My elderly aunt came for a visit , and we wanted to treat her to a trip to Amanpulo. Unfortunately, the resort was badly destroyed from a recent typhoon and they were still renovating the place. So rooms were very limited, and they cannot accommodate us. This led us to discover another luxury resort in Bacuit Bay, El Nido- PANGULASIAN ISLAND.
El Nido Resort offers four resorts: Miniloc, Lagen, Apulit and Pangulasian. But among the four resorts, Pangulasian is the most exclusive , the most private and the newest resort.
Going there
Guests would need to avail their accredited charter plane. Plane ride costs 11,800 pesos per adult. Departure time is 7am and 11am. Lounge is comparable to any airline lounges; they offer various drinks and an array of sandwiches, pastries and hot congee. Place is air-conditioned and had TV in every area. Check in procedure was a breeze and every comfort was extended to the guests. Although I have 5 baggages I never felt the stress of carrying any one of them.
Plane ride was equally comfortable. It was a one hour flight. Upon arrival, we were transported via a jeepney to a local lounge area in a "bahay kubo" style in the middle of a field. We were served local delicacies and drinks there as well. After 5 to 10 minutes of wait, we were given a short ride going to the pier. We rode a speedboat from the pier going to the island. Freshly baked biscuits were passed around during the 25-minute ride. So far, so good.
Pangalusian Island
The beach is so beautiful! I was rendered breathless by its beauty! So beautiful. Let the pictures speak for themselves.
Activities
There is a line up of activities in this resort (and I think also in other El Nido Resorts) that are offered for free.
1. Lagoon Tour
This is a two hour activity, for the young and old alike, who has an open mind for a bit of adventure.
A boat will bring the guests to a small lagoon. Upon reaching there, all the guests will be given a kayak to paddle around the small lagoon. It is imperative that ALL use the kayak as there will be places that have small holes to pass through. So you can only see the small lagoon via kayak. If you do not know how to kayak, there are 2 available boatmen who can paddle for you (but then you miss half the fun of getting lost!) The lagoon is around 8 meters deep only, so its pretty safe. Water is very calm, so even my 7 year old can paddle on her own.
After touring the small lagoon, we go back to our boat to go to the big lagoon. Here, we threw all our inhibitions, and just jumped into the very clear water.
2. Island Hopping
This entails going to three islands: Cathedral, a cave and snake island. Cathedral island is just pure sight seeing. The cave is a bit exciting because you get to climb to this little hole (and try to fit all your body parts) and go inside a cave where the bats are. Snake island is nicest because you get to walk to this narrow walkway, surrounded by water. Crabs and fishes are all around you. Very peaceful
3. Snorkeling
This is the most adventurous among all the activities. At 7am, a small speedboat will take you to the middle of sea. Then, you are expected to just jump into the water : with or without a vest. After you jump, the boat leaves you behind. A dumbfounded look just zeroed in on my face: What the *&^%! Where is the boat? Where is he going??? Come back!
Then the guide announces that we are in a shark infested area. The rest is up to your imagination.
4. Hiking/Trekking
At 5:30am , we climbed in this small hill. My elderly aunt regretted joining , even if she did not say it. The walk is steep, it would definitely kill the calories residing in your thighs. It was a 1 hour trek, but the view is amazing. Simply amazing!
5. Other water activities
Kayaking is for free! So I make sure to do this as often as I can.
Dining
Food is great in this place. Kudos to the chef, especially the pastry chef. All their biscuits , breads and cakes are freshly baked. I have to especially mention their CARROT CAKE. They give it for free and its so addicting. Pangalusian Pizza is also uniquely offered in this place, it has vigan longganisa, mango bits, tomato, kesong puti, arugula. The grilled red snapper fillet is also very satisfying.
They only have two dining places: the formal one in the main dining, and the one near the pool al fresco style. Average prices per meal would be 500 to 1000 pesos. Fresh fruit juices are 250 pesos each.
Accommodation
I stayed in the beach villa. The place is HUGE! They have a king size bed, a daybed, an extra bed inside the room. The bathroom is so spacious as well, that it can house one long bed. The terrace has 2 daybeds too. It costs 32,500 pesos per night.
VERDICT
I went to El Nido- Pangulasian Island to have a vacation. I left the place leveling up the standards of my vacation. This place is very very serious about maintaining their environment and marine sanctuaries. They do not use plastic bottles, or anything plastic. They provide water bottles for each guest and you have to walk to certain areas to get your water fill. They do not kill animals, even the snakes, sharks, termites. It is a normal occurrence in that place to just walk on a "bayawak". Coral reefs are bountiful and fish varieties are plenty. When you get to the place, they brief you on the animals you will meet in that place and encourage you to inform them. I even had a preying mantis sitting on the lobby while we were checking in.
I like the simplicity of Amanpulo's set up, its convenience in traveling there (no need to ride boats, jeepneys and whatnots), you simply ride the plane and you go straight to the resort. But the Pangulasian Island is a resort with a heart. I left there being more conscious of the marine life and the environment and loving the bio diversity this country has to offer to the world. It is in this place that I fully realize what it meant to be Stewards of Mother Earth.
