I spent a Christmas holiday at the El Nido Resorts-managed Apulit Island, formerly known as Club Noah. It is located a bit farther than the Miniloc and Lagen Island Resorts but still in Palawan. What's good about going during holidays are the numerous festivities and activities for the guests. Our first day was spent on flying from Manila, boat transfers, land transfers, settling in and enjoying the afternoon and night there.
Like Miniloc and Lagen Island Resort trips, boarding was at the A. Soriano Hangar. While waiting, one can enjoy some pastries and juice at the lounge.
The boarding pass is given after check-in. You have to return it upon boarding.
For this flight, we were ushered to a bus
and we boarded a bigger (and newer) plane than before.
11:15 a.m. The flight was full. I wouldn't want to sit backwards like them...
We were on a small propeller plane bound for the El Nido Airport (can fit around 50 passengers, same one as Miniloc and Lagen). No surprise there as the airport is too small for bigger commercial planes. You can check out other ITI flight details and options for the El Nido Lio Airport here.
1.5 hours later, I waved hello to the ladies =) Not so long ago, when I heard their goodbye song, I said to myself that I would be back to Palawan.
As usual, some Pinoy snacks and juice were available like this kutsinta while we wait for the next instruction.
12:40 p.m. We were told that the Taytay airport was closed that time so we had to go via van. It was not such a comfy experience since the roads were not that nice and our van was full. They also packed a basic sandwich for us.
2:40 p.m. 2 hours and a CR stop later...
we arrived at the Taytay Fort - the Fuerza de Santa Isabel built during the Spanish period.
Next on the itinerary was a mini boat ride to get on a bigger boat.
We had the option to stay inside or outside the big boat for the hour-long ride.
I stayed dry inside,
good thing too because it was like 3 p.m. and the boat just kept on rocking. There are towels provided but my mates surrendered and went inside by 3:15 p.m. haha.
The waves were stronger here going to Apulit Island (in Taytay) than in El Nido when we went to Miniloc.
We transferred again to another small boat
and the water cottages were just there!
Apulit Island only has water cottages BTW but you have to choose (request) wisely since some of them are located oh so far away from the dining and activity area.
I've always loved the El Nido Resorts welcome. =)
Aside from singing, there's the briefing, a welcome drink and snack.
Then, it's just me and the first look of the cottage!
The rooms we got had single beds. It would be a bit difficult for a bigger person or two to move around here because I did, including the bathroom (no offense).
The balcony was awesome though.
We got the one near the dock so it's like the midpoint at the resort.
The activity center and dining area is around 5 minutes away. Since it was December 24, we went ahead to join the Parol Making contest (and won haha).
There were cocktails after at the dock with a screen showing the diversity around the island.
Then, the buffet followed at the dining area. The El Nido Resorts package is always all-in for us, including the activities, boats, transfers, full board meals and flights.
They served a fiesta full of food and I took my time going for seconds, especially the bread. It was Noche Buena after all.
As a Christmas eve treat, the staff treated us to a lot of performances.
The clock struck 12 and Santa arrived haha.
Then there was more food - Pinoy delicacies (even balut)!
What a welcome and a busy first day at Apulit Island Resort! Every night, they end the day with a sweet message and a story on our beds. It's the all-too-familiar El Nido Resorts way =)
