Within Puerto Princesa’s lush embrace, The Funny Lion is making a name for itself as the pride of the Philippine province of Palawan’s capital city. Offering epic experiences, with a commitment to going “beyond the ordinary,” the resort has been winning the affection of travelers from near and far since it first welcomed guests in December 2023. As the third property of its kind in Palawan, having opened in Coron in 2014 and in El Nido in 2022, The Funny Lion – Puerto Princesa offers a unique guest experience infused with adventure, yet rooted in the laidback luxury for which the One-Of Collection (the lauded boutique hotel group that owns and operates the property) is known.
Wandering through this delightful oasis, on a return visit, I found myself enamored once again of the stunning Savannah-style haven. Swift sea breezes blew through my hair, as I admired the seamless manner in which sublime minimalism flowed in confluence with edgy elegance, in one tranquil tropical setting. More admirable still, The Funny Lion embodies the essence of an intentional vacation — it is as leisurely or as lively as you’d like it to be — while also purposefully pivoting on gastronomic goodness, responsible travel, and homey hospitality.
Embracing Brutalist minimalism
Owing to its harmonious fusion of austere Brutalism and delicate natural beauty, the resort resonates deeply with Japanese sensibilities, from the get-go. Designed by Filipino architect Rapunzel Caparas, this Brutalist architecture might seem severe, at first glance. But the style endears itself, very quickly. The marvelously orchestrated medley of raw concrete, rough-hewn surfaces, geometric forms, and mix of steely-earthy color palettes pleases one’s aesthetic sensibilities. The imposing façade, with its richly textured yet mostly unadorned concrete walls and bold angles, makes for a captivating canvas on which simplicity meets sophistication, crafted in masterful manner. This architectural style mirrors the Japanese philosophy of minimalism, where every line and form serves a purpose, stripping away the superfluous to reveal the essence of bold and unfettered beauty.
Within the resort, this minimalist ethos continues. The airy, open lobby creates a space that blurs the lines between exterior and interior; something which makes perfect sense in this seaside sanctum. With clean lines, muted tones, and a deliberate lack of clutter, the structure testifies to the power and allure of restraint. Touches of whimsy, part and parcel of the playful branding, complement the understated treatment. Filipino accents — like the oversized woven fiber baskets, stacked into tall totem poles that flank the reception area — add an undeniable homegrown charm to the utilitarian aesthetic.
The Funny Lion, as a brand, provides unique individualized experiences; it is a beach retreat where every guest is made to feel at home. Our brand of hospitality puts you at ease and makes you feel like a guest in our own homes, throughout your stay with us.
Mike Mahinay, General Manager of The Funny Lion
The property, as a whole, is a study in form and function, much like the serene spaces found in Japanese homes and gardens. Each piece of furniture and every decorative element feels thoughtfully placed, contributing to a tranquil ambiance that invites guests to unwind and appreciate the subtle details. Meanwhile, well-appointed, safari-inspired guestrooms (with beds that literally enfold you in comfort), likewise evoke this sense of serenity.
Echoing nature’s ethereal elegance
The gardens (definitely among my favorite features of the resort) of The Funny Lion – Puerto Princesa are a masterclass in blending rustic beauty with meticulous design.Strolling down pathways of stone framed by a profusion of tall grasses and gorgeous greenery, in different heights and textures, the Japanese concepts of wabi-sabi and ikebana came to my mind. The gardens are a graceful dance of finding beauty in imperfection and transience; of finding order in a seeming lack of symmetry. The resort’s gardens embody these philosophies with their effortlessly polished yet undeniably natural look. The careful selection and arrangement of robust foliage, endemic to the province, are at once spontaneous and studied, reflecting the fragile yet fierce framework of nature’s own artistry. Gorgeous old-growth trees dot the property: central to the main garden, an acacia arbor stands tall and proud, offering sanctuary to native birds, while at the far end of the resort’s infinity poolside area, a camachile (Manila tamarind tree) tree draws your gaze to the stretch of beachfront, all the way to the expanse of ocean.
The resort’s inner areas and the landscaping are products of the super creative mind of interior designer Eric Paras; the spaces meld magnificently, creating a unified feel that is equal parts soothing and stimulating. Over breakfast, I had the chance to chat with Eric, who was at the property at the time of our visit. “The direction I took really ties in with the resort’s tagline of ‘beyond the ordinary,’ as well as its thrust on sustainability. I asked for plants that are native to Palawan, even plants that can be used as sources of food,” Eric explained, referencing the Palawan gabi (taro) plants that grow in profusion on the grounds, as we munched on the last morsels of our meal. “The trend with property development here is to import plants from Manila. But this isn’t sustainable — it’s more difficult to care for the plants, and it also interferes with the area’s biodiversity. Our choice to use endemic plants was very intentional,” he expounded.
Fostering sustainability amidst nature’s splendor
Puerto Princesa is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, embodied in the city’s catchphrase, “where nature begins and never ends.” The Funny Lion is a shining example of how luxury can co-exist with environmental consciousness. The resort is committed to upholding sustainability, as evidenced in its eco-friendly practices — recycling initiatives, efforts at safeguarding biodiversity, coastal cleanup measures, energy-efficient systems, and more all contribute to minimizing its ecological footprint. These efforts align perfectly with the Japanese bent towards a sustainability-minded lifestyle.
Furthermore, The Funny Lion conscientiously integrates with the local environment, offering a pristine playground for eco-conscious adventurers. From exhilarating island-hopping excursions, snorkeling, and serene kayaking to the nearby sandbar or to the floating raft, to bird watching and water-biking adventures, every activity at the resort is designed to immerse guests in the splendor of Puerto Princesa while respecting its environment and ecosystems.
Basking in heartfelt, homegrown hospitality
One of the most memorable aspects of any stay at The Funny Lion is the exceptional hospitality; it was certainly a highlight of my time there. The resort’s staff embodies the essence of omotenashi, the Japanese art of attentive and selfless service. From the moment I arrived, I felt a genuine warmth and care that made me feel like a cherished guest or family member, not just a visitor passing through.
“The Funny Lion, as a brand, provides unique individualized experiences; it is a beach retreat where every guest is made to feel at home. Our brand of hospitality puts you at ease and makes you feel like a guest in our own homes, throughout your stay with us,” shared Mike Mahinay, the resort’s General Manager. Indeed, the staff’s efficiency and attentiveness were evident in every interaction. Whether it was a personalized welcome note or a thoughtful meal recommendation, their efforts went beyond mere politeness — they created a homey atmosphere that enhanced my overall experience. This level of care and consideration is reminiscent of the Japanese approach to hospitality, where the guest’s comfort and satisfaction are of paramount importance.
Savoring an unforgettable epicurean adventure
Dining at The Funny Lion is an epic experience in itself, with three distinct venues offering a variety of delectable options. C75 French Vietnamese Bistro, the resort’s newly-opened concept, is a foodie’s foray into two rich culinary traditions, melded by a colonial past, where flavors and textures intertwine to create unique dining experiences. The bistro is also a deep nod to Puerto Princesa’s longstanding Vietnamese legacy, dating to the mid-1970s, when the city welcomed settlers seeking asylum from their war-torn country. “Every property that we put up has a connection with the local scene; in this case, it was just automatic that we open a Vietnamese concept, to make the cuisine more easily accessible to our guests, as well,” Chef Greg Villalon, Executive Corporate Chef of One-Of Collection, pointed out over a luscious dinner during the bistro’s opening night.
With around 25 meticulously chosen dishes, C75’s menu brims with robust flavors and textures, the stars of which are the fresh, aromatic herbs and vibrant ingredients for which French-Vietnamese gastronomy is known. From steaming hot bowls of savory phở and banh mi loaded with the freshest fillings, to delectable duck confit, steak frites, a roster of plump grilled and braised meats and seafood, and a fully-stocked bar of libations, C75 is sure to set the tone for bistro-style dining in the city.
Hunt Restaurant, The Funny Lion’s all-day dining venue, offers a menu that showcases the best of Filipino and international flavors. Overseen by Chef Ace Manalo, the resort’s Head Chef, Hunt emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients; part-and-parcel of the thrust towards sustainable living. From expertly prepared succulent seafood to tender meats, each meal celebrates culinary craftsmanship and local flair. The restaurant’s open design also allowed me to savor my meal while enjoying the calming garden views and sounds of nature, something I particularly relished.
Tucked in a corner at the lobby, the Coffee Bar quickly became my go-to spot for afternoon treats and sweets. Freshly brewed coffee concoctions, paired with a selection of mouthwatering chewy cookies, made for the perfect mid-day pick-me-up snacks.
Crafting epic island getaways, in perfect harmony
While this most recent trip marked my second time to the The Funny Lion – Puerto Princesa, I still can’t shake the feeling of only having scratched the surface. This is a destination that enchants and inspires, with every visit, and I know there’s so much more in store. The serene elegance, eco-conscious adventure, epicurean excellence, and heartfelt service harmonize with the call of the wild, in ways I shan’t soon forget and can’t seem to get enough of.
