DIVE INTO A TURTLE SANCTUARY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Our contributor in The Philippines, Valérie Chaperon Giusti shares her trip with a 6 months old baby to the only turtle sanctuary in The Philippines, hidden on a remote island located 4 hours away from the closest airport.

By Valérie Chaperon Giusti.Reaching the Secret Paradise Resort and Turtle Sanctuary is quite an adventure...First we fly to Puerto Princessa, the main city of Palawan Island, then we take a 4 hour drive north heading to Port Baron, a small town by the seaside. As we hit the road, we can feel the island spirit and we spend some time looking at the window to observe the scenery. The drive is long, full of bumps and partly on muddy roads but we know that we are going to be rewarded upon our arrival to the sanctuary.Our journey continues with a 45 minute night cruise on a small boat to reach the sanctuary. Although this trip might sound a little crazy it is quite standard in the Philippines as the country counts more than 7 000 islands! We like those moments in transit as they really make out experience memorable and special.Waking up at the sanctuary is mind blowing. We discover with amusement 4 private beaches, an nature reserve and marine sanctuary to explore by kayaking, snorkling or swimming. Welcome to paradise.The beach is fantastic and beautiful. Our child plays there all day, making friends with other guests' kids, going in and ou of the water for hours. One of their favorite activity is the 10 am baby turtle feeding. To get to the floating nursery you need to take a canoe or swim, so exotic! There is always staff to help little ones to handle de turtles. Days go by fast at the Secret Paradise Resort and Turtle Sanctuary  in the morning we snorkel amongst ray, nemo fishes, turtles, baby sharks...and in the afternoon we take little hikes to the viewpoint at the sunset or to the waterfalls.We sleep in a beachfront little cottage well equipped with a fridge, a safe, mosquito nets and a small terrace. The restaurant on premise is averagely good but pricey as everything as to be imported.At the Secret Paradise Resort and Turtle Sanctuary we had the most peaceful vacation and got to fully reconnect with nature and discover the life on an Island..an experience we will never forget![supsystic-gallery id='97']Little Voyageurs' tips:

  • Must-have

Swimming suits, hats, sunglasses, sun-cream, anti-UV t-shirt.

Snorkeling equipment (they could provide some snorkeling gear but safer to take the kiddy one with you just in case) and a waterproof camera.

Complete travel pharmacy pack and all hygienic essentials that you may need (don't forget diapers and mosquito repellant)

Torch and head-torch for the night.

Some snacks for the kids.

  • When to go

Oct-March. You can see turtles laying eggs on the 4 beaches.December-end of April. You can see baby turtles hatching, the process takes 7-8 weeks.

  • Good to know

The sanctuary is a 4 hour drive min to the closest airport.No baby or child seat available in the minivan.Baby crib available on request.Sauna & massage available.

IN ASIA, TRAVEL EXPERIENCESThe Philippines