El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island – Philippines – Hotel Review

Nestled in the heart of Bacuit Bay, El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island represents the essence of eco-luxury in Palawan, Philippines. This 5-star gem, part of the El Nido Resorts family, is the most luxurious of the four El Nido Resorts properties and offers everything luxury-seeking travelers desire. From the moment we set foot on the island, we were immediately captivated by the resort’s setting and premium amenities.

Pangulasian Island, also named “Island of the Sun,” boasts a pristine white sand beach, a beautiful house reef right at its doorstep, villas in a contemporary Filipino design, delicious food options, and breathtaking sunsets, among other things. We stayed at Pangulasian Island Resort for a few days, and it proved to be a perfect island escape, ideal for exploring both the resort’s offerings and the surrounding area, but we can highly recommend staying here for an extended vacation.

This review will dive deeper into Pangulasian Island’s distinctive features, providing a comprehensive overview of our personal experiences and what to expect when staying at this resort.

DISCLAIMER: WE WERE HOSTED ON A PRESS TRIP AT THIS HOTEL, WHICH DOES NOT INFLUENCE MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS AND REVIEW ABOUT THIS HOTEL. ALL EXPRESSED OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS BLOG POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. I MAY RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION FOR PURCHASES/BOOKINGS MADE THROUGH THESE LINKS, AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE READ THE PRIVACY POLICY.

The Location

El Nido Pangulasian Island Resort is an exclusive island getaway on Pangulasian Island in the middle of Palawan’s Bacuit Bay. Accessible only by boat, this luxury retreat is a scenic 25-minute journey from El Nido Town or the newly built Lio Airport in El Nido, which can easily be reached with a 1-hour and 15-minute flight from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Pangulasian island, covered with a lush tropical forest, offers a captivating backdrop with diverse flora and fauna. The island features a 750-meter stretch of powdery white sand beach and a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon with a vibrant house reef. Amidst this picture-perfect tropical setting, the resort’s architecture and style serve as a remarkable example of how impeccable luxury can seamlessly harmonize with nature.

The Transfer & Check-in

While most Pangulasian Island guests will probably touch down at Lio Airport and take the speedboat to the resort from the nearby ferry dock, we were coming to El Nido from Coron, an island north of Palawan. Arriving at El Nido Town via ferry, our transfer to El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island began with a warm welcome: the friendly boat crew already awaited us at the dock, holding a sign with our names. We then promptly boarded the resort’s private speedboat, ensuring a seamless and comfortable 25-minute journey to our destination.

En route, our guide shared insightful details about the surrounding area, enhancing our anticipation for the upcoming stay. Upon arrival at the resort, we were greeted by the Pangulasian Island staff. We got a lovely welcome ceremony, including welcome drinks, braided necklaces, music and singing, refreshing cold towels, and many happy faces, setting the tone for an unforgettable stay.

After check-in, the front desk manager brought us to our villa in a golf cart and shared information about the resort and its facilities along the way. At our villa, she explained the villa’s features in detail and provided an overview of our upcoming schedule. We also got surprised with a fruit basket, a bottle of excellent white wine, and delicious chocolates – such a treat!

As we settled in, our luggage arrived promptly in a separate buggy, completing our effortless transition to paradise. We really loved how smooth the entire process from arriving in El Nido to checking into our villa went.

The Property & Amenities

Pangulasian Island is a harmonious blend of luxurious amenities and contemporary Filipino architecture seamlessly integrated into the lush tropical surroundings. This island retreat, crafted with cutting-edge “green” design principles, offers everything you need for a relaxing vacation on this pristine island.

At the island’s tip, you will find a central amenities hub, including the reception and lounge area, the resort’s restaurant, a beach bar with a small sundeck, a library, and a boutique, all thoughtfully designed to complement the island’s natural beauty. The spa and gym are also located nearby.

Moreover, you can immerse yourself in the underwater world with a house reef right in front of the beach – perfect for exploration and snorkeling adventures. For diving enthusiasts, there’s also a PADI dive center for unforgettable marine experiences. If you are a nature lover, make sure to explore the island on a nature hike through the island’s vegetation, which ends at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Bacuit Bay.

Further down the resort road, you will find our favorite spot: a picturesque swimming pool area fringed with palm trees and lush tropical vegetation. Facing the ocean, this oasis feautures a pool bar and multiple sunbeds, offering a relaxing and refreshing escape.

Each corner of Pangulasian Island, from the elegant reception to the tranquil spa, embodies the essence of a luxurious escape where nature and design merge effortlessly, which we really loved.

The Rooms

Pangulasian Island Resort has 42 luxurious rooms that can be categorized into four distinct types. 6 Canopy Villas, perched on stilts and nestled into the forest, offer a towering retreat amidst nature’s embrace. Meanwhile, 24 Beach Villas provide a serene coastal escape, each with direct access to the pristine beach. If you are seeking an extra touch of indulgence, 6 Pool Villas offer a private oasis with their own pool, while the 4 Kalaw Villas present a unique blend of luxury and seclusion.

Regardless of your choice, all villas boast complimentary resort-wide WiFi. During our stay, we reveled in the spacious comfort of a Beach Villa, enjoying direct access to the beach and the captivating house reef.

Let me give you more details about the beach villa we stayed in:

Beach Villa

Our stay at Pangulasian Island’s Beach Villa combined luxury and comfort, boasting an expansive 86 square meters of space filled with luxurious Filipino design elements. Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the villa with natural light, accentuating its spaciousness and creating an airy and inviting ambiance.

Comprising three distinct areas, our villa offered an excellent blend of indoor and outdoor living. The spacious outdoor deck, spanning 15 square meters, provided a relaxing retreat with a cozy lounging area and a small seating space. Inside, the bedroom greeted us with a plush king-sized bed, a comfortable sofa corner, and a working desk. The large bathroom featured a luxurious rain shower, a double vanity with a grand mirror, and ample wardrobe space, enhancing our comfort as we appreciate having enough room to unpack all our clothes. A bathtub would have been the perfect addition to the bathroom though.

Beyond the villa’s confines, two private sun loungers awaited us on the beach – perfect for moments of tranquility amidst the soothing sounds of the ocean.

Aside from our villa’s luxury, we really loved that Pangulasian Island provides every guest with his and hers slippers, hats, and reusable water bottles, ensuring both comfort and sustainability throughout their island vacation. Such a nice touch! And the best thing is that you can take them home with you as they are part of the El Nido Resorts experience.

The Restaurants & Bars

Pangulasian Island’s culinary offerings are truly a feast for the senses. Dining is centered around the resort’s main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner and two distinctive bars: a beachside haven and a poolside retreat. With the added convenience of room service, the resort caters to every gastronomic desire.

Amianan Restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating options, with the latter offering mesmerizing vistas of the ocean. The culinary journey is supported by a diverse menu, blending both à la carte and buffet-style offerings. Fresh live-cooking stations showcase the resort’s commitment to quality, presenting selected international and local high-quality dishes with an artful touch. We really enjoyed having breakfast and lunch on the outside terrace while sampling delicious food options and listening to the calming sounds of the ocean. The tropical ambiance and breathtaking views from the main restaurant truly captivated us.

Beyond the standard dining experience, Pangulasian Island goes the extra mile. You can indulge in private dinners or picturesque picnics organized by the resort staff. During our stay, a special dinner by the pool enchanted us with a beautiful setting and lights dancing on the water – a culinary experience that mirrored the resort’s dedication to creating memorable moments.

The Staff

Pangulasian Island Resort boasts a team of exceptionally warm, welcoming, and polite team members who elevate the overall guest experience. From the resort manager to the dedicated gardening staff, everyone exudes genuine hospitality, which we really appreciated. The happy smiles and greetings, a constant presence as you walk around the resort, show their commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere. Their interest in guests extends beyond the formalities, with a genuine openness for small talk.

The restaurant staff mirrors this excellence, demonstrating attentiveness and efficiency. They were quick to take orders, offered insightful food recommendations, and provided information on the delectable cuisine – their dedication was evident. Similarly, the front desk staff consistently proved to be a valuable resource, offering assistance and helpful insights for various inquiries, be it activity information, bookings, or transfer details.

For us, the staff is a key aspect that defines a great resort and contributes significantly to the overall vacation experience. Reflecting on our time at Pangulasian Island Resort, we can confidently affirm that the staff’s unwavering hospitality elevated a luxurious stay into a truly holistic and unforgettable experience.

Experiences & Activities

Pangulasian Island Resort curates an extensive and diverse activity program inside and outside the resort, allowing you to create unforgettable memories. The resort shines with an impressive array of complimentary activities, from a guided sunrise hike on the island to a guided house reef snorkeling tour to enticing island-hopping trips that showcase the area’s highlights. Definitely check out all of their unique offerings, as the experiences are absolutely priceless.

At the resort, you can go kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in the emerald waters of the lagoon, indulge in leisurely activities like table tennis or billiards, immerse yourself in a good book in the library, or simply bask in the sun.

Moreover, chargeable activities, divided into land and water experiences, cater to varied interests: On land, nature walks, hikes, bird watching, and exploration of local craftsmanship await, while the azure waters of Bacuit Bay allow for sunrise and sunset cruises, a mangrove tour, private island-hopping and boat trips, fishing excursions, and more.

During our stay, we opted for a private island-hopping tour to the Southern parts of Bacuit Bay, where we also enjoyed a delicious picnic on a picturesque beach. On this trip, we were joined by the resort’s sustainability officer, who shared informative insights about sustainability practices as well as the area’s marine life and biodiversity. This private island-hopping trip was definitely one of the absolute highlights of our stay! We can highly recommend it!

For fitness enthusiasts, a fully equipped gym awaits, while the dive school provides opportunities for certifications and exploration of marine wonders.

Ultimately, Pangulasian Island offers private lunch, picnic, and dinner options at scenic spots like a nearby sandbank, a private island, or a romantic beach setting under the stars. Our personal dining highlight was a 4-course private dinner on the beach right outside our villa. The staff crafted a magical setting with lights and palm fronds, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere. With a dedicated server attending to our every need, the sand between our toes, and the waves meeting the shore, it was the culmination of a perfect day at Pangulasian Island.

Spa & Wellness

El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island elevates the well-being and relaxation of its guests with an indulgent spa experience designed to complement your stay after thrilling sea adventures and sun-soaked activities. The spa is set in a beautiful bungalow, and the menu boasts a diverse array of Asian, European, and tropical massages, body scrubs, wraps, facials, and entire rituals. Each treatment is crafted to address specific concerns and contribute to your personal wellness goals.

We tried the 90-minute re-energizing Hilot with Dagdagay treatment. This Filipino healing ritual commences with a foot ritual and is followed by the Dagdagay, an Igorot traditional foot massage that uses sticks to stimulate nerve endings and alleviate fatigue. The treatment then continued with a smooth deep-tissue massage that targeted the body’s neuro-muscular hilot areas, employing pure coconut oil to restore balance.

While the treatment was absolutely delightful, it would have been a nice touch to receive a welcome drink or wellness tea before or after the session for a more holistic experience. Unfortunately, there was also no time to relax post-massage, as the spa staff promptly began preparing the room, likely for the next guests. Given the single treatment room, it’s advisable to book your treatments in advance, especially if rain is expected during your stay.

Sustainability

El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island is deeply committed to sustainable practices, fostering a harmonious coexistence between luxurious experiences and environmental responsibility. The resort focuses on five fundamental tenets, including environmental stewardship and linking with local communities.

Their sustainable operations encompass waste management through advanced sewage treatment, materials recovery, and rainwater catchment. The resort prioritizes water conservation, utilizing desalination to alleviate strain on freshwater sources.

Pangulasian Island champions low-impact and sustainable guest experiences, offering only nature-based activities that preserve the rich biodiversity, which is why no motorized activities such as jet skis or wakeboarding are available.

The resort actively engages in marine conservation, conducting turtle conservation programs, coastal cleanups, installing eco-reefs to protect marine ecosystems, and much more. They also have a dedicated sustainability officer on site to look after these practices. Furthermore, the resort’s commitment extends to community building, providing locals with meaningful employment and livelihood opportunities, patronizing local products, and engaging in community service initiatives.

Lastly, their environmental education programs ensure that staff and guests alike are informed and encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices such as not bringing any single-use plastic to the island. We truly value their commitment to sustainability.

Conclusion

In summary, the secluded 5-star El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island exceeded our expectations, providing an enchanting blend of luxury, sustainability, and natural beauty. If you are looking for a relaxing island escape in the Philippines, Pangulasian Island is the right choice. From the smooth arrival process in El Nido to the warm welcome and exceptional service of the staff to the unforgettable experiences, every moment felt like a tropical dream. The accommodations and culinary offerings belong to the best we’ve experienced in the Philippines.

All in all, Pangulasian Island, with its pristine beach and crystal-clear lagoon, served as the perfect backdrop for a truly unforgettable stay. The resort is not just a destination, it’s a haven where refined luxury meets serene nature, leaving us with cherished memories and a strong desire to return to this paradise.

Pin this review for later!