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In one of the world’s most beautiful places, El Nido Resorts offer a hidden paradise informed by nature
With crystal clear waters and ancient limestone cliffs, the region of Palawan is one of the world’s most beautiful places. Often thought of as “the last ecological frontier of the Philippines”, this archipelago of 1,780 islands is a jewel-toned haven of biodiversity, where tropical fish and endangered turtles swim through turquoise water and birds nest in verdant forests.
Within these ancient islands sits a series of resorts that offer guests the opportunity to experience the beauty and serenity of Palawan while conserving its natural surroundings. Recently crowned the best resorts in the Philippines – and second in all of Asia – in the annual Condé Nast Traveler reader’s awards, El Nido Resorts are our go-to for the region, with each of their four properties bringing luxury, local hospitality and ethical travel to the heart of Palawan.
El Nido’s resorts are scattered across the Apulit, Miniloc, Lagen, and Pangulasian Islands, with each offering different accommodation styles and distinct island experiences. Guests can pick from expansive hotel rooms, serene villas or over-water bungalows, and can have a holiday built on relaxation, exploration or even adventure. However they choose to travel, El Nido’s commitment to sustainability means that every guest experience has a positive impact on the environment and on the local communities who call Palawan home.
For El Nido, sustainability is a standard that is constantly rising and every their goals and programs are refreshed to reflect their increasing knowledge and capacity to help. Each property operates according to the group’s Be G.R.E.E.N tenets which cover ecological waste management; water, energy, and biodiversity conservation; and environmental law. While staff are trained in these areas, guests are also asked to buy in, ensuring everyone is an active participant in the protection of the region. This also extends beyond the natural environment, with El Nido having a strong social footprint through reciprocal relationships and the engagement of local communities as hotel employees and suppliers.
In fostering a sense of environmental stewardship in guests, the resorts offer a range of nature-based experiences that allow people to learn more about the local landscape. Signature experiences include: swimming with baby black-tip reef sharks at Pangulasian, 360-degree sunrise/sunset views at the Pangulasian View Deck, nature walks and birdwatching at Lagen, swimming with the Jacks at Miniloc, and snorkelling, paddleboarding or kayaking around the islands, through reefs teeming with marine life. With standard island-hopping tours and activities included in accommodation packages, intrepid and relaxed explorers alike are able to experience everything Palawan has to offer.
As so much of the natural world starts to deteriorate, Palawan as a place has never been more important or more magical. But while its soaring cliffs and turquoise waters are like a siren call for tourists, El Nido reminds us that luxury and sustainability must go hand-in-hand, and that exceptional service and ethical travel is an approach to hospitality that we can all be part of.
Start planning your adventure to Palawan today, El Nido Resorts have options for couples, friends, families and solo travellers. Nature’s wonderland awaits.