How To Enjoy Apulit Island in Palawan

You have been working hard all year long to reward yourself and your family a well deserved vacation. Apulit Island located on the northern part of Palawan, may just be the perfect get away for you. If you prefer a vacation place that is not overcrowded and one with nature, Apulit is it! 

After a 2 year hiatus, the resort re-opened December 2010, bearing the name Apulit Island Resort (AIR) under the El Nido Resorts brand which also has Miniloc Island Resort (MIR), Lagen Island Resort (LIR) and Pangulasian Island Resort (PIR) under its portfolio of exclusive properties. 

I was lucky enough to have worked there as a Supervisor of Food and Beverage department from February 2011 up to May 2012. Let me take you on a glimpse on what's in store from an FnB perspective of the resort. My apologies, I was not able to take pictures of our food preparation and buffet spread. Being a responsible staff, i adhered to the policy on prohibited use of mobile devices on work premises, which is the kitchen and the clubhouse in my case, while on duty.

Approaching guests are greeted with a medley of Cuyunin (local dialect) songs. Accompanied by warm smiles of resort staffs. A cold towel and a refreshing chilled lemongrass tea is served to soothe your thirst after a long travel. Roasted cashew nuts, which is also abundant in Palawan, is served to munch away as guests fill up the registration sheet. 

Do not forget to fill up the birthday or anniversary date field, you could be treated to a surprise if the date falls under the duration of your stay at the resort. If you have dietary or food restrictions, mention it ahead and the chef will take the extra mile to accommodate your request. 

From the pier, every guest will be escorted by designated resort staff to their respective rooms. Get your cameras ready because you could be in for surprises for friendly creatures that share the island just by walking to your room.

Wi-fi signal is available at the clubhouse and the main bar 24/7. Communication will not be an issue as local mobile phone provider Globe Telecoms has a strong signal at the island.

The FnB department prides itself in serving farm fresh local produce. El Nido Resorts' own green house provides for the vegetable requirements of the resort. Organically raised pork is also supplied. Fruits are sourced from the local growers and market. Mango's of Palawan are highly regarded to be sweet and flavorful. Our chef buys fresh catch fish and seafood from fishermen who pass by the resort. 

Besides the regular daily breakfast, lunch and dinner at the clubhouse, I suggest you try and sign-up for picnic and lunch set-ups by the beach. The West Beach is an ideal place to do that. 

If you want a more romantic dinner separated from the rest of the guests, you can book that 24 hours ahead through the Guests' Activity Coordinators (GAC). Additional charges may apply as these are special set-ups. Give her the moon and the stars, pick from ideal private dinner venues such as West Beach, by the pool, beach front, Rock Bar, Mabuhay lounge, North Cave and Sunset Dinner Cruise. A special 5 or 6 course menu will be prepared by the executive chef. An FnB staff will recommend the appropriate wine that would pair well with your chosen menu. Here is a tip, nobody has ever been rejected giving a marriage proposal while having a private dinner at Apulit!

Sunset Cruise and Dinner

Enjoy activities such as:

• hanging around at the West Beach
• visit at the North Cave (do not miss out on the chance to dip at the small lagoon)
• snorkeling at nearby islands (ask for Nabat Island)
• sunrise/sunset kayaking around the island
• cave explorations
• sunset cruise
• coconut hat making
• therapeutic massage at the spa
• diving with expert dive instructors and dive masters
• rappelling at the octagon pier
• hiking 
• island hopping (Isla Blanca is a must see)
• Kid friendly activities (fish feeding, coconut hat making, Nature Tour and The Green Hour with our in-house environmentalist)

All these activities can dehydrate you. You can purchase a stainless water flask at the boutique and you can avail unlimited refill of mineral water. Getting a stainless container is promoted instead of buying water on plastic bottles.

Chill out in your cottage veranda waiting for the best sunset. 

Before you head out for dinner, drop by our beach bar and sip away famous pre-dinner cocktails such as Martini's, Gimlet, Campari Cocktail and Apulit's Signature Cocktails. 
Fresh fruit shakes (watermelon, mango, pineapple, young coconut) are the most sought after drink at the resort.

I hope you will visit Apulit island soon. It's pure relaxation.

For reservation and booking visit www.elnidoresorts.com.

"More than just yearly rituals in which we connect with friends and family, vacations are also exercises in self-definition. In affording time away from the demands of everyday life, vacations disclose what people choose to do rather than are required to do."

-Cindy Sondik Aron, Working at Play