Among the many luxurious hotels in the country today, The Funny Lion earns the distinction of being the number one hotel brand in the Philippines, according to Tripadvisor guest reviews.
The Funny Lion El Nido, which opened just 10 months ago, is currently at the No. 1 spot, followed by its sister property, The Funny Lion Coron, which got the Travelers’ Choice Award, a coveted stamp of approval, from the booking platform early this year.
“This means that we are among the top 10% of hotels on Tripadvisor that are consistently earning outstanding reviews and demonstrating unwavering commitment to excellence in the field of hospitality,” The Funny Lion Coron posted on its Instagram.
So when ANCX received an invitation to stay at The Funny Lion Coron, we seized the opportunity to experience first-hand what sets it apart as the premier hotel brand in the Philippines.
The Funny Lion Coron is a 3.5-star modern resort with a safari theme, conveniently located only 30 minutes away from Busuanga Airport. It has 48 spacious and well-appointed rooms equipped with all the amenities and conveniences you need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Each airconditioned room features a comfortable bed for a good night's rest, a television, a refrigerator, and a reliable Wi-Fi should guests want to stay connected with the outside world.
Thoughtful touches, such as a complimentary adventure pack (bandanas and a waterproof backpack), minibar drinks and an assortment of treats to nibble on add to the overall positive experience and demonstrate their attention to customer service and hospitality.
Inside the resort, there are several options for relaxation and enjoyment. Guests can cool off and unwind in either of the two pools. The availability of relaxing massage therapies is also a welcome bonus for those seeking a pampering experience.
For those looking to enjoy some leisurely time, Pride Rock Deck, a rooftop bar, is the perfect spot. Guests can sip on some cocktails, sample small-plate dishes, and enjoy the ambiance while taking in the breathtaking sunset views. Additionally, the pair of plunge pools on the rooftop provide a refreshing way to beat the heat.
Exploring the island
The resort offers complimentary use of bikes, allowing guests to venture out and discover the local attractions and immerse themselves in the charming atmosphere of the town.
Another highlight would be the opportunity to visit the Calauit Safari Park, where visitors can witness wildlife, including African giraffes and zebras, up close.
Interestingly, the name “The Funny Lion” has its own charming backstory. The owners — Nikki and Ria Cauton, and their children — visited the safari park over a decade ago, and upon their return, one of the kids remarked, “Dad, it’s so funny. There's no lion there.” Inspired by this amusing anecdote, the resort received its distinctive name.
!['Although we’re not a five-star resort [in terms of amenities] our service is five-star,' COO Lyba Godio says with pride.](https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2023/news/10/26/5tfl.jpg)
For those seeking relaxation, a visit to Maquinit Hot Springs is a must. The saltwater hot springs provide a soothing and rejuvenating experience amidst the peaceful surroundings.
Beach lovers will delight in the pristine white-sand beach and enchanting mangroves at CYC Beach. It's the perfect setting to soak up the sun, take leisurely strolls along the shore, or simply sit back and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Adventurous souls can embark on an island adventure to explore Coron’s most famous attractions. A visit to Kayangan Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings, is an absolute highlight. Twin Lagoon offers another breathtaking experience with its stunning limestone formations and the unique opportunity to swim between two lagoons. Bulungan Island also offers its own charm with its white sandy beaches and vibrant marine life, ideal for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
With such a diverse range of activities and destinations, guests are certain to find something that suits their interests and creates unforgettable memories during their stay at the resort.
Top-rated resort
What makes The Funny Lion the No. 1 resort in the country? “There are people who got money and they can build beautiful structures, but at the end of the day, it's the people and the service that define the resort,” says Lyba Godio, chief operating officer of One-Of Collection, the hotel management group that runs The Funny Lions (Coron, El Nido, Puerto Prinsesa), and Amorita Resort. Before joining One-Of Collection, Godio previously worked in other luxury hotels and resorts in Maldives, Malaysia, Amanpulo and El Nido.
“Most of our staff at Funny Lion — by that I mean 95% — are from the area,” offers Godio. “For instance here in The Funny Lion Coron, if they're not originally from Coron or Busuanga, they are married to somebody from the place.”
According to the lady COO, The Funny Lion believes in hiring staff based on qualities such as a warm smile and genuine intentions, rather than solely focusing on prior experience. She emphasized that skills can be cultivated through training and development. This approach allows them to prioritize the values and attitude of their employees. As an example, she mentions how Jay Barinque started from a lower position and is now The Funny Lion Coron’s resort manager.
The Funny Lion is also top-rated in terms of service across major booking platforms — Booking.com, Google, and Expedia — not only in Tripadvisor. “We’ve been working on it since day one. We want to ensure that all guests are happy every time they leave the resort,” she says.
Godio joined One-Of Collection nine years ago and what she tries to bring to the table is her wealth of experience working in luxury resorts. “Although we’re not a five-star resort [in terms of amenities] our service is five-star,” she says. “I really believe you don’t have to be an Aman for you to provide five-star service.”
Room for growth
One-Of Collection is clearly not resting on its laurels. Which is why it recently added 16 new rooms to the property, maintaining the safari theme while incorporating a more contemporary design. This expansion reflects the brand’s commitment to providing a fresh and updated experience for guests. It also has plans to renovate the remaining rooms, expand the front office, and introduce a boutique in the coming months.
The dining experience at The Funny Lion is also undergoing a transformation with the onboarding of executive chef Bobet Clasara, also formerly from Amanpulo resorts. Having joined the team five months ago, Chef Clasara is working to reinvent The Funny Lion's menu for 2024, so it could offer something new and exciting for its loyal guests, who comprise both international and local tourists.
Godio says the dream of the owners is to build a group of resorts that truly defines Filipino hospitality and at the same time uplift the lives of the people in the area. “Our plan is to continue to have more Funny Lions not only in Palawan but in other destinations. Come December 20, we’ll be opening The Funny Lion in Puerto Prinsesa. We’ll be three this year,” she says with a bright smile.
Cebu Pacific Air flies to Busuanga (Coron) from Manila 28 times weekly and from Cebu 10 times weekly.