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Private seaplane charter to some of the most amazing islands in the Philippines’ last frontier
Some tropical islands and islets in Palawan, the Philippines’ last frontier, are only accessible by long journeys on native outrigger boats or speedier private boats and by private jet.
Horizon Sun Charters, based in Puerto Princesa, affords you and your family or group of friends the luxury of a private flight, avoiding crowds, travelling in style, and taking you directly to your dream island destination.
Horizon Sun Charters’ charter team can customise your flight to suit your needs or you could choose from ready made packages, allowing you to see Palawan’s island and beaches on a low level flight, an experience like no other.
What’s the ride? Get onboard a classic seaplane, a 1957 de Havilland Canadian Bush plane — actor Harrison Ford owns one— overflying Palawan’s gin-clear turquoise waters and virgin islands and landing on a quiet, secluded white sand beach for a champagne lunch perhaps, a snorkel or dive. Or if you so wish, book the seaplane to land you directly on the shores
of your island resort, or take a flight to multiple destinations, or a remote area. Owner and pilot, Swiss Canadian Raymond Schwab, describes the seaplane as “an old and classy plane, giving you the Indiana Jones experience. It’s a luxury flight, scenic all the way, at low level flight. It’s the best way to see the islands.”
Island Getaways. Islands on the flight list include some of the Philippines gems, including Balabac, Busuanga, El Nido, Linapacan, Puerto Princesa, San Vicente/ Port Barton, and Taytay. Choose your island hopping adventure, whether it’s a private luxury flight to Balabac , at the southerhn most tip of Palawan, a one and half hour trip, with lunch, stops for snorkelling and swimming and a trip back to Puerto Princesa, or a flight to Port Barton in San Vicente, Palawan, home to the longest white-sand beach in the Philippines, aptly called Long Beach.
Scenic flights to Honda Bay, Palawan, a 20-25-minute flight, overflying Mt. Saint Paul massive limestone rock framing the 8.2-kilometer Puerto Princesa Underground River, and Honda Bay’s islands and white sandy beaches. Or choose the Ugong Rock scenic flight, a 50-minute flight showing you Ugong Rock, a spelunker’s heaven, Sabang Beach, and the wild West Coast with a return to base over Nagtabon Beach and down to Puerto Princesa Harbour.
Resort transfers are also available to some of Sun Horizon’s resort partners, as well as a romantic getaway with that special someone to Flower Island Resort in Taytay.
How to book a private charter Visit www.seaplanes.ph, or @horizonsuncharters on Facebook
8 Cover Story
Unforgettable views, a beautiful terrace, swimming pool, great food, scuba diving and massage… enjoy a natural high at this stunning hilltop hotel
16 Top 10 things to do in Coron Christian Sangoyo tells us his favourite things to do in this beautiful part of Palawan, from wreck diving to watching nature’s light show — glowing planktons and rare synchronous fireflies
38 Top things to do in Siargao Blogger Jackson Groves tells us some of the most amazing things to do on the island, from surfing the famous Cloud 9 to exploring some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief: Giselle Dalton
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David Dalton, Eunice Quinto, Viderlina A, Jackson Groves, and Christian L. Sangoyo
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ReyRey Ochavez, Ron Mendoza, Lala Magbuhat
Jackson Groves, and Christian L. Sangoyo
COMMERCIAL
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ON THE COVER
Location: Skylodge Resort, Coron
Photo coutesy of Skylodge Resort
4 Me and My El Nido Entrepreneur Eva Aston reveals her travel secrets, from where to eat and drink in El Nido, to the best travel souvenirs to be found on the island
24 Where to eat and stay travel supplement
From small, chic hotels to luxury resorts, we’ve rounded up some of the best stays in Coron, Palawan and the Philippines’ surfing capital, Siargao
Siago Beach Resort,
How has El Nido in Palawan changed after the pandemic?
El Nido has always been a beautiful, unspoiled place. But during the pandemic, nature has had time to flourish. We would regularly spot turtles and occasionally see dugongs close to the shore - nature basically had time to repair itself. When El Nido reopened in early in 2022, tourists started coming back, primarily driven by domestic travelers and returning Filipinos from overseas. We were delighted that business had resumed but I think it will take another year before we get to pre-pandemic levels.
Do you have any regrets, setting up your home and business in El Nido?
None at all. When I first visited my relatives in El Nido in 2014, I was captivated by El Nido’s beauty and knew that I wanted to settle down here. My husband Jeremy and I opened Café Athena in El Nido in 2016, our first
baby! It was a natural choice of business for me, as I love cooking and talking to people. I used to travel to Greece when I was younger, and immediately fell in love with the food there. Our menu at Café Athena is mainly Greek, with a few contributions from my husband, who is also a foodie like me.
What are your top 10 favourite places to eat, drink, shop, and just chill in El Nido?
Hayahay Café. I try to eat healthy food as much as possible, and I get my veggie boost at Hayahay. I go for their vegetarian wrap or their quinoa bowl which comes with a choice of tasty, healthy fillings as well as a selection of homemade sauces. Art Café (@artcafeelnido on FB) for the variety of food on offer and their farm-to-table dishes. District Bar and Kitchen (@district.philippines on FB) for their signature cocktails, live music and regular DJ sets. SAVA bar (@SavaBeachBar on FB) for their ambience and variety of music. Maremegmeg Beach Bar (@ MaremegmegBeachBar on FB) for their ambience
PHOTO COURTESY OF EVA ASTONand amazing sunsets. Trattoria Altrov’é El Nido (@ altrovephilippines on FB) for the best oven-fired pizza in El Nido. My favourite is the four-cheese pizza. The Organic Spa (theorganicspa.ph) for its traditional Filipino hilot and the stone massage. For Yoga, I usually go to Yoga Tayo (@yogatayo.elnido on FB) in Lio three times a week.
For shopping, there is Kalye Artisano (www. kalyeartisano.com) which offers natural products, native bags, interior decor, earrings and other accessories. I’m an island girl so I’m often in slippers and linen clothes. Walang Problema (www.walangproblema. com), a boutique shop near Café Athena that sells beach clothes.
What not to miss when visiting El Nido?
I would say book one or two island tours to appreciate the beauty of El Nido’s islands — Snake Island’s sand
bar on Tour B is probably my favorite stop. Go to Nacpan Beach for a chilled afternoon, or an overnight stay at Angkla (www.angklaresort.com) and Nacpan Beach Glamping (www.nacpanbeachglamping.com). If I have family and friends visiting, I would take them to Papaya Beach, which isn’t too far from El Nido town. It has soft, white sand and crystal clear waters, and is more secluded than other locations. Duli Beach (www. dulibeach.com) offers a great surfing experience and a laid back vibe.
Could you tell us some of the tour operators you trust? I recommend Ape Tours (www.apetours.ph), Tao Philippines (www.taophilippines.com) and Art Café.
What are some of the active things you can do in El Nido?
Surfing, muay thai, yoga, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, open water swimming… the list goes on. There are so many activities for visitors and locals to try out, and the list keeps on growing.
What are some of the best souvenirs to buy in El Nido and Puerto Princesa?
Palawan honey, available at Art Café in Coron and in the local market, handmade bags from Kalye Artisano, abaca slippers from Art Café, and linen clothing from Kultura (www.kulturafilipino.com) in Puerto Princesa.
Eva Aston owns Café Athena Greek Taverna in El Nido (@cafeathena.ph), and is the co-owner of District Bar and Kitchen (@district.philippines), Hayahay Café (@ hayahayelnido on Facebook), and The Organic Spa (www.theorganicspa.ph)
Photo by: District Bar and Kitchen; native bags by Kalye Artisano; tent by Nacpan Beach Glamping Native bags at Kalye Artisano District Bar and Kitchen Nacpan Beach Glamping
Unforgettable views, a beautiful terrace, swimming pool, great food, scuba diving and massage… enjoy a natural high at this stunning hilltop hotel
Night lights: Coron Town from the balcony of Skylodge Resort
UP ON A hill, amid tall trees and wild tropical plants, the 34-room Skylodge Resort commands some of the best views in Coron town, a bustling little community in northern Palawan that serves as front door to some of the Philippines most beautiful — and untouristy — islands and beaches.
From the resort’s sunny view deck and most of the rooms, you have a 360-degree view of Mount Tapyas, Coron Bay, Coron island and town itself. Up here, you feel a hundred miles away, even if the town with all its restaurants, bars and shops, is laid out below at the water’s edge.
Skylodge is around 45 minutes from Francisco B. Reyes Airport by road, right to the doorstep. If you’re wandering around town and want to walk, it’s 342 steps to the entrance, where staff will be waiting with a cool drink and warm greeting (if you don’t fancy the climb, there’s always the free shuttle).
The resort owner, J. de Ruyter C. Oroceo — affectionately called Toto — hails from Aklan near Boracay. He first fell in love with Coron 22 years ago, while exploring its various islands and islets.
One of the best views of Mt. Tapyas from Skylodge’s balcony
Aerial view of Skylodge, cocooned by nature
Back then there were only a handful of resorts in the area. In 2017 he decided to buy the land where Skylodge now stands. His original idea was to build 10 native huts, but later on he decided against it in favour of a more solid concrete structure that could withstand the sometimes lively weather of the southwest monsoon season, known as Habagat in Filipino, which usually occurs from the month of May to September. Construction started that same year.
“My cousin, who’s an architect, helped me design the place. We bought boxes of concrete and I went back to Manila, got caught up with business, and forgot all about it. When I came back to check, I didn’t realise he built such a huge place. I had three buildings in all,” Toto said.
Toto is not your typical hotelier. His background is in pharmaceuticals. He started his career as a medical sales representative and later on set up two pharmaceutical companies with a business partner. This enabled him to build his dream project, Skylodge, and it soft opened in May 2018.
These days it’s one of the places to stay in Coron. And not just for the views. There’s a great choice of rooms for every budget, a large swimming pool on the terrace and a restaurant and bar where you can enjoy a lazy (and free) buffet breakfast or grab a snack or a fullblown meal. During the lean season, breakfast is plated. In the evenings, there is live entertainment.
The resort has two rooftop view decks, perfect for events like birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and perhaps that proposal you’ve been considering to someone special. It’s also perfect for sunbathing — or for just admiring the views across town and out towards the sea. The view deck at the St Gabriel Building has a boxing ring and is the location of the proposed Skylodge Community FM Station.
The resort has a big choice of rooms in three main buildings — St. Raphael, St. Michael, St. Gabriel — whose names were taken from the ArchAngels. The resort overlooks the Coron Town, Mt. Tapyas, Coron Bay, and Coron Island which looks like a sleeping giant.
The only Premier Bayview Room has a balcony and views of of Mt. Tapyas and Coron Bay. Bayview Rooms (Php6,300) also have views of Mt. Tapyas and Coron Bay. In the mornings you might find yourself being woken by the chirping of Maya birds and Asian glossy starlings, and the cawing of crows.
There are nine Bayview Rooms, six for families (or groups) of up to five (Php8,200) and two for families of up to seven (Php10,200).
There are 10 double budget rooms (Php3,700), five triple budget rooms (Php4,800) and one Tree House
Bay view room
Room, with a double bed, for around P3,900. The Tree House Room is separate from the main buildings and a short walk away — a perfect romantic escape with nothing but peace and quiet.
The rooms are simply, but spotlessly clean and comfortably furnished. They are all air-conditioned and have cable TV with moveable bracket, safety deposit boxes, mini refrigerators, electric kettles, complimentary tea and coffee and good Wi-Fi access.
Coron is a world-renowned playground for scuba divers and snorkelers, with its diverse and abundant marine life and World War II wrecks, all easily accessible by native banca from the town. There are 12 ship wrecks, nine are World War II wrecks in the area, including Akitsushima, a seaplane tender, and the Irako, a refrigeration ship that is now Coron’s deepest wreck and only suitable for the most competent divers. It is often described as “the 3 Ds”, or “deep, dark and dangerous”.
A short hop to the east of Coron town you can opt for more gentle scuba diving (and snorkeling) at Siete Pecados, which has beautiful coral reefs with diverse species of colorful tropical marine life. Barracuda Lake, on the north shore of Coron Island, offers one of the most unique diving experiences in the world.
Occasionally referred to as Luluyuan Lake by locals, its crystal blue waters hidden between majestic rocky formations aren’t big on actual barracudas and other wildlife. Instead, divers can experience a thermocline and halocline unlike anywhere else.
Starting out on the surface of the lake, divers, swimmers, and scuba enthusiasts can expect temperatures around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. But as you descend into the depths of the lake, around 45 to 50 feet down, the temperature drastically changes to just over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (to put that in perspective, most people keep their hot tubs at 104 degrees, so it’s best to forego a wetsuit here).
The best time to book your diving trip is from November to April, offering excellent visibility and best weather.
And Skylodge can help with all the arrangements. It is certified as a five-star PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) dive resort. The dive shop has
“Coron is a worldrenowned playground for scuba divers, with its rich marine life and World War II wrecks.”
three boat captains, three boat crew, three dive masters, and four dive instructors. Diving courses range from intro dives and fun dives to specialty dive training. Fun dives start from Php3,500 and a full scuba course starts from Php15,000.
Scuba equipment is high end and only a limited number of people are allowed in a dive boat. Toto said the resort makes it a policy not to overfill boats. Diving is not intended to make the resort a lot of money, but to give added value.
The resort’s amenities rival those of some of Coron’s luxury resorts. It has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and kiddie pool, two saunas, a massage room, fitness centre, Fight for Freedom fight ring, two KTV rooms, laundry and souvenir shops, two view decks, conference centre, and The Club with its own resident performers and guest performers. There’s even a Skylodge Community Low Frequency FM Station. Skylodge Travel and Tours can help you arrange all sorts of trips, transport and flights. Other amenities include a mini gym, and a 21-stage water refilling station, billiard table, board games, three shuttles and one L300 van for the dive shop.
The resort is in Coron Town and 0.6 miles from Dicanituan Beach, a safe and small sandy beach. Coron town is the jump off point for all island hopping activities. It’s where most of the tour boats are docked and where you’ll set out to explore Coron’s nearby islands and islets.
Attractions in the area include Maquinit hot springs, about 3.5 miles from the resort, Mt. Tapyas, which is a fairly easy climb if you’re reasonably fit (admire the views from the 210-metre summit, where there’s a huge cross), Siete Pecadoes for snorkeling and diving, Kayangan Lake for its crystalline waters and eerie underwater rock formations, and Calauit Island Wildlife sanctuary. This is Coron, so the best way to explore is by boat, spending the day island hopping and having a picnic lunch in one of the area’s beautiful tropical beaches.
Coron also has some fun nightlife. It’s cheerful and relaxed, with plenty of bars, cafés and restaurants where you can find everything from pizza and tapas to spicy seafood curries and traditional Filipino fare, perhaps all washed down with an ice-cold San Miguel beer?
And when you’re done, it’s only 342 steps back to Skylodge. Or maybe hop aboard that free shuttle.
Skylodge Resort, Coron Town Proper, Coron, Palawan, tel +63 998 588 5507, +63 917 555 5012. Visit www.skylodgeresort.com.ph, email to reservation@ skylodgeresort.com.ph. Find them on Facebook @skylodgeresort
From wreck diving to watching nature’s light show—glowing planktons and rare synchronous fireflies
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN L. SANGOYO , www.lakadpilipinas.com ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY INFLIGHT TRAVELLER’S RESEARCH TEAM
View from Kayangan Lake viewing deck
FEBRUARY AND MARCH is the best time of the year to be in Coron. It’s the end of the Southwest monsoon and the start of the Northwest monsoon, heralding sunny days and clear waters. It is also a good time for kayaking, snorkelling, and diving because of the water’s excellent visibility. February and March are the best months of the year to be in Coron.
TOUCHDOWN
For the ultimate luxury and no-fuss check in, book a seat on www.airtrav.ph, which operates regular flights from Manila direct to partner resorts. Once in Palawan, charter your private seaplane on www.seaplanes.ph to tour the islands.
AirSWIFT (www.air-swift.com) and Philippine Airlines (www.philippineairlines.com)all operate direct flights from Manila to Busuanga. From Busuanga airport it’s about an hour to Coron Town, the tourism hub of the region.
From Busuanga airport, the next stop for most travellers is Coron town, in Busuanga Island. It’s the jump off point to the Calamian Islands, including Coron Island, Culion, Calauit, and Malcapuya. Coron Island located on the northern tip of Palawan, is all about gigantic limestone walls and cliffs amidst pristine waters. No wonder it’s been a popular playground for rock climbers and divers. The waters here are crystal clear waters. Kayaking, diving, and island hopping are major activities.
Book a great light show: flashing fireflies and glowing waters
There are only a handful of places on the planet that have rare synchronous fireflies and these can be found in the jungles and mangrove forests of the Philippines. These fireflies flash on and off in sync with each other, creating the most wondrous light show. One of the best places to see them is in Coron. Avoid the rainy months from June to August. A typical Coron firefly watching tour begins with buffet dinner onboard a floating restaurant, after which you hop on to a three-person kayak to get to Coron’s Mangrove Forest Park for the main event, fireflies lighting up mangroves like Christmas trees. On the way, something unexpected greets you as it’s entirely unannounced in brochures — bioluminescent planktons lighting up the water. Dip your fingers in the water and the water glows. A gentle tap on the sides of the kayak will see the light spreading out across the water. Bioluminescent planktons emit light caused by a chemical reaction in their bodies, a magical sight, and a main event in itself. Fireflies complete the show as hundreds of these creatures light up the night, an experience you’d forever remember.
Book the firefly watching tour on www.coron-travel.com
Pass Island in BusuangaIsland hopping in the Calamianes
From Coron Town you can hire a private boat or book to join island hopping tours and water sports. Most resorts can help arrange tours and activities. A typical Coron island hopping tour takes you to the lagoons, inland lakes, and beaches of the karst-laden Coron Island or Isla Higantes. Some of the most popular destinations are sandy Banul Beach, Barracuda Lake, Kayangan Lake, considered one of the cleanest lakes in the Philippines, Twin Lagoon, and CYC Beach. Barracuda Lake is popular with divers as it has layers of fresh and brackish water with varying temperature. Most of these stops are available on Tours A and B.
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Other islands worth exploring are Malcapuya, Banana Island, Bulog Dos, Waling-Waling, and Ditaytayan Islands. And if you still have more time to spare, there are farther islands to explore like Dibatok, Calumbayan, Pass, Tara, and the North and South Cay Islands.
Tours are usually on traditional outrigger boats, but speedboats and yachts are also available.
If you have to go on a shared tour, choose one that leaves early in the morning to avoid the Instagram and selfie crowds.
Private tours are available on www.royalislandwatersports. com or the Calamianes Tourist Boat Association on Facebook, tel +63 936 039 0478
Kayangan Lake, CoronLocated in secluded Calauit Island, the 3,700-hectare Calauit Safari Park, a game reserve and wildlife sanctuary, is home to Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, and indigenous species like the Calamian deer, Palawan bearded pig, Philippine crocodile, Philippine porcupine, binturong, and the Philippine mouse-deer roaming freely across a natural and picturesque landscape. The exotic nonindigenous animals, including waterbucks, elands,
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impalas, topis, bushbucks, and the gazelles which have sadly died, were shipped from Kenya by the late deposed Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos during the seventies.
Some safari tours include stops at Black Island, Buluang Floating Restaurant, and spots for snorkelling and swimming.
Book a Calauit Safari Tour with Coron Travel & Tours, go to www.coron-travel.com/calauit-safari-tour
Zebras grazing at the Calauit Safari ParkDive in, the snorkelling is great Coron has one of the healthiest and richest coral beds and marine life in the country. Most island hopping tours include snorkelling stops, so don’t miss getting in the water. Explore Siete Pecados bordered by seven islets, the Malwawey Coral Garden replete with massive table corals, and the reef near the Skeleton Wreck which has a very shallow depth, and the reef fronting Banana Island . Kayangan Lake is interesting for its underwater rock formations. Most tours provide life vests and snorkelling gear, but it’s sometimes best to pack your own gear.
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If you want a more advanced underwater activity, Coron is just the place for you. With a total of 12 well-preserved World War II shipwrecks
lying on its seabed, it’s the perfect place for a unique diving experience. The wrecks are mostly Imperial Japanese wartime ships sunk by the US Task Force 38 aircraft in 1944.
For the uninitiated, the Skeleton Wreck — a 25-meter Japanese supply ship — can be seen even by casual snorkelers and is usually included in island hopping tours. But for the real deal, the most popular of the wrecks are the largely intact Irako, the 118-meter long Akitsushima seaplane carrier, the 140-meter Kogyo freighter, and the largest and most popular wreck in Coron, the massive 170-meter long Okikawa Maru Japanese tanker.
The best way to enjoy wreck diving in Coron is on liveaboard diving safaris. Book a five-day to one-week fully catered liveaboard and have the freedom to plan your diving itinerary. Visit
Dive Skeleton Wreck, one of 12 well-preserved shipwrecks in Coron
Go back in time in Culion
Culion Island, was a former leper colony established under the American colonial rule in 1906. A leprosarium was built on the island, which fast became known as the world’s largest leper colony. People afflicted with leprosy, an incurable disease at that time, were sent and isolated in Culion to stop the spread of the disease. It was only in 2006 that the World Health Organisation declared Culion leprosy free. These days Culion is a popular historic stop. Revisit the colony’s dark times at the Culion Museum and Archives, which stores valuable records of the island’s history, including discriminatory legislation imposing compulsory segregation. There are fortifications and a massive stone church, the La Immaculada Concepcion Church, on the island built during the Spanish era.
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Climb Mount Tapyas
Seven minutes from Coron Town, the 210-meter tall Mount Tapyas, is a popular,
relatively easy climb. Some 723 concrete steps lead to the peak, where you’ll find an enormous white Catholic cross towering over Busuanga Island and the word CORON spelled out in huge white letters, often compared to Hollywood Hills. There’s a view deck at the summit for panoramic views of Coron Town and nearby islands. It’s also the best spot for catching Coron’s stunning sunset. Depending on your fitness, it’ll take about half an hour to reach the top. Time your climb early in the morning or in time to catch the sunset. There are a few pavilions off the side of the hill, perfect for a brief rest, to take in the view, and buy drinks from vendors.
Coron, a once sleepy town with a few basic eateries catering to tourists has seen quite a number of upmarket and budget restaurants as well as specialty foodie shops open in the past few years. Try the baby-back ribs at Santino’s Grill (@ santinosgrill on Facebook), brick oven-style pizza
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Culion Museum and Archivesat Trattoria Altrov’e Coron (@TrattoriaAltrove on FB), grilled meals at KT’s Sinugba sa Balay (now @ umamikusina on FB), budget Filipino dishes at Tita Esh (call +63 917 814 7965), and don’t leave Coron without buying its local produce, cashew nuts, available in most shops in town. The local public market (TX6V4+R6X, Coron Town Proper) is a great place for buying fresh seafood, including dried fish, from the popular danggit fish to dried squid. Hire a private outrigger boat to take you to the islands for the day, and get your boatman to grill your market-bought seafood.
Popular bars include Sigpin Bar, Coco Bar (@CocoBarPH on Facebook), Pirates Tavern Bar (@PiratesTavernCoron on FB), Tribu Kuridas Bar (@tribukuridascoron on FB), Isla Pool Bar ( www.bacaubayresortcoron .com), and Sunburn Rooftop Lounge (@sunburncoron on FB)
Top: Jetski with Royal Island Watersports; baby back ribs at Santino’s Grill. Right, Maquinit Hot Springs, where you can relax in 39C water
Most resorts can arrange water sports activities from parasailing, jet skiing, or rides on banana boats, crystal kayaks, bandwagon, and hurricane. Royal Island Watersports (www. royalislandwatersports.com) offers parasailing for about Php3,000 (about US$54)per person. You soar to a height of about 300 to 400 feet and stay up for at least 15 minutes, towed by a powered boat. Other water sports costs from Php1,200. Jetskiing costs about Php2,000.
Royal Island Watersports is located at 1st Deck of Coron Harbor Square, New Reclamation Site, Coron Town Proper, tel +63 939 332 5568
Located in Sitio Maguinit in Coron, facing Coron Passage, Maquinit Hot Springs is a great stop after a day’s hike or climb up Mt. Tapyas. The waters with an average temperature of about 39-40 degrees celsius is soothing and healing. It can feel scalding at first, but you’ll get used to the heat. The bottom is gravelly and pebbly, but the view of the sea and mangroves and the satisfying heat enveloping your body washes any and all cares away.
Topmost: Make sure to follow the shark, it’ll lead you where you need to go!
L-R: Sharky’s fun bar vibe; crispy pata or deep fried pig trotters; fresh pasta and pizza
THE SETTING. Sharky’s Restobar is a Coron icon, a favorite hangout spot for locals and tourists. Drop by after a day of island hopping or exploring Coron Town, and enjoy a drink or two. The atmosphere is chill and laid back, and the vibe, inviting. Lots of open spaces decked with wooden tables and chairs, wooden light fixtures, fun, colorful murals on the wall–it’s island-style all the way!
FOOD. Come for the drinks, stay for the food. Don’t leave without trying their signature pizzas and pastas, all fresh, handmade, and delicious. They
also serve Filipino favourites like sisig , a popular dish of minced pork, as well as caldereta or beef stew, calamares, and chicken wings. Order the baby back ribs, it’s delicious and tender. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks are available by the glass, pitcher or a drink tower. Prices range from Php90Php700. Food portions are usually good for two, perfect for sharing!
GOOD TO KNOW. Dinnertime at Sharky’s is made more fun by an acoustic live band performing every night from 7PM.
From charming beachfront cabanas to modern suites just a few minutes walk to Coron town, we’ve got the holiday stay with your name on it
Dine on the rooftop deck with views of thick mangroves or go for a dip in the infinity pool or the open air bath tub with views of Coron Bay. Funny Lion has nailed luxury
What’s it like?
AMODERN 32-ROOM RESORT in the outskirts of Coron Town, facing a quiet cove dotted by luxury yachts and boats. The rooms are safari-themed, designed in soothing whites, beiges and browns, some with a private veranda. Funny Lion’s location makes it ideal as a luxurious base for island hopping, water sports and exploring the various beaches in Coron. The resort is 0.9 miles from Mount Tapyas and four miles from Kayangan Lake in Coron, and 30 minutes from Busuanga Airport.
Rooms
All rooms are about 25sqm, with the Cub Room furnished with two twin beds and pull-out bed for triple occupancy or for two adults and two children. The King Room of the same size has one king bed and a pull-out bed. The Pride Room, also 25sqm, has a veranda, one king bed and a pull out. All rooms are air-conditioned
with flat screen cable TV, phone, coffee maker, electric kettle, mini fridge, hot and cold shower, safe, and free WiFi. All rooms are ensuite, with free toiletries, a hair dryer, and slippers. The bedlinen are top quality and immaculate.
Amenities
There are two in-house restaurants. The Hunt Restaurant, furnished in hardwood and antique furniture for an old world ambience, serves modern Asian cuisine and glorious seafood. The Pride Rock Deck on the resort rooftop, best for stunning sunset views, serves Filipino cuisine and offers a wide selection of wines and spirits, shakes and cocktails and gourmet coffee. The deck has an open air bath, with views of Coron Bay. Happy Hour is from 5pm to 7pm. Saturdays is grill buffet day, with the finest grilled dishes for only Php700 net per person.
Located right beside Hunt Restaurant is the resort’s infinity pool overlooking thick virgin mangroves
and kayak trails. And to complete your relaxing hotel experience, the Sea Tree Spa is best for healing both soul and body, using traditional Filipino massage therapies and healing.
The concierge and tour desk at the resort are available to help guests with tour activities and arranging airport transfers.
How much?
A one night stay in a Cub Room starts from Php4,875.
The Funny Lion Coron, Sitio Jolo, Poblacion 5, Coron, Palawan, Philippines 5316, tel +63 905 395 5445, +632 553 9549. Email to inquiries@thefunnylion.com, visit www.thefunnylion.com, and @thefunnylioncoron on Facebook
Clockwise from left: The exquisite pool area, relaxing rooftop pool with stunning views of Coron Bay, a delicious Filipino breakfast; and your own private space, perfect for working remotely
EL RIO Y Mar translates to “river and the sea” in Spanish, the perfect description for this tropical resort situated where the Panggawaran River meets the South China Sea.
The resort, 15 kilometers from Francisco Reyes Airport or about a 30-minute transfer by car and boat, is located on a peninsula in Barangay San Jose. As you arrive at El Rio y Mar by boat, you’re greeted by this long expanse of white-sand beach and row of tropical cottages and behind it, lush mountains. All rooms are beach front, so expect to wake up in paradise every morning.
There is a variety of rooms to choose from, all beachfront accommodation and with direct access to the sea. Book the Deluxe Casa with one king-sized bed and two extra beds, perfect for families or big groups. It is spacious at 45 sqms. and built with concrete walls, wooden flooring, and large glass doors and windows.
There’s also the Standard Native Casa that’s inspired by the nipa hut, a traditional Filipino home, with a romantic, homey touch. This room features a rustic king or queen-sized bed with a pullout base bed. Both room types come with your own veranda, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the view of the ocean.
Other room types include the Premier Cabana, Superior Cabana, and Superior Casa.
Clockwise from top: Enchanting view of the resort, dining space, and elegant room with a view
You will never run out of fun activities to do while here. Once you tire of swimming at the beach, there are two infinity pools for you to choose from. There’s also a karaoke room, a sports room, a lounge and a gym. The resort’s Al Fresco Restaurant serves Filipino and international cuisine. Crabs, seafood, and crispy karekare are bestsellers.
El Rio y Mar also has the only floating spa and bar on the water in this area. And don’t leave the island without trying its world-class diving. Drop by Dugong Dive Center for a unique encounter with the endangered sea cow.
The resort not only provides its guests with the best stay, but also promotes environmental advocacy by educating not only its guests but also the community about the importance of mangroves to the ecosystem, caring for endemic animals like the Philippine macaque, monitor lizards and other fauna found in the property.
El Rio y Mar offers reasonable prices for its rooms and services, no matter the season. Make sure to book directly on the resort website to get the best rates.
El Rio Y Mar Resort, Barangay San Jose, Coron, Busuanga, Palawan, Philippines. Email reservations@ elrioymar.info, visit www.elrioymar.com or @elrioymar on Facebook
experience and even give you the opportunity to explore dive sites untouched by other dive operators.
Its regular dive sites on the menu include a nearby plane wreck from World War II and the Kyokuzan Maru shipwreck, an impressive Japanese freighter with a maximum depth of 42 meters. This wreck provides shelter to batfishes and substrate, and occasionally you can spot fusiliers, trevallies, barracudas and rays.
Book day trips or even an overnight safari dive trip to Apo Reef in Mindoro, a declared protected area that’s a wonderful site for snorkelling and scuba diving. It is home to 385 species of colorful marine fishes and hosts 47 species of migratory and resident birds. This is one experience you will want to book ASAP.
There is also the nearby El Rio y Mar House Reef that is teeming with a wide variety of marine life.
The centre’s main offering and eco-tourism program “Dugong Watching,” is a full-day trip along the coast of Busuanga to the feeding grounds of about 30 resident dugongs
DUGONG DIVE CENTER is manned by a group of dive masters, instructors, a marine biologist, and staff who are passionate about the conservation of the seas, and exploring Busuanga’s underwater world responsibly.
Named after the gentle giants found in the warm coastal waters of Busuanga, Dugong Dive Center is a pioneer of SCUBA diving in this part of Palawan. The center is composed of environmentalists and members of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary who have devoted the past two decades protecting Busuanga’s waters and reefs.
Dugong Dive Center can customize your underwater
From top: Book a once-in-alifetime dugong encounter, exploring shipwrecks, and sea turtle. Bottom: Training is conducted for first time divers
If a dugong is spotted, they usually surface every 4-5 minutes, so viewing starts from the boat, then later on by snorkelling to get a closer look. If the animal doesn’t shy off, then you get a chance to go on scuba with these amazing creatures.
Over the years, Dugong Dive Center has worked with international documentary crews, conservationists, and biologists to educate people about the wonderful yet endangered dugongs
Dugong Dive Center is located at El Rio y Mar Resort, Barangay San Jose, Coron, Busuanga, Palawan, Philippines, tel. +63 920 951 9100, email info@ dugongdivecenter.com. Visit www.dugongdivecenter. com or @DugongDiveCenterPH on Facebook
LOCATED ONLY 35-MINUTES away from Busuanga Airport, one kilometer from Coron Town, and a few minutes walk to Dicanituan Beach, the 20-room Asia Grand View Hotel is beautifully enveloped by nature with lots of open grounds, views of Coron Bay and nearby Dicanituan Island. The hotel is an eco tourism hotel and bird sanctuary, so expect welcome conservation practices, from use of low-flow faucets, shower heads and low-water use toilets, use of solar water powered deep well main water supply and solar lamps in the garden, low wattage and LED lights, linedrying of laundry, a salt chlorinator for the pool, a canal built for rain catch, a water filtration system to ditch use of plastic bottles, among a long list.
The hotel’s deluxe and superior rooms all have a verandah, with views of the sea or landscaped garden and good-sized swimming pool. The rooms are designed in neutral colors, with wooden floors, ceiling fans and airconditioning, furnished with wooden furniture
and cane or rattan chairs, TV, fridge, smoke detector and emergency lights. Each of the rooms is of a good size, clean, and beautifully designed using Filipino art and accents.
For good food and the best views, dine at the Bay View Bar & Restaurant. Asia Grand View offers an excellent range of Asian food and international cuisine. The hotel Roofdeck is the best spot to enjoy Coron’s unforgettable sunset while enjoying your meal and drinks.
The hotel also has a spa, the perfect place to recharge after a day of island hopping. The hotel is near the docking area for boats going on island hopping tours. Maquinit Hot Springs is 3.7 miles away, Mount Tapyas, 0.8 miles, and the public market, 0.9 miles. Get in touch with the front desk to help you arrange tours, diving, water sport activities and trips to explore the Calamianes islands. You can play billiards, table tennis and darts at the hotel, and bike hire is available. Room service is available and there’s free WiFi.
From recycling, responsible waste management to energy consumption and the conservation of the local environment, Asia Grand View Hotel makes sure that it continuously develops and follows sustainable practices. What’s more, plants and trees are maintained to provide shelter for local birds including the spot-throated woodpecker, long-tailed shrike and the blue-headed Racquet-tail parrot, considered a threatened species. Guests are welcome to spot them while in the resort.
How much?
Rooms are from Php7,500 a night.
Asia Grand View Hotel, Governor’s Avenue, Jolo, Barangay 5, Coron, tel. +63 917 550 7375, +63 917 550 7373, +63 969 538 5830. Visit www.asiagrandview.com, @AsiaGrandViewHotel on Facebook
THE SETTING. A small coffee shop and pasalubong store in one, well known for its buco tart (coconut tart) as well as other local delicacies and food products originating from various regions in the country. Pasalubong is a Filipino word for gift, usually a gift from one’s travels. The coffee bar, Café Ynani, uses a manual espresso brewer, and serves good coffee.
WHAT TO BUY. Amira Coron’s latest pie, the cashew royale (Php200), made from Coron’s local cashews, is delicious, a combination of nutty, salty, and sweet, perfect with a cup of coffee. It’s the first ever cashew pie available in Coron, and is fast becoming a favourite just like the store’s buco tart (Php180 for a box of 6), a bestseller in Amira’s Tagaytay branch, and the shop’s main product. The buco tart is freshly made from tender, young coconut meat. Other recommended buys are the blueberry, strawberry, and mango cheese tarts; cheese cake in a small tart version; mantecado, a signature Amira product in Coron, a combination of local delicacies polvoron (Filipino shortbread)
and hopia (bean-filled pastry); and cashew brittle, caramelised cashew nuts. If you’ve tried Coron’s cashews, you’d know why the cashew brittle is irresistible.
Other foodie gifts to take home with you are Salabat by Delfa’s, a ginger turmeric drink, well known for its health benefits and good for colds and sore throat. It’s a product from Cavite and one of the bestsellers in the Coron branch. And don’t miss Als Kurap Vinegar from Laguna, made from fermented coconut vinegar, small chilli, local ginger, bell pepper, garlic and a mix of herbs and spices.
For your caffeine fix, it has to be espresso. Or try the salted caramel, a kick of espresso and a salty hint, the Spanish latte, Americano, brewed and dripped coffee.
Clockwise from top left: Café Ynani’s coffee nook; get all your delicious pasalubong here; mango cheese tart; Amira’s staff and owners with our InFlight Traveller team; buco tart
Amira’s Buco Tart Haus Coron, Felicidad Street, Barangay 1 Poblacion, Coron, Palawan, tel +63 977 014 2341. Find them on Instagram @amiras.bucotartph
A taste of France while on the island — from classic boeuf bourguignon to French meatballs pasta, served with excellent French wine
SETTING. Inspired by Parisian family bistros, Amihan Bistro Coron aims to transport you to France through its setting and flavours. Think red checkered tablecloths and French bistro chairs, simple, elegant decoration, and warm lighting to set the perfect mood for lunch or dinner.
is the best place for classic French food from boeuf bourguignon, French beef stew made with red wine, the croque monsieur or crunchy ham and cheese sandwich, goat cheese salad, to buckwheat galettes.
French owner Mael — who set up the restaurant with foodie wife Analy — found his love of cooking started while learning to cook with his mother. He recommends meatballs with home made fresh pasta (Php490), using his mother’s recipe, the House slow cooked pork confit (Php560), and the home made pork rillette spread, perfect with drinks before dinner.
For dessert, definitely the delicious crepe suzette flambé with Grand Marnier. For your caffeine fix, the cafe gourmand or tea, served with a side of
small desserts including homemade creme brulee Price per order ranges from Php180-560. Not to be missed is Amihan’s selection of fine French wine, all meticulously selected to pair perfectly with dishes on the menu. Choose from a glass of house wine Cabernet Sauvignon (Php280) to a bottle of Côtes du Rhône (Php1,750). Or try the red merlot, bordeaux, Carignan, white and pink wine. End the meal with aperitifs or digestives from France, from Pastis, cognac, to calvados.
SERVICE. Delightful, friendly, and attentive. You couldn’t ask for more.
VERDICT. The best French food and experience on the island.
Amihan Bistro, B complex, Real Street, Barangay 3, Coron, Palawan. For reservations, contact Analy or Mael at tel +63 939 406 4618, +63 927 023 5679, email amihanbistrocoron@gmail.com. Find them on Facebook @Amihanbistro. Open from Sunday to Friday, closed on Saturday
LOCATED JUST A few minutes away from Coron Town, Royal Island Watersports is the perfect go-to for an exhilarating, adrenalinepumping experience!
One-of-a-kind experience. Established in 2018, the company originally offered only watersports. But over the years, with guests increasingly looking to them for more fun activities and trusting them because of the experience they’ve had, Royal Island decided to expand their portfolio to offer premium island hopping tours around Coron.
Book a Coron Parasailing Adventure (solo flyer rate is Php3,000) and tick it off your bucket list. You soar to a height of about 300 to 400 feet over water and enjoy enchanting panoramic views all around, and
stay up for for at least 15 minutes, towed by a power boat, with all the necessary safety gear. Fly solo or with two other people while enjoying panoramic views of Coron Town or the islands (depending on wind direction).
You can also jetski (from Php3000 for 30 mins) your way around the islets, exploring the seascape or take your pick from any of these readily-available watersports activities: banana boat, hurricane, bandwagon, flyfish, and the wing (from Php1,800 per person for 2 water rides).
Island hopping tours. For the best tours around the islands, Royal Island has exclusive packages. Explore Coron’s famous Kayangan Lake, Twin lagoon, Barracuda Lake, and other reefs and beaches aboard your own private yacht or speedboat starts at
Book a yacht tour with family and friends, it’s definitely the luxurious way to explore Coron!
Php15,000 for up to 5 person, definitely a comfortable and luxurious way to see the sights!
100% safety record. As a provider of watersports and activities, Royal Island understands the importance of staying safe at all times. That is why customer safety and satisfaction remain their utmost priority. Guides provide a full briefing for all its guests and require a waiver to be signed before proceeding with any water sport activity. They also take into consideration elements like physical condition and the weather, ensuring safety for all.
World-class facility. Royal Island makes sure that all watersport equipment, boats, and all other devices are of the highest quality and are always in tip-top shape!
Friendly staff and crew. Beyond the world-class equipment, what truly sets Royal Island apart is its world-class service. Fun, friendly crew await you at Coron Harbor Square at the start of every activity, and they are happy to assist you as you go on your adventure. Great hospitality, safe environment, and unforgettable experiences, you’re sure to have the best time with Royal Island!
Royal Island Watersports is located at 1st Deck of Coron Harbor Square, New Reclamation Site, Coron Town Proper. For inquiries and bookings, you can call +63 915 407 6119, visit www.royalislandwatersports.com or message them on Facebook: Royal Island Resort and Watersports or Instagram @royalislandwatersports
Whether you’re looking for a simple stud necklace or a string of pearls, you can find some of the world’s best and most affordable pearls in this gem of a shop in Coron
Affordable, quality pearls and lucky dip. Pick A Pearl is the only store in Coron that sells only pearls. Nothing else. They have the largest collection, from simple stud to the most unique and intricate designs in the market. Owners and jewelers Arnold and Susie Nepomuceno opened Pick A Pearl in Coron 2019 to offer a range of everyday quality pearls and custom-made pearls at a price every man can afford. The shop also affords you a unique lucky dip experience. For US$20, you can dip your hand inside a jar containing 5,000 pearls, with your eyes closed, and the pearl you pick out is yours. This coming summer, customers will also be able to pick a clam from the shop’s aquarium, for a fee, and find their pearl.
Home of the world’s deepest golden South Sea Pearls. A string of quality pearl necklace will cost you millions from a high end jeweller in Makati, Manila. In Coron, you can buy a similar quality necklace for a fraction of this price. Coron is the source of the world’s deepest golden South Sea pearls, highly valued in the world market for its natural color. A choker made from 34 pieces of exquisite golden South Sea pearls will cost you from Php500,000 (about US$9,100) at Pick a Pearl.
“Coron has more than six pearl farms,” shares Arnold. “You can find the deepest golden color South Sea pearls only in Coron, and nowhere else in the world. Australia is known for its grey and white South Sea pearls, Tahiti for dark pearls, China for freshwater, giveaway pearls, and Coron for the deepest golden coloured pearls.”
Bestsellers and recommendations. Nepomuceno says an 8-9mm pearl, set in 18ct gold, stud style, mirror lustre, sells for about US$380-500. An 11-12mm stud pearl costs about $600. The bestselling Pandora-style stud necklace with the pearl stud drilled through to insert a chain costs about US$500-600.
For jewelry tailor made to your design, you’d have to wait for a couple of weeks. Adjustments of ready made pearl jewelry takes only an hour or two, done at the shop. You can choose your preferred metal material from 9K, 14K to 18K solid solid gold, with or without stones such as diamonds or other gem stones.
How to choose a pearl. Color, shape, size, lustre, quality of the surface, affect the value of a pearl. Ideal pearls will be round, with a smooth surface, not marred by small holes or fish bites. Lustre refers to the pearl’s shine. A mirror-like shine is highly valued. Pearls come in all shapes and sizes, with shapes ranging from the drop, circle or round, and baroque. Choose your color to match your complexion as pearls, next to your face, lends its brilliance.
INSIDER TIPS AND PHOTOS BY JACKSON GROVES
THE MONSOON SEASON starts sometime in June, bringing rain to most parts of the Philippines except Siargao. Sun worshippers can still pretty much enjoy Siargao’s powder white beaches and rock pools and explore mangroves, swamps and inland forests, waterfalls, and nearby islands, without rain dampening the day. For surfers, the best time to go is between September to November for the perfect Cloud 9 peak, the surf spot that put Siargao on the world map. The Siargao International Surfing Cup which attracts competitors from all over the world is usually held sometime September-October.
(Follow @officialUPSA on Facebook or visit www. worldsurfleague.com).
TOUCHDOWN
There are several direct flights from Manila and Cebu to Sayak Airport in Siargao. Visit www.kayak.com.ph for
competitive prices. From the airport, it’s a 45-minute drive to General Luna where majority of the tourist areas are. Outside the airport there are vans, shared with other passengers, that could take you to General Luna for about Php300–Php500 or US$6-9. If you’d like privacy, multi-cabs are available at the airport for Php1,500. It takes about an hour to get to most resorts in General Luna from Sayak.
The island of Siargao is about 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte. The only airport in the area is in Sayak in Del Carmen. From the airport, you’d probably head to General Luna and the east coast where most resorts and beaches are located.
The island’s east coast is relatively straight with one deep inlet, Port Pilar, with a coastline marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white sandy beaches. There are neighboring islands and islets with similar landforms.
Siargao’s famous Cloud 9 waves
The island’s Pacific-facing reefs are on the edge of the Philippine Trench, and deep offshore waters result in swells of significant power. This gives Siargao excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest monsoon from August to November, when the prevailing wind is offshore.
The best way to get around the island is by renting a motorcycle, which is about Php300–500 a day. There are also tricycles and the habal-habal, Siargao’s version of a taxi, in this case a motorbike custom-fit to accommodate usually up to two passengers comfortably or up to three or four at a push (hence the name habalhabal which is a Visayan term for bodies close together).
Our insider guide, blogger and photographer Jackson Groves, spent a month in Siargao exploring the island and its attractions. “While the island is known as a surfing hotspot,” Groves said, “there are so many things to do in Siargao that don’t involve the waves.”
This list of things to do in Siargao has to begin with the surf, it is after all the surfing capital of the Philippines. Siargao hosts the ‘Cloud 9 Surfing Cup’ sometime SeptemberOctober, an official WSL Pro event. It also boasts waves almost all yearround, similar to surfing hotspots like Oahu, Hawaii. The Cloud 9 boardwalk and viewing area has become one of the most popular Siargao tourist spots.
The beauty of surfing in Siargao is that there is a surf break for all levels. Personally, I suck at surfing so I hit up the beginner waves at Jacking Horse. I did enjoy watching the seasoned surfers tearing up the bigger waves out at Cloud 9. Its waves can barrel the whole way and is not only one of the best waves in the Philippines but is ranked in the top ten waves of the world.
If the waves aren’t rolling in nicely at the beach breaks you can pay US$4-5 to ride a boat out to an island break less than an hour from Siargao and surf the afternoon away in the middle of the ocean.
CLOUD 9: This is the most famous surf break in Siargao and has some nice barrels. We spent many mornings watching the experts carve it up from the three-story hut that sits out over the water. This wave has single handedly made Siargao the surfing capital of the Philippines.
JACKING HORSE: The most accessible beginner wave on the island. A great spot for learning how to catch a wave but often crowded with surf lessons and it has a strong tide. Lots of paddling if you aren’t a gun. Some of the local longboarders tear it up here.
STIMPYS: A consistent left-hander, which is a great place for shortboarders to have a little fun.
PACIFICO: Although it’s a long drive (up to an hour) from General Luna, at Pacifico, you will find some of the biggest surf in Siargao.
ROCK ISLAND: Take the boat out for a fast-moving right-hander. Best for experienced surfers.
GUYAM (Secret Beach): Head on past the trespassing signs and enjoy small rolling waves, great for beginners. It’s about 30 minutes from General Luna.
Guyam IslandOne of my favorite things to do in Siargao was to wake up for sunrise and chill out on the end of the Cloud 9 pier. Sometimes surfers were tearing it up and watching that was awesome. Other times, I watched the sun slowly rise in the distance. Hardly anyone wakes up to head out there except for a few others, quietly enjoying the start of the day at Cloud 9. It could be something to consider when you are thinking about where to stay in Siargao. Somewhere near Cloud 9 pier means you will have your sunrise spot sorted. If you head out here for sunset, you will find yourself sharing the hut at the end of the pier with quite the crowd. It doesn’t get the perfect sunrise or sunset due to its location but it’s one of your best bets if you are in General Luna.
TAYABANGAN CAVE POOLS was one of the highlights of my many adventures throughout Siargao Island. It was one of the best caving experiences I have had in Asia. For 15 minutes, you swim and float in darkness, only aided by torches. Bats fly around you until you finally emerge to the open cave pool where you can cliff jump from seven meters.
Immediately after descending through the opening, we were chest-deep in water. We swam through the dark caves, guided by a solitary torch. From time to time bats swooped down on us and eerie noises shot out from the distance. The water was mostly chest height so you could walk through in most sections if you prefer, rather than swimming.
The cave opened up after fifteen minutes with a huge archway that helped to breach the darkness and welcome us back to the sunlight. It was then just a short swim to the open pool, which is the end of the tour. Many people finish here but there is a cliff jump spot into the 18-feet deep water. That was a big bonus for us and made it one of our favorite places to visit in Siargao.
Warm sunset glow at Cloud 9 Pier
This is a spot you will likely drive to without even planning on it. On the way to destinations like Pacifico, Tayangban Cave Pool or Mapgpupungko Rock Pool you will pass through an area we called ‘top of the road’. I’m not sure if this is a local/official name or something we came up with but by the end of our month on Siargao Island, we all knew it by this name.
It’s halfway to Magpupungko Rock Pool and you will know when you have arrived. You will veer around a sharp corner after about 30 minutes of driving from General Luna, and all of a sudden, you will be looking out over thousands of coconut palms. I think we pulled the mopeds over to the side of the road almost every time we came here to check it out.
One morning we even came for sunrise. Even though it is not a spot to see the sun come over the horizon, the colors were so beautiful as the light slowly broke out over the palms. The Siargao region is just covered in palms; it has to be the most palm trees per square meter in the Philippines.
Taking the plunge at Magpupungko Rock Pool, and bottom, Santa Monica Pier
MAGPUPUNGKO ROCK POOLS is easily my favorite tourist spot in Siargao. Just a 45-minute moped drive from the main tourist area of General Luna, the rock pools are exposed at low tide and are an awesome spot for hours of exploring and cliff jumping.
This is an epic little area, with coves, caves, and cliff jumping spots aplenty. There are multiple spots to get your backflip on if you are into a bit of a jump. I advise wearing water shoes or just regular shoes like me as the rocks are very jagged and sharp to climb. Make sure you check the tides in advance (they change daily), so that you don’t arrive during high tide. When you get the tides right, this is a truly magical spot and one of my favorite places to visit on Siargao Island.
In the very north of the island is one of the least touristy things to do in Siargao. In the town of Santa Monica is a huge pier. Siargao isn’t the best island for sunsets as the main Siargao tourist spots don’t really face west to the sun. However, this is one spot where you can watch the sun drop down over the horizon on the ocean.
The drive back to General Luna in the dark isn’t too fun but we stopped halfway in the dark, turned off our moped lights. It was then that we were blown away by the epic blanket of stars. It was the best starscape I have seen in my entire life. Fireflies buzzed around us and we couldn’t have been more grateful to be on Siargao in those moments.
Heading up to TakTak waterfall in Santa Monica is a full-day adventure to the north part of the island. From General Luna, the waterfall is a 1.5-hour drive but is well worth the effort. We had the waterfall all to ourselves. Cliff jumping, tree jumping, and exploration to the top of the falls were the highlights of the adventure. It’s one of the less touristy things to do in Siargao but definitely worthy of making it into my Siargao travel guide. It’s the only waterfall you will find in Siargao but a pretty damn cool one.
SUGBA LAGOON is one of the most popular things to do in Siargao. It’s a short day trip from General Luna to a spectacular lagoon surrounded by epic mountains. The day trip costs around Php1500 per person or more if you book it in the tourist area of General Luna.
Sugba Lagoon is about an hour boat ride from Del Carmen or an hour and a half boat ride from General Luna. It is a 4000-hectare sanctuary, which you will enjoy on the drive in as well as while you hang out in the main lagoon. Activities at Sugba Lagoon include renting a big wood raft, SUP boards, diving board, swimming and relaxing in the café.
We didn’t party too hard on the island but we ventured out for some Siargao nightlife
four or five times in the month. One of the most popular things to do in Siargao is to surf during the day and party at night then repeat that every day for the entire trip.
There are so many awesome things to do in Siargao Island but one of the most popular activities is to get off the island and go island hopping from Siargao. There are three beautiful islands only a short long-tail boat trip away from General Luna, which is the tourist part of Siargao. Guyam Island, Daku Island, and Naked Island are the three stops along the tour, which includes pick-up, drop-off, and a seafood lunch. The whole Mindanao region is covered with beautiful islands.
GUYAM ISLAND is a tiny island covered in palms. You can walk from one side to the other in about 50 steps. It’s a beautiful little Oasis.
DAKU ISLAND is the biggest island of the tour and a great place for a swim and lunch. Small huts line the beach, perfect for chilling in the shade and enjoying a seafood banquet.
NAKED ISLAND is a small sandbar, about 60 feet long, with nothing on it, just a glorious stretch of sand, and a few blades of grass. And yet it’s still a popular stop for taking a dip in the water and enjoying the sun.
For Jackson Groves’ complete bucket list, visit www.journeyera. com. Follow him on Instagram @ jackson.Groves
We’ve found a few beautiful stays in Siargao, from modern thatched cottages by the sea to a seaside apartment with all the comforts of home
Your beach-front home away from home, facing the Philippine Sea, complete with your own kitchen, living room, and all the trappings of home
POPULAR WITH FAMILIES, couples and groups, Reef Beach Resort has glorious views of the beach and tall coconut trees, and offers modern, immaculate studios and apartments, with all the trappings of home and the services of a hotel. Located along Tourism Road, five minutes from Siargao’s famous Cloud 9 surfing spot, this resort is highly ranked on TripAdvisor.
There are 24 air-conditioned modern studio and apartment units. Choose from a three-bedroom apartment for 7 people, two-bedroom apartments for six, one-bedroom apartment for two, and a studio with a pool view, a standard studio or a studio with ocean view.
A typical two-bedroom beach view apartment is a decent 132 sqm, with queen sized bed in one room, and
bunk beds in the second room, a bathroom, kitchen, living room with sofa bed and satellite LED TV, fully equipped kitchen with fridge freezer, gas range, electric kettle and toaster. There is a local market nearby for essentials but if you don’t feel like cooking, the resort has a restaurant. You’re in General Luna so there are a number of restaurants and cafes nearby.
The resort’s in-house Reef Restaurant has an ocean view. The outdoor swimming pool has a shallow portion for children. There is also a mini fitness gym and secure parking area.
What’s on the doorstep?
Reef Beach Resort, located right on the beach, is only a short ride from Sayak Airport. It’s a five-minute ride to Cloud 9 surf spot. Nearby are restaurants such as Las Palmas, Spotted Pig, and Goodies, so you’ll
never be stuck for food and drinks. Transport from the resort is easy, taking you to the various hot spots in the area.
What not to miss on the menu
Filipino Dishes and the specialty of the house, chicken mango Caribbean and baby pork spare ribs. Time your breakfast from 7am to catch Siargao’s beautiful sunrise.
Reef Beach Resort Siargao, Tourism Road, General Luna, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, tel +63 999 339 3535 or email to reefbeachhouses@mail.com/reefbeachhouses @gmail.com. Visit www.reefbeachresortsiargao.com, @siargao.accommodation on Facebook
What's it like?
INSTAGRAM PRETTY. BRAVO Beach Resort
Siargao is your idyllic tropical getaway — modern thatched cottages with vaulted ceiling, nestled amidst coconut trees, and facing the Pesangan Reef and the Philippine Sea. The sea air, whitesand beach, greenery and relaxed atmosphere at the resort makes you never want to leave. It’ s just a few minutes moped ride to the famous Cloud 9, one of the best surf spots in the world, and right in the heart of General Luna town, where you’ll find all the trendy shops, restaurants, and bars.
The resort has 22 air-conditioned rooms, a mix of traditional Filipino nipa hut roofing and contemporary architecture and design, from polished concrete floors, high ceiling, glass sliding doors allowing you to connect with the outdoors and let in the breeze, to beautifully crafted wooden accents. Choose from private rooms or dorms. The Double Room (Php5,000 a night), with its queen sized bed, convertible sofa bed, private terrace
and high ceiling is perfect for couples, while the Garden Room (Php5,500 a night) with its own private terrace and small garden, can accommodate up to 5 people. The resort also has a Villa for those wanting a bigger space with family and friends and ultimate privacy. The villa has three rooms, each with a queen-size bed, its own kitchen, bathroom with a semi-open shower, and a private garden--it can accommodate up to 12 people. The dorm which is popular with surfers and backpackers costs only Php1,600 a night for a bed.
The resort has a Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant right on the beachfront called Bravo Restaurant, ranked as Siargao’s number one restaurant on TripAdvisor. Don’t miss its paella, tapas and chicken peri-peri , pomada, an upgraded cocktail of the house marrying gin, calamansi, a local lime, and love. Popular dishes also include the restaurant’s home-made corned beef, baked scallops, and patatas bravas, Spanish-style fried potatoes in a spicy sauce. For dessert, order the coconut cheesecake or the banoffee pie.
The resort has free parking, WiFi, pool, beach, bar lounge, pampering services from massage to manicure and pedicure.
There’s lots to do at the resort itself from swimming in the outdoor pool, kayaking and paddle boarding in the calm, shallow waters of Pesangan Lagoon, snorkelling just off the beach as there is a nearby reef. And of course, world-class surfing and boat tours to nearby islands and islets. Don't miss an afternoon skate in the Bravo Skate Bowl, near the entrance to the resort.
Bravo Beach Resort Siargao, Tourism Road, General Luna, Surigao del Norte, tel +63 999 877 8518, +63 917 707 2696, email stay@bravoresort.com. Visit www. bravosiargao.com, @bravosiargao on Facebook and Instagram
Best for a perfect beachfront location and dreamy Balineseinspired villas
What’s it like?
PERFECT BEACH LOCATION and traditional Balinese-inspired architecture. Siargao Island Villas is a three-minute walk from the beach and a 10-minute motorcycle ride from the famous surf spot, Cloud 9. Wake up in a luxurious Balinese villa to glorious views of the beach.
Rooms
The hardest part is choosing which room to stay in as there are four fabulous room types. Check in any one of the glorious Beachfront Villas and feel like royalty. These offer scenic sea views and a stretch of the Siargao coastline. You may choose an upper or lower storey villa based upon availability.
For a cozy, modern accommodation, the Garden Rooms have a more relaxed vibe. Both room types
reflect the carefree Siargao lifestyle and offer a luxurious touch — indoor and outdoor hot and cold showers.
The Premiere Suite and Island Villas also have complimentary WiFi, private safety deposit boxes, refrigerator and mini bar and all the furnishings you’d want in a comfortable stay. There’s also a balcony and terrace with daybeds for you to relax in after a day of swimming or surfing. Enjoy some coffee or ice-cold beer while breathing in the serene tropical views all around.
Come and dine at Warung , Siargao Island Villas’ onsite restaurant for a taste of authentic Indonesian cuisine. Order the famous Nasi Goreng or try the Nasi Campur also known as ‘mixed rice’, a traditional Indonesian dish with a scoop of fragrant white rice and a variety of side dishes. Every Tuesday and Friday night is acoustic night
where you can dine, chill, and join a sing along. Finally, book a massage at the beachfront pavilion. Relax and indulge.
How much?
An overnight stay in one of the Beachfront Villas starts at Php13,000. Prices vary depending on the season.
Siargao Island Villas, Tourism Road, General Luna, Surigao del Norte, tel +63 950 764 8359, +63 956 660 8446, email to siargaoislandvillasph@gmail.com, visit @booksiargaoislandvillas on Facebook, go to siargaoislandvillas.com
Clockwise from top left: Have a pleasant stay in one of the rooms, take a dip in the saltwater pool, enjoy the buffet spread, Warung's Nasi Goreng and Nasi Campur, and treat yourself to a relaxing island massage
Whether you’re looking for surfing adventures or some serious relaxation on one of Siargao’s most beautiful beaches, this is the place to go
LOCATED IN ONE of the best beaches in General Luna, the stunning location couldn’t be any better. Siago Beach Resort is nestled among coconut palms and tropical gardens on the east coast of Siargao Island. Chill on the sun loungers around the freshwater pool with unparalleled ocean views. Want to explore the town? This luxurious but relaxing escape is perfectly situated right in the middle of all the action. Rent one of their bikes and take it around General Luna.
Rooms. Tropical, but with a modern touch, Siago Beach Resort is a passion project seamlessly put together by the owners taking inspiration from Tulum, Mexico. Still wanting to highlight their Filipino roots, they provide a unique approach to their interiors by marrying Spanish architecture with hand-picked furniture and decor made by skilled artisans around the Philippines.
The nine rooms are spacious and equipped with all amenities like air conditioning, ceiling fans, Smart TVs and complimentary WiFi. There are two wonderful Beach Villas, three majestic King Suites, three Deluxe Doubles, and one Junior King — the perfect hideaway while still being conveniently close to the pool, ocean, and restaurant.
The Beach Villas, nestled along the coastline, are designed for utmost privacy. Separated from the other
Clockwise from left: Stay in one of Siago's beautiful, bohème accommodations; the stunning pool area; the IG-worthy bar and restaurant; and Motuleños, the Huevos dish of your dreams
rooms in the resort, these spacious and comfortable spaces have large wooden decks, sun beds, and direct rear access to their own ensuite bathrooms. For the ultimate romantic treat, have breakfast served right outside your room and enjoy the ocean views.
What not to miss on the menu. Food, glorious food. Siago is known to have the best coffee and is one of the first establishments on the island to be included in the exclusive Tatler Dining Guide’s list of 2023. With food inspired by Central and South America with a touch of global dishes, try their Motuleños, Oats-TwoWays or their Eggs Benny for breakfast. You can also order daing na bangus and eggplant torta from their Filipino fare.
For lunch or dinner, don’t miss the Pollo ala Brasa, blackened chicken that’s easily a house favorite, or their Lomo Saltado, stir-fried beef in saltado sauce mixed with onions, tomatoes, and fries. The range of mouthwatering salads includes Watermelon Ceviche with mangoes and feta cheese, drizzled with whiskey balsamic. Specialty drinks include a Latin Pisco Sour made of pisco, lime, egg white, and sugar. The Pisco Sour is an earthy and refreshing drink. It’s also the national cocktail of Peru and Chile.
How much? Junior King room from Php9,000 a night; Deluxe Double from Php11,000; King Suites from Php12,000; Beach Villas, Php16,000.
Siago Beach Resort, Purok V, Tourism Road, General Luna, Surigao Del Norte 8419, Siargao Island, tel +63 917 590 9315 (WhatsApp). Visit www.siagobeachresort.com, and @siagobeachresort on Facebook and Instagram
What’s it like?
IN A NUTSHELL: Island living in a detached, airy, and spacious villa surrounded by tall palm trees, tropical vegetation, complete with a glorious, nature wrapped swimming pool. What’s more, you’re only a minute away from the beach and one of the best surfing spots in the world, Cloud 9. General Luna, where all the trendy spots are located, from restaurants, bars, to shops, is only three minutes away. So get out of your stiff work wear, and slip into your floaty summer dress and Havaianas, don your hat and shades, and get ready to enjoy sun, sea, and tequila (or whatever you fancy).
Rooms
The hotel has five modern detached villas, with a wood panelled ceiling and wall, glass sliding door leading to the private terrace. No matter which one you book, expect your accommodation to be beautifully designed and equipped with a beautiful semi-outdoor bathroom, aircon, mini bar. Surfing Temple also has an infinity pool, restaurant
specialising in Spanish-inspired dishes, and a shop highlighting local brands.
Everything is homemade, from bread to their cold cuts–all using locally-sourced ingredients that support local farmers and producers. Must-try dishes are the pulpo frito, delicious fried octopus, for your starter, followed by the Wagyu steak tartare or the slow cooked pancetta, and for dessert, the Hottie Cookie. A three-course meal will set you back Php700-900.
How much?
Book a room from Php7,500 for two, breakfast included.
Surfing Temple, Barangay Catangnan, Siargao Island, tel +63 968 440 2027, email to infosurfingtemple@ gmail.com, or find them on Facebook and Instagram @surfingtemple
Clockwise from top left: The glorious pool surrounded by greenery; tropical vibes in all the rooms; for breakfast, try the spinach baked eggs; and Salmon Gravlax
Top: Get the thrill of your life at Siargao Wakepark!
Inset photos, left to right: Fantastic views of the park surrounded by greenery, and the must-try activity when here, wakeboarding
NESTLED IN BETWEEN hundreds of coconut trees are two hidden lakes, the location of Siargao Wakepark, the jump off point for your wakeboarding adventure! The two lakes are connected by a pool gap. The main lake is 100 meters long and 30 meters wide, the playground for beginner and intermediate thrill-seekers
Wakeboarding took off in 2022, becoming a favorite sport in Siargao. This year, its popularity continues, prompting Siargao Wakepark to add new features.
"When you ride a wakeboard, it’s like you’re surfing,” said Khim Ortojan, manager of Siargao Wakepark.
“But with surfing, you have to catch the waves. With wakeboarding, as soon as you get your balance, you can ride non-stop. Plus, you can ride a wakeboard rain or shine, all year round.”
Take your pick from a wide array of fun activities, no matter your age or skill level. Book the water zipline and fly over water in this unique activity that's a sure
hit among kids and kids-at-heart. Trust us, you'll keep coming back for more!
There’s also wingfoiling or hydrofoiling , a windpropelled water sport, that takes you flying over the water, like a bird in the sky. Get beginner or advanced hydrofoiling lessons with a certified instructor.
Wakeboarding , the main sport at the wakepark, sees the rider standing on a wakeboard being pulled by a cable system, at a speed suited to one’s skill level. It’s easy and fun to learn with the wakepark’s two tower set-up. All training and proper equipment are provided before the start of every activity, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Siargao Wakepark is a 10-minute drive from General Luna, and 20 minutes from the Cloud 9 area. Most public transport know the location.
Don’t miss out on the hippest board sport taking hold of the island
SETTING. Located along Tourism Road, the center of nightlife on the island with its restaurants, bars, and shops, is Lunares Café, a modern, openspace concept café that serves great coffee and delicious pastries. The café has tables for casual dining, a breakfast and snack bar, and glass walls, connecting you to the outside, letting in natural light. Grab a seat at the café’s al fresco area and watch friendly locals and tourists on motorbikes passing by.
FOOD AND DRINK. Whatever your preference, whether it’s a flat white, an espresso, macchiato or cappuccino, this café churns out some of the best caffeine-laden cups. Don’t miss the café ’s freshly baked croissant, served plain, with jam or Nutella, or ham and cheese.
For easy lunch or a snack, order their focaccia bread with a crisp crust and airy soft center, with your choice of toppings, from pesto e Gamberetti with shrimps, pesto, tomatoes and mayo, to the Italian classic with parma ham, mozzarella, tomatoes and lettuce. Also on the menu are cakes and fresh juices, if you feel you’ve had too much of a coffee frenzy for the day. Prices range from Php100-Php500.
SERVICE. Warm, friendly, island-style. It’s the kind of place you’ll keep coming back to if you’re on the island for longer.
VERDICT. Fantastic location, delicious food and coffee, and an awesome vibe. Plus, it’s just a two-minute walk from the beach, perfect for cooling down after a fun swim or surf session! Lunares Café is an island gem, and we’re here for it.
Clockwise from top leftmost: A comfy coffee nook, owners Gabriele Di Luna and Sheila Mae Tabares, al fresco dining area, Italian coffee, and croissant with jam
From small, chic hotels to luxury resorts, we’ve rounded up some of the best stays, restaurants and bars in El Nido
A brilliant new hotel has opened in El Nido, offering chic rooms, a pool to satisfy even Michael Phelps, and exclusive day trips to private Papaya Island. What’s not to love?
What’s it like?
HAVING JUST OPENED in December last year, this vibrant 50-room hotel has modern, spanking new guest rooms, averaging about 26sqm in area, immaculate white bedlinen, lush double curtains, and swish amenities, including a swimming pool, long enough for doing a few laps in or for just enjoying the sun and the soon to open, the Sea Tree Spa. The pool is near the hotel’s Hunt Restaurant so easy enough to order drinks and nibbles. While its location is in El Nido town, this hotel is nicely set apart from the rows of hotels and restaurants in town, cocooned by a blanket of tropical trees. The Funny Lion El Nido is the sister company of popular The Funny Lion in Coron, Palawan, opened about eight years ago, and consistently on the top list of TripAdvisor hotels. This year, a Puerto Princesa branch is set to open.
Rooms
The 26-sqm Cub Room with two twin beds, is perfect for when traveling with family or friends. For couples,
there’s the King Room with a luxurious king bed. Both room types are airconditioned, with cable TV, phone, mini fridge, coffee maker and tea kettle, luxurious shower, organic toiletries, free WiFi, and a veranda with courtyard pool view.
Amenities
Speaking of pool, The Funny Lion is the king of the jungle. After a day exploring the island, slow down and take a dip at the hotel’s swimming pool, open from 9am to 6pm. It’s surrounded by lush greens. Right by the pool is the Pride Rock Bar that offers a fine selection of wines and spirits, curated cocktails, local and international beers (Happy Hour is from 5-7pm) and specialty shakes and gourmet coffee.
Hunt Restaurant, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant serves mouth-watering Asian and Continental cuisine, and seafood specials. Make sure to check out the famous Saturday grill buffet.
And to cap off your island experience, go on a fancy picnic on a private island. Enjoy some grilled fish and barbecue, some freshly-picked coconut (or wine
perhaps?) and the best views at The Funny Lion’s own Papaya Island.
Good to know
Ready for an adventure? The Funny Lion can arrange island tours and leisure activities, depending on what you are in the mood for! All you have to do is ask any of their friendly staff.
How much?
An overnight stay with breakfast starts from Php6,800.
The Funny Lion is a 20-minute drive from Lio Airport, and is located at Balinsasayaw Road, El Nido Town, El Nido, Philippines, tel. +63 917 132 8421. Visit www.thefunnylion.com, @TheFunnyLionElNido on Facebook and Instagram
THE 37-ROOM LAGÙN Hotel, facing Bacuit Bay, opened in 2018 in the increasingly popular beach town of El Nido, the jump-off point to 45 islands and islets in the beautiful Bacuit Bay archipelago.
Set in the heart of town, Lagùn is an ideal location for those seeking modern amenities and a convenient location for island hopping trips, nightlife on the island, and varied choices of restaurants and bars — all just a few minutes’ walk away.
Hotel owner Richmond Bicol said that back in 2013 when he first thought of opening a hotel, the choices in town were either to go for a small, basic inn or break the bank with a luxury stay. There was nothing in between. “We thought that if we were looking for something better than basic that is also affordable, then tourists must feel the same way,” Richmond said.
Lagùn Hotel proved an attractive option. “Prepandemic, some 95% of our guests were foreign tourists, mainly from Europe and the US,” he said. These days, it’s mainly Filipino travelers.
Like the majority of hotels in El Nido, Lagùn closed its doors for two years during the pandemic and reopened in March this year, following the reopening of Philippine tourism. It’s been a slow, but steady recovery for the destination.
TripAdvisor ranks Lagùn as one of its best value-for money-resorts in El Nido. The draws are its great location and its rooftop infinity pool with a view of El Nido’s iconic limestone karst, or taraw as the locals call it, cliffs.
From affordable deluxe rooms to premier lofts
The design of the hotel is inspired by local weaving and basketry patterns, as well as the nests of swiftlets, which are indigenous to El Nido. This can be seen in the hallways and the spacious and well-appointed and individually-designed rooms. The best room in the house is the Premier room with a balcony facing the cliffs. There’s the Fiesta Room with its bold patterns; the soothing underwater tones of the Coral Room; and the tropical hues of the Peacock Room, bright like the animal it’s named after.
Rooms have airconditioning, fan, cable TV, and Wi-fi. There are 20 deluxe rooms, two deluxe lofts, one premier room, 10 premier rooms with balcony, two premier lofts and two premier suites. The premier lofts are most spacious at about 42 sqm, with deluxe the smallest at 26 sqm but still a good size.
Amenities include infinity pool, rooftop bar and spa service
The five-storey Lagùn has an airconditioned restaurant on the upper ground level, an infinity pool and bar on
the rooftop, a spa room, and a multi-function room that can accommodate up to 30. There is a spa room, but an in-room spa service is also available upon request.
What’s on the menu?
Habi, which means to weave, is Lagùn’s in-house restaurant, and is on the first floor. Try delicious native Filipino dishes, from crispy pata (pig’s knuckle), kaldereta (a popular local stew), and the bestselling sizzling sisig. And don’t miss the stone-baked Bulgogi pizza. Lunch and dinner with soup, a main course, and dessert start from a good-value Php700.
What’s on the doorstep?
Lagùn faces Bacuit Bay, putting it right at the heart of things when it comes to discovering El Nido town and exploring the islands and outlets of the archipelago.
From the hotel, it’s an easy walk to the public market and transport links, to Corong Corong to view El Nido’s memorable sunsets, and a seven-minute walk to the beach at Bacuit Bay.
What’s it like?
ASK ANYONE IN El Nido about the best sunset spot and they’ll tell you, hands down it’s Las Cabanas. Located about three km south of El Nido Town, Las Cabanas Beach Resort gives you a front row seat to Bacuit Bay, it’s nearby islands and the magical tangerine sun setting in the horizon. This beachfront property has tropical nipa cottages, small thatched huts and loungers on the beach, hammocks under coconut trees, and the lulling sound of the waves to completely transform you into holiday mode.
Take your pick from a dreamy 60sqm beach bungalow for four, the beach villa, beachfront rooms, and the newly-renovated garden villa for six, only a few minutes’ walk to the beach and pool area. Each room is airconditioned and has a flat screen TV, private bathroom, mini bar, WiFi, and a balcony with sea view.
There’s a pool located on the beachfront, a poolside bar that serves Filipino/Asian cuisine, and Sunset at Las Cabanas, your go-to for delicious Mexican foodfare. Don’t miss the catch of the day on the menu. The hotel can arrange in-room massage treatments, island hopping tours, and transport. Marimegmeg beach is just a few steps from the rooms, Coron Coron Beach is 1.1 miles away, and Lio Airport is about 5.6 miles away.
How much?
Rates start from Php7,000 a night.
WALK AROUND EL Nido town and you’ll surely stumble upon Oppa El Nido, right in the corner of busy Calle Hama. It’s always jam packed with locals and tourists. It’s a casual, open-layout Korean fusion bistro, with a bar counter and stools facing the open kitchen and menu board on the wall.
What not to miss on the menu
Kimchi or the traditional Korean side dish of fermented vegetables, usually cabbage, is a staple. Not only is it delicious, but it’s good for a healthy gut. Must try dishes are the dumplings (Php300) and a fun take on tortilla chips, OPPA’s kimchi loaded nachos (Php300), and the spam kimchi fried rice (Php350), stir-fried rice with heaps of kimchi for that sweet, tangy, savory taste in every spoonful, made more flavorful with spam,
topped with fried egg. Plus there’s their bestselling beef bulgogi cheesesteak (Php350), inspired by Philly cheese steaks, made with tender beef marinated in classic Korean barbecue flavor.
The creative use of kimchi spills over their cocktails menu. Make sure to try the kimchi bloody Mary (Php250).
The best Korean food in town. Great food, great location. Make sure to drop by OPPA whenever you’re on the island.
OPPA El Nido, G. Del Pilar St., cor C. Hama, Masagana, El Nido, 5313 Palawan, tel +63 950 829 8672. Find them on Facebook and Instagram @oppaelnido
SETTING.
COLORFUL, ASIAN AND tribal art on the entrance wall, and similarly colorful art painted directly on the wall, one featuring the Taj Mahal, gives the open plan restaurant a laidback local art gallery vibe. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, so you’d be totally at ease in shorts and t-shirt or whatever your island beach style is.
FOOD.
Run by its Mumbai-born chef/owner Vaibhav Deshpande, Biryani Kitchen serves only authentic homestyle Indian cuisine. Must-try dishes include their delicious Mutton Biryani, a classic dish of aromatic Basmati rice with slow-cooked meat, gravy, and spices. Other crowd favorites include the flavorful mutton masala, shrimp biryani, chicken tikka masala and for vegans and healthy eaters, there’s the mixed vegetable masala . To finish your meal, make sure to order the hot chai masala, a creamy black tea that’s a delicious
balance of spicy and sweet. A dish here costs from Php400-600.
SERVICE.
Efficient, with good old island-style hospitality.
VERDICT.
Biryani Kitchen offers a unique taste to your island experience. Next time you’re in El Nido, make sure to go off the beaten path (beachfront that is) and explore this gem of a restaurant. Delicious, authentic food paired with good service all the way, you’ll surely want to come back for more!
SETTING. Open spaces, wooden furnishings and the familiar feel of home, you’ll surely feel the warmth of Filipino hospitality as soon as you enter the restaurant. Interiors are inspired by the famous bahay kubo or nipa hut, with wooden tables and cane chairs, light fixtures hanging from bamboo poles on the ceiling, seashell curtains, and lanterns that give a soft yellow glow, setting the perfect mood for lunch or dinner.
FOOD. Angry Crab is seafood heaven, serving premium crabs and export qualityseafood. Order their bestselling steamed
crabs to taste its freshness or their version of the Singaporean chilli crabs, It’s mildly spicy, sweet and savory, and definitely worth the visit to this culinary hot spot.
The Korean Ribeye Bulgogi is another crowd favorite. Pick from Angry Crab’s list of red and white wines, beers, and Korea’s most famous liquor, Soju, a distilled spirit traditionally made from rice.
Price of set meals range from Php4,000 to Php15,000, ideal for big groups.
SERVICE. You will be greeted by friendly staff as soon as you walk in the door. Service is excellent.
Angry Crab is located at Yangtze Street, Angeles, 2009 Pampanga. Call +63 998 996 4331, or message them on Facebook and Instagram @angrycrabphWhere good memories happen
Casa De Mercedes Gold offers not only luxury, but the complete package for your dream staycation.
Twice the size of our well-loved main Casa De Mercedes, where luxury meets comfort.
Opens this March
Nestled in a peaceful part of Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines, that is accessible to airports, malls and parks, our place, the Bale Salangi, offers a tropical vibe for our guests to enjoy. It’s a 4-bedroom villa that accommodates up to fifteen (15) guests Just perfect for those intimate and memorable family and friends gathering Our guests to dig in on an exclusive and private use of our outdoor swimming pool, that has waterfalls as an added feature
Bale Salangi has derived its name from Kapampangan words which means Bale (House) and Salangi (enlighten/welcome) that would mean “Enlighten or welcome to our house”
Adjacent to the main house is another compact 1-bedroom, loft type guest house labeled as the Bale Kuna (Kuna = cradle) that accommodates up to five (5) guests. Bale Kuna has its own indoor (mini) dipping pool. When booked together with the Bale Salangi, the whole property can accommodate up to 20 guests
Adjacent to the main house is another compact 1-bedroom, loft type guest house labeled as the Bale Kuna (Kuna = cradle) that accommodates up to five (5) guests Bale Kuna has its own indoor (mini) dipping pool When booked together with the Bale Salangi, the whole property can accommodate up to 20 guests
THE SETTING. The ultimate events destination in Cavite as well as a hotel, The Park Silang has wide open spaces, offering four venues for dream weddings and life’s special celebrations and corporate events. Choose from an open garden, poolside, glass house to a conference hall. The main garden is a favourite for weddings, with views of the landscaped property or Mt. Makiling. The Park is located between picturesque Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Silang, Cavite. It’s over an hour drive from Manila and a 15-minute drive from St. Benedict Parish in Ayala Westgrove
ROOMS. A dizzying range of choices, from a safaristyle tent glamping for two to the loft , a two-storey glamping tent for four, with a balcony, the boutique, a luxurious glamping tent for six with two bedrooms, living and dining area, hot tub and spa pool, flat screen TV, Netflix, and a wooden decking for chilling outdoors, to various categories of suites and rooms with bath tub and private jacuzzi.
Pets are allowed in all room types, except the tents. The Park’s glamping tent is sturdy, furnished with a queen-sized bed, and has a kitchenette with s’mores
kit, coffee beans and French press, a well-constructed bathroom with organic toiletries made by a local brand, and private balcony.
EVENT VENUES. The Glass House is an eye-catcher. Its floor-to-ceiling windows, reflecting the blue sky and panoramic view of The Park’s spacious greens. It can accommodate up to 150 guests. The Main Garden, a great venue for dreamy weddings and special celebrations, can accommodate up to 400, while the Poolside with its striking infinity lap pool and views of tall Palm trees can accommodate up to 100. For corporate events and family gatherings, The Park’s Conference Hall, able to accommodate up to 70, is air-conditioned and equipped with a built-in projector and a 6x6 wide screen.
HOW MUCH? Rooms and suites range from Php4,270 to Php13,500.
GOOD TO KNOW. The Park is managed by Primer Group of Companies, carrying world-class lifestyle and outdoor brands such as Roxy, Billabong, Birkenstock, Herschel, Salomon, and Columbia.
Top: Create the best memories for you and your loved ones at The Park Silang. Inset photos from left to right: Private plunge pool in the Premium Suite, redefine glamping at the Safari Loft, and event-ready interiors of the Glass House
Whether you’re planning your big wedding day, a special birthday, or a corporate event, The Park has the perfect venue with your name on it
THE SETTING. In 2020, chef and restaurant owner Peter Morgan Daiz started a passion project. He decided to build a cozy al-fresco restaurant that is now Morgano. Book a table in the veranda facing the garden for a casual meal, made even more cheerful by lots of indoor plants. Morgano is far from Tagaytay’s crowded, touristy spots. It’s near Angel’s Hills retreat house, and Pink Sisters Church Tagaytay. So, the restaurant gets families, couples and group of friends who stop by for a meal after mass.
WHAT NOT TO MISS ON THE MENU. Start with the mushroom soup, velvety, earthy and rich, drizzled with truffle oil. For main course, you can’t go wrong with Morgano’s signature dish and Chef Peter’s personal favorite, the Black Angus steak , tender and perfectly grilled. You can choose from various cuts — porterhouse to more textured, marbled options such as wagyu striploin and ribeye. Prices for steak range from Php990–3,999+. An order can be shared by two people, and is served with sliced tomatoes topped with basil pesto. Another bestseller is the grilled blue marlin steak (Php490) with balsamic vinegar, heirloom cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
The kitchen here makes its own fresh pasta. Order the ravioli, a thin al dente pasta filled with nduja, a soft pork salume, and buffalo cheese. For dessert, try tiramisu, a strong coffee-layered dessert with decadent mascarpone cheese, with a freshly brewed strong local barako coffee, a variety of Coffea liberica.
The restaurant sources its fresh produce from the local Mahogany market, from lettuce, tomatoes, basil and other herbs and spices. Chef Peter is also known for his knowledge of southern European cuisine.
GOOD TO KNOW. Expect fresh food every time! The menu changes weekly as Morgano uses seasonal ingredients available in the local market and local farm such as SVD farm.
Morgano Restaurant, 9003 Arnoldus Road, Tagaytay City, Philippines, tel +63 963 217 4686. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–9pm, and Sunday at 10am–8:30pm. Visit @morganorestaurant on Facebook and Instagram
THE SETTING. Amira’s Buco Tart Haus is a pastry shop inside D’ Banquet Restaurant in Tagaytay, a one-stop spot where locals go for bulalo, a popular warming beef shank soup, and for weekend buffets. On the way out, most diners stop by Amira’s to buy its famous buco tart, made of melt-inyour-mouth tender, young coconut meat, filled with a creamy filling of milk, butter, cornstarch and sugar, topped with a semisweet, buttery crumble crust.
From top to bottom: Make sure to grab a box of these Tagaytay delicacies from Amira’s: buco, blueberry cheese, ube, and mango cheese tarts
WHAT
The signature buco tart is a bestseller, made using the same recipe since Amira opened in the ‘90s. You can buy the tart whole or in bite-sized pieces for your lunch box or snack. Other must-buys are the cheese tarts in such flavours as blueberry, mango and strawberry, the popular egg pies, and the local bibingka, a rice cake made of galapong or glutinous rice, desiccated coconut, muscovado sugar, and grated cheese, topped with red salted egg. Bibingka, associated with Christmas, is usually available to buy in shops during that time of the year. At Amira’s it is available year-round. One Town, One Product (OTOP) food products from across the country are available to buy at the shop. Proceeds from these products support small entrepreneurs.
GOOD TO KNOW. All of Amira’s pastries, from tart to pies and cakes are made by hand, using natural and good quality ingredients with no preservatives. The products are freshlymade everyday, as close to the time of delivery as possible. Amira’s was started by Virgie Malipo and named after her daughter Amira.
Amira’s Buco Tart Haus, Aguinaldo Highway corner SVD Road, Barangay Maitim 2nd East, Tagaytay City, tel +63 464 134109. It has branches in Twin Lakes Tagaytay, Silang, Cavite, and Coron, Palawan. Visit @Amiras.BucoTartPH on Facebook and Instagram
