Romance Island – El Nido Resort, Philippines

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported | Source: MOOK Editorial Department

The "Nido" in the name of the Philippine El Nido Resort means “island nest” in Spanish. Originally, the area was home to many swallows that built numerous edible bird's nests. However, under the direct translation by Taiwanese travel agencies, it was given the more beautiful Chinese name “爱妮岛” (El Nido), which echoes its image as a honeymoon island. But don’t be mistaken—it’s not just a single island. In fact, El Nido refers to a region located at the northwestern tip of Palawan Province in the Philippines. It takes about 90 minutes to reach by small plane from Manila. The area is scattered with dozens of small islands, among which Miniloc Island and Lagen Island feature a one-island-one-resort concept with independently secluded resorts, boasting extremely beautiful scenery. Known as the Island of Romance, it’s an ideal honeymoon paradise.

Miniloc Island Resort is perfectly located within the bay, where the sunlight turns the sea into a translucent emerald green. The island is covered in lush forests, filling nearly all the view with blue skies and white clouds, except for a few white stilted wooden houses nestled between palm trees and the blue sea—creating a serene and picturesque scene.

The accommodation options on Miniloc include garden cottages, family cabins, and cliffside villas situated halfway up the mountain. All are standalone buildings surrounded by tropical flowers and trees, exuding a distinct Southeast Asian charm. For couples, the overwater bungalows and sea-view rooms are even more suitable. These are stilted houses connected by wooden walkways and standing independently on the sea. At night, when all is quiet except for the sound of the ocean, falling asleep in the embrace of your loved one is the most blissful and romantic experience in the world.

“Lagen” means “stone stove” in the local dialect, as it resembles a primitive stove when viewed from the air. However, the real surprise begins upon entering the resort. Although it is also located in a secluded bay, there is a prominent limestone cliff rising from the sea right in front of the bay, serving as a natural barrier protecting Lagen Island. This cliff, along with the surrounding wooden cabins and forested hills, adds a striking highlight to the scenery, creating layers of visual depth.

The resort cottages on Lagen Island are lined up almost shoulder-to-shoulder along the bay. The overwater bungalows are built on both sides of the bay, offering a romantic and cozy setting; the beachfront cottages are situated on the sandy shore inside the bay, providing stunning views of Lagen Island’s most beautiful sunsets and bay scenery; the forest rooms and suites are built on the edge of the equatorial rainforest, surrounded by vibrant tropical flowers, making it feel like living in a garden.