GHIELLANIQA INN: Palawan's Paradise Awaits! (Your Unforgettable Escape)

GHIELLANIQA INN Palawan Philippines

GHIELLANIQA INN: Palawan's Paradise Awaits! (Your Unforgettable Escape)

GHIELLANIQA INN: Palawan's Paradise Awaits! – My Unfiltered Take… and My Advice (Book Now!)

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from GHIELLANIQA INN in Palawan, and let me tell you, my brain is still buzzing with sun, sand, and… okay, maybe a tiny bit of logistical chaos (but hey, who doesn't love a bit of adventure?). This isn’t your polished, stock review – this is the REAL deal, the messy truth, the honest-to-goodness experience, warts and all. Prepare for a ride!

First Impressions & Accessibility (Or, My Slightly Clumsy Arrival)

Getting to GHIELLANIQA was… well, it's Palawan, so expect some island time. The airport transfer (they’ve got a good one, by the way - Airport Transfer) was smooth sailing (thank heavens, because I'm not exactly known for my graceful exits from planes). Finding the place? Easy peasy. Accessibility? Ok, let's talk. They do have an Elevator, which is a HUGE win for anyone with mobility issues, or, you know, after you've eaten your weight in delicious Filipino food. I’d say they’re making a genuine effort on this front, but I’d still recommend confirming specific needs with them beforehand – just to be sure.

The Room: My Little Palawan Palace (Mostly)

Right, so I booked a room that, let's just say, ticked all the boxes. Air conditioning (a must!), Wi-Fi [free] (also a must!), and a bed so big and comfy, I almost didn't leave it (almost!). They have Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens. Like, seriously, they've thought of everything! Except maybe a tiny bit more space for my mountain of luggage. Seriously, my suitcase and the air conditioning did not get along.

The Room Sanitization Opt-out available felt reassuring given the current climate (who doesn't appreciate extra cleanliness these days?). The Room sanitized between stays was definitely noticeable. The Beds were comfortable, the showers were hot (crucial!), and the blackout curtains? Glorious. Slept like a log, I tell you. And the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – essential for, you know, posting Instagram stories of my amazing life 😉.

The Food: A Culinary Journey (Mostly Delicious!)

Okay, let's talk food. The Asian breakfast kept me fuelled for adventures, with options for Asian cuisine in restaurant and even that perfect, strong Filipino coffee to wake you up. The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty damn good, and they also offered Breakfast in room if you were feeling lazy (which, let’s be honest, was me, more often than not). The Coffee shop was a lifesaver too – you can always count on me for coffee!

The Restaurants themselves… hmm. Okay, here’s where things get a little less perfect. The main restaurant offers International cuisine in restaurant and some Western cuisine in restaurant, But sometimes the "a la carte" service could be a tad slow. But the food? Generally, it's pretty good! There’s a decent Bar and Poolside bar for your pre-dinner cocktails (Happy hour – yes, please!). They have Alternative meal arrangement service. And here's a PRO TIP: try the Soup in restaurant! It’s incredibly soothing after a day of exploring. Oh look, they offered Salad in restaurant too!. They offered Bottle of water.

Relaxation & Recreation: Paradise Found (and a Few Minor Mishaps)

This is where GHIELLANIQA truly shines. The Swimming pool is gorgeous – that Pool with view is postcard-worthy! So, so relaxing. They also have Swimming pool [outdoor], They have Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. They offered Body scrub and Body wrap service! I got a massage (Foot bath, Massage) at their Spa. Seriously, I nearly fell asleep mid-massage it was that good.

Things to do? Plenty! The staff were super helpful with recommendations (they've got a Concierge). You could arrange tours, go island hopping, explore the local markets… or just, you know, park yourself by the pool with a cocktail. My only grumble? The Fitness center was a bit… well, let’s just say it wasn't exactly state-of-the-art. My expectations were a little high.

Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (With Some Quirks)

Cleanliness and safety are absolutely paramount. I felt incredibly safe and secure CCTV in common areas, and CCTV outside property made me feel safer. They have Fire extinguisher and other Safety/security feature, They had Doctor/nurse on call and offered a First aid kit. They use Anti-viral cleaning products and have Daily disinfection in common areas. They had Hand sanitizer and Hot water linen and laundry washing which is so essential nowadays. Staff are trained in Safety protocol. They also have Sterilizing equipment . They have Hygiene certification, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services.

Services & Conveniences: The Little Things Matter (and Sometimes Don't)

Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Xerox/fax in business center. The Daily housekeeping was reliable and efficient. The Front desk [24-hour] was a godsend, especially when I, uh… needed a little help with my room key at 3 AM. They have Access CCTV in common areas, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private] and even Doorman, They have Breakfast takeaway service .They made Essential condiments available. They used Cashless payment service. They had Shared stationery removed.

Dining, drinking, and snacking: So Much Food!

Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. They had Individually-wrapped food options, which was reassuring. They had a Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and, the Safe dining setup was much appreciated.

For the Kids:

While I didn't have any kids with me, I noticed they're pretty Family/child friendly. They have Babysitting service and Kids meal, which is great.

Getting Around:

The location is close to all the necessities, but for those wanting to travel, they have Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.

The Quirks, The Imperfections, The Honest Truth:

Okay, let's be real. GHIELLANIQA INN isn't perfect. There were some minor hiccups. The internet, while

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GHIELLANIQA INN Palawan Philippines

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, sun-drenched chaos that is a trip to Ghielaniqa Inn in Palawan. Forget those clinical, sterile itineraries – this is the real deal. Expect typos, tangents, and the occasional existential crisis brought on by too much sun and not enough sleep. My brain is basically a travel-sized piñata filled with glitter and questionable decisions right now. Let's GO:

The Ghielaniqa Gumbo: A Palawan Pilgrimage (aka My Trip!)

Day 1: Arrival… and the Uncontrollable Urge to Wear a Pineapple Shirt.

• Morning (or what passes for it after a red-eye flight): Arrive at Puerto Princesa Airport. Okay, first impression: sweaty. Gloriously, wonderfully sweaty. The air hits you like a warm, humid hug. After the freezing airplane air, it's a shock to the system. Finding the transfer to Ghielaniqa Inn felt like a treasure hunt ("Look for a guy holding a sign that says… something!"). Finally, a friendly local points me in the right direction. Whew! Getting to the Ghielaniqa Inn itself? A beautiful, windy drive through lush greenery. Seriously, the landscape is just begging for a ridiculously cheesy travel montage set to uplifting ukulele music. (Note to self: find that music.)

• Afternoon: Check into our room at Ghielaniqa Inn. OMG. I booked the room with the "Partial Ocean View" and, let me tell you, it's more like an "Ocean Peek-a-boo." But FINE. The room is clean, the AC is working (Hallelujah!), and there's a balcony. YES. The balcony is where all good decisions are made, especially when you're fueled by cheap instant coffee and the sheer excitement of being here.

• Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Okay, this is when things started to unravel… deliciously. First, a mandatory dip in the infinity pool. I am SO not a graceful swimmer, so my entry involved a lot of splashing and a near-miss with a very charming, very judgmental-looking elderly lady. Mortifying, but also kinda funny. Then, after much begging, I finally convinced my travel companions, to eat by the beach. The sunset. The FOOD. The sand between my toes! It was like my soul was spontaneously combusting with joy, but a bit of annoyance arose with how long the food took. After the meal, I was so excited, I walked into a tree! I mean what a start to a vacation.

Day 2: Island Hopping… and Questioning My Life Choices (aka, What Did I Get Myself Into?)

• Morning: The wake-up call came in the form of the sun, rudely shining directly in my face. Ugh, that bed seemed so good. Island hopping time! First stop: a secret lagoon. It was beautiful, surreal, and ridiculously crowded with people taking selfies. Social media is the devil. Still, the water was crystal clear, and the snorkeling was… okay. I saw a fish! Maybe two! The boat ride itself was bumpy, and I may or may not have gotten a bit seasick. Dramatic, I know.

• Afternoon: Next island. Lunch was served on a pristine beach, the food was amazing. I ate about ten times my weight! I'm starting to question my ability to not overeat. After lunch, we had free time on the beach. I attempted to read my book, but was quickly distracted by the ridiculously adorable sand crabs doing their little sand-ball-rolling thing. Also, a local dog was attempting to steal my sandwich. Tough times.

• Evening: Back at the inn, after a much-needed shower (and serious sunburn assessment), we watched the sunset. Sunsets are ALWAYS better with a cold beer in hand, and a solid group of friends is truly an underrated experience.

Day 3: Kayaking, Regret, and the Pursuit of the Perfect Karaoke Song

• Morning: Kayaking adventure! I've always fancied myself a bit of an adventurer, but kayaking in the open water with a slight hangover is REALLY testing my definition of the word. Let's just say my kayak took a lot of unplanned detours. I blame the wind. And the lack of coffee. And possibly the questionable choices of the previous night.

• Late Morning/Afternoon: Relaxed in my room. I was exhausted! I swear I could've slept another twenty hours.

• Evening: Karaoke night! This is the moment I've been training for my entire life. I went for a classic: "Bohemian Rhapsody." Or, at least, I tried to go for a classic. Turns out, it's a lot harder to sing than it sounds from my shower rehearsals. I probably butchered it. But I had fun. And that's the important thing, right? The crowd… not so much.

Day 4: Caves, Caves, and More Caves (and the Near-Death Experience with a Cockroach!)

• Morning: After a long day, I took a trip to a cave! It was cold, damp, and seriously claustrophobic. Pretty amazing to see, and absolutely stunning!

• Afternoon: I decided to take a walk on the beach, and when I had decided it was time to call it a night, while laying in bed, a cockroach decided to give me a visit. It was HUGE. I screamed like a banshee until my friends came to the rescue.

• Evening: Dinner and final packing! Feeling a little sad I'm leaving.

Day 5: Goodbye, Palawan! (Until Next Time, Maybe, Hopefully!)

• Morning: One last breathtaking breakfast overlooking the ocean. One last coffee, one last deep breath of that heavenly salty air. The anticipation of leaving is the worst part, but it won't be the last time I see this beautiful place.

• Afternoon: Airport transfer and departure.

• Evening: Back home, in the comfort of my own bed.

Final Thoughts (aka, the Rambling Conclusion):

This trip was a mess. A beautiful, glorious, chaotic mess. I got sunburned, I almost drowned, I sang badly, and I ate my weight in food. But it was ALSO magical. It was filled with moments of pure joy, belly laughs, and the kind of memories that stick with you long after the tan fades. Palawan, you beautiful island! You've completely stolen my heart (and probably a few of my brain cells). I can't wait to come back and do it all again. Maybe next time I'll learn how to swim properly. And maybe I'll skip the karaoke. Then again… probably not.

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GHIELLANIQA INN Palawan Philippines

GHIELLANIQA INN: Palawan's Paradise Awaits! (Your Unforgettable Escape) - FAQs That Actually Answer Stuff (Maybe... Mostly)

Okay, Seriously, What *Is* GHIELLANIQA INN? Is it a Real Place or Am I Dreaming?

Look, I get it. Palawan? Paradise. Ghiellaniqa Inn? Sounds kinda...fancy, even for a place that's supposed to be relaxing. But YES! It's real. I was there, remember? (Mostly. The rum punch was *strong*). It's this little slice of heaven nestled in El Nido, away from the mega-resorts (thank GOD, I hate feeling like I’m in a crowded waterpark when I want… you know… peace). Think cozy cottages, stunning views, and that feeling like you’ve stumbled onto a secret. Or at least, that’s the dream. Sometimes it’s more like, "Okay, where's the mosquito net? And what's making *that* noise?" (Probably a gecko. They're everywhere). Anyway, it's real. Just… manage your expectations a *little*. Perfection is boring, right?

How Do I *Get* to This Elusive Paradise? Because Plane Tickets are Expensive, You Know...

Ah, the eternal struggle of travel: the cost! Okay, so this involves a flight to El Nido Airport (ENI). The flight is probably going to be a smaller plane -- which, personally, I think is kinda fun, until the turbulence hits and you swear you're going to become one with the fluffy clouds. From there, you've got a short tricycle ride to the Inn. Seriously, it's like five minutes, which is amazing after a long flight. Just make sure you haggle a bit on the price. They *know* tourists, and sometimes they think we’re made of money. I nearly got ripped off on the way *out*! Lesson learned: always have exact change and a healthy dose of distrust. Just kidding! (mostly).

What Are the Rooms *Actually* Like? Are We Talking Luxury or… “Rustic”?

Okay, here's the deal, and this is where things get… subjective. The rooms are… charming. Think “rustic” with a capital “R”. Don’t expect a five-star hotel. The sheets were clean (thank god!), the air conditioning worked (bless!), and the view from the balcony? Unbelievable. (Seriously, the sunsets… *chef's kiss* amazing). But… and it’s a big but… I did find a tiny, *tiny* ant on the wall one morning. And the hot water? Let's just say it was a sporadic acquaintance. But hey, you're in paradise. Suck it up, right? (Actually, I did whine a little. Okay, a lot.) The charm kind of outweighs the… imperfections, I think. The rooms are a little… *lived in*. And that's part of the charm, kinda. You get used to it.

Food? Because I Need Food. Is There Food? Good Food?

YES! Food! Thank the heavens. Breakfast is included, which is a HUGE win. You get a choice of a few things: eggs, pancakes, rice – the usual suspects, but actually, the food was fine and filling, and the fruit was fresh and delicious (especially the mangoes!). They have a little restaurant/area nearby, and you can order other meals throughout the day. The seafood, you have to try, it was amazing, and the local food is delicious. The restaurant has a more *laidback* vibe, so expect island time, not express delivery. And be prepared to have your taste buds doing the tango from all the new flavors.

What's There To *Do* Besides, You Know, Existing?

Oh, man. The question is, what *isn't* there to do?! This is where Ghiellaniqa Inn really shines. El Nido is all about the islands. They have island hopping tours (mandatory!), snorkeling (amazing!), scuba diving (if you're into that), kayaking (perfect for a lazy afternoon), and just plain beach bumming (highly encouraged). Seriously, I spent an entire day just sprawled on the beach in nothing but a swimsuit and a book. Best. Day. Ever. The Inn itself can help you arrange tours, which is super convenient, but do some research first to decide what you want. And ALWAYS bring sunscreen. I learned that lesson the hard way (sunburn is NOT paradise).

Island Hopping: Tell Me Everything. My Dreams Depend On This.

Okay. Buckle up. Island hopping is THE thing to do. Picture this: turquoise water, powdery white sand, hidden lagoons, and a boat full of… well, other tourists, but who cares? (Kidding! Mostly. The social aspect is actually kinda fun.) I did Tour A (highly recommended!) and Tour C (also great!). The lagoons were unbelievable, those majestic limestone karsts popping out of the water create this otherworldly landscape. The snorkeling… WOW. The coral! The fish! The sheer underwater beauty! I swear, I saw a sea turtle and almost cried (happy tears). The food on the island hopping tours is usually pretty good, and its included, and there's always a beautiful beach to eat on. Just be prepared for crowds. It’s popular for a reason. And hold on tight to your hat! The waves can be a bit choppy at times. And whatever you do, don't forget your waterproof phone case. Trust me on this one. One of the best adventures ever.

What’s the Vibe? Is It Romantic? Family-Friendly? Party Central?

Ghiellaniqa Inn has a relaxed, chilled-out vibe. It's definitely not a party hotel. Think more sunset cocktails on the beach, quiet evenings, and the sound of the waves as your soundtrack. It's *mostly* romantic (if you can ignore the occasional mosquito bite). Families are welcome, but it's not specifically geared towards them. It's a great place to get away from it all, and I found myself incredibly relaxed after a few days. The staff are SUPER friendly and helpful. They make you feel welcome.

The Staff. Give Me the Lowdown. Are They Helpful? Friendly? Secretly Plotting World Domination?

The staff are amazing! Honestly, they were one of the best parts. They were always smiling, helpful, and willing to go the extra mile. They helped organize my tours, gave me recommendations for restaurants, and even rescued me after I managed to get lost (true story... I got VERY lost). Seriously, they were lovely, always making sure you had everything you needed. No world domination plots detected, thankfully. Just genuine kindness and a love for their island.

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GHIELLANIQA INN Palawan Philippines

GHIELLANIQA INN Palawan Philippines

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