I have only ever heard stories about the elusive Amanpulo; not even first-hand stories at that. Before, it was something that I only saw on celebrities' Instagram feeds or in magazines. And then last April, I got to see for myself why this small island off the coast of Palawan is one of the world's premier destinations for a beach getaway.
I went to Amanpulo last April 20th for a 3D2N stay. AMANPULO, the resort, is managed by Aman International, a luxury hotel group with properties all over the world. It is situated in Pamalican Island, a part of the Cuyo Island group off the northern coast of Palawan, Philippines.
The resort, having its own airstrip, is accessible on a direct flight via private or chartered airplane from NAIA. No commercial flights are available since the island is technically still private property. Daily flights from MNL to Pamalican Island departs from the Island Aviation Hangar in Pasay City.
No expense was spared right from the get-go. Upon arrival at the airport lounge, guests are served pastries and refreshments by ever-helpful and accommodating attendants. We got there early to beat the hellish traffic in the area but waiting for a flight was not a big deal because the lounge was very comfy. I instantly felt right at home; Bellini in hand, of course.
When our flight was ready, we were called out to finally board the plane. And like I said, no expense was spared as we got the red carpet treatment. VIP, talaga! The plane that took us to the island seats only around 20 to 30 persons at a time. Aside from us three, there were only two other guests on board.
The flight took a little more than an hour and by the time we landed, I was pumped and ready to start exploring... and relaxing!
No expense was spared right from the get-go. Upon arrival at the airport lounge, guests are served pastries and refreshments by ever-helpful and accommodating attendants. We got there early to beat the hellish traffic in the area but waiting for a flight was not a big deal because the lounge was very comfy. I instantly felt right at home; Bellini in hand, of course.
When our flight was ready, we were called out to finally board the plane. And like I said, no expense was spared as we got the red carpet treatment. VIP, talaga! The plane that took us to the island seats only around 20 to 30 persons at a time. Aside from us three, there were only two other guests on board.
The flight took a little more than an hour and by the time we landed, I was pumped and ready to start exploring... and relaxing!
Upon arrival, we were greeted by our names. I know, right! They really took the time and effort to get to know who were before we got there (I mean, we didn't give 1x1s upon reservation hahaha). We were also given Sampaguita leis, a very Filipino touch to the experience.
We got a brief tour of the island before we headed to our casita. Each casita comes with a club car that the guests can use to explore and go around the island. The island is charming in an "untouched" way. There were dirt paths instead of paved roads. With its many turns and curves, it feels as if the entire resort was built around the natural layout of the island with as little interference as possible. It was noisy, but not the kind of noise I hear in the city. The cicadas were playing their tunes undisturbed. In the distance, I heard the faint echo of the waves softly crashing to the shore. It was serene. Nature was busy going about its day, while I witness it all as a spectator, a guest.
We got a brief tour of the island before we headed to our casita. Each casita comes with a club car that the guests can use to explore and go around the island. The island is charming in an "untouched" way. There were dirt paths instead of paved roads. With its many turns and curves, it feels as if the entire resort was built around the natural layout of the island with as little interference as possible. It was noisy, but not the kind of noise I hear in the city. The cicadas were playing their tunes undisturbed. In the distance, I heard the faint echo of the waves softly crashing to the shore. It was serene. Nature was busy going about its day, while I witness it all as a spectator, a guest.
We reached our Treetop Casita after our brief tour. We got settled first and munched a bit on the snacks and light refreshments waiting for us (I swear, we were fed everywhere we went). But since it was way past lunch time, we figured we were hungry for more than just cookies (yummy as they were) so we decided to head on over to one of the restaurants to get a real meal. There are several restaurants in the resort but we chose the nearest one to our casita.
As a foodie, I have to say that I love the food in Amanpulo. Our attendant, who took us on our tour of the island, mentioned that Amanpulo is largely self-sustainable. They grow their own vegetables in their garden (which we also saw) and source their seafood from local fishermen. Another cool thing is that the restaurants in Amanpulo are themed. The first place we tried was Picnic Grove. It had a casual, laidback beach-bum feel with its wooden picnic tables under and among the trees. The food was also more casual and easy compared to the other restaurants. Think: burgers and pizza.
After our very late lunch, we were excited to finally check out the beach. We collected our beach bum essentials and headed straight for the water. It was almost 4 by the time we laid our blankets down on the sand to enjoy some sun, sea, and sand. I figured it was prime time for beach-goers but I was pleasantly surprised to find the entire beach ALL TO OURSELVES. No photo cropping necessary to get rid of photobombers. There were none! Score!
And the beach, my gosh, the beach. The pristine white sand was very fine, almost flour-like, dare I say so. The water was cool and clean and so picturesque I almost filled my camera with nothing but pictures of the ocean. Look at that turquoise gradient! Textbook case of insta-love right there.
And the beach, my gosh, the beach. The pristine white sand was very fine, almost flour-like, dare I say so. The water was cool and clean and so picturesque I almost filled my camera with nothing but pictures of the ocean. Look at that turquoise gradient! Textbook case of insta-love right there.
After getting our beach fix, we stayed and lounged on the sand to watch the gorgeous sunset. By sundown, we were ready head back inland to another one of the restaurants for dinner. We then tried the Lagoon Club which offered a less casual selection compared to Picnic Grove. The restaurant was looked pretty romantic actually, perfect for a candle-lit dinner with your SO. Of course, we took a table overlooking the ocean. The open picture windows let the soothing sea breeze in. You can't help but relax during your meal as you listen to the waves crashing against the sand.
The food was delicious. Not just that, the guests have much freedom in having their meals cooked and prepared just the way they like it. Actually, the same goes for the rest of the restaurants in Amanpulo. One of our party had very strict diet restrictions at that time but the chefs accommodated our requests without batting an eye. You won't find that kind of service just anywhere.
The food was delicious. Not just that, the guests have much freedom in having their meals cooked and prepared just the way they like it. Actually, the same goes for the rest of the restaurants in Amanpulo. One of our party had very strict diet restrictions at that time but the chefs accommodated our requests without batting an eye. You won't find that kind of service just anywhere.
When we got back to our casita after dinner, I was delighted to find the sweetest turn-down service I have ever encountered. There were even new treats waiting for us on our bedside tables. I've never been more ready for bedtime... but not before I indulged myself in the warmest, most relaxing bath I have ever had.
Want to read more? Watch out for part two of my Amanpulo escapade.