Miniloc, El Nido: Adventurous Honeymoon in the Philippines
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Continued on our honeymoon vacation, we kissed goodbye to the morning sunshine at Apulit and made our way back to the Taytay port. Our destination today was Miniloc Island, which is all the way on the opposite side of Palawan, in the Bacuit Bay.
apulit island, taytay, palawan
apulit island, taytay, palawan
Back at Taytay port, a private van was already standing by, getting ready to take us on a 2-hour road trip. We used that time to catch up on some sleep ?
taytay port to el nido port
Once we arrived on the northwest coast of Palawan, we worked our way through the El Nido Airport (also known as Lio Airport) and took a short break at the designated waiting area for El Nido Resorts.
el nido resorts waiting area
Similar to the one at Taytay port, the waiting area at El Nido Airport had light refreshments prepared for the resort guests. The outdoor land was covered in greenery. A sign was erected on one side, outlining the Ten El Nidos by which every single visitor should abide, just like the Ten Commandments for Christians. Fundamentally, it reminds us of being environmentally friendly – “take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, bring nothing but memories, kill nothing but time”.
el nido airport
When time was up, we hopped onto a bus heading towards the port. This time round, it only took us 20 mins to reach Miniloc Island! Woohoo~
el nido port
Miniloc Island Resort
miniloc island
Situated at the heart of Bacuit Bay, Miniloc Island is an ideal location for family and friends to relax and unwind.
Featuring a total of 50 garden, cliff and water cottages, the island offers a variety of nature-based activities, including kayaking around the island, snorkeling at the house reef, swimming with the silver jacks, or scuba diving at 20+ diving sites, all easily accessible from Miniloc Island!
The wealth of activities you can do on this island really makes it one of the most unique hotels around the world.
Stepping onto the wooden docking area, we were immediately standing in awe with a wonderful view of the fascinating house reefs, enchanting white sandy beach, and the impressive limestone cliffs.
docking area
crystal clear water with school of fish at house reefs
seaview cottages
water cottages
At the reception area, the staff warmly welcomed us with a song sung in local dialect, a glass of refreshing buko pandan juice (sweet coconut with gelatin cubes), and bamboo crafts.
bamboo crafts and buko pandan juice
Before checking in to our room, the guest activity coordinator approached us and booked us some activities for the next day. Most of them are complimentary so might as well take advantage of it!
When everything was settled, the housekeeping staff led us to garden cottage, just few steps away from the beach. (Originally, I wanted a water cottage. Unfortunately, all 7 of them were booked up so we compromised to a garden cottage).
garden cottage
With a 3-person capacity, the room was extremely spacious for the 2 of us. We appreciated the extra single bed, which we ended up using it as a place to put our carryons.
The bathroom was much larger than the one in water cottages- it even echoed! 
We had not much complaints, except that the room was extremely noisy when our upstair neighbour had a kid who couldn’t stop stomping around. We had to call housekeeping several times to help resolve the issue. Also, you could tell the resort was much more older than Apulit that impending maintenance is much needed.
At the resort, several facilities are at your disposal: the bar, recreation center, beach, spa treatment room, restaurant, and….
bar
recreation center
beach
drinking water station! Fresh water is a valuable resource here, but thankfully we didn’t have to pay extra just to keep ourselves hydrated. Simply bring empty water bottles to refill here at any time!
drinking water station
Restaurant at Miniloc Island
This is where we took care of our breakfast, lunch, and dinner – all prepared in buffet style with both Asian and western dishes. Compared to Apulit Island, it was obvious that Miniloc was more crowded. It especially appeals to families with small children and elderly.
restaurant
food made fresh at grilling station
buffet
Spa Treatments at Miniloc
There was a variety of Asian, European and tropical face & body treatments from which we could choose. Normally, the treatments are offered in the Spa Treatment Room, but since I booked a 2.5 hrs body relieve package (P$3300) that required access to shower, we had the service at our room instead.
balinese foot wash
Big & Small Lagoon
One of the most beautiful spots in El Nido must be the Big Lagoon for its deep emerald waters that is frequented by sea turtles. Located literally just around the corner, many visitors snorkeled at the mouth of the big lagoon to explore the rich and unspoiled coral reefs.
snorkeling at the mouth of big lagoon
To enter the Big Lagoon, the guide took us on a boat ride, slowly cruising into the shallow body of water. On the way, we spotted some marine life like jellyfish and stingrays in the water!
cruising into big lagoon
big lagoon
To see the beauty of Small Lagoon, you need to be physically active (just a little). When we arrived at the amazing turquoise-green, shallow water bay, the boatman suddenly parked the boat and the guide hurried us to transport onto a kayak in groups of 2.
at the mouth of small lagoon
kayaking towards small lagoon
Kev and I paddled and found the small crack between the rocks that would bring us into the secluded sanctuary of Small Lagoon along with the tidal streams.
looking for the entrance to the small lagoon
Ta-dah!! With the great help of Kev, we made our way through! The Small Lagoon is enclosed by towering marble walls. As we continued paddling to the innermost part of the lagoon, we found ourselves surrounded by MONKEYS! ???? Don’t fret- they don’t attack ?
inside small lagoon
If you come prepared, you can snorkel and explore the water-filled cave at the back of the small lagoon. Since we left our snorkeling gears on the boat, we just enjoyed our relaxing kayak trip.
Cudugnon Cave & Snake Island
Another exciting attraction in El Nido is the Cudugnon Cave.
island where cudugnon cave is located
entry point of cudugnon cave
opening of the cudugnon cave
To get into the cave, we had to crawl through the slippery opening. Be careful of your head and feet, don’t injure ourselves. As a precaution, rubber closed-toe shoes are recommended.
inside cudugnon cave
The Cudugnon Cave is composed of eerily beautiful stalactites and stalagmites along with elevated cavernous ceilings. The crevices of the roof used to be inhabited by barn swallows and insectivorous bats. However, as the site became increasingly popular, the frequent visits by humans drove the animals away.
Another interesting fact about the cave is that – it is an important archeological site for evidences of Neolithic burials and believed to be burial sites before. Archaeologists have discovered bones and artifacts there before.
vigan island (or snake island)
Not too far away is the Vigan Island (more commonly known as Snake Island). Famous for its natural sand spit, an s-shaped sand formation that is clearly visible at low tide. A short 5-min hike up to the top of the island leads to a view-deck, yielding a fabulous view of the entire bay!
clearest water I have ever seen (in vigan island or snake island)
docking on the shore of vigan island (or snake island)
sandbar seen upclose
Entalula Beach Club
To get away from the overcrowded beach at Miniloc, we took a trip to Entatula island, a private beach where many residents from Miniloc Island can reserve for a private lunch.
Fine white sand. Blue waters. Coconut trees. Rugged cliffs. Having the whole island all to yourselves? It should not be missed!
entalula island
entalula island
entalula island
Enjoyed a El Nido style pinic lunch on the beach was an utterly wonderful experience.
restaurant at entalula island
pinic lunch at entalula island
pinic lunch at entalula island
pinic lunch at entalula island
bar at entalula island
With a portfolio of unique hotels under its umbrella, El Nido Resorts markets Miniloc as an eco-discovery island, I can see why.
The greatest pleasure of our stay lied not in spending our entire time at resorts, but in exploring the gorgeous nature around in. Participate in the activities and get involved. You will be constantly amazed by what the mother nature has to show.
About El Nido Resorts – Miniloc Island
Website: http://www.elnidoresorts.com/miniloc-island/
Social Media: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
A swoon worthy trip!
Indeed! I didn’t want to come back home 😛
Your pictures are gorgeous! The lagoons, the beaches, the resort, all look fantastic. I really want to visit the Philippines.
Thank you, Ruth!! The Philippines are soooo beautiful. I love how colorful the scenery is and how friendly the people are there 🙂 Can’t wait to go back!
Sooooo beautiful! Love the water colour!
I know right? You can see the coral reefs and fish above the water! Thanks for dropping by, Lydia 🙂
Aah the water.. so pristine! You have captured the breathtaking clearness of the water so well.
Thanks, Annette! I tried my best 🙂 The amazing thing is that I didn’t retouch the photos too much so imagine how beautiful that would be in person!!
Such gorgeous scenery, resorts and food. Incredible.
Exactly, Jan!
All of the gorgeous scenery, crystal blue water and beautiful skies are the perfect setting for a wonderful honeymoon! I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying this experience and I love getting to see it through your eyes.
All I’m thinking as I look at your photos and read this post (and remembering your previous ones) is, this is how everyday life should be and, I want to go to the Philippines!!!
It seems you have been seriously spoiled on Maniloc island. The room looked gorgeous, and so did the restaurant and the scenery that surrounded you.
It looks gorgeous, isn’t it?? Believe it or not – It is not yet the most beautiful place in El Nido! Stay tune to my post this week on the last place we stayed in El Nido. You’ll be amazed 🙂
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Hello Cat,
What an amazing honeymoon you had.
Your commentary seemed half hearted and a little critical at times- I mean what resort are you not going to have noisy children here and there. Sure it must have been a little disturbing of the peace but gees surely they weren’t stomping around late at night or at the crack of dawn??
You didn’t mention one passing comment about the locals either good or bad which gives the impression that they are soulless insignificant accessories to the journey….
Perhaps this is your first travel blog or just a bit of fun, either way it is much appreciated and the photos say more than a thousand words!
All the best,
Jim
Hi Jim,
Thank you for your comment. FYI, this is a luxury resort in El Nido that charges USD$1000 a night. For that price, the utmost comfort and privacy were expected. If it was just a little noisy during daytime, that would have been fine, but the noisy children were making constant noises ALL DAY until 11pm or almost mid-night. We found that unacceptable and the staff could have handled it better. Also, it is a one-island-one-resort concept, so besides the resort, there’s nothing else on the island. There were only guests and staff, no locals on the island, for your information.
I pride myself in offering honest feedback for my audience. Is it critical – yes. But it is also useful for my audience who are luxury, adventurous travelers. Sorry if my commentary is not your style. Wish you all the best.