The Island Explorer

Nacpan Beach defines itself as the hidden gem of El Nido. Further away to the north from the town center, it offers a more rustic setting  and has the wide beachfront that one may look for. It appeals to those who want to escape the bustling crowds, especially if you're coming out from weekend boat tours. The skies can also get dramatic here as well during magic hour.  Nacpan Beach is also ideal for romantic getaways. It's lesser crowds provide for more intimate moments. And I saw this happen on the beach. I saw several couples enjoying their afternoon walk, while families made it their safe space. There is one resort that got Nacpan on the map for its undeniably eye-catching blue tents - Nacpan Glamping . When I first came upon the pictures of the resort in 2017, I was floored to the ground, quickly sharing it to my peers. The camping trend has achieved mainstream status in the Philippines. I praised Nacpan Glamping for leading the pack. And true enough, Nacpan owned the bea...

There are several types of accommodation experiences in El Nido, from jaw-dropping cliffside rooms to rugged island huts. El Nido is the chance for you to indulge in all kinds of accommodations situated conveniently within each other. But there is one that may not be as popular in El Nido, which makes it more interesting and unique. It's countryside camping, and Cabanas de Nacpan is where you should be to experience this. Cabanas de Nacpan is located around 30-minute away from the town center, on the access road going to Nacpan Beach. I was deciding whether I would check-in the more popular Nacpan Beach Glamping Tents, but I felt I wanted a more organic experience. Hence, I was lucky enough to chance upon Cabanas de Nacpan, which exactly gave me what I wanted. Cabanas de Nacpan felt like a rural village. It's discreet reception area would be the entrance to a rice field wonderland of tree houses, nipa huts and tents. I booked a tent which cost me around P2,500 a night. Not bad,...

One of the last tourist islands of Thailand that I have not stepped foot on is Koh Lanta. If you have been following me, you know that I have been to most of Thailand's pop islands, from Koh Chang to Koh Phi Phi, which still remains my favorite Thai island. I have been there 4 times already and every visit still revs up my spirit.

I remember my first time in Nurture way back 3 years ago. Or even more. I usually just go here to get a massage as it is known for that. Well, recently, I made my way back to the spa and discovered a whole lot more.

If you have been reading my blog, you would have noticed my love affair with the hotel group, W. This hotel chain fits me perfectly. I love its flair for design, its whenever, whatever service and of course, its style. I've been to the W in Bali before but I have never stayed here. So, in this trip, I decided to book one night before we head back home to Manila.

The title says it all and I am struggling to write this post as I see the pictures once again. Perched high above the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu, the Alila Villas soars in every aspect of a resort experience.

I didn't put a title to this post since I wanted to catch your attention. And with this picture as my cover, you may be wondering: where the hell is this beach?

It was a lazy Saturday morning when I dared my friends to be spontaneous and escape for the weekend. Without any plans, we found ourselves driving South, stopping at BF Homes first for lunch and coffee. I had a place in mind, but I wasn't sure of its quality, since, from its pictures, it looked run down. I was glad I still took the risk, since it has become one of my favorite escapes from Manila.

Being in Boracay almost every month, I have become familiar with most accommodations on the island, from Station 1 all the way to the very end of Station 3, from Diniwind to Bulabog, from backpacker guesthouses to private villas. But there is one resort that got me surprised, since, I wouldn't have expected it to be like what it is. This resort was the Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center.

I don't even know how many times I have been to Sumilon. But every time I go there, I always feel it's my first time. For this post, I will be posting pictures of the resort but using my iPhone and Instagram. I have so many shots on my iPhone that I never post on this blog, so I hope this is a start.

When someone mentions about Pico De Loro, I can't help but think SM. I know it seems very racist, but I couldn't help downgrade my expectations of a place when it has the brand SM to it. And I am ashamed, since I just can't give them the benefit of the doubt. So when we arrived at Pico Sands, the only hotel in Pico de Loro, a seaside development by SM, I naturally gave a half smile.

Before we begin, I just want to say that I have been to Baler 4 times already this year, since I wrote that first post. I have become so attached to it, that I make it a point to visit the town every month. And during my first time this year, I stayed in Bay's Inn, which I said was laid back and all, but their accommodations are very basic and worn already. 

So my El Nido adventure continues after staying 2 nights in Lagen. I knew about El Nido's new resort, Pangulasian Island. However, Pangulasian was more expensive and having 4 people in the trip will definitely hurt our budget.

And I'm back. Yes, if you thought the Island Explorer has retired, well, I just forgot to write. But so far, since my last post, which was already a year delayed, I haven been traveling twice a month. Imagine all the backlog! So, moving on, I will be revisiting some experiences that needed to be posted. Let's begin where I took off. Currently the number 1 island in the world according to Travel + Leisure, Palawan is still a vast and long treasure cove filled with underrated beauty featuring nature's best. Palawan has everything I assume. From the sparkling islands of the North to the wild mountains of the South, and more and more islands in between. I am very ashamed to say that I have only touched the tip of Palawan's iceberg. I have only been to Puerto Princesa, Coron and El Nido. What a shame indeed. But these are the basics, so let's check out another resort that have of course, made headlines for the past 20 years in the island. For years, it has been THE...

As you know, I visit Bali every year. Let's say it's a pilgrimage I make already. Bali is one of my favorite spots in the world, even though it doesn't have great beaches such as ours. And when in Bali, I always take the trip up to Ubud, that quaint highlands town known for its art and culture.

Anilao continues to amaze me with its charming resorts and beautiful sunsets. I couldn't get enough of it, so I make it a point to drive 2 hours to spend a night or two to escape the city. I never knew this dive destination would be my perfect hideaway. This time, I hied off to a new resort, escaped for a night of some peace and quiet. Friends, one of my new favorites, Aiyanar.  

I was all over Anilao last year. I fell in love with the place, that I even wanted to build a resort there. I was actually inspired by the many small resorts or houses for rent in the area. One of those inspiring family run resorts was Vista Aplaya. 

One of my favorite resorts this year is surprisingly just 2.5 hours drive from Manila. When I came to Anilao last year and rediscovered the famed diver's paradise, we drove past a resort with lots of cars parked on its street. I turned to look for the sign that Azure. It was also pleasant to see that Azure was by Vivire, a pioneer hotel in the Alabang business district.

I’ve heard of Amarela from a lot of my friends and peers in the industry. Having been opened in 2006, it is one of the most established boutique resorts family built and run in Bohol. The 25-room charming Filipino designed escape is tucked away in lush foliage of bright pink bouganvillas and verdant bushes and hanging gardens.

I must admit, I had low expectations of the Peacock Garden in Bohol. It bills itself as Bohol’s premier luxury boutique resort. Those many descriptions made it look very pretentious. I was also a bit off with its European design since it was located in a tropical island. It just seemed out of place. So when I entered the imposing gates of the resort and drove across a grand and manicured driveway that led to what looked like a clubhouse from afar, I still didn’t know what to expect.