After back to back, gluttonous reunions in Manila, my family and I ventured off to Palawan for some highly anticipated R&R. Compared to Manila’s boisterous traffic, El Nido felt like a world away. White sand beaches, crystal-clear water, limestone caves surrounded by lush tropical foliage — El Nido is heaven on water.

If you’re looking for an adventure filled, luxury stay in the Philippines, look no further. El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island is the idyllic resort whether you’re on a honeymoon, family vacation, or friends trip in Palawan. We stayed here for 2 days and it was the best part of our Philippines travels.

El Nido Resorts isn’t cheap, but it’s 100% worth the splurge. The all-inclusive rate covers everything — from luxury accommodations, food, transport, and island tours. If you book all of these separately at another hotel, you’ll spend just as much — so why not go hard (and not home) if you can!

El Nido or Coron?

The two most popular islands in Palawan are El Nido and Coron.  Some travelers visit both, but most travelers only have time to visit one island or the other.

No need to worry about which island is prettier —El Nido and Coron are equally stunning. The deciding factor will depend on your style of travel.  If you prefer rustic, choose Coron.  But if you prefer luxury, choose El Nido.

El Nido has been ranked one of the best beaches in the world on Condé Nast Traveler, and Palawan was recently voted #1 island in the world on Travel and Leisure (2020).  El Nido’s dramatic landscapes is on par with some of the world’s greatest destinations like the Amalfi Coast in Italy and the Na Pali Coast in Hawaii.  I may be biased since I’m Filipino-American, but El Nido is truly deserving of its award winning reputation.

In comparison to Coron, El Nido is also more tourist friendly.  There are numerous options for luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and trendy glamping sites on private islands, Lio Beach, and El Nido Town. I normally prefer rustic destinations when traveling solo. But when traveling with family, luxury and tourist friendly destinations are more ideal.

Why We Chose
El Nido Resorts
Miniloc Island

• Stunning location on a private island

• Charming overwater cottages

• Variety of island hopping tours & resort activities included in the rate

• Convenience of the all-inclusive rate

• Closest private island resort from El Nido Airport

How to Get to
El Nido in Palawan

AirSwift

The only airline that exclusively flies to El Nido is AirSwift.  You can book flights to and from El Nido via Manila, Cebu, Panglao, and other areas in Palawan.

Flights are available only a few times per day, so be sure to check AirSwift’s timetable on their website before making arrangements. I highly recommend flying to El Nido rather than taking a bus or boat between areas in Palawan.  It’s less time consuming and AirSwift’s prices are affordable, plus the service is great.

El Nido Airport to Miniloc Island

After an early morning flight from Manila, we arrived safely at El Nido airport.  Once we arrived at baggage claim, we were welcomed by a friendly El Nido Resorts employee.  We were transported by golf cart with other guests to the private lounge that served complimentary snacks and beverages before we embarked on the speedboat to Miniloc Island.

From this point on, the El Nido staff is at your service.  Just strap on your life vest and get ready for the 40 minute boat ride to Miniloc Island.  The ride is a bit long, but the journey is incredibly scenic — it’ll feel like the first island tour of the trip.

Round trip airport transport is included in rate.

Welcome to
El Nido Resorts
Miniloc Island

From the glistening water to the the angelic sounds of the waves — arriving at Miniloc Island is how I imagine my entrance to the gateways of heaven would be like.

The moment we arrived at Miniloc Island, we were greeted with a floral lei, tropical drink, refreshing face towel, and even a live band.  Based on the staff’s genuine smiles and jovial laughter, I knew we were in good hands at El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island.

Water Cottage
at Miniloc Island

One by one, we were privately escorted to our room.  It’s been my mom’s dream to stay in an overwater bungalow so I booked us Miniloc Island’s water cottage.

I’ve stayed in several overwater bungalows around the world and Miniloc Island’s is by far my favorite.  This eco-luxury cottage was rustic yet chic — from thatched straw roofs to modern amenities, the room was authentic to traditional Filipino design of a “bahay kubo” (small home on stilts) with a luxurious twist.

Our favorite part of the water cottage was the balcony.  We spent hours staring at the view and taking selfies on the outdoor sofa bed. From dusk to dawn, we took advantage of every blissful moment overlooking the water.

Other Rooms at Miniloc Island

If you don’t want to splurge on an water cottage, there are other options for rooms like the seaside and garden cottages.  My aunt’s family stayed in the cliff cottage for 4 people and it was comfortable and spacious — the 2 floor space was perfect for a big family.

How’s the Food at
Miniloc Island?

After we settled in our rooms, my family went straight to the lunch buffet.  I’m normally not crazy about resort buffets, but every meal at Miniloc Island was delicious.  There were so many international variations and the quality was superb.  I’m a vegetarian and was surprised to see a lot of vegetarian options during each meal (not the easiest when traveling the Philippines).

All meals and coffee + tea are included in the room rate.  The only items that are extra are alcoholic drinks and soda.  If you’re around the resort before sunset, check out the bar for happy hour specials!

Things to Do at
Miniloc Island

You will never be bored at Miniloc Island! The resort organizes group tours exclusively for guests almost every hour.  Don’t worry about arranging details — all tours include several guides, snorkeling equipment, towels, and boat transport.

There are numerous island hopping tours to choose from. All you need to do is sign up ahead of time at the front desk.  If you prefer a private tour, you can arrange that with the resort for an additional cost.  But since the resort is extremely private, group tours are very small so private tours aren’t necessary.

Miniloc Island is also a stone’s throw away from main attractions like the Big and Small Lagoons (about a 10 minute boat ride). Due to the close proximity, we were always first to arrive and never bumped into crowds coming from El Nido Town.

Our family of millennials and baby boomers had a blast on each excursion.  We joined the Snake Island Tour, the Sunset Cruise, Sunrise Kayaking at the Small Lagoon, and Snorkeling at Shimizu Island. These excursions are still the favorite topics of conversation at family parties — we highly recommend them all!

In between island tours, we took full advantage of the on premise amenities and activities. You can lounge by the beachside infinity pool, explore reefs and marine life underwater, kayak between the water cottages, book a seaside massage, and even play basketball in the garden court.  Rest and relax or explore and relax — it’s your vacation!

Miniloc Island Excursions

• Snake Island Tour

• Sunset Cruise

• Sunrise Kayaking at Small Lagoon

• Snorkeling at Shimizu Island

Miniloc Island Resort Activities

• Beachside Infinity Pool

• Kayaking & Stand Up Paddle Boarding

• Snorkeling

• Spa Massage

• Gym & Basketball Court

El Nido Resort’s
Incredible Hospitality

Aside from the stunning views and plethora of activities, what really made our stay at Miniloc Island was the impeccable service.  The staff went over and beyond to ensure that we had the best family vacation.  Filipinos are known for their warm hospitality, but El Nido Resort's was the best we experienced during our 1 month trip in the Philippines.

El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island is the ideal resort for exploring and relaxing in Palawan for both balikbayans and foreigners. World class hospitality normally comes with a hefty price tag, but El Nido Resorts is 100% worth the splurge . All your hard earned money working over time at the office are made for moments like these. Carpe diem!

ALL-INCLUSIVE RATE:
+ Accommodations
+ Daily Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner Buffet
+ Round Trip Airport Transport
+ Island Hopping Tours
+ On Site Activities & Rentals

Check out Miniloc Island and the other El Nido Resorts on their website.