When you think of romantic, tropical resorts, El Nido’s Pangulasian Island resort probably doesn’t immediately spring to mind. It is, however, one of the most beautiful spots around, and, given the level of luxury, quite reasonably priced.

You know you’re in for something special right from check in at the private airport terminal in Manila. A concierge greets you and shows you to a small waiting room that is decorated in a modern, tropical style with cane furnishings and delicate orchids on each table. There is a light buffet of fruit, coffee, tea and other refreshments set out for guests. Each couple were taken to the check in counter, where baggage was weighed and you receive your boarding passes, even these are unique.

The flight to the small town of El Nido, on the Philippine island of Palawan, takes just over an hour. You are greeted by locals singing a welcome song and shown to the open-air El Nido airport terminal. More refreshments await, including local fruits and each group are personally taken aside and given information for the next leg of the journey, which varies depending on where you are headed (there are three El Nido resorts in this area – Pangulasian being the most exclusive and couple oriented.

After a short wait, we were transported by jeepney to the jetty that runs out across the white sand beach. We were only one of two couples heading to Pangulasian but there were at least four staff members aboard to tend to us. The trip to the island is swift, about 30 minutes, and takes you past some of the most amazing limestone cliffs jutting straight out of the water. Similar to Halong Bay in Vietnam or Pang Na Bay in Thailand, Bacuit Bay is stunning – turquoise water, white beaches, palm trees…stress begins to melt away.

Boarding Pass

Jeepney

El Nido airport welcome

Speeding across Bacuit Bay

The boat stops just offshore, as a coral reef surrounds the island, and a small launch is sent out to collect you. It is tradition for as many staff as possible to line the beach to wave and greet you – even the manager is on hand. We are quickly whisked into the lovely, cool and breezy lobby and given ice cold juice while we are checked in. This too, is fast and efficient and we are soon perched on the back of a golf cart, bobbing along to our pool villa about 700m down the single road (this road is sandy and staff actually sweep it each morning).

To say our pool villa is lovely is an understatement – thatched roof, deck overlooking the beach, palm trees, gorgeous luxury bathroom, tea and coffee facilities, including jars of goodies that are replenished daily, television, wifi, fluffy towels and our own decent-sized swimming pool, also suspended over the beach…we are NOT leaving.

Welcome

Main buildings – Pangulasian Island

Launch to the shore

Bedroom – Pool Villa

Pool Villa over the ocean

Palms in the breeze

View from the villa

The walk to dinner

Although, of course we must…but first, we spend 5 glorious days exploring the island and surrounding sights. Some boat tours are included in the price – transfers to the other El Nido island resorts of Lagen and Miniloc – trips to the famous big and small lagoons – Snake island and an exploration of sea caves. On our first morning we actually elect to get up before sunrise and take a guided hike to the island’s summit to see the sun rise over the bay – truly worth it. There are also hobie cats, kayaks and snorkelling gear free of charge for guests – in fact, we were fitted for snorkelling gear and kept it and a kayak under our villa for the extent of the stay. Life was as tough as getting up in the morning, snorkelling down the beach to the pool area (where they rush out with big fluffy towels and cold water) for food, then swimming or walking back to the villa.

Sunrise from the island’s peak

Exploring the big lagoon

Boats waiting while we explore the small lagoon

Sea caves

View from Snake Island summit

Breakfasts are included but lunch and dinner are al a carte from a choice of three restaurants – the pool area (gorgeous but sometimes it takes a long time for the food to be prepared – so be prepared to swim while you wait – the pool is right on the ocean, fringed by palms) or the restaurant in the main building on the first floor with views to die for and silver service or, sit in the tables and chairs in the sand just off the main bar, you can order from the bar menu or have your restaurant meal delivered to you under the stars. Another incredible option, and my husband organised this ‘cos it was our wedding anniversary, is to have your dinner on your own private beach or sandbar. The resort will set the whole thing up – transport you out and back and treat you like royalty for the night. We had a tiny beach, sandwiched between sea cliffs and lit with 50 paper lanterns – probably the most romantic thing we’ve ever done and for a little over $300.

Guests being helped aboard the traditional sea transport

Dinner in the sand

The main bar

Taking out the hobie cat

Dinner on the beach

Finally, Pangulasian island is very eco conscious – all guests are provided with water bottles, to keep, and there are refill stations dotted around the island. This statement is taken from the Pangulasian Island website and, from personal experience, I can say it’s not just lip service:

El Nido Resorts is committed to providing leisurely, engaging, and educational experiences and services to all our guests in a manner that has the least impact on the environment and promotes respect for El Nido’s local people and culture. We will accomplish this through:

Enjoining our staff and guests to uphold our five Be G.R.E.E.N. tenets

Linking with local communities through employment and purchases

Nurturing a culture of environmental stewardship

Initiating opportunities for guests to experience nature and the local culture

Discovering and molding sustainability champions among the staff

Outdoing ourselves every year by building new sustainability programs on the success of previous ones

http://www.elnidoresorts.com/elnido/pangulasian-island-resort/about-pangulasian-island/

PACKING TIP:

*Luggage is restricted as you are on a fairly small plane – try to take carry on only

*You won’t need much – swimmers, sarong, flip flops, underwear, maxi dress for evening, dressy sandals, hats (although big, shady hats are provided), toiletries (the resort provides gorgeous products), waterproof camera, sunscreen, shorts and t’shirts – an ipad with books loaded was also included in my luggage

*Flights from Manila and boat transfers are all included in your island fee