Melo Villareal
Lagen Island Resort El Nido
It was on a bright sunny day when we arrived in El Nido Town proper – our jump-off point to the resort. We crossed the Taytay Bay to reach the coastal town, then we had an almost two-hour van ride to El Nido, followed by a short stopover at the El Nido airport. After checking our baggage, we finally took another boat ride to reach Lagen Island Resort (resort info).
Foot Bridge
In less than an hour, we finally landed on Lagen Island – an El Nido Resorts island property located in the northern part of Palawan. I was totally thrilled when I reached the island, which has over-water cottages further enhanced by a shallow lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs and a rainforest.
El Nido Airport
At the entrance, I received a warm welcome from the resort staff. The guide told me there are four main types of rooms to choose from. They are water cottages, beachfront cottages, Forest rooms, and Forest suites. From the name itself, I was eager to learn more about the over-the-water cottages assigned to me.
Forest Cottages
Unlike the water cottages at Apulit Island Resort, my room on Lagen Island was a little bigger, and the restroom was bigger too. Aside from the breathtaking view from my private veranda, I was totally impressed with how comfortable the Queen-size bed was.
Free Snacks at El Nido Airport
There were many activities available to meet the needs of the visitors. Each guest can enjoy a good natural spa treatment in the traditional Filipino hilot massage style, or you can enjoy scheduled trips like Scuba diving and other marine sports, and each activity means more fun.
Welcome Drink
We had lunch right after the orientation, and just like in Apulit Island Resort, Lunch means Fiesta!
Garden Fresh Salad
International and local cuisines are available at the buffet table, but I opted for the local cuisine to experience the traditional Filipino way of preparing meals.
Garlic Crabs
After lunch, our room keys were distributed, and we went straight to our rooms to freshen up and prepare for our Sunset Cruise. Like the room I had in Apulit, I really like staying in an over-the-water cottage.
Fresh Fruits
Looking at the waters underneath my Cottage gave me ultimate relaxation. Hearing the silent waves while looking at the limestone cliffs on the other side of the cove was already an awesome experience.
My huge Bed
I was surprised when I learned that only four of us were joining the Sunset Cruise that afternoon. First, we were transported by a small boat to a larger yacht, which we used to reach the middle of the bay and wait for the spectacular sunset.
Over the water Cottages
The sun was too shy to show up, but at least we had a fantastic sunset cruise. Having a huge boat just for the four of us made us feel so special. After our Sunset Cruise, we had a fantastic dinner, then rested to prepare for the next day’s activity.
Room Key Card
We first visited Miniloc Island Resort to have breakfast. I’ve been craving Tocino for a couple of days already, even before we landed in Palawan, and I was so happy to see Tocino on the buffet table.
Lagen Island Resort Infinity Pool
After having breakfast, we had a short tour of the resort, and then we left the island resort for our island-hopping activities.
Wall Climbing in Entalula Beach
One of the major attractions that impressed me the most was our visit to the small and big lagoons, along with the resort guide.
View from my Bed
I was happy to have the opportunity to step out of the boat and into the water, and even though I didn’t swim, having my feet wet while enjoying the fantastic view was already an amazing experience.
View from my Veranda
We headed to Entalula Beach for lunch. I pretty much enjoyed all the activities on the island except for the wall climbing, which I didn’t try out.
Entalula Beach
The spread was not as large as the one we normally have at the resort’s buffet table, but it was equally delicious. Imagine fresh fruits and freshly grilled seafood on a secluded beach with a calm atmosphere. It was heaven!
Evening at the Poolside
After having lunch, our guide also took us to Vigan Island, which is also popularly known as Snake Island – one of the major attractions in El Nido.
A short trek in Vigan Island
We had a short trek to the island’s highest peak to see the white sandbar and the other island, including Pangalusian Island Resort, which will be launched before the end of the year.
Sunset Cruise
Our tour guide also took us to the Cudugnon cave, which is just near Vigan Island. It has a small opening; in fact, a person can hardly get inside.
Cudugnon Cave
The guide said that the cave was formed naturally over millions of years of erosion. It was such a natural wonder that it is truly worth visiting.
Afternoon Cruise
Nothing spells happiness like spending a day at one of the world’s most beautiful resorts. Just imagine a day with no worries, just perfect relaxation, and just simply being one with nature.
The experience was truly unlike any other.
Lagen Island Resort El Nido (book online)
Phone No: +63 2 902 5980
General Inquiry:+63 (2) 813 0000 (Mondays thru Fridays, 8:30AM to 5:30PM Manila Time)
General Email:holiday[at]elnidoresorts.com
Japanese Specialist:sales[at]el-paradise.com
Address: Ten Knots Development Corporation
18/F BA Lepanto Building
8747 Paseo de Roxas Street, Salcedo Village
1226 Makati City, Philippines
Also Read:
- Hotel Review: Casa Kalaw in LiO, El Nido, Palawan
- 16 Best Luxury Resorts in Palawan for 2018
- One for the books: El Nido Island Hopping
- Balabac Budget Travel Guide
- Best Island Hopping Destinations in the Philippines
- 25 Island Destinations in the Philippines for Your Bucket List
- 10 Stunning Beaches You Need To Experience While Visiting the Philippines
