The architecture of Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort of Sitio Sabang in Puerto Princesa, Palawan provides an unforgettable adventure.

With both the sea and the mountains hugging the 3.3-hectare property, guests are provided a welcome opportunity to enjoy the best of nature in a luxurious resort which puts as much importance to their surroundings as they give their guests. Daluyon is considered the first resort of its kind that provides first-class lodging to visitors of Palawan’s most famous tourist destination – the Puerto Princesa Underground River.

With the resort’s master plan including the white sandy beaches of Sabang, and the refreshing green of Palawan’s mountain ranges, much has been considered to make sure that the leisure destination retains its natural beauty.

At the beginning of construction alone, guidelines were outlined to preserve the property’s natural terrain. “We built around the natural slopes and terrain. Most of the trees you see around the landscape were already there when we acquired the property during the late 1990s. Because of this, we were able to maintain some parts as a natural sanctuary of local wildlife,” said Butch Tan, Daluyon chairman and CEO.

Mr. Tan also related that they took extra steps to make sure that the resort remains eco-friendly throughout its operation. Less than 10 coconut trees were uprooted to make way for the structures, while local materials were also used to lessen impact on the environment, at the same time maintain the tropical charm of its location.

Cogon was generously used for rooftops, while recycled wood from both the sea and the forest were utilized for the wood panels, as well as some of the furniture such as tables, benches for the rooms, and even the desk for the front office. Because of this, Daluyon has become a model for resorts that are known to be environmentally-conscious.

Last year, Daluyon became a frontier member of the Zero Carbo Resorts organization – an EU funded project by Switch Asia and being run by GRAT or the Center for Appropriate Technology headed by Dr. Robert Wimmer, based in Vienna, Austria. Through the project, frontier group members, bring environment experts to train in various resorts all over the globe so they can come-up with ways to audit each resort’s carbon emissions. In the Philippines, most members of the Zero Carbon Resorts organization are from Palawan such as Dos Palmas and resorts in El Nido.

Through the training, the resorts are given guidelines and suggestions on how to reduce environmental impact. For Daluyon, the pick-load management use of electricity is being applied. Electricity for resort purposes are turned on during hours when guests are out – usually during tour periods so energy is used sparingly.

Mr. Tan admits that one of their biggest concerns is operating on a round-the-clock power generator (Sabang enjoys electricity only in the evening).

“We consume an average of 5,000 liters of fuel every month just to make sure that the resort operates with 24-hour electricity. Because of this we had to look for ways to lessen ecological impact and save on energy,” he said.

Aside from the technique, other ideas are being applied to keep Daluyon environment-friendly. There are solar-powered water heaters for every rooms, and the tastefully-constructed villas also make use of window slats to allow natural light and air to flow. Instead of using the aircon all the time, guests are enticed to open doors and windows to their individual balconies to enjoy the view of the beach and cool air from the mountains. Available rooms are superior rooms, deluxe rooms with living area, and the two-bedroom suites for large families.

The swimming pool, instead of being constructed using regular tiles, makes use of blue quartzon – a material which is easier to clean and maintains the water’s warm temperature. The pool also applies salt chlorinator as pool filter which has less ammonia and other harmful chemicals. Because of this, it is actually safe to swim even during cleaning time. The management also done away with using the usual pool night lights, to save on energy and maintenance.

Even in water activities, the resort is introducing sports that won’t require the use of fuel such as kite sailing and stand-up paddle boards.

“This way, we’re also sure that we don’t get to harm the marine habitat in our area,” said Mr. Tan.

Because of these measures, the area around Daluyon has become a haven for different species. A part of the property which was transformed into a man-made lake to improve the ventilation of the resort’s restaurant for example, became a natural trail for monitor lizards.

The beach area is also a known nesting area for pawikans or Olive Reedley turtles.

Because of this, Daluyon’s restaurant was named Pawikan, in honor of the turtles and to educate guests regarding endangered animals.

There are many activities being offered in the exclusive 16-room resort, all of which are designed by the landscape of its location. One can indulge in water activities such as swimming, kayaking, boogie boarding and even game fishing. Couples who are there to celebrate time with each other can also go for a romantic sunset cruise, complete with wine and meal.

Those who love the mountains and its forest on the other hand, can also arrange for a monkey trail walk – a four-kilometer hike to discover some of Palawan’s exotic animals.

Guests of the resort will surely delight at another adventure – a delectable food trip at the Pawikan Restaurant. The restaurant, designed with well-crafted sea creature-inspired lights from Cebu, offers an array of dishes for the most discerning customers.

Big events can also be set-up at the tent – an open space with an ingenious sprinkler on the roof to regulate temperature, or on the sprawling and beautiful 150-meter beach front.

Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort is located at Sitio Sabang, Bgy. Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. More information is at www.daluyonresort.com.