Sustainable Private Island Resort in the Philippines
Explore and relax in a sustainable private island resort in the Philippines
I spent a few days in Miniloc Island; a sustainable private island resort located in El Nido, Palawan, and it was an unforgettable experience.
Palawan has one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and it hasn’t been fully exploited for tourism…yet! The limestone cliffs covered with vegetation, the lagoons, the numerous islands and islets in the sea, plus the biodiversity are what make Palawan a must-visit. The authenticity of the resort, the local people and respect for the environment through sustainable tourism made me feel connected with nature and relaxed.
“Because of its scenic landscapes and high biodiversity, Palawan is known as “The Last Ecological Frontier of the Philippines”
(El Nido Resorts)
Geographical facts
The Philippines
The Philippines is a country in South East Asia with more than 7,600 islands. It’s a wonderful country with beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, high biodiversity, and friendly people.
Palawan
The province of Palawan, located in the western part of the Philippines has around 1,780 islands and islets, Palawan Island being the largest island in the Province.
Getting there
The fastest and most direct way to El Nido, Palawan is to fly the boutique airline AirSWIFT from Manila. The flight takes a bit more than an hour to Lio airport. A resort representatives will pick you up, take care of your luggage and will make sure that the journey to the private island is as smooth as it gets.
The arrival to the resort, on the foot of a beautiful limestone cliff covered with vegetation, surrounded by white sand, with the view of water cottages lined up on one side of the resort was stunning. The warm welcome upon our arrival included live music, flowers, and a tropical cocktail.
About Miniloc Island Resort
Miniloc Island Resort is a small haven where you can spend a few days exploring the landscape and biodiversity, as well as relaxing and connecting with nature.
The resort offers an array of water-based and land-based activities, as well as complimentary tours and on-site games.
The rooms are rustic and comfortable. As soon as you walk out of your room, you are walking on white sand and enjoying paradisiac views.
Commitment to sustainability
One thing that impressed me while staying in Miniloc Island Resort was the level of commitment to sustainability and respect for nature. Here are some examples of their efforts to respect the environment:
- The food is locally sourced or grown on the island,
- the waste is responsibly recycled,
- they treat seawater until it’s safe to drink,
- the resort was designed and built with renewable materials,
- they help local communities through partnerships,
- they offer nature-based activities low in carbon footprint,
- the staff is from El Nido or surrounding villages.
Beach, water cottages and water sports 
Relaxing swimming pool 
Swimming pool and sea view at dawn
Activities
There is an array of complimentary tours and activities every day:
- See the sunrise and the sunset in a kayak or a boat.
- Snorkel in Shimizu Island.
- Visit the resort in Lagen Island. Hike, kayak, snorkel and enjoy lunch.
- Hike and swim in Cudugnon Cave and Snake Island.
- Snorkel, Kayak and have lunch in Estalula Beach Club.
- Take a kayak from the resort and explore the private beaches, caves, lagoons in the area.
Embarking on a kayak adventure 
Exploring a lagoon 
We made a stop on a private beach in Miniloc Island
- Arrange to have lunch on a private beach.
- Snorkel among sea turtles, big fish and coral reef in the resort.
- Go paddleboarding with scenic landscapes.
- Relax by the pool with fantastic views and maybe a good book.
- Get a spa treatment by the sea. (Not complimentary)
- Have drinks at the bar overlooking the limestone cliff, the blue sea, the water cottages and the islands and islets.
Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon
Do not miss a visit to the small lagoon and big lagoon of Miniloc Island. You reach them by either kayak or boat, from the resort. They are part of the complimentary activities offered by the resort. V
The shallow water and narrow paths among limestone cliffs create a quiet paradisiac place rich in biodiversity.
Visit El Nido Town and Corong Corong Town
Arrange for a private boat transfer to El Nido town or take the complimentary boat to Lio airport and then a take a tricycle to the town. You are in for an authentic Filipino island town vibe, busy yet chilled, with an array of small hotels, bars, and restaurants. Happiness Beach Bar is a good place to grab a bite and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
A bit further away from the port is Corong Corong town with more hotels, shops and places to enjoy sundowners and beautiful views like La Plage.
La Plage in Corong Corong 
A beautiful sunset with typical boats and cool music 
Filipino boat by the sea at sunset 
La Plage Beach Bar
Travel tip
If you take a tricycle in El Nido or Corong Corong, remember to tell the driver where to and arrange the price before hopping in.
What to pack?
Beach Holiday Packing List – Summer Essentials – Blog post
- Bathing suit and beachwear
- Sarong (easy to find on the islands)
- Rashguard for long kayaking
- Aqua shoes
- Comfortable and sand-friendly flip flops or sandals
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun protection (face, body, lips)
- Mosquito repellent
- Dry bag to fit camera, phone, and wallet (easy to find on the islands)
- Refillable water bottle
- Camera
- A good book
My Takeaway
- I will never forget the days I spent at Miniloc Island, Palawan. We did so many fun activities surrounded by stunning scenic landscapes and high biodiversity.
- Local people are fantastic, always ready to help with a smile.
- The resort is not very big and therefore, it’s easy to meet people in the bar, the swimming pool, and the complimentary excursions. We met many cool people.
- The organic locally sourced food was fresh and delicious.
- It feels good and is important to support sustainable tourism.
Read more about the Philippines in the posts below: