Imagine you touching down in the Philippines that is always a thrill, but this time it felt different—more intentional, more inspired. From the moment you boarded your connecting flight via Cebu Pacific at the world-class Clark International Airport, you are knew you were heading somewhere unforgettable, somewhere that would delight your soul and recharge your spirit. The seamless transit to El Nido, Palawan began with sweeping aerial views of sunlit seas and tropical isles, offering an unprecedented prelude to the beauty that awaited. Upon arrival at Lio Airport, a breezy ride would take you to one of the most talked-about and #BeyondTheOrdinary El Nido Palawan resorts—The Funny Lion El Nido.
As we alighted to the entrance of the boutique property, we were met with warm smiles and a heartfelt welcome from The Funny Lion team, shout out to Ms. Val! The signature cold towels were a welcome relief from the tropical air, and a refreshing welcome drink—served in a chic, boutique-style glass—was offered the moment we stepped out of the van. It was a polished and personal arrival that immediately hinted at the service philosophy this El Nido Palawan hotel lives by.
Room 236: In-Depth Review of this Top El Nido Resort
Check-in was swift and effortless. My bags were handled with quiet efficiency—no need to lift a finger. Upon entering into the King Room 236 felt like stepping into a classy, subdued dream reimagined for the modern traveler. Each amenity was thoughtfully selected and, more importantly, well-executed.
The room was pre-cooled to a perfect tropical retreat without that usual noisy hum. I appreciated the smart cable TV not just for entertainment, but for its crystal-clear display and surprisingly diverse international channels, some are HD—a small touch, but well-curated for global guests. The telephone made in-house communications a breeze, and the coffee and tea making facility ensured I had my morning rituals intact, complete with French Coffee Press.
A pleasant surprise awaited in the mini-refrigerator—complimentary refreshing drinks, already chilled to perfection. It was these witty touches that made the experience personal and memorable.
The hot and cold shower in the en suite bathroom with refillable organic shampoo offered consistent pressure and quick heat. The provided hair dryer was compact but powerful.
The working nook, complete with a separate light, gave me a quiet, well-lit space to catch some hours of productivity, and the complimentary Wi-Fi was reliable. I even tested the connection inside the shower stall
In the tropics, blackout drapes are an underrated luxury, and these did not disappoint. They ensured uninterrupted rest and kept the room cool during midday heat. Outside, just beside my door, a dedicated drying rack proved to be an invaluable detail for drying swimsuits and beachwear after a morning dip or a beach excursion.
But perhaps my favorite part of Room 236 was the private balcony. Overlooking the long swimming pool and jacuzzi, it featured two comfortable chairs and a coffee table, becoming my daily hideaway for sipping morning brews and soaking in the serene ambiance of the jungle-meets-coast surroundings.
A Complimentary Island Escape to Papaya Beach, Top El Nido Tourist Spot
One of the standout experiences of my stay was the complimentary tour to Papaya Beach, a lesser-known yet stunning El Nido Palawan tourist spot. Organized seamlessly by the resort, the package included both land transit and a boat ride through glistening blue waters. The beach was quiet, pristine, and unspoiled—its powdery white sand framed by limestone cliffs. It was a blissful reminder of why El Nido Palawan beaches are often considered among the best in the world. The time spent snorkeling, sunbathing, and simply absorbing the beauty of nature made it one of my most treasured memories.
A Feast Worth Hunting For at Hunt Restaurant
Tucked beside the shimmering pool on the ground floor of The Funny Lion El Nido, Hunt Restaurant offers guests a versatile dining experience with both open-air seating for balmy tropical evenings and a cool, air-conditioned indoor space for leisurely meals. Their weekend dinner buffet was a delightful showcase of island-inspired flavors and international comfort fare—I found myself going back for second servings of the smoky eggplant salad, the tangy fish ceviche artfully served on ceramic soup spoons, the creamy potato salad with bacon, and the crisp vegetable spring rolls. The grill station was a true highlight, and the jerk chicken, in particular, was irresistibly spiced and juicy. Come morning, their daily breakfast buffet made for a strong start to the day: I especially enjoyed their creamy yogurt, savory garlic rice, crispy bacon strips, fresh salad greens, made-to-order omelettes, and a strong cup of freshly brewed coffee that never disappointed. Walk-in Guests can still visit and dine in this one-of-a-kind restaurant in El Nido.
Read more here about their new dishes at Hunt available this April 2025: HUNT RESTAURANT NEW DISHES
A Cozy Bite at Nikibaker Café
Just across the main hotel building, Nikibaker is The Funny Lion El Nido’s cozy and cool bakery-café located on the ground floor—an ideal stop for coffee breaks, light bites, or digital work sessions. The air-conditioned space features a spacious dining area, and a cleverly placed corner with power outlets makes it a haven for digital nomads and remote workers seeking a quiet retreat. We sampled their buttery croissant, which flaked perfectly with each bite, and their tuna sandwich, which came generously packed and layered with comforting flavors. With its display of freshly baked breads, pastries, and cakes, Nikibaker adds a warm, delicious charm to the overall guest experience.
Serenity at Sea Tree Spa
Our afternoon escape at Sea Tree Spa, located on the third floor of the building across the hotel, was nothing short of indulgent. The space welcomed us with a tranquil reception area and offered a scenic alfresco deck where we enjoyed panoramic views of the El Nido coastline before our treatment began. We availed of the 1-hour Raja Oil Massage, and it was sublime—our therapist delivered consistently firm, soothing pressure that melted away fatigue, with hands that felt as smooth as silk. The balance between expert technique and a calming atmosphere made for a deeply restorative experience.
A Compact but Well-Equipped Gym Escape
For fitness enthusiasts or those looking to stay active while on holiday, The Funny Lion’s gym, located on the second floor of the building across the main hotel, is both accessible and thoughtfully outfitted. Entry is secured by room keycard access, ensuring privacy and safety. Inside, the air-conditioned gym features essential equipment including a treadmill, stationary bike, pull machines, and a large wall mirror for form checks and stretching. It’s a smart, functional space that supports your wellness routine amid island indulgences.
Aim True with Free Archery
Channel your inner Katniss with The Funny Lion’s free archery activity, one of the resort’s most unexpected and fun offerings. Guests receive a concise and friendly archery lesson from the staff before stepping onto the range. The experience comes complete with free use of the bow and arrows, along with dedicated personal protective gear for safety. Regardless if you are a beginner or simply curious, it’s a thrilling, feel-good way to add a bit of adventure to your stay.
Nature-Inspired Experiences Ahead; Unique Sustainability in El Nido
Guests of The Funny Lion El Nido can also look forward to immersing themselves further in nature with the property’s growing list of sustainable and sensory experiences. Located at the same building across the hotel are a herb garden and a floral garden, perfect for slow moments or closer appreciation of local flora. Excitingly, the resort is also preparing to introduce a stingless bee colony in partnership with local bee experts, a delightful addition that supports biodiversity and offers guests a unique learning encounter with gentle pollinators. It’s yet another reason why The Funny Lion isn’t just a place to stay but a place to connect, learn, and grow.
A Roar of Gratitude
To The Funny Lion El Nido, thank you for redefining what island luxury can look and feel like. From the gracious service to the clever details, you’ve delivered not just hospitality, but heart. This wasn’t just a stay, definitely it was a sensory experience, made richer by the natural beauty of El Nido and the soul of your people. Shout out to Sir Nilo, Ms. Kata, Sir Ralph and the hypermemory Ms. Val!
Your Next Adventure in El Nido Is Here
If you’re seeking the perfect balance of style, service, and serenity, The Funny Lion El Nido is more than a hotel—it’s a gateway to the wonders of El Nido Palawan island hopping, an ideal retreat near the finest El Nido Palawan tourist spots, and one of the most distinctive El Nido Palawan hotels today. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, El Nido still has the power to surprise, and this resort is the perfect place to experience it.
DISCOUNT CODE
When you book at The Funny Lion website, use my discount code: TFLxKT to get 10%
Pack your bags. The beaches are calling. Come find your roar in El Nido. Fly with Cebu Pacific Air!
