Whenever I chat with travel writers, tourism leaders, or simply my friends who are passionate travelers about expenses, one thing they often allocate a big portion of their budget to is food. And rightfully so—a tourist spot can tell you about the destination’s overall culture and heritage, but food always adds a personal touch. It fills us not just with flavors but with stories and a deeper connection to the places we visit and the people we meet.

That’s why when I got the chance to explore Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort (SETIR) in Culion, Palawan, I made sure to leave my villa hungry for all the culinary creations the resort has to offer. Lucky for me, it has a roster of dining spots.

Spotlighting the best of Asian cuisine, Island Garden offers comfort meals meant to make your time on the island more memorable with familiar flavors. During our first dinner, the restaurant served our meal by the beach, taking the experience to another level.

Laid out on the table were some of its best dishes, such as Szechuan Hot and Sour Soup, Wok-Fried Noodles, and the Seafood Platter, showcasing the catch of the day. My personal favorites include the savory Kung Pao Beef Tenderloin, the gently poached Hainanese Chicken, and the sugar-free Strawberry Panna Cotta for dessert.

Mangrove stands out not just for its modern Filipino cuisine but also for its setting. The restaurant is nestled within a mangrove thicket, hence its name. It is the spot where guests enjoy their breakfast with a breathtaking ocean view.

Food from the restaurant can also be enjoyed beyond its space. At one of SETIR’s luxury villas in Salepan, located in the northern part of the island, we sampled many of its culinary specialties. The highlights of our lunch included Lechong Manok, Gising-gising, Crispy Pata, and Turon with Ube for dessert. But if you are craving something unique, must-tries include the Pinais na Hipon, a dish featuring steamed shrimp mixed with aromatics and shredded coconut, and Chao Long, Palawan’s version of Vietnamese pho noodles.

Dedicated to Japanese cuisine, Hikari serves beloved dishes, from sashimi and maki to sushi and other fusion rolls. During our stay, we were able to try its teppanyaki.

You can’t go wrong with ordering Shrimp Tempura and Beef Teppanyaki with Garlic, best paired with Gomoku Fried Rice. Be sure to leave space for dessert, as the Tempura Ice Cream is worth it.

Apart from Japanese cuisine, Filipinos are also big fans of Korean food. Korean barbecue, for the longest time, has been synonymous with dining out. And if there’s an intense desire for grilled meat and hot soup, the resort delivers through Xiang Hotpot and KBBQ.

Its hotpot offerings include all-meat, seafood, and mixed varieties, while the Korean barbecue selection features pork and beef paired with banchan such as kimchi, pickled onions, marble potatoes, fish cake, japchae, eggplant bokkeum, sautéed potatoes, spicy cucumber, lettuce, and assorted sauces.

No vacation is complete without a toast. One of the best places to celebrate in the resort is Ric’s Place. While it also serves hors d’oeuvres and bite-sized dishes, the whiskey and cigar bar is best known for its cocktails and other spirits. Guests can choose from a selection of bourbon and whiskey or opt for a mixed drink. SETIR also has its own brewery, so make sure to take a sip of its craft beer.

With its idyllic spaces, SETIR offers private dining options where guests can enjoy their meals surrounded by nature. Guests can choose from picturesque spots around the island: the beach, wharf, a yacht, or other scenic locations. Menus can be curated and complemented with a dreamy setup. Reservations must be made at least one day in advance, or before the 12 noon cut-off for same-day dining, to allow the staff ample time to prepare.

Overall, dining at SETIR is more than just a highlight of the stay. It’s an experience that brings together flavor, setting, and thoughtful hospitality. It’s a reminder that in a place as breathtaking as Palawan, the food doesn’t just satisfy your cravings—it becomes part of the journey itself.