El Nido Resorts Miniloc

Reminiscent of a traditional Filipino coastal village with its rustic thatched-roof cottages made from natural materials, El Nido’s Miniloc Island resort enjoys a quite breathtaking location. A white sand beach lined with coconut palms, and being able to snorkel on the resort’s very doorstep in gin-clear waters teeming with technicolour fish, make this the archetypal tropical island retreat. There are 50 rustic cottages that are set either over water, beneath the cliffs, on the beach front or in the gardens. Décor is simple and suitably rustic, with wooden floors and walls covered in woven bamboo slats. All rooms have a private verandah which offers excellent views of the sea and surrounding islands, and some are suitable for families.

Dining is al fresco at the Clubhouse restaurant, and features Filipino and international dishes prepared as far as possible with organic ingredients, and guest can also choose to dine at El Nido’s nearby Lagen Island resort or at one of the resort’s exclusive beach clubs. Private dining under the stars on the beach or on a raft in the lagoon can also be organised. A variety of massages and treatments can also be enjoyed in the small spa.

Activities can be as relaxed or as active as you choose. With excellent visibility and more than twenty easily accessible dive sites nearby, Miniloc is a great destination for scuba enthusiasts, and the resort’s dive shop can arrange trips to suit all experience levels. Snorkelling on the house reef with the resident silver jacks is a superb experience, and you can go off kayaking to find your own private pocket of white sand beneath the limestone cliffs, or head out on a guided eco-tour on some of the surrounding islets. Guests also have exclusive access to the El Nido beach clubs at Entalula and Dibuluan Islands where hobie cat sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling, or simply relaxing on the beach can be enjoyed. Families can take advantage of the supervised kids’ club.

When to go

Palawan has a tropical climate and is situated outside the typhoon belt. This means that it enjoys less rainfall than the rest of the Philippines. Generally, the dry season runs from November to May, with scattered showers between June and October. January is usually the coolest month, with temperatures averaging about 25°C, and May the hottest, with an average temperature of about 28°C.