Pangulasian, El Nido: Luxury Honeymoon in the Philippines

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Following Apulit and Miniloc, now we are finally at Pangulasian Island – the last stop of our romantic getaway in the Philippines! If you thought you’ve seen all of El Nido with our last 2 travel posts, you’re so wrong. We saved the best to the last. The scenery and experience at Pangulasian were mind-blowing. I promise after seeing all the stunning photos we took at Pangulasian, you’ll be on your way booking a trip there.

The gorgeous Pangulasian is El Nido Resort’s top-notch, private-beach resort, where you can experience Bacuit Bay paradise in pure luxury. Our experience started right when we set foot on the private speedboat transferring from Miniloc. Within 10 mins, the picturesque view of the exclusive island and the long stretch of unexploited white-sand beach made us gasp with pleasure.

Pangulasian Island

Oh… I could never forget that heavenly turquoise water! The colors were strikingly vivid, forming a perfect harmony with the lush tropical forest and blue sky.

Pangulasian Island

Pangulasian Island

The concierge awaited us on the shore as we approached the resort, greeted us, then personally guided us around the resort before taking us back to our villa.

As a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Pangulasian features 42 deluxe accommodations in contemporary Filipino style with a private balcony. There are beach villas fronting one of the best snorkelling spots, pool villas tucked in a secluded cove, or canopy villas perched on stilts above the forest. No matter where you end up staying, you are promised to have the utmost privacy and world-class facilities.

beach villa

Staying at the Canopy Villa

canopy villa

We were thrilled when we learned that the canopy villa with the best view was given to us. Perched 15-18 meters from the ground, the only way to get to the canopy villas is through the stairs. Though it requires a bit of a workout, it is rewarded with the most expansive and magnificent view of the ocean and the enchanting islands of El Nido.

view from the balcony of canopy villa

Instead of climbing up the stairs, the concierge escorted us by “buggy,” which took us through the forest on a wooden boardwalk.

buggy is used to get around the resort

When we finally arrived in front of our villa, we were so mesmerized by the luxurious amenities and personalized service. A welcoming massage was placed on the bed, along with a floppy sun hat as a gift.

Behind the king-sized bed is the mini-bar, which included espresso coffee and tea-making facilities and was constantly stocked with complimentary bottles of clean drinking water and healthy snacks. The best part was allowing guests to keep the branded aluminium water bottles at the end of their stay as souvenir!

mini-bar

espresso and tea-making facilities

stocked with bottles of clean drinking water and healthy snacks at all time – all complimentary

Here comes my favorite- the bathroom, which I loved so much that I wanted to replicate the entire design in my own home. Of the 3 types of villas, canopy villa is the only one that offers a bath tub.

bathroom

With the double sink vanity, Kev and I no longer needed to fight over the sink ?

double sink vanity

Well stocked with lovely toiletries, the guests are welcomed to keep the bamboo packaging for future use. The only items you ever need to bring are toothbrush and toothpaste. Inside the wardrobe stored the slippers (both men’s and women’s sizes), bamboo hats and a buri bag that were woven by women in El Nido to support their families. Guests can take them home as a keepsake to remember their time at Pangulasian Island.

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In the tropics, you have a high chance of being bitten by mosquitoes. Luckily, the resort provided insect repellent that we could apply to bite-sensitive areas of the body. As an extra precaution, we even burnt the mosquito-repellent incense outside our room to ward off biting insects.

mosquito-repellent incense

Each room is equipped with an iPod loaded with a music playlist and a selection of movies. Connecting with the iPod dock, we could let the music play throughout the entire room and stream the movie onto the flatscreen TV. If you ever want a wider selection of movies, you can request the front desk for what’s available.

iPod loaded with music and movies

Pangulasian Island Resort Facilities

The resort is equipped with a library, restaurant, bar, infinity pool, gym, spa, marine sports center, boutique, and game room which gave us that “home away from home” feeling of convenience and comfort.

clubhouse where full range of facilities can be found, including reception, restaurant, boutique, clinic, and library

library – you can borrow any books you want!

infinity pool

pool bar

Here, I want to emphasize that Pangulasian is not an all-inclusive resort. Included in the resort fees is complimentary breakfast. Other than that, you will need to take care of your remaining meals.

breakfast at amianan restaurant

Guided Sunset Hike

Known as the “Island of the Sun”, Pangulasian is at the perfect geographical location to witness breathtaking views of both the sunrise and sunset. Under the guidance of the activity guide, you will be able to enjoy exceptional panoramic views after a 20 mins hike to the viewing deck at the top of the hill!

sunset

sunset hike

It was a unforgettable memory to see the sky change colors from yellow, orange to red during a sunset ?

Even if you’re physically unfit to make all the way to the top of the hill, you can enjoy this enchanted moment on the beach.

sunset by the beach

Scuba-Diving at Pinagbuyutan Island

Did you know that Pangulasian Island is the top dive spot in Asia?

One goal that I wanted to accomplish so badly while we were in El Nido was to go scuba-diving! After 2 years of inactivity, I had an itch to resume my passion for scuba diving. Since I am a certified open water diver, it didn’t take me long to re-familiarize myself with the basic techniques. However, given that Kev was a first-timer, the dive master gave him a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.

The 2-hour long Discover Scuba Diving program (P$6500) with PADI taught him the basic safety guidelines and skills needed for his underwater experience. He practiced a few skills in shallow water to prepare for the adventure.

discover scuba diving program is for anyone who is interested ins scuba diving but has no prior experience

practicing in shallow water

We did a day dive (P$3800 for certified diver) at Pinagbuyutan Island, which is famous for its towering limestone formations. The colorful marine life that lied beneath was phenomenally diverse and abundant! Clownfish, balloonfish, swordfish, starfish and the beautiful coral reefs – it’s truly a diver’s paradise!

Private Dinner at the Resort

What could be a more perfect way to celebrate the next chapter of our lives together than an exquisite dinner under an indigo, starry sky? Although we had it right in front of the clubhouse, there weren’t too many guests walking pass so that gave us the privacy we needed.

private dinner by the clubhouse

Of course, other venues are available inside the resort, including the pool bar, on the second floor of the clubhouse, or in front of your villa. You could even have the dinner on a nearby island! However, unlike Apulit, you will need to pay for the logistics for setting it up. The pricing depends on the location you choose.

private dinner on the beach

In terms of the food, options are between barbeque buffet dinner (P$3900) or 5-course degustation menu (P$3500). We concluded our stay with the Filipino style barbeque dinner featuring an abundant selection of exotic food.

filipino style barbecue dinner

welcoming the night as we enjoyed our private dinner

Saying Goodbye

With luxurious surroundings, impeccable service and super-friendly staff, Pangulasian Island an exclusive hideaway that will appeal to travellers looking to relax and be pampered. Our stay was seamless from start to finish. So many little personal touches included in our stay that made the experience memorable. Best of all, the setting was so tranquil and peaceful – it is a serene oasis.

It was time to say goodbye to the beautiful Pangulasian Island, to all the stunning islands we visited in El Nido, to the unexploited province of Palawan. Thank you for all the priceless memories – those we made while we explored the Honda Bay and tunnelled through the underground river – which we will reminisce for the years to come.

leaving El Nido Airport

El Nido Airport

About El Nido Resorts – Pangulasian Island

Website: http://www.elnidoresorts.com/about-pangulasian-island/
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