Solenn Heussaff’s ‘Isla’ travel guide to stunning El Nido, Palawan

Learn more about the islands featured on GMA-7’s summer special, “Isla”, hosted by Solenn Heussaff and Mikael Daez.

“Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling Isla!” (Don’t be a stranger on one’s own island!)

That was the battle cry of “Isla”, GMA-7’s 2014 summer special. Hosted by travel junkies Mikael Daez and Solenn Heussaff, the show set out to show off the beauty of the Philippines’ islands. “Each year, travel websites and magazines come up with lists of must-see places for tourists,” says Mikael. “One thing they have in common is they always mention the Philippines.”

So forget Boracay. Here’s an underrated island we should be proud of.

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This is part of a series on the islands featured on “Isla”. Read about other featured destinations:  
Lobo, Batangas; Siquijor; Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental; Oslob, Cebu

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El Nido, Palawan
Where to stay
“Nasubukan mo na bang magbakasyon sa isang exclusive island na ikaw lang ang nandoon?” asks Solenn. When visiting El Nido, Palawan (also known as the last frontier of the Philippines), there are many resorts that offer that kind of experience.



Pangulasian Island, managed by El Nido Resorts, has just that. From the main port of El Nido, all it takes is a jeepney ride to the dedicated port where the guests of Pangulasian Island are picked up by private speedboat. Thirty minutes later, you’re in paradise!

Frank Merot, the resort manager, says that tourists began coming to Pangulasian in the 1990’s, back when the local resort only had small bamboo cottages. “In between 1998 and 2010, it was developed as a beach club. As you can see, we have the longest beach [in El Nido]. It’s almost 900 meters long,” he says. “We have a beautiful reef in the front.”



Their most luxurious villa is about 65 square meters, and 25 square meters of that goes just to the bathroom. “It’s like its own room. I don’t know about you, but I’m game to sleep here,” says Solenn, lounging on the bathroom’s 15-foot-long couch. The bedroom is equally roomy and luxurious, and you get your own private pool, too.

Thinking of staying here? The villa costs P35,000 to P37,000 a night. If you book two villas, the price goes down to P30,000 a night per villa. “It’s like your own little piece of paradise,” says Solenn. “There’s nobody in sight, and the only sound you hear are the birds.”



Where to eat
Whether or not you decide to stay in a fancy resort, one of the things you can’t miss is dining at the El Nido Artcafe. The Italian-Filipino fusion restaurant has pizzas and pastas, but also incorporates tropical ingredients like mangoes into their menu.

At Entalula Island, a few minutes boat ride away from Pangulasian, you can take a day trip and enjoy a feast by the beach: grilled seafood, fresh mangoes, salad greens, and coconut juice. There are water sports and rock climbing here for those who want to work up an appetite first.

What to see



El Nido’s islands are close together, making any boat ride breathtaking by default. The best view is on the way to Blue Lagoon. In fact, Solenn found herself teary-eyed when faced with the grey cliffs and brilliantly blue water.

Once at the Blue Lagoon, the best way to get around is by kayak, which is both eco-friendly and is a more personal way to experience nature. Don’t forget to bring or rent snorkeling and dive gear! Because El Nido is a protected zone, their waters are teeming with colorful corals and fish of all shapes and sizes, including the blacktip reef shark and the pawikan (sea turtle).



The Blue Lagoon’s beauty isn’t just underwater. Local guides can take you on a steep, 45-minute climb to a spot where you see a birds eye, 360-degree view of El Nido, Palawan. “We’re so lucky. El Nido is one of the best travel destinations in the world,” says Solenn.

Text by Cristina Tantengco, photos by Luz Balingit, Instagram photo and video by Solenn Heussaff

–PF, GMA News


This is part of a series on the islands featured on “Isla”. Read more:
Mikael Daez's "Isla" travel guide to laid-back Dumaguete
Solenn Heussaff's "Isla" travel guide to Lobo, Batangas
Mikael Daez's "Isla" travel guide to 'glamping' in Oslob, Cebu
Solenn Heussaff's "Isla" travel guide to pristine Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental
Mikael Daez's "Isla" travel guide to mystical Siquijor