Amanpulo is set on its own private island: Pamalican is among the Quiniluban group, which makes up the northern half of the Cuyo Islands. The southern half is called the Cuyo group. Pamalican is one of the nearly 1,800 islands in the province of Palawan. The largest province in the Philippines, Palawan is about 600 kilometers south and southwest of Manila. Pamalican is a low-lying coralline island covered with a sandy jungle of scrub and thorn-bush thickets. At its widest point, the 5.5-kilometer island is only 500 meters across.
Accommodation
The resort's 40 casitas, 65-square-meter bungalows in hillside and beachside settings, are modeled after the Philippine bahay kubo (native hut). Inside, decorative details reflect the islands: pebble-washed walls; coconut-shell and seashell tables; rustic Palawan rice and knife baskets; a king-size bed with a rattan headboard; sliding glass doors that reveal outdoor decks and his-and-her divans. Nearly half the space in a casita is given over to a Cebu marble bathroom, with twin vanities, separate changing areas, a shower and an elegant bathtub lit by twin wood windows.
Amanpulo's 29 beach casitas come with a private path that leads through a tangle of bush directly onto a white-sand beach. Four treetop casitas climb with the palm trees above the island. Of the seven hillside casitas, two offer especially fine views: sunrise and sunset are visible from casita #39; from the 250-liter, marble bathtub in #40, take in the beach and watch the sun set into the Sulu Sea. The casitas are linked to the resort's facilities by sidewalk-size roads. Guests get around on open-sided, gasoline powered carts, one to each casita.
Amanpulo also has its own private holiday villa for rent. Casa Kalikasan is a luxurious, four-bedroom residence located just a few meters from the sea. The 4,140-meter compound counts nine separate salas, including a lounge, a dining pavilion, a fully equipped kitchen and a beach pavilion, all designed around a grass courtyard. Villa guests have access to all Amanpulo facilities and services. Three staff, permanently assigned to the villa, look after guest needs.
Water Sports Activities
Sailing
The brilliant-blue waters of the Sulu Sea are superb cruising grounds. Amanpulo keeps a variety of boats for island hopping, deep-sea fishing and lazy-day sailing. The Hobie Sports 21, a twin-hulled cruiser, is made for fun, and guests get a 30-minute, complimentary ride during their stay. Amanpulo also maintains a smaller catamaran (a Hobie 16), as well as two Lasers and a fast-planing, fiberglass ski boat. Sailing lessons are available. Dolphin I, Amanpulo's 31-foot fiberglass Gulf Craft, handles everything but the longest charters. A later version, Dolphin II, is three feet longer and equipped with a Yamaha 200hsp twin engine. Dolphin II can take up to 10 guests on half-day and full-day charters. Rounding out the fleet are two spacious pontoon boats - double-decker party boats for snorkeling and sunbathing, as well as sunset cruises and cocktails.
Windsurfing
Amanpulo is a magnet for beginners as well as experienced windsurfers. The island's sand-bottom blue lagoon, located on the windward side, makes for world-class board sailing from December through April. During this period, the northeast trade winds blow, on average, about 20 knots an hour. A Neil Pryde test center, Amanpulo is able to provide top-of-the-line equipment, from 3.6-meter wave sails to 6.5-meter V6 slalom sails, along witha variety of slalom boards and rigs. Amanpulo's Windsurf Hut is located under a canopy of trees just back of Pamalican's east-coast beach.
Fishing
Bottom fish for snapper and grouper at one of Amanpulo's favored fishing spots or troll for wahoo, tuna and mackarel. The resort's 25-foot, center console game boat is equipped with a five-line spread for game fishing.
Snorkeling and Kayaking
Snorkelers can commandeer one of the Malibu ocean kayaks. Tie up at one of several buoys and take to the sea from there. The clam and the pier areas are popular stops; several scuba diving sites are also accessible to snorkelers.
Scuba Diving
Aquaventure, Amanpulo's dive company, is a five-star PADI operation offering courses ranging from introductory to advanced. For novice divers, Amanpulo is a welcoming retreat, with glassy seasin front of the Beach Pavilion and a gentle drop-off to deeper waters. For certified divers, there are a number of fine sites on both sides of Pamalican, all within easy reach by dive boat. (Certified divers should bring their C-cards with them; non-certified divers are advised to bring a medical certificate.)
All equipment is provided by Amanpulo's Dive Shop. Underwater lights are also available. Divers must be at least 12 years of age. Programs are subject to availability. |
