10 things we love about Miniloc

If you were to ask me what I loved most about my recent trip to Miniloc Island Resort in El Nido, Palawan, I wouldn’t be able to choose only one thing — or even five.

Located in Bacuit Bay, Miniloc is one of four properties of El Nido Resorts, a group of sustainable island resorts in Palawan that offer unique experiences amid stunning natural landscapes.

Probably one of the most Instagrammed islands in the Philippines, El Nido was “discovered” by Japanese divers in the 1970s. And who wouldn’t fall in love with its towering limestone cliffs and marine life?

Joey Bernardino, marketing director of Ten Knots Development Corp., owner of El Nido Resorts, says that Miniloc island was discovered accidentally. “The Japanese divers had been travelling through the area at night seeking other destinations. When a fishing line disabled their boat, they were forced to drop anchor. When they woke up the next day, they were amazed by their surroundings.”

In 1982, “they made Miniloc an ecotourism destination. When Ayala Land bought into El Nido Resorts in 2010, it kept the resorts focused on nature-based activities, minimizing their footprint on the environment, and fostering relations with the surrounding communities.”

Here are 10 things we love about Miniloc Island Resort: 

The new eternity pool facing Bacuit Bay

1. The rustic charm gets refreshed. For a 40-year-old resort, Miniloc looks brand new. That’s because the entire resort was renovated for six months last year, opening only in December 2018. Miniloc is famous for using local materials and architecture like traditional capiz windows and cogon roof on its water villas and cottages fronting the beach. They made the conscious decision to retain the rustic feel that everyone loves. They also added sea-view suites and an eternity pool.

2. Miniloc resort occupies less than one percent of the island.  Joey says, “The islands have different masses or size in hectares but if we consider all the islands put together, we have only developed one percent. And once we develop them we become responsible for the entire island.”

Perhaps this is why the marine life surrounding Miniloc remains a spectacular showcase of biodiversity. Marigs Laririt, El Nido Resorts director for sustainability, says that could only have been made possible “by the fact that we have a well-maintained sewage treatment plant and a solid waste program that is uncompromising.”

3. Miniloc’s house reef. I love resorts with house reefs — and Miniloc’s is the best I’ve seen so far (I’ve snorkeled or dived in a number in Luzon and the Visayas). There are colorful coral reefs just a few meters from the beach, so many varieties of fish, and it was the first time I saw thousands upon thousands of jacks surrounding me — like the famous sardine run in Moalboal, Cebu. Miniloc also has well-trained nature guides who steer snorkelers’ fins away from the fragile corrals. Snorkeling in Miniloc’s house reef is one of the happiest experiences you can ever have in El Nido.

4. Entalula island. I can stay here all day and just fall asleep under the shade of trees and to the sound of waves breaking . A private island that belongs to El Nido Resorts, Entalula has a white-sand beach, waters so blue, beach beds, paddle boards, a bar and dining area. Oh, and some resident monitor lizards that like to walk to the beach from the forest behind that’s been left untouched. Miniloc takes its guests here when they want to island hop and it’s a mere seven-minute boat ride away.

5. Big and Small Lagoons at the crack of dawn. I was shocked to see that our itinerary for the second day said, “Wake up at 5:30 a.m.” It turned out it was to go kayaking at the Big and Small Lagoons. I said, “Didn’t we just do that today?” Yes, but seeing the sunrise in the lagoons is really special — you get to appreciate the stillness and literally hear the day starting with the sounds of nature. Plus, you work up an appetite for Miniloc’s breakfast buffet.

The privately owned Entalula Island has fine, white sand. Photo by Tanya Lara

6. Dinner at Big Lagoon Beach. Joey says Miniloc gets booked for quite a number of weddings and when it’s an intimate one, they prefer to get married here, one of the islands owned by El Nido Resorts. They’ve also had weddings where it’s just the bride and groom without a single guest.

7. Seeing the constellations and luminescent planktons. On the boat ride back to Miniloc at night, Miniloc GM Mac Guerrero — who has entertained various Hollywood celebrities on the island including Oscar nominee Margot Robbie — had the captain stop the boat and kill the spotlight. Having seen Bacuit Bay’s limestone cliffs during the day, we were now treated to its beauty at night. “Look up,” Mac said. And indeed, the dark sky was filled with stars so bright it felt like we were under a giant umbrella lit from the inside. With the boat rocking gently, we looked down on the waters and saw the water lit up as well by luminescent planktons. I had never seen this before in my life and it felt so magical.

8. Glorious food and drinks! Since 2006, El Nido Resorts has maintained its own organic farm, using compost generated from the island resorts’ kitchens. Collectively, the resorts generate 36,000 kilos of biodegradable waste a month, which are composted. Miniloc is an all-inclusive resort with a buffet spread at breakfast, lunch and dinner. And I love the bar facing the sea. The bartenders make such wonderful drinks with top-shelf spirits. On our last night, when we got back from the beach dinner, GM Big Mac brought out a bottle of Johnny Walker Ultimate 18. Needless to say, it was a great night.

9. El Nido community relations. Ninety percent of El Nido Resorts employees are locals and turnover rates are minimal. “Employees communicate a strong sense of pride in their islands to guests which in turn fosters among guests great appreciation for and a desire to keep the surroundings pristine,” Joey adds.

10. The warmth and kindness of the Miniloc staff. It’s true that Filipinos are naturally warm and friendly and when you pair that with the kind of training Miniloc provides its staff, you get impeccable service. From the guides who go kayaking with you to the wait staff in the restaurant, the beach attendants taking care of your snorkeling or diving gear, the bar staff and room attendants — they all spoil you.

Twin room with capiz-shell windows and doors

But nothing compares to the resort’s singing group that says goodbye to you at the pier. They’re plucked from Miniloc’s different departments — even the chef at our beach dinner doubled as drummer — and sing original songs about El Nido.

They sing and wave at departing guests until the boat is literally out of their sight, making you want to jump into the water and swim back to Miniloc. Because who wants to leave paradise?

*   *   *

Visit the author’s travel blog at www.findingmyway.net. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @iamtanyalara.