BEACHES AND CHURCHES: AMANPULO: The Ultimate Beach Destination

For aficionados of sun, sand, and sea, Amanpulo stands as the ultimate of beach destinations. Nestled on Pamalican Island, just north of Palawan and between Panay Island, this exclusive resort offers a sanctuary of unparalleled natural beauty. Pamalican Island is a private haven adorned with powdery white beaches and unspoiled coral reefs.

The entire island serves as a luxurious resort enclave, enveloped by pristine white sands and the shimmering azure waters of the ocean. Casitas and villas dot the landscape of this five-kilometer-long island, discreetly nestled beneath the lush canopy of trees, ensuring the utmost privacy for guests. No wonder it is the coveted destination of choice for the rich and famous.

There is a feeling of tranquility when you are at the beach as you have it all to yourself. As you traverse the island's pathways, a sense of solitude envelops you. Sandy trails lead to secluded coves and verdant tropical jungles, where vibrant birds and graceful monitor lizards inhabit the sun-drenched landscape.

While the rates may be beyond the means of ordinary individuals like ourselves, one notable aspect of the resort is their attention to the spiritual well-being of their staff. In addition to hosting monthly masses, the resort also has special religious observances like the nine-day Simbang gabi masses and the Easter triduum, to which guests are warmly welcomed.

Since the parish priest of the area cannot celebrate these services, additional priests are invited to ensure the spiritual needs of the resort's community are met. This is precisely how I found myself presented with the opportunity to visit this exclusive retreat. The former administrator of the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay, where Amanpulo is located, informed me about the opportunity and, upon learning of my interest in visiting, kindly notified the parish priest.

As a result, I had the privilege of celebrating the Simbang gabi and Christmas celebrations of 2019, as well as the Holy Week observances of 2023, where I was able to serve and contribute to the spiritual atmosphere of the resort and savor the beauty of the island.

Enjoyed the tranquility of the beach under the shade of the trees on the western part of the island in the morning, then transferred to the eastern part in the afternoon. The western side boasts the finest sand and tranquil waters, perfect for leisurely beach activities, while the eastern side caters to thrill-seekers with opportunities for kite surfing and other water sports.

Doing the Station of the Cross on a Good Friday.

The chapel grotto which was just beside the sea where we had some of our services.

I got to join a snorkeling trip with the guests.

The island of Manamoc as seen from the western side of Amanpulo.

On the eastern side of the island this restaurant is the only building that can be seen by the sea.

On the western part, this restaurant is likewise the only building that sits near the sea.

One of the monitor lizards

Many of the workers in the resort come from Manamoc island just west of the Pamalican Island. Their boats are docked at the northeastern part of the island near the airport which is far from the casitas and villas of the guests.