The Dolarog Beach Resort is in a deserted beach seven kilometers from El Nido. The view from the resort, which opens to the bay of Bacuit is particularly beautiful. One can contemplate on the mammoth-like form of Binagbayoton Island with a tiny rounded beach just facing the resort. The outlined silhouette of Lagen is in the distance. Malapacao Island, whose two high rocks on both extremes are stationed like sentries on both sides of a golden beach are bordered by coconut trees.

The resort has an informal and family-oriented atmosphere. An Italian named Edo built the resort over 20 years ago. He lives here with his Filipina wife and children, his monkeys and cats.

The resort is composed of five bungalows on a one and a half-hectare property. It sits on a field of coconut trees surrounded by grass, facing a long narrow white sand beach where swimming can be most enjoyable. The beach sinks into a soft slope where children can swim without much risk. Some shells that are brought willy-nilly to the shore by the tides.

The wood and bamboo bungalows on stilts, directly in the beach, are simple and relatively spacious. They have wooden floors, tiled connecting bathrooms, and the beds are provided with mosquito nets. There are three individual bungalows by the restaurant’s side. On its left are two connecting cottages which cater more to families, as they share a terrace.

Each bungalow has its own terrace, furnished with armchairs and hammocks for viewing the fabulous limestone cliffs. The arrival of rains and storms can also be viewed here, in total tranquility. At the end of a beautiful day, the setting sun offers its decor of orange and pink hues

The restaurant is housed in a big wooden structure at the center of the resort. Generously opening towards the sea, it has a small bar behind which is a wall painted with fishes — souvenirs of a local artist.

The resort provides a banca, so excursions can actually be done from here. One can even ask to be brought to the rainforests through the Manlalic River, crossing mangroves where various kinds of birds can also be observed. The trip takes one hour by banca and another 20 minutes on foot until the forest.

How to get there

By air, land and sea, 75-minute flight on Island Transvoyager, Inc. (daily morning and afternoon flights) or 115 minutes on Seair (3-weekly flights) from Manila to El Nido. Passengers holding on a confirmed booking at Lagen or Miniloc resorts are given priority on Andres Soriano Aviation. 20 minutes by tricycle from El Nido airport to the town proper. 30 minutes by banca from El Nido pier to the resort.

More photos here