When arriving on the island of Palawan, one word will eventually pop up even with the most seasoned and wearied of travelers: paradise.
It might verge on cliché to coin it such, but no word feels more fitting for an island that’s become the stuff of legend. Limestone formations—seemingly plucked out of a postcard—are run-of-the-mill, and beneath the feet of travelers, sea creatures swim in crystal-clear waters. It’s surprising to think that only a one-hour flight separates the island from bustling Manila, which feels like a whole world away.
Boosted by a growing global exposure by way of accolades and travel talk online, Palawan is home to resorts that show off the crème de la crème of what the island has to offer. In the municipality of Culion, Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort (SETIR) serves this with a luxurious touch. With overwater villas that line the resort’s 18-hectare expanse, the influence of other island getaways like the Maldives is surely there. But don’t get fooled: It’s undeniably Palawan beneath the surface.
How to Get to Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort in Palawan
When traveling to SETIR, it’s a plus point in the overall experience to take the resort’s sister airline, Sunlight Air. From Manila, Clark, and Cebu, the boutique airline offers flights to Coron, the gateway to Culion.
Passengers will board one of their fleet of propeller-run ATR 72-500s, where they serve in-flight snacks, which include locally sourced banana chips, bottled water, and a choice of coffee or juice, free of charge.
Optional: Take a breather between the flight and the trip to the island resort by checking in at Sunlight Hotel Coron, a waterfront hotel by the shores of Coron Bay. Have dinner by the Mallorca Pool Bar with the yellow Mediterranean-inspired decor as your backdrop, and take a dip by the pool as the nightcap.
Room rates at Sunlight Hotel Coron start at P5,780 (Regular season) and P6,800 (Peak season) for Superior; P6,630 (Regular season) and P7,800 (Peak season) for Premier; P8,330 (Regular season) and P9,800 (Deluxe) for Deluxe; and P9,180 (Regular season) and P10,800 (Peak season) for Deluxe Suite.
The next day, board a boat to Culion following their transfer schedules. Don’t forget to advise the staff beforehand.
Sunlight Hotel Coron to SETIR: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The Villas at Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort
If SETIR has a pièce de résistance, then it’s the very villa that guests will call their temporary home. In the island resort’s 18-hectare space are 99 villas that each have a distinguishable feature by category. Each villa overlooks the seas for the most blissful morning view, and guests can even catch the fish–with their eyes, at least–swimming in schools underneath the balcony.
While each room has the standard electronic key card, guests will also be handed waterproof watch-style bracelets that act as a key when pressed on the sensor. Perfect for those who’ll go swimming–or those who are a tad forgetful.
Cluster
The 44-square-meter villa can house two to three guests with a shared ocean-view balcony. Guests can choose from either single or double-bed options, complete with high-tech amenities.
Rates per night: P23,375 (Regular season) and P27,500 (Peak season)
Studio
For a more private option, take the Studio Villa for two to three guests. This comes with access to a personal balcony.
Rates per night: P28,050 (Regular season) and P33,000 (Peak season)
Duplex
For a larger party–think four to six people–and roomier space, the Duplex Villa offers 90 square meters and two bedrooms, which hold one queen bed and two single beds.
Rates per night: P39,270 (Regular season) and P46,200 (Peak season)
Two-Bedroom
With 135 square meters, the two-bedroom villa has the makings of the perfect abode for a family or group of four to six guests. Aside from the expansive balcony, it comes with a lounge area and kitchenette.
Rates per night: P44,880 (Regular season) and P52,800 (Peak season)
Sirakan
It comes as no surprise that the Sirakan villa is one of the most popular choices of accommodations at SETIR. The 65-square-meter water villa has become the poster child for the island resort, with many content creators flocking to its rooms. The draw comes for those seeking a picturesque setting for their stay, with the honeymoon villa housing a king-sized bed and an outdoor jacuzzi. Look beneath and spot the glass flooring with views of the marine creatures doing their everyday affairs.
Rates per night: P48,620 (Regular season) and P57,200 (Peak season)
Salepan
The newest gem of the island resort is the Salepan Villa, a two-story 244-square-meter private villa that houses two bedrooms for four guests. The blue shades of the infinity plunge pool seamlessly blend with the seas, but it isn’t just for show–there’s direct access to the ocean just beside the handrail.
Elsewhere, the Salepan experience isn’t complete without the glass-bottom floor on the first-floor deck. Have breakfast or lunch with a view as assisted by a private butler and private chef, or opt for a simple party by the roof deck upstairs.
Rates per night: P71,200 (Regular season) and P80,000 (Peak season)
What to Do at Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort
1. Dip in the seas for some water activities
When on the island, do as the islanders do. Take a plunge at what Palawan has to offer with a range of water activities that SETIR has in store, including kayaking, scuba diving, water sports, boarding, island hopping, and snorkeling to bask in the vibrant marine life–complete with a complementary guide for guests.
2. Pause and take a breather at the Sanctuary Spa
Work on muscle knots with a stop at the Sanctuary Spa, SETIR’s resident spot for wellness and tranquility. Try out their varied choices of spa treatments, such as their signature massage Waves of Delight (priced at P3,500 for 90 minutes), which combines techniques to loosen stress-induced tight muscles.
Rates: View menu of spa treatments here.
3. See food get fiery at Hikari Teppanyaki
Even in Culion, there’s Japanese cuisine to discover. SETIR is home to 10 dining outlets, and guests who have a craving for East Asian fare can visit Hikari, as chefs prepare teppanyaki dishes with a flair in front of their diners.
Rates: View Hikari’s menu here.
4. Feast on homegrown Filipino dishes at Mangrove
For a more local affair, head to Mangrove, where a menu of traditional Filipino cuisine awaits diners, alongside their modern takes on homegrown favorites.
Rates: View Mangrove’s menu here.
5. Have a private dinner by the beach
Whether it’s to mark a special occasion (proposals, anyone?) or just for picturesque privacy, guests can also host a private dinner by the seashores. Have a table set up on one of SETIR’s beaches for a quiet dining moment.
6. Stop for a late-night drink at Luna
End the night at Luna, SETIR’s over-the-water bar. Aside from cocktails and quick bites, the bar is also the best area to find (and even feed!) marine life. Head upstairs for a breezier spot to unwind.
Rates: View Luna’s menu here.
7. Hop on a short cruise
See the staggering natural beauty of the locale with a quick yacht cruise aboard the Merry Fisher (for eight persons) or the Sunscape (for 24). For two to four hours, guests can witness the skies and its breathtaking transition to evening on the yacht with food to munch on hand.
Rates: Merry Fisher for eight persons (P40,000 for a two-hour Naglayan Island cruise; P60,000 for a four-hour Pass Island cruise); Sunscape for 24 persons (P45,000 for a two-hour Naglayan Island cruise; P85,000 for a four-hour Pass Island cruise). For food and beverage service, guests may select from their Island Garden menu with an additional 10% on prices.
8. Relax at your villa
What’s more luxurious than passing the time in the comfort of a personal space? While guests can easily navigate the large island resort via a buggy, bike, or walking at their leisure, there’s also a subtle enjoyment in being nestled on a large queen bed, the wide-screen interactive TV at their fingertips. Better yet, open the doors, step onto the balcony, and take in the stunning scenery—it's a "pinch yourself" moment waiting to happen.
WATCH: Preview Goes to Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort
Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort is located at Naglayan, Brgy. Baldat, Culion, Palawan, Philippines 5315. For reservations and information, contact +63 917 521 4260, reservations.setir@sunlighthotelsandresorts.com, and visit their official website.
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