Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa, Puerto Princesa City

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa is just one of the resorts of Sheridan located in the central islands of Luzon and Visayas. I had the chance to stay in the Puerto Princesa resort three times - once in 2014 when I did the Mutya ng Pilipinas swimsuit competition. Another one in 2016 and the latest was this year (2018). The last two were courtesy of the gift certificates given to me when I sat down as judge in some of the competitions of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2016 and 2017.

Nestled among the lush greens and active seashore of Barangay Sabang, Sheridan is a commune with nature. Its proximity to the Puerto Princesa Underground River makes it a perfect place to stay if visiting one of the world wonders is your main purpose.

Its large pool is one of the reasons why people stay at Sheridan. It has a "floating" bar where you can order drinks of your choice. It is strategically situated in between the two original buildings of the resort. Lifeguards are on the look-out 24 hours a day.

Since the resort is also a spa, it has services and equipment that cater to the needs of the more physically-active guests. Gym equipment can be used for free while spa services can be availed at affordable prices.

It has a stage that makes Sheridan not only a resort & spa but also a venue for special events. Mutya ng Pilipinas and Miss Asia Pacific International have used the said stage for their various pageant activities.

The South Sea Restaurant in the resort serves one of the best meals in all the resorts that I have visited all over the Philippines. It caters to all sorts of food requirements but their breakfast is really sumptuous and generous.

The architecture of the resort is basically Asian but inspired by Indonesian architecture. Plants in between the room areas are fresh and well-maintained. There is a beautiful feel when you go out of your room since nature is abounty.

If you have plans of going to the Puerto Princesa Underground River or just simply go on vacation this side of the Philippines, Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa is a highly recommended place to stay in. Rates are reasonable and services are world-class.

Special THANK YOU to the Tan family for the gift certificates and to Miss Mayenne Vijandre for facilitating the reservations of my last two visits.

Selangor: Malaysia's Alternative

Selangor is one of Malaysia's cities which is lesser known especially among Filipinos. It is an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur and, by train, only 45 minutes away. Its land area is almost similar to Kuala Lumpur although Selangor is a little bit bigger. Since all the developments are in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor has vast lands for further development. It is considered a perfect location for exclusive enclaves.

Its vast highways and emerging skyline are proofs that Selangor is an important city in Malaysia. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport is located in its Sepang District. Basically, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur are connected in so many ways.

Hotels and resorts have been built to support the tourist influx in the country. Selangor is one destination in Malaysia that can handle tourism very well.

Business-wise, Selangor cannot be left behind. It has its own establishments which are typically Malaysian. Malls have also sprung up. The famous Suntec Resort Complex is headquartered in Selangor. Schools, religious venues and others can also be found in the city.

Night life is still limited maybe because of the predominance of Islam in the country but one cannot ignore Selangor which is also known as the heart of Malaysia.