On Palawan Island:

Know Thyself, Heal Thyself,
Be Alone, Be Natural, at
Malapacao Island Retreat

female in hutHost: Lee Ann Cruz

When: Anytime

Fee charged: Lee Ann has worked out a number of different programs and packages with costs ranging from $40-$70 per person per day. These prices include cottages with all meals, most drinks, El Nido transfers, island hopping and more.

Background Notes:
British born Australian Lee Ann Cruz, known to the locals as the Crazy Lady of Malapacao due to her strange exercises on the beach & her odd diet, has over the past 13 years established a unique, environmentally friendly paradise in the heart of the El Nido Marine Sanctuary (the largest of the Philippines). MIRA, 45 minutes by boat from El Nido town, is a haven for non-smoking, quiet nature lovers vegetarians, vegans & fruitarians.

beach sceneIt's a Robinson Crusoe place, best for adults who prefer to stay a few weeks in simple, open, tastefully decorated cottages or rooms, right on the water. One makes new friends and enjoys the quiet harmony and special atmosphere unique to MIRA. With the use of solar energy, the natural peace is not disturbed by noisy generators. 

One can stroll the extensive nature trails through bamboo rainforest or hike to the top of the mountain for spectacular views. Anyone seeking total privacy for their mud baths or all-over tans can take the suspension bridge walk to a secluded sundeck on a high rocky island nearby.

For those interested in learning simple Chi Kong, Tai Chi and Yoga, you get early wake-up calls. Then its a quick snorkel of the lovely reef before breakfast of homemade breads, muesli and fresh fruits, on the balcony overlooking the sea. Afterwards its a trip to a secret island cove or cave for more snorkeling and exploring, or a guided rain forest hike, followed by MIRA's famous lunch in the open dining space, surrounded by a jungle garden. 

The afternoon snoozes in the beach-hammock-tree offer small interruptions like "anyone for a coconut" or "perhaps a mud bake or massage". Party-style candlelight dinners are in front of the evening beach fire inches from the water, playing guitar, singing, patting the dogs and keeping an eye out of turtles laying eggs or baby turtles hatching on the beach. 

For special treats there's an enchanting underground cave with a freshwater lagoon documented by Jacques COUSTEAU, a bird and snake watching expedition by paddle boat up the jungle river, and the spectacular flight of a million bats at sunset. Participation is encouraged in the MIRA kitchen with vegetarian food preparation, bread making and many other exotic mixtures.   Diving Trips can also be arranged from town

All this is part of your Adventure Health Package, and with MIRA's very affordable treatments, therapies and tropical delights one never wants to leave. Regular guests are common, and tears often roll when saying good-bye. 

The Marine Sanctuary:
sea turtleEl Nido is one of the most beautiful places on Earth with its 19 islands of dense primary jungle and spectacular black marble cliffs and green and hawksbill turtle nesting sites. A WWF initiated "debt for nature swap" here has recently created the largest marine sanctuary in the Philippines, including some 1000 kmē. Of the islands, only Miniloc and Langen (because of existing tourist development) and Malapacao (because of its fishing community) are classified as multiple use zones.  The rest will hopefully remain protected. While the term Eco-tourism is brandished by the resorts it takes a visit to this part of the world to appreciate the substantial differences in attitude that this implies.

Wildlife here includes the rare Palawan hornbill, kingfishers, sun birds, petabirds, fruit bats, armour-plated anteaters, giant monitor lizards and a wonderland of vibrant underwater life. More than 1000 varieties of hard and soft corals, anemones, clown fish, puffers, moray eel, lion fish, (you name it) gives you the worlds most breathtaking snorkeling.

view from the tableLodging:
We use quiet solar energy. The design of cottages and rooms is very natural, open, simple and cozy. Beds are firm, extra pillows and a warm feather Duna/Duvet can be asked for. Nights are rarely hot. Mosquito nets are available but we rarely see mosquitos or sand flies. All beddings are tie dyed in natural colors from the bark of trees. Chemicals, bleach, batteries, rubbish food and mineral waters are discouraged, as is the excess use of soap, toothpaste, radios, water and electricity. All gray water is recycled.

APPENDIX:


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