Pangulasian Island Resort, run by El Nido Resorts, occupies its own island in Bacuit Bay and is the most secluded stay in this guide. The resort has 42 villas in four styles: Canopy Villas on stilts in the forest, Beach Villas close to the sand, Pool Villas with a private plunge pool and the Kalaw Villas in a private cove. Villas are 65 square metres with a 15 square metre balcony. Guests arrive by boat, and the resort offers a marine sanctuary, a white-sand beach and an infinity pool.
Getting there is part of the stay. The resort says AirSwift flies daily from Manila to Lio Airport in El Nido, where a representative meets you for a short club-car ride to the resort jetty lounge, followed by a boat ride of about 30 to 45 minutes depending on tide and weather. The last boat transfer to the resort is at 4 pm, and afternoon arrivals and very early morning departures are not recommended, so plan flight times with the resort.
Contact the resort a couple of days before arrival to confirm your jump-off point. The island is a long way from El Nido town, so the stay works best as a few nights of seclusion rather than a base for daily tours.
Villas are spacious, and the choice comes down to setting. Canopy Villas are high in the trees and the only ones with a bathtub, Beach Villas are steps from the sand, Pool Villas have a small private pool and the Kalaw Villas share a lap pool in a private cove. Dining is on the island, with a beach bar and a poolside grill, and the resort has a restaurant serving all meals, with all-inclusive rates on offer.
Because there is nowhere else to eat, ask about meal plans when you reserve. Activities include walking the beach, snorkelling in the sanctuary, kayaking, diving, spa treatments, private sunset cruises and romantic beach dinners.
Pangulasian suits couples, honeymooners and travellers who want privacy and nature with comfort. It is expensive, and rates are on the high side even in the shoulder season. Reviewers praise the staff and the setting, and the resort is a poor fit if you want to be walking distance from El Nido town bars and restaurants. Pets are not allowed, and check-in is in the afternoon with no after-hours arrival.
Why stay here
- ✓Private island resort
- ✓42 villas with balconies
- ✓750-metre white-sand beach
- ✓Marine sanctuary snorkelling
- ✓Infinity pool and private pool villas
- ✓Beach bar and poolside grill
- ✓Spa, kayaking and diving
- ✓Resort boat transfers
Good questions
How do I get to Pangulasian Island Resort?+
Fly to Lio Airport in El Nido, where a resort representative arranges a short club-car ride and a boat transfer of about 30 to 45 minutes. The last boat leaves at 4 pm, so plan flights with the resort.
What kinds of villas are there?+
There are Canopy Villas, Beach Villas, Pool Villas and Kalaw Villas, all 65 square metres with a 15 square metre balcony. Canopy Villas are the only ones with a bathtub.
Is it a good base for El Nido tours?+
It is better as a few nights of seclusion than as a daily base. The resort is on its own island in the bay, away from El Nido town.
