Melo Villareal
SETIR: A Review of the Enchanting Luxury Island Resort in Culion, Palawan
Culion, historically known as the “island of no return,” is a remote town in Palawan with a somber past. It once served as a quarantine and segregation site for individuals suffering from leprosy, creating a stigma that lingered for decades. Until 2015, many remained hesitant to visit the island, wary of its history. Fortunately, in 2006, the World Health Organization formally declared Culion free of leprosy, marking a significant milestone in its recovery and transformation. Today, Culion is emerging as a captivating destination, thanks to new world-class resorts such as the Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort. Its pristine beaches, scenic tourist spots, rich heritage sites, intriguing museums, and luxurious accommodations are drawing travelers eager to explore its hidden charms. As it gains recognition alongside its neighboring town, Coron, Culion is steadily establishing itself as a prominent tourist hotspot.
Flying via Sunlight Air
Nestled in Culion, Palawan, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind getaway in the form of Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort (SETIR). As the flagship resort of the Sunlight Hotels and Resorts Group, SETIR is one of the region’s biggest single privately-owned island resorts. With 18 hectares of lush hills and gently sloping contours of garden beaches, it’s as heavenly as it can get.
To get to the hotel, we flew with Sunlight Air. What I loved most about it is that it’s the resort’s own aircraft, so we can avoid the crowds at the major terminals. The check-in process was quick; we just presented a valid ID and vaccination card, and we were done in less than five minutes. Sunlight Air’s terminal has a cozy waiting area and offers passengers complimentary coffee, tea, and pastries, which I also enjoyed.
Since it has its own terminal, boarding was a breeze. It took us a little more than an hour to reach Coron, and upon landing at the airport, we proceeded to Sunlight Air’s VIP lounge area to wait for our transport service going to Coron town. Flying through its own aircraft is optional, but if you want hassle-free, premium service, I highly recommend it.
We then went to the jetty port at the back of Sunlight Guest Hotel, Coron, where we had to ride a speedboat going to SETIR. The boat trip to SETIR took about 45 minutes. Upon arriving at the SETIR jetty port, we were warmly welcomed by the staff and cultural performers.
Rooms
Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort features 55 luxurious overwater accommodations decorated with Filipino-themed interiors, wide windows, and extensive balconies. Its 65-square-meter accommodation, the Sirakan Villa, is a lavishly appointed villa with glass-bottom floors that allow guests to gaze at marine life beneath. It has a plush king-sized bed, hardwood fixtures, an indoor jacuzzi, a spacious bathroom, and a seaside view from the balcony.
I got to stay in one of their Cluster Villas, an 88-square-meter water villa with a queen-sized bed, hot and cold shower, TV and AC, minibar, coffee and tea-making facility, and a safe. It’s also worth noting that the resort is making an exceptional effort to care for the environment by using refillable bottles for shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, and lotion in their bathrooms. They also use reusable water bottles to avoid single-use plastic bottles.
I had a semi-private ocean-view balcony, separated by a removable partition that connected all the villas in the entire cluster. Nevertheless, the balcony provided us with a serene view of the ocean, a perfect spot for sunrise and sunset.
Also, guests can enjoy complimentary land and boat transfer services, buggy cart service, WiFi access, tea-making facilities, and free use of luggage counters. Other services include in-room dining, laundry, and a spa.
Food
With ten restaurants on the island, guests can satisfy their cravings, whether for Filipino cuisine or international comfort food. For coffee lovers like me, visit their cafes, Sun Cafe and Cafe Adlaw, or get your caffeine fix at Island Garden Restaurant.
The island resort also has themed food outlets– order a classic surf and turf at the Rare Steakhouse, satisfy your shabu-shabu and samgyupsal cravings at Hotpot and KBBQ or indulge in Japanese food at Hikari. Just make sure to book your themed dinner in advance.
Dinner at Mangrove
MANGROVE is Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort’s (SETIR) newest casual fine dining restaurant. It opened on June 12, 2022, and is the brainchild of SETIR’s Chief Operations Officer, Ryna C. Brito. With Mangrove’s creative and unique take on delicious Filipino dishes from regions with abundant mangroves, any guest who walks through its doors will surely have a sensory experience.
Mangrove is also the latest restaurant on SETIR’s shores, aiming to bring the best and most unique dishes of their cuisine to guests’ tables. Located on Ricardo’s Island, Mangrove is a cozy restaurant that makes diners feel right at home. Additionally, in keeping with its name, the team drew most of the restaurant’s menu from regions around the Philippines where mangroves were abundant. This resulted in a diverse menu featuring flavors from around the Philippines, such as Piyassak, Tiyula-Itum, Bola Catalana, Pyanggang Manok, and more!
Island Resort Activities
There’s so much to love in SETIR, as all travelers, from solo to couples, business travelers, and families, can enjoy an ideal holiday on the island. From sunset cruises, playing indoor sports such as billiards, chess, or board games, cycling, island-hopping, trying out watersports activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, riding on a glass-bottom boat, or swimming– it’s truly a fun-filled adventure in SETIR. Here is the complete list of activities in the island resort:
- Jet ski
- Aqua Jet underwater scooter
- HydroBOB underwater scooter
- Snorkel
- Scuba dive
- Paddleboard
- Molokini kayak
- Glass bottom ride
- Water towable ride
- Banana boat
- Coron tours
- Day tour
- Beach volleyball
- Board games
- Biking
- Shooting
- Driving
But if you don’t have the luxury of time to enjoy all these, SETIR also has a function room, spa, and gym suitable for business travelers.
Luxury Sunset Cruise
Adventure is out there, and this Palawan island resort will bring you right to it. Go on board a romantic sunset cruise in their 35m yacht and sail in style to the islands around Culion. Start the cruise with onboard champagne and a private dinner for 6 with a private butler, chef, and barista. The night continues as you feel the cool sea breeze and watch the stars shine bright against the calm seas of Culion, offering you a different perspective of the island. You may also opt to stay the night to enjoy and immerse yourself in an awe-inspiring escape in Coron.
Pristine Beaches
Two pristine beaches are on the island’s east and west sides, equipped with sun loungers. Beach bums will surely enjoy bathing under the sun, meditative walks, and yoga sessions at the stretch of white sand, or picnics by the beach. These beaches are the ideal spot for privacy and serenity.
The Gym
On the other hand, fitness buffs can do every kind of workout at their well-equipped fitness center. It has wall-to-ceiling glass walls with wraparound views of the ocean, a sight to behold while keeping fitness goals even on vacation.
Infinity Pool & Children’s Pool
Adults and children may enjoy soaking in the infinity pool and children’s pool, or relaxing on the sun loungers and patio sets. The pools have mesmerizing islands in the background too.
Blue Bay Dive Shop
The Blue Bay Dive Shop is accessible to anyone who wants to prepare before venturing underwater. It is where one may rent diving equipment and gear and enroll in PADI courses taught by PADI-certified professionals.
Sanctuary Spa
Located in the island’s east wing, facing the seaside, the Sanctuary Spa offers delicately crafted treatments that reflect the island vibe. It is where one can rebalance the body and mind while in paradise, a spot one can truly call a sanctuary.
Departure
After a sumptuous buffet lunch, we immediately proceeded to the reception area to check out. And just like when we arrived, it was also a seamless experience from the resort going to the airport. And while we all enjoyed the food and amenities that SETIR showcased, the stay was made more memorable by friendly and courteous staff who attended to all our needs–it’s definitely one of the best resorts I’ve stayed in the Philippines.
From the food to the well-appointed rooms, the numerous indoor and outdoor activities, the approachable staff, and the overall resort experience, I recommend SETIR for guests seeking a luxurious holiday getaway away from the crowds.
For inquiries and reservations, see the details below:
Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort
- Telephone number: +632 8657 1919 or +632 8657 1918
- Email address: rooms@sunlighthotelsandresorts.com
- Website: https://sunlighthotelsandresorts.com/setir/
- Facebook: @sunlightecotourismislandresort
- Instagram: @sunlight_islandresort
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