This trip we are off to the island province of Palawan and in particular the El Nido area in the Philippines.
Day 1 :
We take a 75 min flight from Manila to El Nido Airport.
From the airport we take a 1hour boat ride to Miniloc Island, where we are staying for 1 night.
We see breathtaking limestone islands along the way.
Arriving at Miniloc Island.
We are staying in a bungalow, which consists of a queen bed and 2 single beds.
There is also accomodation on the water.
The rooms are very clean, spacious with good size beds
The resort staff enjoy some foreign competition.
The staff perform Tinikling, a traditional Philippines dance.
Even myself gets in on the act. Luckily i didn't get my ankles broken.
Day 2 :
We are spending what time we have left going around Miniloc Island.
We try the canoeing which the kids really enjoyed.
And snorkelling.
Back at the resort we get to feed the fish.
All the activities we have shown above are free - table tennis, canoeing, snorkelling and fish feeding.
Even though we stayed for only 1 night, we really enjoyed Miniloc Island and hope to come back again.
The staff are very friendly and wave us goodbye.
We are now heading off to Apulit Island where we will be staying for 4 nights. Very similar style of resort to the one on Miniloc island. Here all the accomodation is on the water.
Arriving at Apulit.
Greeted by the staff performing a welcome song.
Our accomodation.
This accomodation sleeps 4. Double-bed upstairs and 2 single beds downstairs. Here we have added a spare bed.
One of the many nice touches left in our bungalow every night.
Every breakfast, lunch and dinner is a buffet, with a wide variety of foods to choose from. We were very impressed. If there was something you wanted the chefs were very accomodating in making/cooking something you wanted, especially for our picky kids.
Outside our back door. You can see fishing swimming around and maybe even a baby shark.
Taking a dip in the pool.
Relaxing down at the beach. Sand on the beach is quite good, but in the water it is mostly pebbles or small rocks.
Day 3 :
We are going on a cave tour around the island. Like Miniloc, all activities are free on the Apulit.
Apulit and many of the surrounding islands are made up of limestone.
Here are some stalagmites and stalactites in one of the caves.
This cave has a swimming pool in it. It is super cool. You can also organise a candlelight dinner in the cave.
Back at the resort we snorkel from the main beach to our accomodation. Along the way, there is coral and plenty of fish including clown fish (Nemo), rainbow fish and if your lucky some baby sharks.
Day 4:
The kids are kept busy doing clay making.
Kids making some hats.
There's also plenty of board games to play.
You can play table tennis.
Or play volleyball with the resort staff.
Have a relaxing massage (this is an extra cost).
You can canoe around the main bay area.
Day 5:
Today we are off snorkelling.
There are a number of snorkel locations.
We enjoyed our snorkelling more then going to the Great Barrier Reef,Australia. Plenty of fish and coral, and less spoilt by tourists.
TIP: if you haven't got an underwater camera, make sure you get one.
Another yummy lunch!!
Having a trip around the bay on the paddle boat.
Having a sail around the bay.
Day 6 :
Sorry to say it's time to farewell Apulit. It has been one of the best holidays we have had.
Tips
- dont forget your underwater camera
- there is no tipping of staff allowed. You can make tips to reception if you want.
- we went in July which is off-season (rainy). Although we didn't have any rain i wouldn't leave it any later in the season. Due to this there were more staff than tourists, so they looked after us really well.
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Fly from Manila to El Nido Airport, then a boat transfer to Miniloc Island.
Day 2 :
Snorkel/Canoe around Miniloc Island.
Boat transfer to Apulit.
Day 3 :
Cave Tour
Day 4 :
Relaxing around the resort
Day 5 :
Snorkel Tour
Day 6 :
Fly to Manila.
Costs
Costs are approx and in $AUD with 34peso per aussie dollar.
Accomodation :
Std. Water Cottage : $460 per night 1 Adult, $530 per night for 2 Adults, $180 per night for child
Deluxe Water Cottage (larger) : $510 per night for 1 adult, $566 per night for 2 Adults, $180 per night for child.
(Note: the above prices also includes return flight from Manila airport, boat transfers and all food, and taxes, alcohol is extra)
All activities on the island are free, but must book-in for tours.