"Living La Vida Buena in Miniloc, El Nido" Top 5 Page for this destination El Nido by livethedream

El Nido Travel Guide: 285 reviews and 622 photos

El Nido --- lying in the northwest coast of Palawan Island --- is stunning, both above and beneath the water. It's most striking feature is the scenic limestone islands that formed nnn years ago in the area that North Vietnam and South China now occupy. Part of the limestones drifted down and rested in what we now call Palawan. Travelers are raving about Halong Bay and Guilin, and yet here in the Philippines we have our very own El Nido --- unspoiled and far from the reaches of mass tourism.

Forgetting about budget travel, a friend and I decided to splurge on a 3 days/2 nights all-inclusive package (P26,500) to the El Nido Resort in Miniloc Island. There are 2 resorts in the area managed by the company El Nido Resorts --- Lagen and Miniloc. Lagen is more modern and more expensive. We chose Miniloc for its rustic charm and proximity to El Nido's attractions.

Pampering a la rockstar

Welcome to El Nido

The pampering started at the Andres Soriano hangar in Manila. We were encouraged to just sit back and chill while our 'servants' served us ice cold mango juice and sandwich.

A 19-seater Dornier flew us into El Nido airport where a buffalo and band welcomed us with lively Tagalog songs. Getting us in the mood for island holidays! A resort staff met us and led us into the airport lounge for some refreshments. Then we're off to Miniloc on a motorized boat.

What time is it?

Miniloc Resort

I shall not bore you with any more pampering stories...

What I can tell you is that El Nido made me forget about my cares in the world. Chucked the watch. The only time it came out of my backpack was when I went diving. Even the iPod appeared only when it's time to download photos.

Last visit to El Nido: May 2005
Intro Updated Jun 13, 2008
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (13)

Tiny plane to El Nido Transportation (1)

This is small plane that took us to El Nido. 1.5 hrs flying time. Plane flies from the Andres Soriano hangar in Pasay... more travel advice

Emerald waters of the Big Lagoon - El Nido

Big Lagoon Things to Do (10)

The boatman will drop you off on a beach near the entrance to the Big Lagoon. You can snorkel on the area by the... more travel advice

Small Lagoon Things to Do (10)

Very near Miniloc Resort. By kayak is the best way to explore the Small Lagoon. The entrance to it is tiny and not... more travel advice

Intro-Dive Things to Do (10)

Not a certified diver? Why not sign up for an introductory dive at no extra cost. Miniloc's own dive masters will show... more travel advice

Hotels (2)
See All Amazing Race

Been to El Nido?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (4)

jhayce_mar Apr 9, 2007 at 7:50 AM Report Abuse

I envy people who has the time and guts to travel. I always wanted to go to places you've been and hopefully I'll do that 1 of these days. Thanks for the wonderful photos and write ups. Theres a lot more exciting places you need to see.
maple_air Jan 16, 2007 at 9:15 AM Report Abuse

Palawan...one of earth's last frontier indeed. Very good page, brill tips and pix! How much was the all inclusive package?
moonlighting Jul 27, 2006 at 12:28 AM Report Abuse

beautiful pictures! been dreaming about el nido. how much is that all-inclusive package? and how much is per dive?
RickinDutch Jul 12, 2006 at 9:59 PM Report Abuse

Looks like paradise! I could just picture myself on that hammock with a cold one looking out over the limestone island. Well done! Welcome to VT.