Lets go to El Nido Palawan...

[Ninoy Aquino]

Getting There
The fastest and most direct way to get to El Nido is from Manila. Island Transvoyager Inc. operates daily flights to El Nido for El Nido Resorts using a 19-seater Dornier 228 aircraft. The flight takes a maximum of one hour and thirty minutes and lands directly at El Nido Airport. Flight reservations may be made through El Nido Resorts.

At El Nido Airport, guests are met by resort staff and transferred to a motorized outrigger boat for a scenic ride to the resorts. Travelling time from the El Nido Airport to El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island varies from 30 to 40 minutes and 40 to 50 minutes to El Nido Resorts Lagen Island.

Destination Info

El Nido is a municipality located at the northwestern tip of the province of Palawan, Philippines. It is 430 kilometers southwest of Manila, and 238 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan's capital. El Nido is bordered by the Linapacan Strait in the North, the Sulu Sea in the east, and the South China Sea in the west.

The Municipality of El Nido is composed of 18 barangays (villages) covering a total land area of 50,000 hectares. Its population of 27,000 people, is a mix of native Palaweños, with a heavy presence of migrants from other parts of the Philippines.

Edible-nest Swiftlets (Collocalia fuciphaga) abound in El Nido. The nests of these birds are found in the crevices of the limestone cliffs and are the main ingredient of the health enhancing bird's nest or nido soup. It is these nests that gave the place its Spanish name, El Nido.

El Nido is considered a showcase of Palawan's geology and diverse wildlife It is one of the most important sites for biological diversity in the country and has been declared by the Philippine government as a protected area.

Security Update

Inquiries concerning the peace and order situation at El Nido are received with the recent events around the globe. It is with the following information that we reassure you of your safety as you travel to El Nido and the rest of Palawan.

In charge of the overall security of Palawan is the multi-sectoral security network composed of: the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Army under the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the Philippine National Police Maritime, the Philippine Coastguard, the Provincial Government, the local government units, members of the local community, and the Palawan Tourism Council. The network spans the entire Palawan, from the northern islands in Coron/Busuanga to the southern parts of Bataraza.

In El Nido, the local security system under the Philippine National Police and Philippine Coast Guard detachments in El Nido Town and the local government is supplemented by a security force deployed by the Philippine Government to protect the multi-billion dollar Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project located 50 kilometers west of El Nido. This special security force has under its command personnel, navy vessels, speed boats and aircraft.

On the El Nido Resorts side, the strict security system continues to be enforced at our properties in Lagen Island, Miniloc Island and the surrounding areas. We are maintaining the strong and effective unit of security personnel duly licensed by the Philippine National Police Maritime.These security personnel are professionally trained, formerly belonging to the Philippine military. They are in charge of monitoring the activities within the resort area, as well as conducting day and night patrols and surveillance activities within the resorts and nearby islands. Security personnel work in shifts, watching over resort guests and staff on a 24-hour basis. They maintain direct contact with the Philippine National Police Maritime and Philippine Coast Guard detachments in El Nido Town, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command, and other resort establishments in Palawan.

We have also fortified security measures at our airport facility in El Nido. All land and water vehicles, passengers, baggage, and packages are inspected by our security personnel before being allowed entry into the airport premises. Strict pre-check-in procedures are also being followed at the A Soriano Aviation Terminal in Pasay City.

With all these security measures in place, we are confident that El Nido and the rest of Palawan remain safe for travel.

Activities

It is the scenic landscape, crystal clear waters, and relative isolation that attracts and fascinates most travelers to El Nido. The 45 islands and islets and the surrounding sea present endless opportunities for adventure, nature appreciation, and even just simple pleasures.

Kayaking in secret lagoons, mangrove tours, snorkeling or diving with colorful tropical fishes, trekking to the peak of an island, fishing, bird watching, exploring uninhabited islands, picnic lunches or sunbathing in a white sand beach. These are just some of the activities that can be arranged by El Nido Resorts.

Rooms Available
Forest Room
Beach Front / Water Cottage
Forest Suite
Garden / Family Cottage
Water Cottage / Cliff Cottage* / Seaview Rooms

Lagen Island Resort

El Nido Resorts Lagen Island is a tropical hideaway set in a cove and fringed by a lush forest. The most luxurious resort in the area, El Nido Resorts Lagen Island provides facilities and services that discerning leisure travelers require.

Miniloc Island

Set in a cove surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs is El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island. Thatched-roof cottages made from local materials, a fine white sand beach lined with coconut trees, and clear waters teeming with marine life make El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island a perfect tropical island retreat. :warpaint:

[santelmo]

yup, El Nido is a great place! here are some of our pictures when we went there, praise God! :summer: i hope we can go back there in the near future. maybe at the grand EB of E.C.? :c_o_o_l:

although there have been reported cases on the Internet regarding food poisoning at Lagen.

" Food
Not bad but don’t expect gourmet dining experience. Lagen provided larger selection but Miniloc’s food was tasted better. The fresh pineapple and mango were absolutely unbeatable. The El Nido iced tea was good too. But be forewarned that food poisoning was not unheard of. I had a very serious diarrhea for a whole night in the middle of my trip at Lagen. I also knew that one other guest had stomach problem and had to stay on bed for two whole days. A relatively minor negative comment was that no snack/fast food (eg. hot dog, French fries, sandwich or burger) was offered between meals even if you were willing to pay. So you could only eat according to the timetable at designated places.

Services
Generally it was good but not impressive."

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294256-d478032-r10020142-El_Nido_Resorts_Lagen_Island-El_Nido_Palawan.html



my mom saw some molds on the mushrooms when she made a sukiyaki (i think) at the buffet table. thinking it was only with the 1st few layers of mushrooms she then took the bottom most. but when the noodle soup was cooked and was brought at our table the smell and taste was awful... :chow:

maybe it's because of the humidity in the island. a mixture of morning dew, salty air, heat from the sun, etc. that makes their food/ingredients susceptible to molds and spoiling??

http://english-coffee.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=140&stc=1&d=1204464098

http://english-coffee.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141&stc=1&d=1204464098

http://english-coffee.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142&stc=1&d=1204464098

http://english-coffee.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143&stc=1&d=1204464098

http://english-coffee.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144&stc=1&d=1204464098

[ctivnan]

yup, El Nido is a great place! here are some of our pictures when we went there, praise God! :summer: i hope we can go back there in the near future. maybe at the grand EB of E.C.? :c_o_o_l:

although there have been reported cases on the Internet regarding food poisoning at Lagen.

" Food
Not bad but don’t expect gourmet dining experience. Lagen provided larger selection but Miniloc’s food was tasted better. The fresh pineapple and mango were absolutely unbeatable. The El Nido iced tea was good too. But be forewarned that food poisoning was not unheard of. I had a very serious diarrhea for a whole night in the middle of my trip at Lagen. I also knew that one other guest had stomach problem and had to stay on bed for two whole days. A relatively minor negative comment was that no snack/fast food (eg. hot dog, French fries, sandwich or burger) was offered between meals even if you were willing to pay. So you could only eat according to the timetable at designated places.

Services
Generally it was good but not impressive."

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294256-d478032-r10020142-El_Nido_Resorts_Lagen_Island-El_Nido_Palawan.html



my mom saw some molds on the mushrooms when she made a sukiyaki (i think) at the buffet table. thinking it was only with the 1st few layers of mushrooms she then took the bottom most. but when the noodle soup was cooked and was brought at our table the smell and taste was awful... :chow:

maybe it's because of the humidity in the island. a mixture of morning dew, salty air, heat from the sun, etc. that makes their food/ingredients susceptible to molds and spoiling??

I've been dreaming of going to Palawan for the longest time!!! I just envy you! I had a friend who said that scuba diving in Palawan was the best since it has rich marine life. You must've had a grand time there!

You've got really nice pictures! The place looks absolutely amazing!!!

Going there for English Coffee EB will be somethin' really cool! :BU:

Sukiyaki with molds! That's totally gross! Thanks for the warning! :perspiring:

[santelmo]

yup, we had so much fun in el nido and even in puerto princessa too (honda bay, island hop) i found two dead horse shoe crabs in snake and pandan island :D

thanks! :D

http://english-coffee.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=145&stc=1&d=1204464302

[ctivnan]

yup, we had so much fun in el nido and even in puerto princessa too (honda bay, island hop) i found two dead horse shoe crabs in snake and pandan island :D

thanks! :D

Wow, I didn't know we have horseshoe crabs here in the Philippines! You make me wanna go there this summer... :Bear Smiley 6030:

[trailblazerstravelntours]

I've been dreaming of going to Palawan for the longest time!!! I just envy you! I had a friend who said that scuba diving in Palawan was the best since it has rich marine life. You must've had a grand time there!

You've got really nice pictures! The place looks absolutely amazing!!!

Going there for English Coffee EB will be somethin' really cool! :BU:

Sukiyaki with molds! That's totally gross! Thanks for the warning! :perspiring:

Me too! I wanna spend two or three weeks combing the beaches of Palawan with my family. El Nido would be one great stop!That would be cool! But... Yeeks! Molds are gross! Thanks for this info. As a travel agent it makes me sad to hear things like this. But there's always room for improvement. Right?

[trailblazerstravelntours]

yup, El Nido is a great place! here are some of our pictures when we went there, praise God! :summer: i hope we can go back there in the near future. maybe at the grand EB of E.C.? :c_o_o_l:

although there have been reported cases on the Internet regarding food poisoning at Lagen.

" Food
Not bad but don’t expect gourmet dining experience. Lagen provided larger selection but Miniloc’s food was tasted better. The fresh pineapple and mango were absolutely unbeatable. The El Nido iced tea was good too. But be forewarned that food poisoning was not unheard of. I had a very serious diarrhea for a whole night in the middle of my trip at Lagen. I also knew that one other guest had stomach problem and had to stay on bed for two whole days. A relatively minor negative comment was that no snack/fast food (eg. hot dog, French fries, sandwich or burger) was offered between meals even if you were willing to pay. So you could only eat according to the timetable at designated places.

Services
Generally it was good but not impressive."

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294256-d478032-r10020142-El_Nido_Resorts_Lagen_Island-El_Nido_Palawan.html



my mom saw some molds on the mushrooms when she made a sukiyaki (i think) at the buffet table. thinking it was only with the 1st few layers of mushrooms she then took the bottom most. but when the noodle soup was cooked and was brought at our table the smell and taste was awful... :chow:

maybe it's because of the humidity in the island. a mixture of morning dew, salty air, heat from the sun, etc. that makes their food/ingredients susceptible to molds and spoiling??

http://english-coffee.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=140&stc=1&d=1204464098

http://english-coffee.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=141&stc=1&d=1204464098

http://english-coffee.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142&stc=1&d=1204464098

http://english-coffee.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=143&stc=1&d=1204464098

http://english-coffee.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=144&stc=1&d=1204464098


Hi! Great pictures you got here! But it's sad to hear about those molds (gross!) in one of the meals they served in El Nido. It's so unthinkable that a high-end resort have overlooked this. And it's so sinful to serve soup that smelled and tasted bad as well! What could have gone wrong? You know, El Nido's one of the resorts that I really recommend to my guests/clients. I think you should call the attention of El Nido management about this. I hope you told them about the molds -- and the soup, too! And if you did, I hope they gave you a really good explanation about this incident. It really helps if the management is informed about unsavory experiences in meals or other untoward experiences in travel services. This will prompt resort managers/owners and employees to check on food quality and the kind of service they are giving their clients 'coz people travel to enjoy. But sadly, incidents like this happen. But I believe that if El Nido knew about this, they will make sure that this will never happen again in the future. If you were my client, I would have written El Nido by now about the molds and the unsavory soup they served my guests. Man, I was really surprised about this information knowing that El Nido is not an inexpensive resort. :confused:

[santelmo]

actually, we did inform one or two roaming managers ( most of the managers and resort coordinators roam around the resort especially during meal time ) he did apologize and offered to prepare a new one but, we said no since we are in a hurry to start our morning activities because we are leaving the island resort that afternoon.

anyway, if you want luxury relaxation and elegance w/ comfort; go with Lagen island resort. but if you are the sports and activity type of person; go for Miniloc island resort. it is a bigger place and, they have the Big and Small Lagoons. they also have a shallow fish feeding area just beyond the breakwater. you can even swim with the group of large Jacks (but watch out for the black, scarred one) dont try to touch it, dont even try to chase it or you'll get chased yourself... lolz :fishin: :superhappy:

when we ate lunch in Miniloc, the place was almost crowded. i think they were almost fully booked at that time because the resort and some islands were being rented by a Swiss (i think) reality TV show (like Castaways or Survivors).

and dont forget to island hop when you get to any of those resorts (plan your daily activities w/ you resort coordinator) they have lots of great islands (you can even have breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner in those islands) they will bring the food to you... you will even have a tour guide and a sports coordinator (if you want)

if you avail of their packages always remember that the buffet only comes with bottomless iced tea, coffee and tea. if you order other soft drinks, fruit shakes, canned juice, etc - it will cost you an additional $$. Too late for us...lolz :idea::ashamed1:

[trailblazerstravelntours]

actually, we did inform one or two roaming managers ( most of the managers and resort coordinators roam around the resort especially during meal time ) he did apologize and offered to prepare a new one but, we said no since we are in a hurry to start our morning activities because we are leaving the island resort that afternoon.

anyway, if you want luxury relaxation and elegance w/ comfort; go with Lagen island resort. but if you are the sports and activity type of person; go for Miniloc island resort. it is a bigger place and, they have the Big and Small Lagoons. they also have a shallow fish feeding area just beyond the breakwater. you can even swim with the group of large Jacks (but watch out for the black, scarred one) dont try to touch it, dont even try to chase it or you'll get chased yourself... lolz :fishin: :superhappy:

when we ate lunch in Miniloc, the place was almost crowded. i think they were almost fully booked at that time because the resort and some islands were being rented by a Swiss (i think) reality TV show (like Castaways or Survivors).

and dont forget to island hop when you get to any of those resorts (plan your daily activities w/ you resort coordinator) they have lots of great islands (you can even have breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner in those islands) they will bring the food to you... you will even have a tour guide and a sports coordinator (if you want)

if you avail of their packages always remember that the buffet only comes with bottomless iced tea, coffee and tea. if you order other soft drinks, fruit shakes, canned juice, etc - it will cost you an additional $$. Too late for us...lolz :idea::ashamed1:

:BU:great tips! you're right! most of my guests enjoyed el nido -- whether they stay at lagen or miniloc. and, i'm sure the management took note of that incident. hopefully they'll be more particular in the way they prepare food and they have to find better storage techniques so that next time, molds don't find their way in the meals they prepare. :ban:the molds! thanks for the tips! :fishin: