Though TFL El Nido makes you want to just stay in the resort, they do offer activities that will have you exploring the island.
Even the One-of Collection Group of Resorts was caught by surprise. Just this month, the Michelin Guide announced its elusive roster of recommended hotels. And among the notable nooks is the homegrown boutique hotel group’s own The Funny Lion in El Nido, Palawan.
“The 50 rooms are smartly laid out, with locally sourced materials, clever lighting, and breezy balconies overlooking the pool and plenty of little comforts for downtime between adventures,” the Michelin Guide says.
Opened in December 2022, The Funny Lion El Nido belongs to a chain of hotels currently located all over Palawan. Its first in Coron opened seven years prior, while the latest in Puerto Princesa started operations in 2023.
Nestled right in the heart of town, this 4-star boutique El Nido hotel is composed of 50 well-appointed designer rooms that come with access to a swimming pool, the Sea Tree Spa and gym, as well as the brand’s unique personalized service.
Surrounded within walking distance by restaurants, bars, dive shops, boat tour operators and souvenir shops, The Funny Lion easily stands out from the crowd with its classy and casual design as envisioned by Eric Paras.
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Modern safari
Their brand bible calls it “modern safari,” according to the in-demand interior designer. For that, he relied on colors like khaki, green and brown to do the job, and added mood to the brutalist blueprint of Don Caparas, along with Studio Concilio as the principal architectural firm.
“I also put a sense of place—touches of Palawan in the setting—by using bamboo, for example,” adds Paras. A standout design piece that illustrates this is the floor-to-ceiling bamboo panels at the all-day-dining restaurant, which doubles as a sun and rain guard as well as something aesthetic to muffle the noise from the busy road outside.
The rough and rustic finishes of the low dining tables, the navy green bedroom headboards, the concrete hallways, the openness of the 27-sqm. rooms—all these add to the homey and mellow vibe the hotel promotes and exudes. As the name suggests, it doesn’t take things too seriously. There’s a cool comfort that makes it inviting.
The same can be said of the food, curated by executive chef Greg Villalon. They’re familiar, not intimidating, yet means real business when it comes down to flavor. The sopa fresca aka chilled tomato ginger gazpacho is both refreshing and generous, perfect for a humid summer day, much like the My, oh Mahi, Cointreau-cured mahi mahi carpaccio, which makes for the ultimate island appetizer.
The Hunt, the hotel’s signature restaurant, gives you options—from fresh salads and paninis to pastas (the baked Mac and cheese in a creamy seafood chowder sauce is a must!) and even burgers. Be it Hawaiian rice bowls with slow-cooked Kalua pork or grilled Jerked shrimps or meatier mains in the form of country ribs and cajun grouper, there is certainly more than enough for stay-in guests to have variety throughout their stay.
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Pastries are no different as, conveniently located right across the hotel, is their own bakery. It churns out breads and cakes daily. Named after co-founder and owner Nikki Cauton, the humble dessert shop is encased in see-through glass, allowing guests to be enticed with their display and kitchen action.
And then they hit your sense of smell soon as you step in. The scintillating aroma of just-baked peanut butter-stuffed chocolate cookies, the scent of honey herb-roasted focaccia—even the sight of the regal candied-calamansi cheesecake nestled in a closh—these prompt people to take their sweet time and order a bunch of decadent desserts to go with their matcha or hot brew.
Out and about
Though The Funny Lion El Nido has what it takes to make your staycation worthwhile, they offer notable activities that will have you venturing out of its premises. Among them is their bee farm tour, where guests get to be around Philippine native stingless bees called mongo-mongo from the species Tetragonula. They are recognized for being small and gentle, and those who participate get to sample their dark honey, which is floral and less sweet than the usual.
For a taste of the tropics, there’s the Papaya Beach, which has exclusive access to the hotel guests of The Funny Lion. Just a quick 10-minute boat ride away, the hidden paradise is a most welcome treat as it’s less crowded and quieter compared to other El Nido beaches, but the same enticing soft white sand and clear waters. Aside from swimming and snorkeling, guests also get to have a lunch feast composed of grilled seafood and meats prepared by the staff.
For some hotels, the thought of Michelin Guide inspectors going around town might make them extra alert and well, worrisome. As for The Funny Lion, they have always been at the peak of their performance that’s why they earned the agency’s respect and recognition. On on top of that, TFL has been globally acknowledged by Condé Nast Johansen’s for Best Value Experience 2025, and hailed among Smart Travel Asia’s Top 10 Sustainable Hotels, New Hotels, and Best Value Hotels in Asia) with hardly any effort. For someone who experienced this in three days, it comes as no surprise.
The Funny Lion El Nido is located at Balinsasayaw Road, El Nido Town, El Nido, Palawan. For inquiries, visit www.thefunnylion.com or contact them at +63 917-1328412.
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