InFlight Traveller Issue 29

THE PREMIER TRUSTED TRAVEL MAGAZINE

TRAVELLER

Take me to…

Sibaltan, Palawan for manta ray spotting

5 Days in El Nido From beach hopping to climbing the Taraw Cliff Diego Alvarez of

Maremegmeg Beach Club on the best white-sand beach in El Nido and his secret escapes

PANGULASIAN ISLAND RESORT

Find nature at El Nido’s Hottest Eco Resort

2023/2024 VO LU M E 9 I S SU E 2 9

PhP190

Kayaking at Lio Eco-Trail

Book your Christmas getaway in our island paradise.

N

estled along the picturesque Lio Beach in El Nido, Seda Lio invites you and your family to experience the magic of Christmas in a tropical paradise. With its pristine beachfront location only minutes away from the airport and spacious outdoor areas, Seda Lio promises an unforgettable escape for the holidays, seamlessly blending adventure and relaxation for business and leisure travelers alike.

Suite Room

Within the four-hectare property, you will find a wide range of amenities complete with swimming pools, Seda Spa, children’s indoor and outdoor play area, gym, game room, Pool Bar, and Misto, Seda’s signature all-day dining restaurant and versatile function spaces for groups and intimate gatherings.

Whether guests seek thrilling adventures or serene moments in nature, the resort and its surroundings can cater to every desire. For those who want to get in tune with nature, Lio Estate’s lush flora and fauna can be witnessed by kayaking through Lio wetlands or hiking through a protected forest at Lio Eco-trail. Complimentary non-motorized water sports activities are available at Seda Lio’s beachfront. While staying in El Nido, exploring the islands is a must-do in every itinerary. Guests can embark on exhilarating island-hopping excursions with Seda Lio’s partner operators to discover El Nido's breathtaking natural wonders.

Seda Lio epitomizes the perfect union of modern conveniences and the natural beauty of El Nido, while delivering the authentic Filipino hospitality that Seda is renowned for. With its idyllic setting, impeccable service, and an endless array of festive experiences, the resort sets the stage for an extraordinary Christmas journey.

Stay at Seda Lio for the holidays. View room packages and book at lio.sedahotels.com or reservations.lio@sedahotels.com. You may also contact us at (02) 7956 8888.

Swimming Pool

contents 9 29 VOLUME

ISSUE

PHOTO COURTESY OF EL NIDO RESORTS

DECEMBER 2023–FEBRUARY 2024

10

Pangulasian island Resort

10 Cover Story

FIND NATURE AT EL NIDO’S HOTTEST ECO RESORT

Swim with endangered sea turtles, discover majestic lagoons, beach hop, and dine on a private island. At Pangulasian Island Resort, El Nido, the Bacuit Archipelago is your oyster 2 | I N F L I G H T T R AV E L L E R | D EC E M B E R 2 0 2 3 – F E B R UA RY 2 0 24

DESTINATION FEATURES 4

Take Me To...

Sibaltan, Palawan

Head to the quiet rural village of Sibaltan for a chance of spotting majestic manta rays.

16 Five Days in El Nido

From island hopping to climbing the iconic Taraw Cliff, there’s something for everyone in one of the Philippines’ last frontiers

THE PREMIER TRUSTED TRAVEL MAGAZINE

TRAVELLER

Take me to…

Sibaltan, Palawan for manta ray spotting

5 Days in El Nido From beach hopping to climbing the Taraw Cliff Diego Alvarez of

ON THE COVER

Maremegmeg Beach Club on the best white-sand beach in El Nido and his secret escapes

PANGULASIAN ISLAND RESORT

2023/2024 VO LU M E 9 I S SU E 2 9

PhP190

Find nature at El Nido’s Hottest Eco Resort

Location: Pangulasian Island Resort, El Nido, Palawan Photo coutesy of El Nido Resorts

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief: Giselle Dalton Art Director: Jocas A. See Contributing Writers

6

Me and My El Nido

Maremegmeg Beach Club managing director Diego Gabriel Alvarez gives us some of the best insider tips on exploring El Nido in Palawan

Ana Kalaw, Christian L. Sangoyo, and Zo Aguila Contributing Photographers ReyRey Ochavez, Sara Schifferer, and Jasper Iturriaga COMMERCIAL Sales and Marketing Director: Bing Rodriguez Senior Account Manager: Kim Tutanes

EVENTS + NEWS 28 News Feature

Funny Lion opens in Puerto Princesa, Palawan 34 Event

InFlight Traveller launches Boracay’s First Cocktail Festival in partnership with Kasbar Boracay

Administration and Ad Sales Traffic Officer: Daryl Joy Mendoza BOARD OF ADVISERS Chairman: Iren Dornier Publishing: Nikos Gitsis Editorial: Giselle Dalton Legal: Atty. Loreto Dapon, Jr. INQUIRIES For press releases, editorial inquiries, email: editors@dorniermedia.com For advertising inquiries, email: archipelago@dorniermedia.com

Philippine copyright © 2023 Dornier Media

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Dilumacad Tunnel

Dornier Media International 404, La ‘O Center, 1000, Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, 1227 Philippines Tel +63 908 885 4325 Find us @InFlightTravellerArchipelago on Facebook, and

@inflighttraveller on Instagram

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Boracay’s First

6

Cocktail Festival

Club’s Diego Alvarez

Maremegmeg Beach

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TA K E ME TO… SIBA LTA N, PA LAWA N

H

EAD TO THE quiet rural village of Sibaltan, about an hour’s scenic drive from El Nido Town, for a chance of spotting majestic manta rays. Dive Sibaltan can arrange fun dives. Discover scuba diving courses and island hopping tours in the area. Saan Ka (where are you), is a regular dive stop, as it’s a known manta ray cleaning station.

According to Dive Sibaltan owner, Sana Schifferer, “Manta rays are present in the area all year round, but of course we do not guarantee encounters as they are wild animals, the ocean is quite large and the time we have down there is limited. The best months for diving (flattest conditions) in general on the east coast are March to October, but the rest of the year are quite fantastic as well.” Schifferer added that Sibaltan is home to healthy and diverse coral reefs, offering beginnerfriendly dive sites.

Dive Sibaltan, the first dive shop to open in Sibaltan, leads the way in marine conservation in the area. It has been working with LAMAVE (Large Marine Vertebrate Research Institute Philippines) since 2018 to study the manta rays to learn more about the species to protect them and their habitat.

The Philippines has seven of the world’s nine species of mobula rays. These are the spine-tail devil ray, bent-fin devil ray, sickle-fin devil ray, shortfin devil ray, pygmy devil ray, oceanic manta ray, and reef manta ray.

The beautiful reef manta ray in Sibaltan, one of the largest manta rays in the world. Photo

by Sana Schifferer, Dive Sibaltan

Dive Sibaltan can help visitors with organising transfers and accommodation. Visit www.divesibaltan.com, tel +63917 5340737 or +63995 272 3499. On Instagram, find them @divesibaltan.

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TA K E M E T O. . .

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M Y P H I L I P PI N E S

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M Y P H I L I P PI N E S

ME & MY EL NIDO

Maremegmeg Beach Club Managing Director

DIEGO GABRIEL ALVAREZ gives us some of the best insider tips for exploring one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the Philippines

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M Y P H I L I P PI N E S

spots ideal for beginners, a huge beach that you’d find empty sometimes.

Experience the night life in El Nido town. I usually give my guests a list of bars to explore. I tell them go to town, have dinner and soak up the atmosphere. My recommended bars are Pangolin (@pangolincocktails on Facebook) and SAVA (@SAVABeachBar on Facebook).

Go for sunset dinner at 7 Commandos Beach.

Vellago Resort can organise a three-course dinner for two right on the beach. (www.vellago.com) Outside of the usual tourist itinerary, the east coast, up north to Sibaltan for manta ray sightings is recommended. Hire a private van to Sibaltan. Travel time is about an hour. The site has cleaning stations for manta rays so divers can spot manta rays almost year round (www.divesibaltan.com). San Fernando, El Nido is the base of Tao Philippines, which organises Tao expeditions to various parts of Palawan (www.taophilippines.com). Other spots to visit are Teneguiban, known for kite surfing.

When did you move to El Nido? I was born and raised

in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. We used to come to El Nido just for a holiday, but in 2016 I moved here for the family business. We started with Maremegmeg bar, just 15 minutes from the town. It was just me. My parents would come and go. My siblings are in different places. I graduated from the Center for Asian Culinary Studies, so I was put in charge of improving the food and overseeing the business.

What is your best room at Maremegmeg Beach Club?

Book room 204 or 202 for the best beach and sunset views.

Your favourite restaurants in El Nido? Ahana (www. ahanaresort.com) in Lamoro, El Nido for Japanese food and sunset views, Kape ni Manang (+63915 869 7949) for inasal (chargrilled meat) and batchoy (Visayan

What’s your typical day like? I start with office work,

then do the rounds of the resort. I oversee construction.

We are adding 32 more rooms to the existing 12 of Maremegmeg Beach Club (www.mbcelnido.com), scheduled to open in the first and second quarter of next year. Sometimes I go to Duli Beach Resort (www. dulibeach.com) to relax. We have one of the nicest beaches in El Nido, but sometimes I want to see other beaches too.

noodle soup) and other specialties from Bacolod, and Bella Vida for pizza.

Any tips for the New Year? Book in advance for dinner

and parties. Pangolin and Sava are some of the best party places. Maremegmeg organises Christmas and New Year dinners, and we have a DJ and a band. We close at 1am, so we tell guests who want to continue to party to go to El Nido Town. Pangolin turns into a street party in the wee hours.

Your top 5 things not to miss in El Nido? Maremegmeg

Beach because we have the nicest white-sand beach close to town. It’s all sand so its gentle on the feet and the beach is swimmable, great for families with kids as the seabed is gently sloping. We have no rip tide and we get some of the best sunset views in El Nido. We also have sightings of turtles and dugongs (sea cows), usually around 5–6am.

The next is of course island hopping tours. If you want to avoid the crowds, hire a private speed boat or outrigger boat and leave El Nido town early in the morning. Most tour boats leave the town at about 9–10am. Peak times in El Nido is from December to May. June-July is also a good time to visit. For the past two to three years, July has been quite hot. August to September usually rains. Best to book your boat tours with your hotel. Maremegmeg screens our boat operators and suppliers. (A private outrigger boat hire for the day costs about Php8,000, while a whole day speedboat rental is about Php20,000. If you’re joining a group, the rate is from Php1,300 per person.)

Inland tours of some wonderful spots in El Nido like Duli, Nacpan and Lio is also a good idea. Duli has surf

What’s on your travel bucket list for the New Year?

Siargao.

Sava Beach Bar

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C OV E R S T O RY

FIND NATURE AT EL NIDO’S HOTTEST ECO RESORT Swim with endangered sea turtles, discover majestic lagoons, beach hop, and dine on a private island. At Pangulasian Island Resort, El Nido, the Bacuit Archipelago is your oyster

I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H E L N I D O R E S O R T S G R O U P P H OTOS COU RTESY OF EL NI D O R ESORTS

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C OV E R S T O RY

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HE SPECTACULAR SMALL Lagoon in El Nido, 20 minutes by boat from Pangulasian Island Resort, is majestic and almost ringed-in by towering, mystical limestone cliffs. The crystal clear waters were still, the cathedral-like cliffs magical and just as I remembered them from past holidays. The boats filled with tourists have not descended yet so for a couple of hours my family and I had this beautiful place to ourselves. We kayaked through a concealed hole in the limestone scarp and into a natural auditorium of dazzlingly blue water. Later, at Snake Island, we swam from a powdery sandbar and drank fresh coconut bought from local villagers. I felt the soft sand beneath my feet, the sun on my face, and I thought nothing could be better than this.

GET YOUR BEARINGS

El Nido, an archipelago that should be on everyone’s bucket list, is in the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan, bordered by the Linapacan Strait to the north, the Sulu Sea to the east, and the South China Sea to the west. It is the Philippines last biodiversity frontier and is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, keen beach hoppers, and those who just want to get away from it all. Although the area is no longer an under the radar destination — Bourne was filmed here — the archipelago has 45 islands and islets, an area so vast you could still find untouched beaches with not a soul in sight.

Book a private boat and go off peak. Pangulasian, El Nido Resorts’ eco luxury property, offers private boat tours away from the crowds, taking in the Small and Big Lagoon, Secret Beach, Cudugnon Cave, and Dilumacad, one of the known sites for critically endangered sea turtles, is one not to miss.

Pangulasian Island Resort in El Nido, Palawan

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WHEN TO VISIT

The best time to visit is from November to May, when the weather is dry and chances of rain rather low. Bear in mind this is also El Nido’s peak season. If you’re flexible, consider timing your visit off peak, sometime June–July or sometime October. July used to be the rainy season, but for the past three years locals say July has been generally dry. March, April, May tend to be the hottest with temperatures hitting 41°C. TURTLE SPOTTING AND TAKING CARE OF TURTLES

Pangulasian, just like its sister resorts Lagen and Miniloc in El Nido, is at the forefront of conservation efforts in the area. Turtles are a prime concern. Bacuit Bay is a protected area since 1984 and declared a Marine Turtle Sanctuary that same year, brought about because of El Nido Resorts’ lobbying efforts and its report that the area was a significant habitat for sea turtles.

All El Nido Resorts — Pangulasian, Lagen, Miniloc — owned by Ten Knots Development Corporation (TKDC) are known for their eco-consciousness and sustainable practices. At check in, you’re given a “biodiversity check list,” showing at least 25 marine species, animals, birds and fauna found on the island. Guests are encouraged to note down what they’ve spotted, where, and at what time. On this list are two of the world’s critically endangered turtle species: the Green Sea Turtle and Hawksbill Turtle.

Of the seven species of sea turtles in the world, five are in the Philippines including the Hawksbill, the Green Sea Turtle, Leatherback, Loggerhead, and Olive Ridley. All are critically endangered.

The Green Sea Turtle, named after its green fat, is regularly spotted by Pangulasian guests while swimming in surrounding waters. It’s considered to be the largest among hard-shell sea turtles, growing up to 1.5 meters. The Hawksbill, identified through the hooked, beak-like appearance of its upper jaw and its serrated carapace, is a little more shy, but has also been regularly spotted in El Nido. Dive sites Dilumacad and Nat Nat are prime spots for turtle sightings.

Sea turtles usually appear at Pangulasian from December to April and sometimes till May, known jellyfish season, as turtles favour this food source. This is all the more reason to ditch single-use plastics (El Nido has banned them), some ending up in the sea, because turtles eat them thinking they are jellyfish.

This year, Pangulasian resort staff have discovered turtle nests on its 850m beach, a good sign perhaps that all is well. Some five beaches in El Nido are known turtle nests.

Pangulasian’s house reef as well as the house reefs of all El Nido properties are strictly a “no-take zone” which means you’re not allowed to touch or take any corals or shells or do anything to disturb the marine life, including nests and hatchlings found on the beach.

Pangulasian has tag-and-release programs, and resort staff safeguard turtle hatchling releases from nests.

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Clockwise from left of this page: Pangulasian’s Pool Villa; local flora and handicraft decorations around the resort; Pangulasian Island Resort with a view of Bacuit Bay; and stand-up paddleboard

Lights and furniture used on the beach have all been chosen with the welfare of turtles in mind, ensuring turtles coming to nest are not disturbed.

As the biggest employer in the area, El Nido Resorts has led conservation efforts, organising bi-weekly coastal clean-ups, maintaining mooring buoys in 21 sites around Bacuit Bay, and patrolling the waters to report illegal fishing activities.

WHERE TO STAY

Recently gaining top marks at this year’s Conde Nast Traveller’s Reader’s Choice Awards, the 42-room Pangulasian is El Nido Resorts’ eco-minded luxury island resort, where travellers go for the ultimate sun and sea holiday. Relax in one of its stylish palm-thatched villas fronting a pristine beach or perched 18 meters from the ground, surrounded by dense tropical forest.

The choice is yours. Some rooms have their own private pool, living and dining space, making you feel you’re on your own private island. All rooms are just steps away from Pangulasian’s glorious beach. Save time for a romantic dinner or lunch on a private island (Choose from Cove 2, Big Lagoon Beach, and Entalula Island), a short boat ride from the resort, or for exploring untouched beaches, caves, and El Nido’s rich marine life.

The area is also known for its manta rays, and seahorse.

WHAT NOT TO MISS ON THE RESORT MENU

Recommended dishes are gambas al ajillo and pomelo salad, using freshly picked lettuce from the resort farm.

For the main course, choose from freshly caught grilled unicorn fish, garlic buttered mud crabs, or chicken inasal (chicken grilled the Visayan way). For dessert, try the resort’s calamansi pie, a twist on the classic lemon pie, using Filipino lime or calamansi. The pie has a buttery crust and a smooth and tangy filling.

POOL VILLA PHOTO BY JASPER ITURRIAGA

ESSENTIALS HOW TO GET THERE. There are regular flights from Manila to El Nido. Visit www.skyscanner.com.ph for flights. You can also reach El Nido from Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, a six-hour land travel. From Lio airport in El Nido, it’s a short buggy ride to the pier, followed by a 15-minute speedboat to Pangulasian. Visit www.elnidoresorts.com.

Condé Nast Traveler recently announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking El Nido Resorts’ Pangulasian, Lagen, and Miniloc as No. 1 Best Resorts in the Philippines, No. 2 Best Resorts in Asia, and No. 39 Best Resorts in the World for the 8th consecutive time. Over 520,000 readers shared their reviews and ratings this year.

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EL N IDO ACTI V ITY M A P GU IDE COPYRIGHT © DORNIER MEDIA 2023

LEGEND Kayaking

Snorkeling

Diving Spots

El Nido Airport

Taytay-El Nido Highway

Teneguiban Pier

Beach Spots

5 Nacpan Beach

15 Ipil-ipil 2 Beach

6 Twin Beach

16 Seven Commandoes Beach

7 El Nido Big Beach

17 Corong Corong Beach

8 Bury Island Beach

18 Maremegmeg Beach

9 Lio Beach

19 Ipil Beach

10 Serenity Beach

20 Bulang Beach

11 Talisay Beach

21 Santa Monica Beach

12 Secret Beach

22 Sibaltan Beach

1 Diapela Beach

3 Mariposa Beach

13 Hidden Beach

23 Tapik Beach

2 Dagmay Beach

4 Duli Beach

14 Ipil-ipil 1 Beach

24 Mabini Beach

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Cagbuli Island

PANDAN

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Base Bay

PHILIPPINES

Darocotan Island

El Nido Lalutaya Island

Palawan

2

TENEGUIBAN PIER

3

Darocotan Bay

4 5 DIPNAY

6

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SAN FERNANDO

El Nido Bay

21

BAROTUÁN

22 Mt. Mansilawit

EL NIDO

Cauayan Island

7

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SIBALTAN

Nagkalit-kalit Falls

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BINULBULAN ISLAND

VILLA PAZ

Imorigue Bay Tapiutan Island

Inambuyod Island

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Matinloc Shrine

Helicopter Island

11 12

9

Cadlao Lagoon

Cadlao Island Pasandingan Cove

TAY

EL NIDO TOWN

NID

OH

IGH WA Y

SITIO CALAAN

14

13

TAY - EL

NEW IBAJAY

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Matinloc Island

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Small Lagoon

BATAS ISLAND

CORONG CORONG

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Big Lagoon

Miniloc Island Secret Lagoon

Inatula Island Entalula Island

South Guntao Island

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OTON

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Shark Fin Bay

Pangulasian Island

Bacuit Bay

Malapacao Island

MANLAG

PAGAUANEN

Snake Island

Codugnon Cave

Lagen Island Cathedral Cave

Dibuluan Island

Pinasill Cave

KETONG ISLAND Camago Point

Pangulatan Bay BEBELADAN

Silanga Bay

CAMAGO

Mesecoy Bay M A P I L LUSTRATI ON BY J O CAS A. SEE

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F E AT U R E

FIVE DAYS IN EL NIDO

From island hopping to climbing the iconic Taraw Cliff, there’s something for everyone in one of the Philippines’ last frontier

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INGED BY AN expanse of azure blue water and swathed in powdery white sand and green, El Nido, set towards the northern point of Palawan, and the smattering of islands that surround it, has become the first word for tranquil getaways in the Philippines.

Despite the influx of tourism, El Nido and its network of about 45 surrounding islands still offer visitors uncrowded white-sand beaches, some you can spend a day in without a soul in sight. Five days is not enough to explore everything, but enough to get hooked into going back for more.

Big Lagoon

EAT. Many new restaurants have popped

up on the island, offering bold, fresh and inventive fare. For no-fuss Filipino fare, you can’t go wrong with Kape ni Manang.

For Mediterranean food by the sea, there’s Café Athena (tel +63967 899 5421). Altrove, for the best oven-fired pizza in El Nido. Cadlao El Nido Resort and Restaurant (www.cadlaoelnido.com) serves great food with a magnificent view of Bacuit Bay. Don’t miss the catch of the day, and choose how you want it prepared — grilled and served on banana leaves with mango salsa, or cooked in coconut milk, or sweet and sour sauce, or any which way you want it.

DO. El Nido’s magnificent limestone

cliffs rising from azure waters and whitesand beaches are the destination’s biggest draw. Island hopping is a must. Stop at the Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon, decide which uninhabited beach you’d like to visit, and spend the afternoon lying on the beach, swimming and snorkelling.

DRINKS. For happy hour, think SAVA

(@savabeachbar on Facebook, tel +63930 420 1623) and Maremegmeg Beach Bar (www.mbcelnido.com, tel +63918 257 2981).

HIRE A MOTORBIKE or a car, and explore inland El Nido, heading to Nacpan Beach or Duli Beach, both known for their stunning beaches and turtle sanctuaries. Duli has a two-kilometre stretch of beach, offering a consistent swell from November to April, ideal for all levels of surfers. Nacpan has makeshift restaurants where you can have lunch, usually a simple feast of fresh seafood and veggies, and refreshing fruit smoothies. Towards late afternoon, make your way back to El Nido town and round up your day with a cocktail or two at one of the bars.

DAY

PHOTO BY REYREY OCHAVEZ

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WITH CLOSE TO 50 ISLANDS to explore, you can still find plenty DAY of uninhabited islands in El Nido to play Robinson Crusoe on. Island hopping tours with a group cost as little as Php1,200 per person (about US$21.36). Most tours start at 9AM and takes about eight hours, covering some 5-8 stops, depending on how long you’d like to linger in one spot.

If budget allows, book a private tour, so you could depart El Nido town earlier and get to the prime spots like the Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon by 7am, before the crowd descends on you. It is well worth getting up early for.

Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon on Miniloc Island are two spots you won’t want to miss. They’re spectacular and almost ringed-in by towering, mystical limestone cliffs. Other stops include the Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commando Beach, Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Star Beach, and Hidden Beach, all beach lovers’ paradise.

Matinloc Island, the longest island in El Nido, is where you’ll find Secret Beach, a hidden pocket of white sand beach. Go snorkelling around Dilumacad Island, also called Helicopter Island because of its shape. Take a selfie at the popular Matinloc Shrine.

It’s smart to time your El Nido visit off peak, sometime October to November, when there’s less people. The peak season is usually from December to May.

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Go on a special tour in Bacuit Bay with Hayahay Adventures El Nido, Buena Suerte, El Nido Palawan, tel/viber +63968 853 4423. Find Hayahay on Facebook @HayahayAdventures ElNido. Visit www.hayahayadventures.com.

A VISIT IN EL NIDO is not complete without mentioning diving.

DAY El Nido is part of the Coral Triangle, a marine area in the western Pacific Ocean named for its wealth of corals and marine species. It’s home to the endangered sea cow, marine turtles, some 200 fish species and about 50 types of hard corals, making it a paradise for divers of every level, from novice to full-blown expert.

Hotels offer both fun dives for the uninitiated as well as dive tours. Popular dive sites include South Miniloc for its amazing cabbage coral and a good chance of seeing stingrays, sea turtles and perhaps manta rays; North Rock for its pelagic life; Dilumacad Tunnel for a challenging dive targeted at experienced divers; and Cave Paglugaban for its rock formations and many swim-throughs. El Nido is a great place to learn diving or indulge in a fun dive with several PADI centers in El Nido town.

Visit www.submarinerdiving.com, tel +639451 849 072.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUBMARINER DIVING CENTER

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F E AT U R E

Dive El Nido’s Dilumacad Tunnel, a challenging dive for experienced divers.

The tunnel is about 25 meters long

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F E AT U R E

ON YOUR LAST DAY, take it easy by spending the day on the beach in Lio or do some last-minute shopping.

If you find El Nido market a bit too chaotic, head to the Pops District in Corong Corong, El Nido (Find @popselnido on Facebook), a lively area with cute little boutiques selling tropical wear and souvenirs. The strip is also home to one of the branches of Trattoria Al Trove El Nido (tel +63 48 723 3401 , +63917 860 2569, @altrove.popsdistrict on Facebook), an Italian restaurant that serves the best pizza on the island.

If there is still some time on your plate, why not go on a gentle climb of El Nido’s Taraw Cliff, the karst limestone cliffs you see rising from above the waters of Bacuit Bay. If you’re feeling brave, you could hike up the cliff, but there is an easier way. El Nido Via Ferrata now offers a canopy walk. You go up metal staircases and cross hanging bridges wearing safety gear.

DAY

5

Top, Maremegmeg Beach Bar. Left, El Nido Via Ferrata

El Nido Via Ferrata, 59 HQ+2WQ, Rizal St., El Nido, Palawan, tel +63 48 723 3401.

ESSENTIALS WHEN TO GO The weather is most pleasant in El Nido between November and May, when the sun is high and it’s summer everyday. The rains usually start in June and go on until October.

TAKE A BREATHER from island hopping and just take it easy, exploring El Nido town. Start your day at El Nido market or taboan (Check opening days with your hotel. 59CV+FMX, Rizal St., Barangay Corong Corong), where farmers and fishermen from all over town and the bordering vicinities sell their fresh produce — anything from the catch of the day, to fruit and vegetables, and some of Palawan’s best, from cashews, Palawan honey to mountain rice and coffee. It’s best to start early, soon as the sun rises. From the market, you can drop off your purchases at your hotel, have some breakfast, and then head off to Maremegmeg Beach to just laze the afternoon away. The stretch is accessible through the Shoppes at Vanilla Beach (Visit www.vanillabeach. com.ph), a shopping district featuring boutiques, a spa, and several restaurants. At the end of the day, find a spot at Maremegmeg Beach Bar for drinks and the most fabulous sundown seats on the island.

DAY

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Luxury • You’ll find nothing but pure relaxation set in style at Seda Lio (Lio Tourism Estate, www.sedahotels.com, tel +632 956 8888). Just 10 minutes from El Nido airport, this 150-room sprawling beach front resort is targetted at meeting and incentive groups, leisure tourists, families, and destination weddings.

• El Nido Resorts. This luxury resort group has three eco resorts in El NidoMiniloc, Lagen, and Pangulasian, internationally recognised for their sustainability practices. Think thatched-roof cottages and villas by the sea and cottages on stilts over the water. Visit www.elnidoresorts.com.

Mid-Range • The 37-room Lagùn Hotel (Taytay-El Nido National Highway, www.lagunhotel.com, tel +63917 156 1507) in El Nido Town is centrally located and an ideal jump off point for island hopping. It faces the island’s dramatic limestone cliffs. The best views of the cliffs and the sea could be had on its roof deck infinity pool and bar, perfect for drinks at sunset.

— RESEARCH BY THE INFLIGHT TRAVELLER TEAM AND CONTRIBUTING WRITER ANA KALAW

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PHOTOS: BY MAREMEGMEG BAR; EL NIDO VIA FERRATA BY JOCAS A. SEE

WHERE TO STAY IN EL NIDO Whether you’ve got the budget for a spot of pampering in a luxe hotel, or you’re looking for an affordable stay, El Nido has just the place for you.

PROMOTIONAL F E AT U R E

indulge

I

W H E R E TO S H O P I N E L N I D O

Walang Problema The island lifestyle brand

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ALANG PROBLEMA — translated as no

problem — epitomises the Filipinos’ happy and laidback spirit. True to its name, Walang Problema, a lifestyle clothing and accessories brand, located in Calle Hama Street and Town Square in El Nido, Palawan, encapsulates the fun, and happy vibe of the island and its people. Stop by to browse its array of casual and vibrant island wear, from cotton t-shirts, skirts, shorts, pants, jewelry, caps, bags, caps and hats to home gadgets and toys.

“All of our products are made or at least customized in the Philippines. We work with local tailors and printers, and all the jewelry are handmade by ourselves or by some talented local artists such as Kaingud Crafts, Noriel Skinny Payat, Baja Traditions, among others” said owner Laura Botella.

Best of all, the shop offers personalized customization. If you want a regular-sized t-shirt shortened into a tank top or a cropped top, the shop can do it on site. They can alter any clothing to suit your size and style. Colors of bracelets and necklaces can be modified.

Walang Problema just opened a new shop with a new collection designed and crafted for the watersports needs at Town Square, Sitio Caalan, El Nido. Opening hours for both the Hama and Caalan shops are from 8am to midnight.

Clockwise from top: Walang Problema encapsulates the fun and happy island vibe; local tailor Annie Costales; fun under the sun with vibrant island wear, toys, and accessories; Walang Problema’s happy vibe shop; and local printer Anthony Serrano

ESSENTIALS Walang Problema is at Calle Hama, Brgy. Buena Suerte and Town Square, Sitio Caalan, El Nido, Palawan.

Visit www.walangproblema.com, tel +63920 625 6169.

Find them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, @walangproblemabrand.

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P R O M OT I O N A L F E AT U R E

CAFÉ ATHENA If you can’t wait for your Greek vacation fix, this little gem right on the beach serves up souvlaki and magic

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The vibe

HE VIEW — sandy shore, clear blue

sea, and El Nido’s iconic limestone karst cliffs jutting out of the water — is mesmerising and as good a reason to book a table in this Greek restaurant as the food. White tables, bistro chairs, and wicker pendant lights in an open air, beachfront setting add to the charm. You could even imagine you’re by the Med, except we doubt you’d wish you’re elsewhere.

What not to miss on the menu.

Definitely the souvlaki, skewers of meat and vegetables cooked to perfection on a lava stone

Clockwise from top left: Dine with a view; souvlaki with homemade pita bread and fries (Choices of seafood, lamb, beef, and chicken); Greek moussaka; vitamin C drink; dips; seafood platter; and many more delicious dishes

grill and basted with their signature sauce. It’s a consistent bestseller. The smell of charcoal smoke and herbs wafting in the air says it all. Also highly recommended is the Seafood Platter, good for two, served with Greek salad and baked potatoes. Café Athena’s kitchen serves up magic with the freshest ingredients — grilled tuna steak, squid, and prawns. For drinks, try the bestselling detox drink made of apple, celery, cucumber and malunggay; immune booster drink; ginger zinger; and vitamin C made of pineapple, calamansi, and orange.

How much?

Starters start at Php250; main courses from Php350.

Café Athena, Serena St., Brgy. Buena Suerte, Vanilla Beach, El Nido, Palawan, tel +63967 899 5421, +63917 324 4544. Open daily from 7am to 11:30pm.

Email info.cafeathena@gmail.com or find them on Facebook @cafeathena.ph and Instagram @cafe.athena.

A N ELEGA NT E SCA PE

SUNSET INDULGENCE AT MAREMEGMEG BEACH CLUB Embark on a gastronomic journey at Maremegmeg Beach Club, where the sun bids adieu in style. Indulge in our exquisite menu featuring Lobster Bisque, Maya-Maya Munierre, and Tenderloin — all served in a casual yet chic seaside setting, perfect for special occasions and romantic date nights. Price range is Php500 to Php2500 per dish.

Beef terderloin

Coffee roasted pork belly

Cap off your evening with our divine Calamansi Tart paired with Yuzu Ice Cream.

Reserve your seat for a sunset soiree that combines coastal elegance with culinary excellence by the sea.

Maremegmeg Beach Club Sitio Maremegmeg, Brgy. Corong-corong, El Nido, Philippines. Open at 4:30pm–10:30pm.

Tel +63966 802 4774, visit mbcelnido.com. Find @maremegmegbeachclub on Facebook and @bitonroomelnido on Instagram.

Lobster thermidor

Tiramisu

P R O M OT I O N A L F E AT U R E

Biryani Kitchen

Best for authentic, homestyle Indian cuisine on the island

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OLORFUL, 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

Chicken Tikka Biryani

Mutton Masala

Mixed Vegetable Masala

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!

Biryani Kitchen El Nido is at Abdulla Street, Barangay Masagana, El Nido, Palawan, tel +63 929 348 9339, email to krizobel.deshpande@gmail.com.

Find them on Facebook and on Instagram @biryanikitchenelnido.

Events+News

The Funny

NEWS

Lion Puerto

The Funny Lion opens its 3rd hotel in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Princesa has a beachfront location, perfect for or just lazing by the sea

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HE FUNNY LION hotel group is opening a 77-

room beachfront hotel in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, overlooking the Sulu Sea, on December 20, this year.

Just 15 minutes from Puerto Princesa International Airport, the new hotel is a convenient getaway targeted at all types of travellers from families, couples, to those who just want a tranquil retreat. The hotel’s beachfront location allows it to offer all types of water activities such as kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. A swimming pool with views of the beach is also available. If you’re up early, the best sunrise views could be had on the beach.

The hotel has three room categories — the Cub, King, and Pride. For food and drinks, head to the Hunt,

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the main restaurant, which serves breakfast buffet and all-day dining, serving Asian and continental dishes.

“We are delighted to bring The Funny Lion’s unique blend of comfort and charm to Puerto Princesa,” said Michael Mahinay, general manager of The Funny Lion. “This expansion signifies our commitment to providing guests with memorable stays in one of the most beautiful locations in the Philippines,” he said.

The Funny Lion in Puerto Princesa is the group’s third and biggest hotel. The two others are in El Nido and Coron.

Visit www.thefunnylion.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FUNNY LION

water sports

escape to a different side of Coron.

SKYLODGE RESORT Unforgettable views, a beautiful terrace, swimming pool, great food, scuba diving and massage… enjoy a natural high at this stunning hilltop hotel!

your hilltop hideaway in Coron.

Skylodge Resort, Coron Town Proper, Coron, Palawan, tel +63998 588 5507, +63917 555 5012.

Visit www.skylodgeresort.com.ph, email to reservation@skylodgeresort.com.ph. Find them on Facebook @skylodgeresort.

Find us on Facebook

@InFlightTravellerArchipelago

Instagram

@Inflighttraveller

For press releases and features on People + Travel News Section, email editors@dorniermedia.com

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P R O M OT I O N A L F E AT U R E

PA. BY THE SEA. AT SUNSET. What else could you ask for? Unwind like you’ve never done before and experience your most relaxing (and dare we say life-changing) massage by the beach with a stunning view of White Beach, Boracay.

The bestselling treatments:

• Hot Stone Massage.Flat heated stones are placed on your body to ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues, and bring relaxation.

• Signature Massage. A combination of traditional Filipino hilot (massage) and Thai massage to reduce headaches and body pain.

• Hilot Massage. An ancient massage alleviating all aches and pains, bringing calm while energising the body.

• Full Body Massage with Aloe Vera Sunburn Treatment. The natural way to soothe sunburnt skin.

A must-try:

THE

ORGANIC SPA BORACAY

Revive, rejuvenate, and refresh with a beach massage

Filipino Traditional Hilot with Banana Leaf. An ancient massage to relieve stress and promote healing.

The Organic Spa Boracay, inside The Muse Hotel Boracay, Station 1, beach front. Tel. Nos.: +63995 267 8633, +63907 131 4539. Find them on Facebook @TheOrganicSpaBoracay.

The Organic Spa El Nido, Palawan branches: Serena Street (Town Area); Vanilla Beach (Marimegmeg Beach), Brgy. Corong Corong; Calle Hama St., Brgy. Masagana. Tel. Nos.: +63910 032 9645, +63951 736 4448, +63927 482 6844. Find them on Facebook @theorganicspaelnido.

FLAVOURFUL MOROCCAN CUISINE Discover the magic of Morocco right on the beach in Station 1. Indulge in authentic flavors & enjoy a must experience Boracay sunset.

RESERVATIONS +63 917 387 2241

FB: KASBAR BORACAY IG: @KASBAR_BORACAY

P R O M OT I O N A L F E AT U R E

Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay

A uniquely designed hotel, with some of the best amenities on the island WHAT’S IT LIKE? Designed by New York-based architects CAZA Architects, Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay makes a bold statement with its unique paisleyshaped design structure. Most of the resort’s 127 rooms opens out onto a corridor facing the hotel’s swimming pool on the ground floor. It’s pretty much how a riad in Morocco is designed, facing inward towards a central and open, interior courtyard. The center of the hotel is open, allowing natural light to stream in. The hotel’s ground floor is IG-worthy, with lots of places to lounge in and fun activities to choose from. Aside from the pool, there’s the Turf Lounge with its colorful bean bags, a giant chess board, and foosball table; and Station X Food Hall, the hotel’s take on an elevated food court offering multi-cultural dishes.

ROOMS. Take your pick from a deluxe, suite or family room; each one spacious and beautifully-designed, offering international-standard amenities such as a 40inch LED TV, safety deposit box, hairdryer, vanity kit, and complimentary toiletries. What’s more, guests get to enjoy stunning views of the pool below through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Clockwise from top left: Deluxe room, The Suite room, Spectrum Suite, the many dining areas and fun activities you can enjoy in Station X, and. La-ud Restaurant

AMENITIES. Just a few steps from the famous White Beach, Hue’s ideal location between Station 2 and 3 puts you at the center of the island’s hub of activities.

The resort’s layout is open plan, making it convenient to explore what the resort has to offer. At the heart of the hotel is its picturesque swimming pool. Laze beneath the skies in one of the lounge beds, get a drink from Pool Bar, or dive in the water to cool off. The hotel also has a fitness center and a Hair Salon and Nail Spa. Hue’s LA-UD Restaurant serves delicious Filipino and international dishes.

GOOD TO KNOW. The resort’s Station X brings together a mix of restaurants, bars, and curated boutiques and other retail outlets, highlighting all the best that Boracay has to offer. It’s definitely a must-visit when on the island.

HOW MUCH? An overnight stay starts from Php10,000. Get in touch with Hue Boracay directly to get the best deals and latest promos.

Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay, www.boracay.thehuehotel.com, tel +63919 456 2596 or +63927 640 9036. Visit @hueboracay on Facebook and Instagram

Events+News EVENT

InFlight Traveller Launches Boracay’s First Cocktail Festival It was a fun night of cocktail fizz and dancing as the island's top mixologists and bartenders showed off their flair bartending and skills concocting drinks

Clockwise from top right of this page: InFlight Traveller director of sales Bing Rodriguez (centre) with, from left, event host Keith Pareja, Kasbar owner Erielyn Gaston, host Garett Picardal, and InFlight Traveller ad traffic officer Joy Mendoza; Hue Hotel Boracay’s mixologist Jacinth Dane Beroga entertaining guests with his excellent flair bartending; Rewind’s Marjun Perez; Mj Aoki; Hue Hotel’s cocktail fest team, with Hue Hotel’s Operation Manager Lhodie Caldeo, (third from left); Rich’s Niño Esternero; and Aplaya Boracay’s Nieva Jane Cooper

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I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H K A S B A R B O R AC AY

Clockwise from top left of this page: Boracay’s cocktail festival bartenders, from top left, Kasbar’s Mark Sual, Rich’s Niño Esteñero, Mayas’ Raymond Delgado, Rewind’s Marjun Perez, Hue Hotels Boracay’s Jacinth Dane Beroga, Aplaya Boracay’s Nieva Jane Cooper, Discovery Shores Boracay’s Pesemen “Jay” Saylongo, La Carinderia’s Paulo Isada, Sip Happens’ Rudy Mark Barros, and Mai Tai’s Jandel Nicdao; Mark Sual; Jandel Nicdao; Lodhie Caldeo of Hue Hotels Boracay with InFlight Traveller’s Bing Rodriguez; Rudy Mark Barros; Raymond Delgado; and Pesemen “Jay” Saylongo

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Babyboss Pet Hotel and Daycare

Location: Kitt Avenue 7418 Santillan St., Pio Del Pilar Makati City, short drive from airports via skyway.

Services: Overnight, daycare and nightcare boarding, pet grooming and pet supplies.

Hours: Open even holidays, open from 7am to 12am.

Cut off for check in: 10pm.

Facilities: With drop-off parking, Safely Gated with 2 play areas, 10 kennels, 5 cat loft cages.

For more info: Visit FB page: Babyboss Pet Hotel and Day Care

IG page: @babybosspetdaycareandhotel

Tiktok: @babybosspethotel_daycare

Contact: +63961 561 1872 Email: babybosspethotel@gmail.com

We always care with Love

www.airintellipure.com www.airintellipure.com www.airintellipure.com | |ask@airintellipure.com |ask@airintellipure.com ask@airintellipure.com | |+63 |+63 +63 917 917 917 322 322 322 7873 7873 7873 Unit Unit Unit 404, 404, 404, lalaO' laO'Centre O'Centre Centre Building, Building, Building, 1000 1000 1000 Arnaiz Arnaiz Arnaiz Ave. Ave. Ave. corner corner corner Makati Makati Makati Ave., Ave., Ave., Makati Makati Makati City City City 1223, 1223, 1223, Philippines Philippines Philippines