This resort in Coron is giving serious Maldives vibes | ABS-CBN
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This resort in Coron is giving serious Maldives vibes
This resort in Coron is giving serious Maldives vibes
Jeeves De Veyra
Published Nov 18, 2024 04:45 PM PHT

PALAWAN -- Sunlight EcoTourism Island Resort isn’t just a place to get away; it’s a place to get away from it all!
PALAWAN -- Sunlight EcoTourism Island Resort isn’t just a place to get away; it’s a place to get away from it all!
Coron on the north side of Palawan is a quaint, still largely uncommercialized town. Like its sister tourist town, El Nido, on the main island, the destinations to see are offshore in, around, and under the surrounding islands.
Coron on the north side of Palawan is a quaint, still largely uncommercialized town. Like its sister tourist town, El Nido, on the main island, the destinations to see are offshore in, around, and under the surrounding islands.
While many airlines fly to Busuanga, the nearest airport to Coron, the preferred partner to get to the resort is sister airline, Sunlight Air. It’s a 45-minute van ride to the Sunlight Hotel Coron in the town proper where there is a private dock to bring guests to the resort and back. Two-way airport and island transfer are included in the hotel room rate.
While many airlines fly to Busuanga, the nearest airport to Coron, the preferred partner to get to the resort is sister airline, Sunlight Air. It’s a 45-minute van ride to the Sunlight Hotel Coron in the town proper where there is a private dock to bring guests to the resort and back. Two-way airport and island transfer are included in the hotel room rate.
The better way to get to the island is the speedboats which get to the island in 45 minutes. When the waters are calm, one can really feel the wind rushing through your face.
The better way to get to the island is the speedboats which get to the island in 45 minutes. When the waters are calm, one can really feel the wind rushing through your face.
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First look at the villas of Sunlight EcoTourism Island Resort. Jeeves de Veyra

Sunlight EcoTourism Island Resort (or SETIR for short) is in Culion, a neighboring municipality of Coron. If you’ve got Maldives in your travel bucket list, SETIR’s villas on stilts come close to checking that item out. All the rooms are built on stilts on the periphery of Naglayan island, perhaps to preserve the natural beauty of the interiors. Much of the island is still untouched save for the lobby, restaurants and support structures.
Sunlight EcoTourism Island Resort (or SETIR for short) is in Culion, a neighboring municipality of Coron. If you’ve got Maldives in your travel bucket list, SETIR’s villas on stilts come close to checking that item out. All the rooms are built on stilts on the periphery of Naglayan island, perhaps to preserve the natural beauty of the interiors. Much of the island is still untouched save for the lobby, restaurants and support structures.
One can think of SETIR as a small self-sufficient island nation in itself. The resort has its own flotilla of boats with passenger catamarans, speedboats and cabin cruisers for transportation, island hopping, and the occasional sunset cruise.
One can think of SETIR as a small self-sufficient island nation in itself. The resort has its own flotilla of boats with passenger catamarans, speedboats and cabin cruisers for transportation, island hopping, and the occasional sunset cruise.
The resort's e-buggies. Jeeves de Veyra

On the ground, the resort maintains a fleet of electric passenger and utility vehicles with roughly 5 kilometers of road connecting points of interest around the island. For those who are weary of beach hotels where one must do a lot of walking, the e-buggies are a godsend. It’s surprising how I walked a lot more in traditional beach hotels than I did here.
On the ground, the resort maintains a fleet of electric passenger and utility vehicles with roughly 5 kilometers of road connecting points of interest around the island. For those who are weary of beach hotels where one must do a lot of walking, the e-buggies are a godsend. It’s surprising how I walked a lot more in traditional beach hotels than I did here.
A regular villa room looks out to the sea. Jeeves de Veyra

The rooms in the regular villas are rather spacious that just lull visitors into just staying in. The 60-inch TV is a boon if you want to snuggle up for a movie after you get back from a long day at the resort. Android users will find it easy to cast but if you have a Windows laptop or an Apple device, it’s better to connect to the TV with an HDMI cable for Netflix and YouTube. The internet is fast and reliable to answer that pesky email or to stream content. I would recommend bringing USB chargers and splitters particularly if you have many devices that need powering up.
The rooms in the regular villas are rather spacious that just lull visitors into just staying in. The 60-inch TV is a boon if you want to snuggle up for a movie after you get back from a long day at the resort. Android users will find it easy to cast but if you have a Windows laptop or an Apple device, it’s better to connect to the TV with an HDMI cable for Netflix and YouTube. The internet is fast and reliable to answer that pesky email or to stream content. I would recommend bringing USB chargers and splitters particularly if you have many devices that need powering up.
True to form, all villas, from the duplexes to the two-bedroom villas, feature balconies that look out over the water. It’s just another thing to be lulled to sleep by the wind gently whistling outside the windows and the waves of the Coron channel lapping by the pillars below.
True to form, all villas, from the duplexes to the two-bedroom villas, feature balconies that look out over the water. It’s just another thing to be lulled to sleep by the wind gently whistling outside the windows and the waves of the Coron channel lapping by the pillars below.
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One of the island's beaches. Jeeves de Veyra

If you do manage to get out of the villa, there is so much to do in the resort. Enjoying the cool waters around the island should be a priority since rental of the snorkeling gear is included with the room. There is a pool but in my opinion, the better way to enjoy the waters are the two beaches on the two sides of the island.
If you do manage to get out of the villa, there is so much to do in the resort. Enjoying the cool waters around the island should be a priority since rental of the snorkeling gear is included with the room. There is a pool but in my opinion, the better way to enjoy the waters are the two beaches on the two sides of the island.
Since the resort is far away from the urban centers, the waters are teeming with fish and one can find Nemo and friends with just a couple of steps from the beach. The amount of wildlife just off the two resort’s beaches is astounding as just diving around the jetty area has many different types of fishes to see. Having one of the staff summon the fish with bits of food so that you can be enveloped in a storm of sea life can be quite an experience.
Since the resort is far away from the urban centers, the waters are teeming with fish and one can find Nemo and friends with just a couple of steps from the beach. The amount of wildlife just off the two resort’s beaches is astounding as just diving around the jetty area has many different types of fishes to see. Having one of the staff summon the fish with bits of food so that you can be enveloped in a storm of sea life can be quite an experience.
The resort's gym also has beach views. Jeeves de Veyra

For fitness buffs, the resort has bicycles that can be borrowed for free to get around with water fountains thoughtfully scattered around the island.
For fitness buffs, the resort has bicycles that can be borrowed for free to get around with water fountains thoughtfully scattered around the island.
For those who’d rather do their cardio indoors or for those who can’t skip their weights, the resort has a gym with an expansive view of the beach and the jetty.
For those who’d rather do their cardio indoors or for those who can’t skip their weights, the resort has a gym with an expansive view of the beach and the jetty.
The Sirakan villas as seen from the sea. Jeeves de Veyra

Those looking for more luxurious accommodations, perhaps for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway, the Sirakan villas on the southeast side are absolutely breathtaking.
Those looking for more luxurious accommodations, perhaps for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway, the Sirakan villas on the southeast side are absolutely breathtaking.
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Staying here gives the feeling of being all alone in the middle of the ocean. The first thing that astounds are the transparent floors on the ante room and the bedroom that extend to the veranda complete with a personal hot tub.
Staying here gives the feeling of being all alone in the middle of the ocean. The first thing that astounds are the transparent floors on the ante room and the bedroom that extend to the veranda complete with a personal hot tub.
The Sirakan villa has a bathtub on the balcony. Jeeves de Veyra

The latest additions to the resort are the higher-end Salepan family villas located on the northwest side of the island. This is meant for families where the parents have a room with a king bed and the kids have the twin beds with modern features like trick Japanese toilets in the bathroom, more outlets, and USB ports for devices.
The latest additions to the resort are the higher-end Salepan family villas located on the northwest side of the island. This is meant for families where the parents have a room with a king bed and the kids have the twin beds with modern features like trick Japanese toilets in the bathroom, more outlets, and USB ports for devices.
The living room of the Salepan family villas. Jeeves de Veyra

The four-person saltwater splash pool/jacuzzi is an upgrade from the bathtub while tucked away in the corner is a ladder that can be used to directly go into the water, albeit only during high tide as it gets too shallow exposing rocks and corals on the seabed below.
The four-person saltwater splash pool/jacuzzi is an upgrade from the bathtub while tucked away in the corner is a ladder that can be used to directly go into the water, albeit only during high tide as it gets too shallow exposing rocks and corals on the seabed below.
Above all that, there are cabanas on the roof where guests can get a massage out in the open or just lie down to gaze at the stars into the night.
Above all that, there are cabanas on the roof where guests can get a massage out in the open or just lie down to gaze at the stars into the night.
The Salepan villas has a four-person bathtub. Jeeves de Veyra

These villas are really a cut above everything else as each villa has their own butler who lives in a room right by the villa’s entrance ready to be at the guest’s beck and call.
These villas are really a cut above everything else as each villa has their own butler who lives in a room right by the villa’s entrance ready to be at the guest’s beck and call.
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Guests do have the option to go to the all-day dining outlets for breakfast buffets but it’s a more relaxing option to take breakfast served by the butlers in the morning. The breakfast and lunch menus at these villas are exclusive to the premium side of the resort.
Guests do have the option to go to the all-day dining outlets for breakfast buffets but it’s a more relaxing option to take breakfast served by the butlers in the morning. The breakfast and lunch menus at these villas are exclusive to the premium side of the resort.
For other guests, breakfast is included in the room rate.The resort has its all-day dining restaurants at Island Garden, another place to Sun Café near the beach.
For other guests, breakfast is included in the room rate.The resort has its all-day dining restaurants at Island Garden, another place to Sun Café near the beach.
Island Garden. Jeeves de Veyra

Island Garden serves as the gateway to the resort's food lane where one can find Xian Hotpot and Grill, Rare Steakhouse, and Hikari Japanese Restaurant. The resort is continuously expanding its offers. The newest additions are the Hikari teppanyaki theater, Ric's Place for fine dining offers, and Mangrove for Filipino food.
Island Garden serves as the gateway to the resort's food lane where one can find Xian Hotpot and Grill, Rare Steakhouse, and Hikari Japanese Restaurant. The resort is continuously expanding its offers. The newest additions are the Hikari teppanyaki theater, Ric's Place for fine dining offers, and Mangrove for Filipino food.
Hikari Teppanyaki Theater. Jeeves de Veyra

Filipino food from Mangrove. Jeeves de Veyra

On special request, SETIR can even do special setups on the beach for group get togethers or a special romantic dinner.
On special request, SETIR can even do special setups on the beach for group get togethers or a special romantic dinner.
Speaking of Ric's Place, behind the bar was a peek into SETIR's well-curated selection of wine, whiskies, and cognac that would put other hotels or bars to shame. There’s a sophistication behind the selection of somebody who knows and enjoys his or her drinks. The best place to enjoy this is at The Cellar where the best bottles in the collection are on full display, with the other restaurants having a more limited, or in the case of Hikari, a themed menu of sake and Japanese whisky.
Speaking of Ric's Place, behind the bar was a peek into SETIR's well-curated selection of wine, whiskies, and cognac that would put other hotels or bars to shame. There’s a sophistication behind the selection of somebody who knows and enjoys his or her drinks. The best place to enjoy this is at The Cellar where the best bottles in the collection are on full display, with the other restaurants having a more limited, or in the case of Hikari, a themed menu of sake and Japanese whisky.
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The Cellar. Jeeves de Veyra

The latest addition is their very own craft brewery. The yet unnamed beer is available at the resort’s food outlets though they are planning to distribute the bottles across Palawan after they get their FDA approvals done.
The latest addition is their very own craft brewery. The yet unnamed beer is available at the resort’s food outlets though they are planning to distribute the bottles across Palawan after they get their FDA approvals done.
Craft beer flight. Jeeves de Veyra

End the day at Luna, SETIR's offshore bar. Several minutes by e-buggy, it's well worth the effort as it's the best place to watch nocturnal sea creatures roving around the bar's waters while sipping a nightcap.
End the day at Luna, SETIR's offshore bar. Several minutes by e-buggy, it's well worth the effort as it's the best place to watch nocturnal sea creatures roving around the bar's waters while sipping a nightcap.
Luna. Jeeves de Veyra

One last thing. When I checked out reviews on the internet, I found a lot of raves about SETIR’s customer service. It’s one thing to read about it, and another thing to experience it. When the staff smile and say, “My pleasure,” I felt they really enjoyed working on the island resort. That additional warmth was really welcome, and this made SETIR feel homey, even if it was just for a couple of days.
One last thing. When I checked out reviews on the internet, I found a lot of raves about SETIR’s customer service. It’s one thing to read about it, and another thing to experience it. When the staff smile and say, “My pleasure,” I felt they really enjoyed working on the island resort. That additional warmth was really welcome, and this made SETIR feel homey, even if it was just for a couple of days.
The friendly staff of the resort. Jeeves de Veyra

All in all, SETIR is one place where you go and just stay there without any distractions. While the resort has its own offers for island hopping and Coron sightseeing, I’d say just get all the sightseeing out of the way before checking in for one or two days. The only exception would be for divers since SETIR maintains its own dive shop and trips to Coron dive sites, even with its own reef.
All in all, SETIR is one place where you go and just stay there without any distractions. While the resort has its own offers for island hopping and Coron sightseeing, I’d say just get all the sightseeing out of the way before checking in for one or two days. The only exception would be for divers since SETIR maintains its own dive shop and trips to Coron dive sites, even with its own reef.
Since most of the flights out of Coron are in the morning, I’d also recommend staying an extra night in Coron town, perhaps at SETIR’s sister hotel, before flying out.
Since most of the flights out of Coron are in the morning, I’d also recommend staying an extra night in Coron town, perhaps at SETIR’s sister hotel, before flying out.
Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort is located on Naglayan Island in Culion, Palawan.
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