Unbelievable Bunakidz Lodge: El Nido's BEST Kept Secret!
Unbelievable Bunakidz Lodge: El Nido's BEST Kept Secret!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because I'm about to take you on a deep dive into Unbelievable Bunakidz Lodge: El Nido's BEST Kept Secret! And trust me, after this, you'll be itching to book a flight. Buckle Up, it's gonna be messy!
First off, let's just rip the band-aid off: Accessibility. Oh, the joys and the sometimes-frustrating realities of travel! This place does claim to have "Facilities for disabled guests," but I wasn't able to test them completely. I'd recommend a direct call to Bunakidz to suss out their specific setup if accessibility is your bread and butter. Don't be shy, ask!
Let's talk about the vibe. El Nido feels like a postcard come to life--so many beaches! and Bunakidz? Well, it's aiming for that secret garden, chilled-out oasis vibe. Think lush greenery, maybe a hammock or two, and that unmistakable “ahhh” feeling.
Okay, before I get lost in the fluff (I'm prone to that), let's get down to brass tacks.
The Nitty Gritty – What They Offer (and What I Thought)
Rooms – The Inside Scoop
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning (thank GOD!), alarm clock (if you're a luddite), bathrobes (YES!), bathroom phone (really?), bathtub (if you're lucky!), blackout curtains (essential!), carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker (hallelujah), complimentary tea, daily housekeeping (a small army of angels!), desk, extra-long bed (perfect if you're a giraffe), free bottled water (hydration is key!), hair dryer (a must-have), high floor (ooh, views!), in-room safe box (always a smart idea), interconnecting room(s) available (for families!), internet access – LAN & Wi-Fi (we'll get to this), ironing facilities, laptop workspace (ugh, the working holiday…), linens, mini bar (treat yourself!), mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies (yay!), private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale (nope!), seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers (love!), smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens (breath of fresh air!).
- My Take: The rooms were… well, they were clean and comfy. No complaints. The aircon was a LIFESAVER. The free Wi-Fi (which is a big deal, let’s face it) worked pretty well – more on that later. The slippers were a nice touch.
- Important Note: I didn’t get a room with a bathtub. Major bummer. And the décor? It's… functional. Don't expect over-the-top luxury, but it's perfectly acceptable.
The Tech Stuff – Internet, Internet, Everywhere!
- Internet Access, Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events
- My Take: Okay, let's be real. Island Wi-Fi is a fickle beast. Bunakidz advertises free Wi-Fi (thankfully, since internet is basically your oxygen these days). It’s available everywhere but it can be slow, especially during peak hours. I wouldn't plan on streaming 4K movies, but for checking emails, browsing, and keeping in touch, it's mostly fine. I did utilize the LAN connection because of frustration here, which worked better. Just be prepared to unplug and truly be on vacation at times.
Food Glorious Food – Eatin' Good in El Nido
- 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.
- My Take: The food was tasty, and they offered a pretty good selection! The breakfast buffet was a nice way to start the day – I especially enjoyed the fresh fruit. The poolside bar was a bonus, and happy hour… well, let's just say I made good use of it! The Asian Cuisine wasn’t bad, but you're in the Philippines, so go explore the local restaurants.
Things to Do & Relaxation Station
- Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
- My Take: Okay, this is where Bunakidz shines. The pool is GORGEOUS. Seriously, the view from the pool is incredible. It's the kind of pool you want to spend all day lounging in. The spa? Oh, the spa. Had the BEST massage of my life – a real muscles-melting experience. The sauna and steamroom, while I may not have used them, seemed high-end. The fitness center looked well-equipped, too, if you're into that sort of thing (I'm not!).
Cleanliness & Safety – Gotta Be Safe, Yo!
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
- My Take: This is a big one. I felt super safe. The staff was clearly trained in safety protocols. Everything was clean, and they were serious about hygiene. This put my mind at ease, which is essential when you're travelling.
Services and Conveniences – The Details That Matter
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
- My Take: The concierge was super helpful with tips and recommendations. The daily housekeeping was efficient. The laundry service was perfect. The convenience store was… convenient! Basically, they have everything to make your stay easy and stress-free.
For the Kids – Fun for the Whole Fam!
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
- My Take: This seemed like a great place for families. They had dedicated kids' facilities and offered babysitting services.
Getting Around – Smooth Sailing!
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
- My Take: The airport transfer was a godsend after a long flight. Otherwise, getting around El Nido is easy – taxis and tricycles are readily available.
My Unforgettable Experience – That Pool!
Okay, I'm gonna get a little emotional here. That pool. The pool with the view. I spent hours just floating, staring at the stunning scenery, feeling the sun on my skin and the worries just melt away. I’m a stressed-out city dweller, and Bunakidz delivered that full-on relaxation. I seriously considered just moving into that pool. The pool alone is worth the price of admission, people!
The Quirks!
- The staff – they were friendly, helpful, and always smiling. They truly seemed to care about making sure you had a great experience.
- The occasional gecko – they’re part of island life! Embrace them. (Or run screaming. I won’t judge.)
- The overall vibe – it’s chill. It’s relaxed. It's perfect for escaping the everyday.
The Bottom Line: Should You Book?
YES, ABSOLUTELY! If you're looking for a comfortable, clean, and convenient base for exploring El Nido, with a side of serious relaxation, Unbelievable Bunakidz Lodge is your spot. The pool, the spa, the friendly staff, and the overall atmosphere make it a winner.
Luxury Escapes Await: Uncover the Oktyabrskaya Hotel Tver's Hidden Gems!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, 'cause this isn't your sanitized, sterile travel itinerary. This is… well, this is my El Nido, Palawan, Philippines run through Bunakidz Lodge. And trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride. Let's get messy!
The Bunakidz Brain Melt: El Nido, Palawan - Let's Do This (Probably)*
Day 1: Arrival & Beach Bum Bliss (and a Touch of Panic)
- Morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Wake up (or maybe don't even bother sleeping, who cares anymore?). Fly into El Nido (via Manila – brace yourself, that flight is basically an overcrowded metal bird with a lottery of a boarding process). Find Bunakidz Lodge—hopefully, the tricycle driver actually knows where it is. (Anecdote: The first tricycle driver I flagged down in El Nido looked at my map, squinted, then shrugged and said, "Maybe. You try.") The relief when I saw the familiar sign was immense, practically orgasmic.
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Check in. Hope I'm not in the room next to the karaoke bar (that's a prayer I'm still praying, as it turns out). Drop my bag. Immediately. I need the ocean, like, yesterday. Walk to the closest beach, El Nido Beach. The sand is… well, let's say it's not the pristine white of a postcard. But the water? Holy Mother of Pearl, it's the most unbelievably clear turquoise I've ever seen. This is why I left the real world. This is it.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Lunch. Find a little "carinderia" - a local eatery (the ones with the plastic tables and the friendly grins). Try the seafood. Order something I can't pronounce. Eat it with my hands. Bliss. (Observation: Everything here tastes better with a view of the ocean. Even instant noodles.)
- Afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Beach Bum Time: Seriously. Lie on the beach. Do absolutely nothing. Read a book, or, more likely, people-watch the parade of tourists (and the locals selling everything from massages to mangoes). Watch the sunset. Sunset in El Nido: mandatory. It's a masterclass in orange, pink, and purple, and it’s worth every single second of the trip just to witness. Chef's kiss.
- Evening (6:00 PM – Late): Dinner. Head back to town, find a "posh" restaurant for a bit. (Opinion: Try the place on the beach with the fairy lights. You'll pay a little more, but the ambiance is worth it.) Have a cocktail (or two). Contemplate the meaning of life. Realize the meaning of life is probably just being here, right now. Pray the karaoke doesn't start until after I'm asleep. (Spoiler: It will.)
Day 2: Island Hopping – The One Where I Almost Drown (But Also Find Paradise)
- Morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Wake up (if the karaoke Gods allow it). Breakfast at Bunakidz Lodge (hopefully they have decent coffee). Get ready for Island Hopping Tour A (or whatever the boat at the moment wants to call it). Bring sunscreen. Bring more sunscreen. Bring sunscreen for the sunscreen. Seriously.
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Island Hopping Madness! This is where it goes from “pretty” to “OH MY GOD, IS THIS REAL?!” Secret Lagoon (the first stop): Squeeze through a tiny crack in the rocks, emerge in a secret, shimmering pool. The water is perfectly still, and the sun dapples the surface. Unreal. Big Lagoon (second stop): Kayak time! (Anecdote: I almost capsized. The sea was calmer than my blood pressure pre-trip, but somehow, I still managed to flail around and look like a beached whale.) Still, worth it. The water is turquoise - the blue that never gets old.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Lunch on a beach, cooked fresh by the boat crew. (It's a buffet, a feast, and it is all on a beach.) Fresh seafood. Rice. Happiness. (Emotional Reaction: I swear, I wanted to cry with joy.) Spend your time swimming through the clearest water you have ever seen in life or the best snorkeling you've had, this time, make sure to bring your GoPro.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM): More Island Hopping Goodness (and the almost-drowning incident): Small Lagoon (3rd stop): Snorkel. See fish. Get lost in the underwater world. Matinloc Shrine (4th stop): Climb a bunch of stairs (challenge accepted). The view from the top is spectacular, the sky, the sea, the islands… (Quirky Observation: It's like a Bob Ross painting… but real.)
- Evening (6:00 PM – Late): Dinner & drinks. I’m so exhausted from all the swimming and sun I probably need a whole gallon of water and a good ten hours sleep.
Day 3: Adventure & Relaxation – The Great Escape (and the Aftermath)
- Morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Wake up (if you do wake up). Breakfast. Plan. Decide on a new adventure.
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Zip-lining at Las Cabanas Beach. (Anecdote: I'm terrified of heights. I was screaming the entire time. But also, the view… the view was breathtaking.) Afterwards, probably need a nap to recover.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Lunch. Head to a restaurant.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Massage. On the beach. Need I say more? (Opinion: Best money I've ever spent.) Recharge. Soak up the last rays of the sun. Let the sand seep into your pores. Just. Breathe.
- Evening (6:00 PM – Late): Farewell Dinner. Find a place. Have a last meal. Raise a glass to El Nido, the place that stole your heart and made you question everything you knew about beauty, adventure, and sanity. Pack (or just leave it for tomorrow’s frantic scramble). Contemplate how to smuggle a local puppy back home.
Day 4: Departure & Post-Travel Blues (It Begins)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up (again, if you manage). Or, start packing, if you already are. Breakfast, and a final wander down to the beach. (Emotional Reaction: There will be tears. Guaranteed.)
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Check out of Bunakidz. Say goodbye. (Anecdote: I almost didn't leave. Like, I seriously considered just staying forever and becoming one with the sea.) Tricycle ride to the airport. Flights. Manila. Back to reality… or at least, the temporary illusion of it.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – Late): De-plane, catch your flight back home
Important Notes to Keep in Mind (Because This is Real Life):
- Food Poisoning: There's a very good chance someone in your group will get a touch of the stomach troubles. Bring activated charcoal, Pepto Bismol, and a healthy dose of humor.
- Mosquitoes: They're persistent. Bring bug spray… and maybe a small flamethrower. (Just kidding… mostly.)
- The Internet: It's… spotty. Embrace the digital detox.
- Logistics: Things move at a slower pace. Patience is a virtue. Also, be prepared to haggle. (It's part of the fun… kinda.)
- Your Expectations: Let them go. Embrace the chaos. Let El Nido surprise you.
- The Karaoke: Embrace it! You're in the Philippines! You will be exposed to the local culture.
So there you have it. My El Nido through the filter of a slightly unhinged traveler. Go. Explore. Get lost. Get exhilarated. Enjoy! And for the love of all that is holy, wear sunscreen!
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Tabor, Sezana, Slovenia - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
1. Okay, spill the tea. Is Bunakidz REALLY as good as everyone says?
Ugh, fine. Look, it's complicated. Yes. And no. It depends on what you're looking for. If you're after sterile perfection and all-you-can-eat buffets that'll make your Instagram followers drool? Run. Run far away. Bunakidz is... *different*. It's got a rustic charm that sometimes feels like it's about to fall apart (in a delightful, character-building kind of way). But the *vibe*? The people? The breathtaking view from my hammock, even with a rogue gecko trying to steal my banana? Yeah, that's something special. Seriously, I saw a double rainbow from my porch. A DOUBLE RAINBOW! I almost cried. Don't judge me.
2. The location… How remote are we talking here?
"Remote" is an understatement. Imagine this: You land in El Nido, you navigate the chaotic tricycle scene, you somehow find the damn van driver (pro tip: wear something brightly colored, seriously), THEN you bounce along a dirt track that makes your kidneys scream for mercy for what feels like an eternity. Then, you arrive at some little dirt lane. And you see a gate… And you KNOW you’re in the right place because you see the sign "Bunakidz Lodge" with a crudely drawn picture of a sleeping gecko. It's heaven. Okay, also a little bit inconvenient, as in, you’re planning for groceries, but its paradise!
3. The accommodation... is it... clean? Comfortable? Or should I pack my own hazmat suit and sleeping bag?
Okay, let's be honest. It's not the Four Seasons. But it’s clean ENOUGH. The rooms are simple, the beds are comfy (and I am fussy about beds), and you wake up to the sound of the ocean. The sheets? Fresh. The bathroom? Well, the water pressure is… *variable*. Sometimes it’s a gentle trickle, other times, it feels like a firehose. But honestly? I didn't care! After a day of island hopping, it's the perfect place. I do recommend anti-bug spray, though. Those little critters are relentless.
4. Food, glorious food! What's the grub situation like? Are the reviews true?
The food is... AMAZING. Seriously. The reviews are spot on. We're talking fresh seafood grilled to perfection, the best mangoes imaginable, and home-cooked Filipino dishes that will make you want to lick the plate clean. And the portions? Generous. So generous that I had to unbutton my pants more than once. My biggest complaint? That I couldn't eat more. The best meal: the seafood barbecue night. Grilled fish, shrimp, and squid, and the owner's family cook a big feast – it was AMAZING. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.
5. Let's talk bugs! Are they a problem? I'm terrified of the insect world and it should keep me out of there.
Okay, Bugs. Yes, there are bugs. Let's get that out of the way. You're in the tropics. Expect it. Mosquitos, yes. Ants, absolutely. Geckos, your new best friends (they eat the bugs, see?). I’m not gonna lie, there was a particularly large spider lurking on my balcony the first night, and I may or may not have screamed like a little girl. But honestly? After a few days, you get used to it. Just bring bug spray, and maybe a net for your bed if you're REALLY squeamish. I started to appreciate the geckos. They're kinda cute, in a lizardy sort of way.
6. What activities are available? Is it all just lazing around? Because I'd happily do that...
Lazing around is definitely a *major* activity. Think hammock time, book reading, and staring at the ocean for hours on end. BUT, there's also island hopping tours (essential!), snorkeling (the coral is *stunning*), kayaking (the blue lagoon is calling your name), and hiking (if you're feeling energetic). You can also just… do nothing. And honestly, that's perfectly acceptable. I spent an entire day on the beach, and it was the best day of my life. Seriously. Pure bliss. Except for when a rogue wave almost took my flip-flops – nearly lost my favorite ones!
7. Okay, the staff. Are they friendly? Do they speak English? Are they likely to steal my stuff (I'm a bit paranoid)?
The staff at Bunakidz are AMAZING. Beyond friendly. They are genuine. They are helpful. They're like a big, slightly chaotic family. They speak English, though sometimes with a charmingly mangled accent that makes you want to hug them. And the idea of them stealing anything? Preposterous. I left my wallet on the table one night (with cash in it!) and it was untouched the next morning. I felt safe! They went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. They even helped me find a decent karaoke bar in El Nido town! Talk about going the extra mile!
8. Any downsides? Give me the truth!
Okay, the truth. The location, as I said, is remote. The wifi is spotty (and that’s being generous). The power sometimes goes out (bring a flashlight!), and sometimes the water pressure… well, let's just say you might need to be patient while showering. Also, the journey IS a slog. You gotta be prepared for that bumpy ride. But honestly? These "downsides" are part of the charm. They are what make Bunakidz, Bunakidz. They force you to disconnect, to slow down, to appreciate the simple things. And when the power does go out and you're sitting on the beach under a sky full of stars...that's magic. And you also spend way less time online, which is never a BAD thing.
9. So, final verdict. Should I go?
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. If you want luxury, if you need constant internet access, if you're freaked out by anything remotely "rustic," then maybe not. But if you're looking for an authentic, unforgettable experience, then GO TO BUNAKIDZ. It's not perfect. It's messy. It's real. And it's utterly, completely, fantastically wonderful. It'sBook a Stay
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