No to sachets: Coron resort bans all kinds of plastic

MANILA, Philippines — A resort in Coron, Palawan took sustainability to the next level by banning any kind of plastic on the island.

In an interview with Philstar.com, Club Paradise hotel manager Joegil Magtanggol Escobar said they completely banned all kinds of plastic on the island and replaced them with those made from food grains. 

“Kami lang ang resort na completely walang plastic. Wala na rin kaming plastic tubes for the amenities. Even the amenities in the bathroom, it's all food grains. So when it's washed, it's not harmful to the environment. It's made from chia seeds, celery stalks, so para hindi na tayo gumagamit ng plastic tubes, which is 'yun ang contributor ng solid waste namin,” he said.  

“Even the staff, they can't bring in 'yung maliliit na package ng chirchirya. It's mandated na when they go out, bawal 'yung mga sachets, mga shampoos nila. So 'yung mga lalagyan nila, dadalhin nila sa labas at magre-refill para walang basura sa island,” he added. 

A post shared by Club Paradise Palawan (@clubparadisepalawan)

The journey to Club Paradise Palawan begins with a boat ride across the Pangawaran River. This river is lined with lush mangroves on both sides, which provide a rich habitat for freshwater fish and mud crabs.  

During the early mornings, guests are invited to kayak along the river to experience the cool fog enveloping the mangrove branches. At dusk, they can marvel at the fireflies lighting up the mangroves like twinkling Christmas lights.  

As guests exit the river into the open sea, they are usually met by flying fish darting across the waters. If it’s their lucky day, they might even catch a glimpse of the shy but friendly sea cow, locally known as “Dugong.” These friendly creatures have returned to the surrounding waters of the island because of the abundance of sea grass. Locals have also caught sight of whale sharks and the migration of dolphins, which is definitely a sight to behold.

As the Club Paradise Palawan boat approaches the shoreline of Dimakya Island, it glides through the waters of the nearby House Reef, approximately 10 meters from the shore. The House Reef is a protected area because it is home to diverse marine life