Palawan -- its lure of pristine waters, unobstructed views of nature, and abundant marine life grows stronger most especially during the summer. It's no surprise that this Philippine travel destination is consistently topping lists of the best island beaches in the world. And if you are lucky enough to have hopped around all its islands, lakes, lagoons, nooks, and crannies, you are even more likely to become a returning visitor.
In El Nido, Palawan, lies another reason to return to the beach: Lio Tourism Estates, a new sprawling property that is a project of Ayala Land--its first ecologically sustainable tourism destination, a township that has recently opened and will unfold more amenties and facilities in the coming months. Lio is just a fifteen minute tricycle ride from the main town, and to make traveling convenient, has its own airport for AirSwift, a carrier that flies exclusively to El Nido, with regular flights from Manila to El Nido, and Cebu to El Nido.
Lio Tourism Estates has a lot in store for all sorts of travelers: it's a paradise for beachcombers, active travelers, and hungry foodies alike. Here are some of the things you can experience for yourself when you find yourself in Lio.
STAY: Casa Kalaw
Book a room (average of P7,000/night) at this Filipino-inspired boutique hotel with families and barkadas as its main market. Casa Kalaw is just a short walk away at Shops@Lio, the commercial area just by Lio Beach. More accommodations are openining soon at Lio: in June 2017, Hotel Covo is set to open, with 20 rooms designed for backpackers and young travellers. It will be followed by Balai Adlao, a 20-room resort suited for traveling couples and honeymoons.
EAT: Never Go Hungry with Shops@Lio
The hungry traveler and beachcomber need not worry when they visit Lio at El Nido. There are many food options, so your tastebuds won't get bored during your entire stay. Shops@Lio is a 3,000 square-meter area which will have a total of 20 merchants when it is in full swing--it's a mix of food, retail, and services.
by Pair-a-Dice Burger Bar
Currently there are seven food establishments in this area, which has both local and international fare to cater to all sorts of food cravings the traveler may have while in the island. There's Bead Café for your coffee fix, while you can also use your coffee time to make yourself beaded creations from their selection of colorful beads; Pair-a-Dice Burger Bar for your American comfort food cravings, and the best place to sink your teeth into burgers at Lio; an around-the-world menu courtesy of Globy The Traveling Chef for when you want to savor flavors from different parts of the world; fresh off the brick oven pizzas and other Italian favorites at Pizza & Amore; a no-frills seafood feast dampa style at El Nido Grill.
For the thirsty, you can catch the sunset while you sip on some of the best cocktails you'll have during the trip at Manille Beach Bar (they also offer Filipino dishes for post-party grub), or grab some drinks and and classic bar chow at Pukka Bar.
Watch the video below for a quick guide to where you can eat at Lio:
PLAY: Island Hopping and Other Adventures for the Thrill-Seekers
There are many activities to keep you happily busy at Lio, as their amenities and facilities are suited for eco-adventure and leisure travelers. But of course, a trip to Palawan is not complete without some island exploration, and the most convenient and leisurely way guests can experience that is through a luxe speedboat tour by Skipper Charters.
Explore islands and lagoons at your own pace and convenience aboard their smooth-riding speedboats--no need to queue on crowded tour boats, because you can fast-track all your island hopping adventures with a private tour.
You also don't have to go too far off Lio to enjoy nature, since they also have other attractions in store for you. Lio also has a small Lagoon where you can peacefully raft or kayak. It's a great way to relax and just slow down the day--try going here after spending the morning island hopping.
After your foodtrip at Shops@Lio, you can walk it all off along Lio Beach, or sweat it off by playing frisbee, soccer, volleyball, or football. They also have kite flying, and bike rental. If water activities is more your thing, then rent a kayak or stand-up paddle so you can use it in Lio Beach. Lio is also currently fixing a hike trail for those who want to have a 15 to 20 minute trek up a small summit surrounded by lush greens.
Make your first Lio experience extra special by traveling this coming Independence Day long weekend, when Lio Beach Festival will celebrate music and arts from June 9 to 11, 2017. The 3-day festival will feature over 50 artists, three stages, and public art installations, all within the Lio Tourism Estate.
Lio Tourism Estate is located in Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan. Visit www.lio.ph, like Lio on Facebook (LioElNido) and follow on Instagram (@lioelnido).