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Big Budacan Island, Taytay, Palawan Island 5312 Philippines
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All I can say is go in early September & you just may chance being the only guests @ the resort with a full complement of staff! I would only give Flower Island Resort a 4.8 rating & ONLY because the bed was too hard. But this was an AWESOME stay!!! True Gilligan’s Island style! Initial communication was a bit slow by email when I messaged them about transportation to the island, but everything went smoothly & as planned. It’s best to arrive @ El Nido Airport (ENI) - we were coming from Manila. They will have someone meet you there & the man was holding a sign that said ‘Flower Island’. We were then taken by van for about a 45min, scenic ride to the Sibaltan Pier. From there you will board a waiting speed boat. You’ll have to walk a few feet thru shallow water, so be prepared for that. The water was very warm!! The guys will carry your luggage to the boat & then to your room once you get on the island. I would highly just recommend a carry on bag & backpack as your only luggage because it’s a lot. The speedboat ride was about 45min - but I think that was because the water was so choppy & the driver had to keep slowing down. It was an amazing ride for us & we did not get wet. And the cost that you’re quoted for the transfers are shared between guests arriving & leaving at the same time as you are - assuming that there are other guests! So my husband & I paid the full price for the round trip transfers since it was only the 2 of us. On the way back, we needed to be dropped off @ Vanilla Beach in El Nido town & Flower Island was happy to arrange 1 van ride for us from the pier & into town. Took about an hour. Thanks!! Our room (11) was perfect besides the hard bed. The bugs were very minimal - just a mosquito or 3. There were peacocks, I think we saw 1 rooster. No cats, dogs or monkeys. There was no lock on our room door, but we felt safe. There was also no safe in our room. The water was warm enough to shower comfortably, but would occasionally go cool & then warm back up. There’s a mosquito net around the bed & the wall unit air conditioner worked well. Most of the staff was pretty reserved - maybe a handful was talkative. I don’t think they’ve really had African Americans @ this resort. Nonetheless, we had an EXCELLENT time!!! There was plenty of food, & drinks @ the bar! We could have GOURMET meals prepared @ any time that we liked! We skipped lunches because the breakfasts were plentiful. It was on day 2 when we began asking for specific meals. They were happy to cook what we asked for!!! Pancakes, scrambled eggs (our 1st breakfast was eggs over easy 😝 & bacon that wasn’t cooked well enough - they didn’t ask @ least how we wanted our eggs, but they were happy to cook the bacon more crispy 😁) Then we asked for lumpia, pancit & chicken adobo 1 night - delicious!!!! They were happy to make it! The fruit with breakfast was plentiful & so dang fresh!! There were no excursions because it was only the 2 of us & there is a minimum person requirement, but we did not care 1 bit!!!! The surroundings are GORGEOUS & we were truly relaxing & unplugging!!! The wifi is bad. There’s only wifi @ the dining area & up to a few steps away from said area, but we truly got our rest on which is what we needed! We would take 3 & 4hr afternoon naps, lol. Would we ever go back? Yes indeed!!! But there is sooooo much more of the world & the beautiful Philippines to see! Truly a once in a lifetime trip for us, it was so perfect & perfectly unexpected!!! I’m truly glad that we were the only guests. It was a perfect 3 days!…
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are just wrapping up a wonderful week at Flower Island Resort and couldn’t be happier. We wanted a peaceful location with a white sand beach, good snorkeling and no crowds - and that’s exactly what Flower Island delivered. The water is so clear and such a beautiful blue that we always spent part of or day just drinking in the sights. There is also a well-stocked bar with an infinity pool and lots of shady spots on the beach to hangout and relax. My wife and I love snorkeling so we were thrilled to have sea turtles and clown fish just steps away from our room. Pro tip: there is a rock jetty on your left as you face the water, it has amazing corals, sea fans, and anemones encrusting it. (If you don’t have your own snorkeling gear, they are happy to lend it to you). But if you want an over-the-top coral reef experience, book an island hopping trip to Malotamban Island (the reef you access off the beach is okay, but after lunch they take you to a mind-blowing reef on the backside of the island). We are huge snorkeling enthusiasts and have been to lots of great reefs, and the one n Malotamban is right up there with Komodo NP and Corron. I would also recommend a trip to Elephant island. It also has a great reef, but a big draw is the sea caves and rock formations that are very similar to those in Corron, but without all the people. I can’t emphasize enough how great it is to have a gorgeous white sand beach all to yourself! Also, the lunch they serve you on the island hopping trips is out of this world! Everything is so delicious and fresh and you’re eating it in the shade of a tree on a deserted beach. There are also several kayaks you can use. We paddle around the island one day, and over to a neighboring island the next day. You should also be sure to walk up to the tower at the top of the island for a 360 degree view of the surrounding islands and stunningly blue water. We booked the stay here because we loved the idea of spending a week on a small island with our adult children, but were a little worried because some people had posted negative comments on TripAdvisor regarding the food. I have no idea what they are talking about - every meal this week has been delicious and varied. Finally, a word on the weather. We are here in mid-March and the weather has been absolutely perfect. Sunny skies, gentle breezes, and no bugs. We would gladly (and probably wii) come back!…
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Do the island hopping excursions!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent 5 nights at this resort which was supposed to be the finale of our Philippines vacation. We arrived via speedboat and received a charming welcome at the beach. The receptionist Vai (sorry if the spelling is wrong) was the perfect hostess during our stay. We booked the Designer Villa (Nr 11) which was very spacious with a fantastic openair bathroom and very clean. But as in all our stays in the Philippines the water heater was temperamental and hot water was very scarce. We went there because of the nice look of the island and its house reef as we are avid snorchelers-and we were not disappointed. The island is very pretty and can be discovered on a path that leads around the island. There is a lighhouse at the peak that is a lovely spot for some sunset viewing. The house reef is quite pretty though not as spectacular as we have seen on other islands but the hotel offers snorcheling tours (Elephant Island is great). We booked a tour to the adjacent pearl farm which I can heavily recommend although it is rather expensive. Our biggest issue with the resort and the reason for our three star rating was the food. The food was served buffet style and selection was very limited (one vegetable dish or salad and 3 meat/fish choices and plain rice) . They promote it as asian kitchen but it leaned heavily into european dishes. The food was not plain bad but taste and execution (no sauces, overcooked meat, lukewarm food) were very unsatisfactory for the steep price tag attached. We prefered the bar with its delicious cocktails and friendly staff. We also tested the SPA. The menue is rather small but the ladies there are very talended. We had two treatments there and the hot stone massage was plain heaven. Summarily we had a very nice vacation there but in our opinion the resort is a bit overpriced as long as they don't fix the food.…
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Date of stay: January 2023
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:The Designer Villas are well placed and very charming
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The island is the true definition of a paradise off the beaten path. Our experience was beyond amazing! We stayed for 5 days and wish we stayed longer. My husband and I travel a lot and have been to many beautiful resorts in many countries but our experience in Flower Island… just WOW. As soon as we arrived via speed boat, the staff greeted us with a warm welcome, along with the resort dog RJ. The newly built infinity pool was also an added surprise to us. Every single person who works in the island seem genuinely happy, it was obvious how much they love their jobs because it truly showed in their service. It was the absolute Filipino hospitality. They were a big part why our stay was so special. I got to know some of the girls who work there, and felt like family in such a short time. Special thank you to Mhicka, Kim, Rosalyn, Che, Manager Ela, Sheila, and Jeralyn (she even packed us some of her delicious homemade macaroons to take with us) and all the other staff. The boat drivers caught us fresh sea urchins when I mentioned that I love uni. Truly a special surprise. They were all wonderful. Everyone went above and beyond to make sure our stay would be memorable. I read some complaint reviews about the food (which worried us at first) but it was the complete opposite experience for us. Food was absolutely delicious! We had a lot of fresh seafood (shrimp, crabs, lobster), also some meat dishes, fresh fruits, soups, and homemade delicious desserts. My only suggestion is to have more vegetables dishes/ salad options along with the main dishes. The island itself was breath taking! The beach was so clean and water was so clear. All the villas are facing the ocean and has a hammock for relaxation. You’ll hear relaxing nature sounds all day. A MUST- visit the Pearl Farm, you’ll have a great appreciation for South Sea Asian pearls. We found it educational and fascinating. The visit also came with an island picnic, prepared by the staff which was so special and delicious. They also took us snorkeling in the coral garden which was absolutely beyond beautiful!!!! My husband and I are beyond grateful that we found this island and we will definitely be back with our family and friends…
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Bring bug spray, and good walking shoes/ sneakers for hiking up the tower and the path around the...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can't be any happier for choosing Flower Island for our first beach trip since the pandemic! We were fully relaxed, the staff took care of everything, and the place was absolutely amazing. BOOKING: We got the 4D/3N package which included the two-way flight, land and sea transfer, full board meals, and water activities back in April but had to rebook multiple times due to travel restrictions. Dealing with the reservations officer was hassle free and she was very helpful & responsive to all our inquiries. LOCATION: Only about 1.5 hrs. away from the new El Nido airport! It was close enough to the mainland but secluded enough for privacy. We also felt very secure despite the remoteness. TRANSFERS: Since everything was arranged by the resort, we were off to the island in no time. Van and boat experience were both smooth and convenient. Bottled water, life vest, and towels were provided in the speedboat. Each took about 40 mins., both through scenic routes. ACCOMMODATION: Pristine, comfortable, and spacious! The shower area was our favorite; it was extremely spacious and had two sinks. There were a lot of outlets in our villa so charging our gadgets wasn't a problem. Loved that our villa faced the sea and had great spots for lounging. Pillows were comfortable but the mattress was a bit too firm for our liking. Nevertheless, we appreciated the daily turndown service. Also, if I may add, water pressure was great and there were no brownouts/electric interruption which is quite common when vacationing in Palawan. FOOD: Everything was divine! Contrary to older reviews here, every dish was thoughtfully prepared and made use of fresh ingredients. We loved the balance of vegetables, seafood, and chicken plus great carbs in the form of pasta, bread, and the occasional rice (we opted for this only for our breakfast set). Servings were hefty and I can't remember a dish we didn't like. They also brew their own coffee and it was great each time. STAFF and SERVICE: One of the best things about our stay in the island were the helpful and caring staff! We were the only guests in the island and they took care of us so well w/o being overbearing. They were so thoughtful and made sure we were comfortable and that we're able to maximize our stay. They put out sunbeds at the beach for us and offered to take us to a great snorkeling site just when we thought we can't do any water activities due to the weather. There was an LPA the night before and morning was quite gloomy but we're glad we trusted them when they said the weather would take a 180-degree turn by the time we finished breakfast. They were right and we're glad to have taken a short boat ride to the snorkeling site to see corals, fish, clams, and a turtle! My companion's not a good swimmer but they kept her company and made sure she enjoyed paddling around the area. They even picked up sea urchins for us to enjoy at the boat...fresh uni with beer on a sunny weekend, how perfect! The staff was great and made our stay truly special. We can't wait to go back with friends and show what the island has to offer.…
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Date of stay: October 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:The designer villa has a great view of the beach; close enough to the main areas (only about a...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A pristine, serene, and activity-packed resort. Getting there is an adventure itself that you will definitely enjoy. When you take off from Manila, you will be treated to a scenic trip if you book either a helicopter or a seaplane. One can also fly commercial via El Nido or Puerto Princesa; it is a fun-filled trip either way. Upon arriving at the resort, you will be welcomed by the warmth of the team working on the island. While at the resort, you will not see yourself asking for anything. They will provide everything you need. The service on this island is top-notch. Their gestures would "wow" you, including the fantastic food served at the restaurant. The beachfront Villa that I got is well-appointed, clean, and very comfortable. I planned to kayak, dive, or paddleboard on my first day but somehow forgot about it when we did their island hopping tour and some hiking. Every island is a paradise, a sight to behold! On the second day, I swam with the reef sharks at the beach in front of my Villa. The biodiversity around the island is amazing! The employees made it hard for me to leave the island. Their service, warmth, and hospitality are genuine. Che, with the rest of the team, made my stay an unforgettable one.…
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Date of stay: October 2021
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There’s a place that’s truly spectacular and magical hidden away in the islands close to el nido. The home of the golden pearl. More importantly the story of the pearl is truly a special one. It’s definitely a must try.
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Date of stay: February 2021Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have stayed there for 4 nights with my family and we all had an amazing experience. From the moment we arrived on the Island everything was perfect. Very welcoming and always helpful staff. The place is a truly Gem and it is prefect for relaxing. You can either snorkel and/or do all the water activities and please do not miss the visit of the Pear Farm. It is really worth it. I will definitively go back there !!!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flower Island was exactly the retreat we wanted and needed. There was a taifun going through the Philippines but luckily the only effect on us was that it was cloudy. The island itself has plenty to offer for some laid back days in luxury (light house, massage temple, walking paths, pearl farm excursion, water sports, relaxed cocktail bar etc.) The food can also be vegetarian and vegan on demand and was delicious every day. On the Pearl Farm tour don't forget to go snorkelling at the coral garden! The communication in advance could improve concerning that it takes a long time for answers via e-mail and then some information was contradictory. Eventually everything worked out except for one transfer from a bus station to the Taytay pier. There we took a taxi after waiting for too long and discovered afterwards that nobody would have picked us up anyways. Prepare for some huge flora and fauna on the island! It was amazing to see so many exotic plants and animals. Accordingly one has to be cautious with food and scents (e.g. massage oil) inside the rooms as it may attract ants and similar right inside your suitcase. The staff was incredibly nice and friendly and once we were there also extremely helpful.…
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Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our last stop on our Philippines vacation and no doubt it was the best place. Truly an amazing stay far away from everything sorrounded by beautiful scenery and friendly staff. Wifi is available at the bar for does in need of an online fix. Our cottage was right at the beach (no 11) and was spacious and looked newly renovated with a great "outdoor" bathroom. From the balcony we could relax in our hammock and rocking chair overlooking the beautiful blue sea. Note there is no AC but a fan can be provided and that was sufficient during the night. The beach and sea is amazing and heavinly blue - right for a postcard. Snorkeling is really good here and we saw stingrays, baby black tip reef shark, dragon fish, needle fish and many other colorful fish. On a picnic to another island we also snorkled at coral garden no1 which had a lot of the same things to see but the corals were more colourful and amazing and the reef was much bigger to explore. We also spotted turtles. Food is offered as a buffet which was simple but enjoyable. Quality instead of quantity. For dinner it would be nice if they offered a seafood and fresh fish bbq which would be our only real recommended improvement. A small but nice snack menu is offered during the day. This place comes with our highest recommendation. …
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.