El Nido Resorts Lagen Island is a premier eco-sanctuary nestled between a lush four-hectare forest and a calm, shallow lagoon in Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and limestone cliff backdrops, it offers a more secluded experience compared to its sister resorts.
Travel Guide and Essential Tips
To make the most of your stay at Lagen Island, consider these travel essentials for the 2026 season:
Best Time to Visit: The dry season from December to May offers the calmest seas and best visibility for snorkeling.
Health and Safety: Do not drink the tap water. The resort provides safe, filtered water in reusable glass bottles.
Packing: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof dry bag for island hopping, and sturdy water shoes for exploring caves or rocky lagoons.
Eco-Tourism Fee: All visitors aged 6 and above must pay a one-time PHP 400 Environmental Fee, usually settled at check-out.
Nearby Attractions
Lagen Island’s location in Bacuit Bay provides easy access to El Nido’s most iconic natural wonders:
Big and Small Lagoons: Just minutes away by boat. These emerald-water lagoons are best explored by kayak to navigate the narrow limestone openings.
Snake Island: Famous for its unique S-shaped sandbar that connects two islands during low tide.
Cudugnon and Cathedral Caves: Dramatic geological formations nearby that offer a glimpse into the archipelago’s prehistoric history.
Entalula Beach Club: An exclusive beach club for El Nido Resorts guests, perfect for a private picnic lunch or rock climbing.
Transportation Tips
Getting to a private island requires a bit of coordination, but the resort handles most logistics once you reach Palawan:
The Direct Route: Fly from Manila (or Clark as of March 2026) directly to Lio Airport via AirSwift. This is the fastest method (approx. 55 minutes).
Resort Transfer: From Lio Airport, a resort representative will take you on a short 15-minute ride to the pier, followed by a 45-minute scenic boat ride to Lagen Island.
The Budget Route: Fly into Puerto Princesa and take a 5–6 hour van or bus ride to El Nido town. From town, you will need to take a tricycle to the resort’s jetty.
Best For
Lagen Island is specifically designed for:
Honeymooners and Couples: Seeking high levels of privacy, romantic sunset views, and candlelit beach dinners.
Nature Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy bird watching (look for Palawan Hornbills) and observing macaques or monitor lizards in their natural habitat.
Families with Older Children: Who appreciate a quiet base with educational eco-tours and on-site marine sports.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Seclusion: Extremely private and quiet compared to El Nido town. | Price: Significantly higher than mainland accommodations. |
| Wildlife: High chance of seeing unique Palawan fauna on-site. | Limited Dining: Most meals happen at the resort unless you boat out. |
| Service: Consistently rated 9+ for staff hospitality. | Connectivity: Wi-Fi can be spotty in certain forest rooms. |
| Eco-Friendly: Strong commitment to sustainability and marine life. | Activity-Dependent: Most fun requires boat travel from the island. |
Pricing Observations (2026)
Standard Rates: Expect to pay between $380 and $415 (approx. PHP 22,000–24,000) per night for entry-level forest rooms.
Extra Person Fees: For 2026, extra adults (12+) are typically charged PHP 20,000 per night, while children aged 7–11 are PHP 10,000. Children 6 and under usually stay for free.
Seasonal Discounts: Look for “reimagined” offers between March and September 2026, which can provide up to 30% savings on flexible rates.
Local Food and Tourism Tips
While Lagen offers international and local fusion, exploring Palawan’s flavors is a must:
Seafood Paluto: If you visit the mainland, try the Paluto system—buy fresh catch at the market and have a local eatery cook it to your liking (sinigang or garlic butter).
Bird’s Nest Soup: A local delicacy in El Nido made from the nests of swiftlets found in the limestone cliffs.
Island Picnics: Don’t miss the chance to have a “Boodle Fight” (a communal Filipino feast on banana leaves) during your island-hopping excursions.
First-Person Review
“Waking up in a Water Cottage at Lagen is a surreal experience. The first thing you hear isn’t traffic; it’s the sound of the forest waking up behind you and the gentle lap of the lagoon below. I spent my mornings kayaking right from the pier before the day-tour boats arrived at the nearby lagoons. The staff treated us like family, even remembering how I liked my coffee after just one day. It’s expensive, yes, but for the peace of mind and the front-row seat to the best sunsets in the Philippines, it felt like every cent was accounted for.”
