Pangalusian Hoiday Extraordinaire!

The first time I visited El Nido, was in the summer of '86. It was a beautiful

Sunday morning as our plane made its final approach and I saw it for the first

time. I can still remember the feeling I had as I viewed the magnificent, towering

limestone cliffs, the long stretches of white sand fringing the islands and the

turquoise water that glassily enwrapped the many, many islands of El Nido. It was

simply euphoric.

I visited El Nido many times since then, most recently as a guest of Pangulasian

Island Resort. Owned and managed by 10 Knots Development Corporation, the

resort is located on one of the numerous tropical isles of El Nido. It is nestled by

the warm water of Bacuit Bay, situated in the north western part of the Palawan

archipelago. After an hour and fifteen minute flight from Manila on board Soriano

Aviation's Dornier, we boarded the resorts private boat for the 45 minute trip to

the island.

As soon as we stepped off the boat and onto the fine, white sand, we were

immersed in the warm hospitality of the staff who rendered a welcome song and

offered ivory flower leis to each of us.

At the reception area, we were treated to some ice cold fruit shakes before being

escorted to our rooms. We learned that the Clubhouse also sports a bar, a

restaurant, a 20 person conference room, video room and library and a marine

sports activity centre as well as a boutique with everything from sunblocks to

tropical wraps.

After a quick shower, we grabbed our dive gear and headed off for the first of

several dives in the outstanding waters of El Nido. One of my companions, a

non-diver, was treated to a complimentary 'orientation dive' by one of the resorts

licensed instructors, another service offered by the resort, as we headed out to

South Miniloc. Here, at between 13 and 21 metres we found a colony of Blue

Ribbon Eels amongst the copious Lettuce Corals and sponges. Jacks and

Barracuda whizzed by us and Squid, Cuttlefish and Angel Fish grazed contentedly,

seemingly oblivious to our presence. South Miniloc is well sheltered and is one of

several excellent year-round dive sites in the vicinity.

Later that afternoon, we set out to South Tip, or Banayan Point on larger

Matinloc Island to the west. The richly coral encrusted rocks are gorgeous here,

but you may not have the time to look at them too much as the preponderance of

Mackerel, Tuna and Jacks cruising in the often swift currents will almost

undoubtedly keep hold of your attention as they did mine! The western side of the

island, especially between March and June, is more attractive for divers, but the

east coast is once again accessible all year round.

Back at the resort, my gear was washed off by the attentive dive guides and I

changed for dinner. My room, like all of the 30 air conditioned cottages and

duplexes, had a private marble bathroom with hot and cold running water. All the

rooms have private verandahs facing the sea, and for a very good reason, as I

discovered shortly: the sunsets are truly spectacular here! While enjoying a

cocktail with friends that evening, we witnessed Mother Nature use her palette

and brush to paint streaks of purple, pink, magenta and gold over the sky.

Soon we were treated to some excellent dining. A long buffet table displayed a

wide variety of sumptuous dishes, including fresh seafood and, believe it or not,

prime rib! All were carefully prepared and artistically arranged for our visual

delight. It seems that I wasn't the only one impressed as I heard a fellow guest at

another table comment "this meal alone was worth travelling here for!"

Life is too short to miss out on the excitement offered at Pangulasian, so we

spent the next two days SCUBA diving, island hopping, hiking, water skiing, hobie

catting and sunning ourselves. Louis, my husband, went off for a half days fishing

trip with some of the other guests and brought me back a 7lb Lapu Lapu which

the resort barbecued for us that evening.

I have spent many wonderful vacations at nearby El Nido's Miniloc Island Resort,

another fantastic holiday location, but this was my first trip to Pangulasian Island,

and I have to say that I was truly impressed. To me, the highlight of the trip was

the people: the constant attention of the management and staff made it for me.

They are committed to offering the type of service that can only be described as

world class.

All too soon, our holiday came to an end. As we headed back to Lio Airport for the

short flight to Manila and the diesel fumes and traffic of EDSA, I watched

Pangulasian recede into the distance, the smiling faces and waving arms slowly

fading in the bright morning's sunshine. Macarthur style, I vowed to myself that I

shall return to Pangulasian. Meanwhile, the warmth and hospitality of the island

will remain etched in my heart together with the visions of the islands, cliffs,

lagoons and waterscapes of El Nido.

Getting there: The direct and fastest way to El Nido is through A. Soriano

Aviation's 19 seater Dornier, which flies once daily to El Nido from Manila with an

additional flight during the months October to May. Flights leave Manila at 7:30

am (and 3:30 pm), and depart El Nido at 9:30 am (and 5:00 pm). Cost at press

time for a round trip air fare is 6,100 pesos per person, inclusive of terminal fee.

Pangulasian and Miniloc Islands are a further 45 minutes away by boat, provided

by both resorts. For more information,. call El Nido Resorts on 810-3388;

810-3603, or fax 810-3620.