Miniloc Island, El Nido, Philippines | 63 (2) 813 0000
Gorgeous island location surrounded by limestone karsts and clear sea
Clean, rustic rooms, some with spectacular water views
On-site restaurant with buffets for all three meals
Multiple activities including snorkeling, kayaking, and island tours
All-inclusive rates include many activities
On-site massage treatments in spa hut over the water
Turn-down service with personalized handwritten note
Kids playroom, game room, and meeting room
Some rooms are showing their age
No pool and no TVs in rooms
Wi-Fi is not available in all guest rooms
The 50-room El Nido Resort Miniloc Island is an upper-middle-range all-inclusive resort in a spectacular setting that's surrounded by natural beauty. It offers multiple activities including water sports and island tours, some of which are included with room rates. Rooms are a bit rustic and some are showing their age, but they are clean and some have unbeatable views of the surrounding karsts. Buffets are offered in the Clubhouse, and there's a bar by the beach for drinks and light fare. The simple spa, which sits over the water, is a fine opportunity for guests to relax as well. Rates are not cheap, but the all-inclusive deals and idyllic setting are worth it.
Scene
Tropical oasis with rustic, laid-back style
El Nido Miniloc is the older among four sister properties in the region; the other properties include Apulit, Lagen, and Pangulasian and each are on a separate island. Guests arrive at Miniloc resort via boat and the gorgeous setting immediately towers overhead. The sandy beach is backed by huge limestone cliffs with lush vegetation all around. Palm trees and other tropical plants dot the beach as do straw huts with pairs of cushioned lounge chairs. Guests are led to the rustic open-air lobby and are welcomed with a drink and a song by the staff. The lobby is also set up for dining at the nearby buffet. The rugged beauty of the island plus the straw huts and the idyllic cool blue waters all combine for an all-around breath-taking setting, just don't expect luxury-level decor or pretension -- the attitude here is warm and laid back. The resort is suitable for all types of travelers, especially those who enjoy active vacations, and guests include couples and families.
Location
On Miniloc Island, only accessible by boat from El Nido
The hotel is situated on an island in Palawan surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts and crystal clear blue waters. Most guests travel to the resort by flying to Manila, then taking a 55-minute flight to the Lio airport in El Nido, then a 45-minute boat ride to Miniloc Island. The view along the way is breath-taking. The resort, a destination in itself, is also accessible from Taytay Town, about an hour and a half south on Palawan Island. Other than relaxing at the resort, laying on the beach, or partaking in one of the many activities, boat tours, and treks into the jungle, there isn't much to do on Miniloc Island.
Rooms
Rustic rooms with thatch roofs and local furnishings, some with unbeatable water views
All rooms feature thatch roofs, wood floors, furnishings crafted with indigenous Filipino materials, walls covered in woven bamboo slats, called sawali, and private furnished verandas. Bed coverings and blinds are white, and there are minimal decorations. Walls that are not covered in bamboo also are white. Water Cottages and Seaview Rooms are on stilts over the water, and though they are smaller than some of the other rooms, they are the picture many guests have when they conjure a tropical getaway. The second level of the Seaview Rooms is accessed by spiral staircase. Deluxe Seaview Rooms are designed to showcase the resort's eco-friendly practices such as solar power, energy-efficient lighting, and ceiling fans. Garden Cottages are close to the beach and are surrounded by tropical plants. Cliff Cottages are on the cliff side, providing spectacular views. All rooms include mini-fridges, coffee/tea makers, air-conditioning, straw tote bags, and safes. Bathrooms are small, but offer stand-up showers with rainfall showerheads, above-counter sinks, and toiletries in large eco-friendly bottles. Some are showing their age with rust and mildew stains.
Features
Buffet dining for all three meals, beach bar, and many included activities
Dining takes place in the open-air Clubhouse, with buffets for all three meals. Among the free activities at the resort are volleyball, Frisbee, table tennis, darts, badminton, basketball, foosball, billiards, and soccer. Kids have their own sea-themed playroom with toys, books, and activities. Water sports include diving, snorkeling, and kayaking, and the marine sanctuary just fronting the beach is teeming with sea creatures such as jack fish, sergeant majors, and damsel fish. Relaxing on the beach is another option, with cushioned lounge chairs, palapas for shade, and an adjacent beach bar serving snacks and drinks. Guests also can take a free tour to the island's lagoons, the most well-known spots in El Nido, and they can use the facilities at its sister resort, Lagen, with free island transfers. Boats also take guests to the resort's private island, Entalula. Massage treatments are available in the spa hut over the water. An on-site shop sells clothing and souvenirs. An events space is suitable for meetings. There is free Wi-Fi in public areas, but not in guest rooms.