and Restaurant, the nicest among the small hotels of Sabang, is a kilometer away from the village. It is located in a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and rice paddies, just beside the St. Paul Underground River National Park. The resort is on a dirt road that connects Puerto Princesa to Sabang.

The resort is perched on a small hill, 5-minute walk from the road through a well-maintained path that leads to a wooden bungalow set at treetop level. This serves as the restaurant and reception area. In summer, tables are set in the garden.

Andre and Rosalie Dartmann, a German-Filipino couple, who are full of ideas in extending their property and improving its comforts, own and manage the resort. Note that Sabang is still remote and it is this isolation that gives its particular charm.

The atmosphere is informal. Several tiny and very simple bungalows are scattered in the garden. The interiors are very basic and common as well with showers and toilets outside. Andre has also constructed four detached and delightful bungalows.

These four bungalows are spacious with a bathroom, a double bed with a mosquito net and a small lounge corner. The view that you get from the terrace is exquisite, overlooking rice paddies and mountains from a distance.

From Sabang, you can also hire a banca at the pier, and go to the unspoiled and serene beach of Panaguiman, 30 minutes away, and 10 minutes away from the Underground River National Park.

How to get there

By air and land, 75-minute daily flights on PAL, Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit or Air Philippines from Manila to Puerto Princesa. Three hours by car/van from Puerto Princesa airport to Sabang. The air-conditioned bus departing from Trattoria Inn on Rizal Avenue leaves at 7:30 am. It takes longe than the car/van ride. You also have to spend the night in Puerto Princesa. From Sabang, the bus leaves at 3 pm.

More photos here