A Day in Miniloc Island Resort, El Nido, Palawan

The “catwalk” at Miniloc Island Resort

After a day at Pangalusian Island Resort, we headed to our next home in El Nido, Palawan — Miniloc Island Resort. While it is the oldest among El Nido Resorts’ properties, it still has its own captivating character. It started as a small dive shop in El Nido (no other resorts were existent that time) and up until now, it is still a diver’s haven. The vibe may be rustic and a bit worn, but its natural beauty (read: limestone formations and rich marine life) lures each guest to keep coming back.

From Pangalusian Island Resort, we took a small speedboat to Miniloc Island Resort. The scenic ride is about 15 minutes on good sea condition. If you are coming straight from Lio Airport, Miniloc Island Resort comes first before its sisters Pangalusian and Lagen, respectively.

Our speedboat

We were welcomed by the friendly Miniloc Island Resort staff who then led us to the “catwalk” leading to the resort. While walking at the long dock, we couldn’t help but noticed how crystal clear the water was. We could already see fishes swimming in troops!

The long dock

While walking on the dock, we could see the Seaview and Deluxe Seaview Rooms to our right, above the azure waters, and the Water Cottages backdropped by spectacular limestone formations to our left. Our room, which is a Garden Cottage, the simplest room in Miniloc, is located a few steps from the restaurant which is just near the dock’s end.

The two-level Seaview rooms offer a panoramic view of Bacuit Bay, while the Deluxe Seaview Rooms radiates eco-luxury with its solar power technology and efficient lighting and ventilation systems.

Seaview and Deluxe Seaview Rooms

The Water Cottage is perfect for honeymooners who would like to be in solitude for the time being. Nestled on the other end of the island backdropped by beautiful limestone formations, these cottages spell “love is in the air.”

Water Cottages

There are also Beachside Rooms with direct access to Miniloc’s pristine white beach.

After checking in at the reception, the staff led us to our Garden Cottage just a few steps from the reception. The room was rather rustic and tired with its thatched-roof and sawali (bamboo slats) walls, but I am not complaining. Its rustic charm exudes a certain feeling of coziness. There is no television in our room, but hey, who needs a TV when you have an entire National Geographic-ish setup just a few steps away from your room?

Beachside Rooms (left) and Garden Cottages (right)

Our welcome kit

When in Miniloc Island Resort, never miss the chance to snorkel and swim with 1.5-meter jack and damsel fishes along with other colorful fishes at the resort’s own marine sanctuary. Also, the small and big lagoons are just nearby so don’t waste any moment and hop on a boat, bring a kayak, and enjoy the majestic views of El Nido!

The dock

Fish galore beneath the dock

Selfie before leaving the paradise

Trivia: Did you know that the inspiration behind Alex Garland’s novel, “The Beach,” is in fact El Nido. Yes, it wasn’t Koh Phi Phi like what was shown in the movie with Hollywood star Leonardo di Caprio but it was our very own, El Nido. Alex Garland allegedly wrote the novel while he was in town.

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El Nido Resorts

General Inquiry:+63 (2) 813 0000 (Mondays thru Fridays, 8:30AM to 5:30PM Manila Time)

Hotline:+63 (917) 584 1576 (Weekends & Holidays, 8:30AM to 5:30PM Manila Time)

holiday@elnidoresorts.com

A Day at Pangulasian Island, El Nido, Palawan

The beachfront at Pangalusian Island

It has been a year since we had visited the paradisiacal town of El Nido in Palawan. I must admit that I had fallen in love with the place at first sight. The rock formations, pristine beaches and azure waters make it an award-winning eco-friendly destination. So, in commemoration of this trip, I would like to share a glimpse of Pangalusian Island Resort – El Nido Resort’s youngest baby off the picturesque Bacuit Bay in Northern Palawan.

The reception area

How to go there?
Pangulasian Island Resort, also known as the “Island of the Sun,” can be reached through a 55-minute plane ride via Island Transvoyager Inc. (more popularly known as ITI, see related post here). From the Lio Airport in El Nido, guests are transported via an aircon jeepney to the private wharf where the resort’s boat that will transport you to the resort awaits. From the wharf, Pangulasian Island Resort is about 25 minutes away.

It is also accessible by a 6-hour land trip via Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital. From Puerto Princesa, take a shuttle to El Nido (Lexus, Fort Wally).

On Eco-Tourism
El Nido Resorts is known for its sustainability and community development efforts across all of its four properties: Apulit, Lagen, Miniloc, and Pangulasian. In fact, just this year, it was awarded the World Travel & Tourism Council Tourism for Tomorrow Award 2013 for the Community Benefit category during the WTTC‘s 13th Global Summit in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

I was once a witness to how everyone in the resort gears towards becoming an outstanding “green” luxury leisure property. Upon arrival, guests are given a brief orientation on the 10 El Ni-Do’s (the resort’s guidelines on the protection and conservation of El Nido’s natural resources). Guests are also provided a refillable water flask (to lessen disposal of plastic water bottles used in mineral water) and a mini trash bag where they can throw small pieces of garbage like candy wrappers, etc. for the duration of their trip.

The 10 El Ni-Do’s

Rooms and Facilities

The all-villa luxury property Pangulasian Island Resort boasts 42 contemporary Filipino-themed accommodations that include 24 Beach Villas, six Pool Villas, eight Canopy Villas and four ultra-intimate Kalaw Villas (located at the further west end of the island). 

Among these villas, I was able to check out the Beach Villa. The villa’s interiors indeed radiate coziness and warmth with its Filipino-inspired details. The ceiling is reminiscent of the iconic bahay kubo (nipa hut). Well, a contemporary and elegant version at that. 

Inside the Beach Villa

The Beach Villa also has a 15-sqm veranda where you can spend an afternoon with a good read or a good cup of coffee. You can even have your breakfast served here.

The veranda

For me, the best part of the Beach Villa is the mini bar. Not only do they have a fantastic espresso machine en suite, the bar is also stuffed with delectable cookies, nuts and other bedtime sweets — all complimentary. And I am talking about jars (not packs) of bedtime snacks. Isn’t that amazing?

Mini bar

The bathroom is spacious and well-designed. It has a roomy rain shower area encased in glass that can actually double as a “steam” bath (well, technically it’s not a steam bath but you are welcome to improvise right?) My only comment is that why don’t they have a tub? =)

The bathroom

The dresser

The Beach Villas are located about a few steps away from the pool and the clubhouse. The poolside is  yet another spot where sunset can be viewed at its best.

Pool

The resort also prides itself in having a 750-meter of pristine white beach with El Nido’s iconic rock formations on the background.

A view from the poolside

The idyllic 750-meter beachfront

The rocky end of the island

Pangulasian Island Resort has a house reef where you can see an interesting mix of marine life. Up to where the Canopy Villas are, there is also a jump off point to the trail going up the view deck where you could see a panoramic view of Bacuit Bay.

Lunch or dinner by the beach

At the other end of the island are beautiful rock formations

Approaching Pangulasian Island Resort at  sunset

The island also prides itself with having the best views of both the sunrise and the sunset.

Sunset at Pangulasian Island Resort

For its price tag at Php 34,500++ per night for a Beach Villa, you might think that it’s too steep. But the quality of rooms, the impeccable service, and most of all, the amazing views at Pangulasian Island Resort are priceless. Spending a day here is like entering a postcard — everything is picture perfect.

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El Nido Resorts

General Inquiry:+63 (2) 813 0000 (Mondays thru Fridays, 8:30AM to 5:30PM Manila Time)

Hotline:+63 (917) 584 1576 (Weekends & Holidays, 8:30AM to 5:30PM Manila Time)

holiday@elnidoresorts.com

An Unforgettable Direct Flight to El Nido

Our cute wooden boarding pass

There are three ways to go to El Nido, Palawan: 1) direct flight Manila-El Nido via Interisland Transvoyager Inc. (ITI); 2) One hour flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa and a six-hour long and winding land trip via bus or van to El Nido town; and 3) One hour flight from Manila to Busuanga, and a four-hour ferry ride from Coron to El Nido.

I was able to try both numbers 1 and 2. Last year, we took the Puerto Princesa route and endured the six-hour long and winding ride to El Nido. The journey was generally fine with the comfortable Lexus shuttle van which my friend Charisse of La TiaraTours had arranged for us. On my second time in El Nido, we took the direct ITI flight which obviously is the most convenient, albeit expensive mode of transportation to Northern Palawan. It might rip off your pockets, but the direct flight will definitely save you time and give you an awe-inspiring impression of the destination. Let me tell you why.

The lounge at A. Soriano hangar

It starts from the little airport at the A. Soriano hangar, where two luxury resort companies share the pre-departure area: Amanpulo and El Nido Resorts. Yes, you don’t have to go through long lines  at any of the infamous NAIA terminals 1 to 3. And a porter welcomes you as soon as you step foot on the hangar’s door. Your luggage will be scanned and the zippers will be sealed with a special sticker that’s marked “checked”. This sticker will also ensure that no one will ever open your luggage except you, as the sticker is not easy to peel off!

Our sealed luggage

While waiting for your check-in time (if you happen to come early), you can indulge in yummy muffins and danish at the lounge. There’s also free flowing coffee, juice, iced tea and water for all the guests to enjoy. I heart the danish. Trust me, it’s to die for.

A small plane at the hangar

Ok, don’t fret at the sight of this small plane. This isn’t the one that flies to El Nido, as ITI replaced their aircrafts with ATRs just recently. No more 19-seater planes. So it just feels like you are bound to Boracay or Naga.

Our plane: an ATR

At check-in, you will be given a baggage claim stub and a cute wooden boarding pass. I know you would want to keep it as a souvenir, but you could only do so if you pay the fine of Php 750 and keep it as if it was lost! Haha! Be warned though that the next time you’ll see your baggage after checkin is at your room at the resort already. So get everything that you need from your check-in baggage!

Is that Two Season Coron, Banana and Malcapuya Islands?

Boarding is swift and organized, and taking off is smooth and not scary at all. Another thing I like about this direct flight is the picturesque views you’ll be able to see while onboard. We passed above Busuanga and saw these islands. I guess the one at the photo above is Two Seasons Coron as it resembles the same shape as depicted in their maps and brochures.

Islands and islets above Busuanga

And we passed above San Vicente, Palawan’s long beach, too! It’s as if we were on an aerial ocular of Palawan. How cool is that!

See you in September, Long Beach!

The flight took us less than an hour to Lio Airport in El Nido. We were welcomed by a group of locals singing harmoniously in their native tongues.

Lovely singers welcomed us

At the airport, a representative approached us and gave us a short intro about the resort where we were about to stay for three days. Refreshments were served again. And with that I meant local rice cakes, and bottomless iced tea, coffee, and water. After a few minutes, the representative assigned to us directed us to an air-conditioned jeepney that would lead us to the wharf where our deluxe boat was waiting. 

Walkway to paradise

On our flight back to Manila, I especially requested for a seat at the Alpha row to make sure I’d have the best views while taking off. (Note: From Manila, get a Delta seat away from the plane’s wings to get the best views of Palawan). And as expected, I was able to capture the beauty of El Nido from above the skies!

Cliffs embraced by the calm sea

Postcard-perfect!

My only mistake is that I forgot to take a video while taking off. I know it’s prohibited but who could resist such an awe-inspiring view! I even spotted some white coves and pocket beaches.

I wonder which beach is this?

Can;t get enough of the cliffs!

The exclusive wharf at Lio Airport

And as the islands got smaller and smaller, I couldn’t help but think – the direct flight is definitely worth every penny. The scenic views are priceless. Indeed, El Nido is heaven on earth!