Story and photos: Jan Darren Guiwan | KapampanganTraveller
The breathtaking beaches and towering karst limestone cliffs of El Nido are now just a flight away for travelers from North and Central Luzon, including Northern NCR, thanks to Cebu Pacific Air’s inaugural flight from Clark to El Nido.
Flight DG 6355 smoothly took off from Clark International Airport, carrying a mix of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), media, officials, and eager tourists on a historic route to one of the country’s most celebrated tropical destinations.
Joining the maiden flight were Cebu Pacific’s Corporate Communications Team members Rhobee Pilares and Roxanne Gochuico, as well as Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary and MIMAROPA Regional Director Robby Alabado. We were also joined by insightful travel influencers Doc Kim of ‘The Moonlighting Doctor’ and Bobby of ‘Travel Tayo PH’, who enjoyed the airline’s signature in-flight games and the chance to try the Deluxe Egg Sandwich. The flight was smooth, and the airspace clear for a perfect landing at Lio Airport, where we were greeted by a celebratory water cannon salute and the lively presence of Cebu Pacific’s mascot, CEBIE.
Upon arrival, a brief yet warm welcome program awaited the passengers, complete with tokens and souvenirs from El Nido stakeholders and Lio Airport. Ms. Kata of The Funny Lion El Nido’s Corporate Marketing team helped guide guests toward the next exciting part of their journey.
At The Funny Lion El Nido, we were welcomed with a safari-style greeting from Resort Manager Nilo, followed by a “roar” from the energetic Front Office Team led by Ms. Val. Our check-in was smooth, with our luggage personally delivered to our rooms. The in-room surprises were delightful — from a personalized Instagram photo printed on a fresh coconut, to chocolate cake, an anti-mosquito bracelet, a wooden coaster, and a signature The Funny Lion black bandana. The room, a cozy 26-square-meter space, included a private balcony, a work nook, a toilet and shower stall with a separate lavatory, and a coffee and tea setup. Guests can get a 10% discount on bookings using the code ‘TFLxKT’ on The Funny Lion’s website.
The first adventure of the trip took us to new heights, literally. We scaled the iconic Taraw Cliff via the El Nido Via Ferrata Canopy Walk, rewarded at the top with stunning views of El Nido’s town and a magical sunset. Later, we enjoyed a casual weekend buffet dinner back at the Hunt Restaurant, where I opted for the fresh fish ceviche, eggplant salad, and a medley of greens. The evening ended with a walking tour of El Nido’s lively downtown, led by Ms. Kelly Austria, where we discovered the area’s vibrant night scene.
The next day, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast buffet with freshly brewed coffee at Hunt Restaurant before embarking on the famed Tour A, arranged by Ellen’s Travel and Tours in partnership with DOT-MIMAROPA. We kayaked through the stunning Big Lagoon, then indulged in a delicious island lunch on Entalula Beach — ranked among the world’s top four beaches.
After exploring the captivating Secret Lagoon, we capped the day lounging at the powdery sands of Seven Commando Beach, marking my first unforgettable El Nido island-hopping experience. For a Klook discount, use KLOOKKT.
Dinner that evening continued our culinary journey with dishes like Chicken and Sausage Quesadilla, Tokyo Twist Salad, crispy Prawn Poppers, and Krabi Snapper steamed with Thai herbs. A standout was the Safari Greens health drink — a refreshing blend of watermelon, celery, cucumber, basil, and honey.
A unique experience offered by The Funny Lion El Nido is the complimentary Papaya Beach Tour, included in every guest booking. At 11 AM, guests are chauffeured to the port and then whisked away to the secluded Papaya Beach, surrounded by emerald waters and limestone cliffs. The resort team prepared a traditional island-style boodle fight, featuring grilled fish, tortang talong, pancit canton, fresh crabs, shrimp, and more, all complemented with a sparkling toast of Duet Brut sparkling wine.
Later, I enjoyed a relaxing dip in the resort’s iconic jacuzzi pool before heading to Nikibaker, the resort’s bakery, to sample buttery croissants and savory tuna sandwiches. The afternoon culminated in a rejuvenating one-hour Raja Oil Massage at Sea Tree Spa.
Dinner that night offered a sneak peek of The Funny Lion El Nido’s April 2025 menu, showcasing creative new dishes such as Cured Mahi Mahi, Tandoori Salad, and Grilled Sambal Prawns, along with a decadent Frozen Cookies and Cream Pie. Each dish was a delightful blend of world-inspired flavors.
On the final morning, before check-out, I joined Doc Kim and Bobby for a fun archery session at the resort’s activity area, followed by a visit to the property’s stingless bee colony and herb garden.
Saying goodbye was bittersweet. As the staff waved us off, it was clear that the experience had left a lasting impression. At Lio Airport, check-in was swift, and we boarded Flight DG 6356 back to Clark, enjoying a Chicken Burrito for our final in-flight meal. True to Cebu Pacific’s seamless service, our luggage was waiting for us as soon as we arrived at Clark International Airport.
Cebu Pacific Air’s daily Clark-El Nido flights open up an exciting new option for travelers seeking to escape the urban hustle and immerse themselves in the natural wonders of North Palawan. The Funny Lion El Nido ensures every moment is filled with comfort, delicious cuisine, and exceptional Filipino hospitality.
Book your stay at The Funny Lion El Nido and flights at Cebu Pacific Air.
