The beginnings of El Nido Resorts traces back to 1979, when the founders embarked on a journey aboard the M/V Via Mare, a dive vessel offering live-aboard diving tours throughout the Philippines. From the very outset, their mission was rooted in inspiring environmental conservation. The founders sought to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the natural environment among the travellers who ventured with them beneath the surface of the country’s marine sanctuaries.
While exploring the crystal-clear waters of the Philippines, the founders encountered the captivating marine ecosystems in El Nido, with its vibrant coral reefs, diverse aquatic species, and untouched coastal beauty. El Nido’s unparalleled underwater world left such an indelible impression that the team decided to make it their primary hub. In 1982, they set up a dive camp on Miniloc Island, which became their first property. This simple camp featured 15 fan-cooled cottages and shared toilet and bath facilities. The rustic charm appealed especially to a predominantly Japanese clientele, drawn to the region’s unspoiled nature.
Over the next decade, their vision evolved from dive tours into something greater—creating immersive experiences that blended sustainable tourism with hospitality. By 1991, the company behind El Nido Resorts, known as Ten Knots, began acquiring and developing more areas around El Nido to preserve its ecological treasures and to ensure that tourism flourished without damaging the environment. In 1993, Ten Knots launched its first upscale property on Pangulasian Island, introducing 30 air-conditioned cottages, each featuring en-suite bathrooms, to cater to more discerning travellers. In 1998, the company opened its first luxury resort on Lagen Island, setting a new benchmark for sustainable resort development. Inspired by the environmental lessons learned from Miniloc, this new property embraced even higher sustainability standards.
As El Nido Resorts expanded across the region, its commitment to sustainability deepened. Each new development and operation adhered to strict eco-conscious policies, with the resorts striving to limit their environmental footprint. Their community engagement efforts also became a core part of their business model, focusing on the integration of local culture, traditions, and resources into the guest experience.
The jewel of palawan: Nature’s last ecological frontier
El Nido Resorts is located in Palawan, a unique archipelago of 1,780 islands on the western coast of the Philippines. This vast region is known not only for its scenic landscapes but also for its abundant biodiversity. Despite having the densest concentration of islands in the country, Palawan remains the most sparsely populated province, earning the moniker, “The Last Ecological Frontier of the Philippines.”
The northern part of Palawan, home to El Nido and Taytay, is renowned for its stunning limestone cliffs, tranquil beaches, and flourishing marine ecosystems. Marine sanctuaries surrounding these areas host a wide range of tropical fish, corals, and five endangered species of sea turtles. Inland, dense forests serve as habitats for more than 100 species of birds. It is in this breathtaking region that El Nido Resorts has built its eco-resorts, offering visitors opportunities to experience nature in its most untouched form.
The resorts of El Nido: A unique collection of eco-luxury destinations
Today, El Nido Resorts operates four distinct eco-resorts across two municipalities:
- Miniloc island resort (El Nido) – The original property known for its rustic charm, offering fan-cooled cottages and proximity to the region’s famous lagoons.
- Lagen island resort (El Nido) – A luxury destination built with sustainability in mind, set against lush forests and limestone cliffs.
- Apulit island resort (Taytay) – Known for its adventurous appeal, this resort offers cliffside accommodations and activities such as spelunking and snorkelling.
- Pangulasian island resort (El Nido) – The newest addition, offering an eco-luxury experience with private villas and an emphasis on sustainability and luxury.
Taytay: A glimpse into the past
Just a few hours from El Nido lies the municipality of Taytay, steeped in history and surrounded by natural wonders. Established as a Spanish settlement in 1623, Taytay was once the capital of Palawan. Visitors can explore relics of its colonial past, such as the 17th-century Fuerza de Santa Isabel fortress, the Santa Monica Church built from solid limestone blocks, and the ruins of the old Governor’s Mansion. Taytay is also home to Lake Manguao, the largest freshwater lake in the province, and the Malampaya Sound, famously referred to as the “Fish Bowl of the Philippines.”
Commitment to sustainability: El Nido’s be G.R.E.E.N. philosophy
El Nido Resorts believes that tourism and nature conservation can coexist harmoniously. Their sustainability policy reflects a commitment to offering exceptional guest experiences while preserving the delicate ecosystems of the region. This is achieved by adhering to their five core Be G.R.E.E.N. principles:
- Guard nature’s beauty and biodiversity
- Respect and engage local communities
- Educate guests and staff about sustainability
- Enforce sustainable practices across all operations
- Nurture sustainability leaders among the team
The company also works closely with local communities, employing residents, sourcing products locally, and promoting environmental stewardship through its operations.
Sustainable practices in action
El Nido Resorts operates with a comprehensive sustainability framework to minimise environmental impact across its properties:
Desalination plant
Since freshwater is scarce on the islands, El Nido Resorts has invested in a desalination plant to convert seawater into potable water. This initiative ensures that the resort’s water needs are met without depleting mainland resources or competing with local communities for freshwater.
Energy conservation
In 2008, the resort switched to Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs to reduce energy consumption. Guest rooms feature energy-efficient water heaters, and natural lighting is optimised in their design. Solar panels provide renewable energy at key areas around the resorts and their private beach clubs. As part of their environmental advocacy, the resorts participate in Earth Hour annually by turning off non-essential lights for one hour in March.
Water conservation and rainwater harvesting
To further conserve water, El Nido Resorts collects and filters rainwater for use in guest rooms and staff quarters. Treated wastewater is reused for flushing toilets, watering plants, and supplying fire hydrants, reducing overall water consumption.
Materials recovery facility (MRF)
The resorts operate a full-cycle materials recovery facility where waste is meticulously segregated. Recyclable materials are collected and sold to local junk dealers, while organic waste is composted on-site for use in the resort’s gardens and nearby organic farms.
Sewage treatment plant (STP)
El Nido Resorts employs state-of-the-art sewage treatment facilities, enhanced with native reed bed filters. Treated wastewater is used sustainably, ensuring that no grey water or raw sewage is discharged into the sea, protecting marine ecosystems.
Low-impact guest experiences
El Nido Resorts encourages guests to explore nature through environmentally friendly activities. The resorts do not offer jet-skis or other motorised water sports, opting instead for low-impact alternatives such as kayaking, snorkelling, and paddleboarding. Trained guides lead excursions, ensuring that guests understand the importance of conservation and avoid harming the environment during their stay.
A vision for the future
El Nido Resorts continues to raise the bar in sustainable tourism by launching new programmes every year, building upon the successes of previous initiatives. A key goal is to transition to serving 100% cage-free eggs across all their properties by 2035. The company also seeks to foster sustainability champions among its staff, empowering them to become advocates for responsible tourism.
El Nido Resorts stands as a shining example of how luxury tourism can coexist with environmental stewardship. From its humble beginnings as a dive camp to becoming one of the Philippines’ leading eco-luxury resort groups, El Nido Resorts has remained steadfast in its commitment to preserving Palawan’s natural beauty. By fostering a culture of sustainability and engaging with local communities, El Nido Resorts offers guests not just a holiday, but an enriching experience that celebrates the harmony between nature and humanity.
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