White sands, clear blue water and spectacular green mountains; these are the words that best describes El Nido, Palawan. I was born and raised in the Philippines but I only got the chance to visit El Nido this January at the age of 25. My friends describe El Nido as the most beautiful beach in the world but for me it is a paradise. Spanish for the nest, El Nido is the heaven on earth, located in Bacuit Archipelago. It does not offer you just any ordinary beach experience but it gives you an astounding scenery that you will forever cherish.
Unlike Boracay, El Nido is a more provincial laid back place. Island hopping and diving are two of the most popular recreations on the island. The government recognizes El Nido as the Philippines’ top ecological and biological region due to its unique ecosystem. Know as the marine reserve park, divers from different continents travel to El Nido to explore the famous dive sites.
Getting to El Nido Palawan
From Manila we took a 1-hour flight to Puerto Princesa via Cebu Pacific. At Puerto Princesa we hired a van to El Nido, travel time was approximately 5 to 6 hours. It costs P500 to P600 per person which I think is a fair priced deal.
Accommodation
Most of the accommodation in this place consists of hostels or inns, as private resorts tend to be costly. We booked a room in an inn located in front of the boat docking station. We stayed at Jhanna's Inn. It has five bedrooms which accommodates six people per room. Three queen sized beds with air conditioner and toilet/bath is available in each room. This inn is suitable for families or a group of friends as it is budget friendly.
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| Our view in the morning. El Nido gives you a very provincial laid back feel that you will appreciate as this can't be found in the city |
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Because there are a lot of boats in the docking station, the boatmen need to manually maneuver the boat towards the sea by pushing it. Since the waves are a bit strong my relatives helped them, this reminds me of the Filipino term Bayanihan which means that everyone in town/baranggay help each other to finish the job quickly with no financial incentive
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The Department of Tourism in El Nido has standard tours which are offered to tourists, namely Tour A, B, C, D and E. Each tour has different island destination depending on your choice, the weather or wave current. Some islands are not accessible due to strong currents so it is advisable for you to take two tours, this would maximize your day.
We booked the tour A and C via our travel agency in Puerto Princesa.
Tour A: Lagoons and Beaches
In Tour A you will see the beautiful and majestic rock formations and lagoons in Bacuit Bay. It is a place where you could relax and appreciate what mother nature has sculpted as a gift to humans.
The tour will take you to the following lagoons and beaches:
1. Secret Lagoon
Located in a small island, limestone cliffs surrounds this lagoon. When you enter, a massive caldera will catch your eyes. This Caldera was once a cave that has collapsed due to erosion.
2. Shimizu Island
It is a stunning island which has limestone cliffs where pilgrims visit, they believe that the swiflet nest has healing powers. Most people stay longer in this island. It is a place where you could eat fresh seafood provided by your boatman. Snorkeling can also be done here as there is a nearby coral reef.
3. Small Lagoon
Have you ever seen a kaleidoscope? Small Lagoon shows green colored water full of marine life.
4. Big Lagoon
Snorkeling is a must to do in Big Lagoon, the water is so clear and full of marine life. According to our boat man it is a place where fishes and crustaceans are bred because of its ecosystem.
5. Seven Commandos Beach
It was named after the remaining seven Japanese commandos who lived on the island after World War II. The island gives you so much serenity as you can relax on its long white sandy beach while sleeping under the palm trees.
Tour C: Hidden Beaches and Rock Formations
Some scenes from the "Bourne Legacy" movie were shot in Dilumacad and Matinloc, the two islands which are part of the tour C category. Most of the beaches that we visited were truly untouched and serene. If given a chance to stay in El Nido for two weeks, I would spend one day in each island snorkeling, reading a book or just spending time with my other half.
1. Dilumacas and Helicopter Island
This island is ideal for picnic lunches. It has beautiful long white beach sand where a lot of people rest during their island hopping. It is called Helicopter Island because of the limestone cliff that resembles a helicopter when viewed from a distance.
2. Tapiutan Island
This island is rich in marine life that is popular for scuba divers as this is already near the South China Sea. Unlike Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island only has a short white sand beach where some people can have their picnic.
There are some other islands included in the tour C which we have not visited due to strong currents. Nevertheless, the islands and lagoons that we visited are majestic and beautiful.
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| My Tito adores the beach so much as he consider El Nido to be the best beach destination in the world |
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| 7th Commando Island: the first stop during the island hopping |
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| Fresh Buko for only P20! My Mom and Lola love it a lot |
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| Mom and Dad on a date :-) |
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| Tapiutan Island |
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Dilumacas Island: Most of the boatmen suggest to the tourists to eat their lunch here. Most boats have grilling equipment onboard where the boatmen cook fresh fish and pork for their guests. Fruits and vegetables as well as rice are all part of the menu prepared by the boatmen. Good food, amazing scenery and glorious sun. What more can you ask for. I quickly fell asleep in a hammock on the island straight after eating. That is the life!
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| Tapiutan Island |
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| View from the top of Tapiutan Island. |
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| Big Lagoon: A place where snorkeling is at its finest |
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| Out of the big lagoon |
Address and Contact Information:
All of our accommodation and tour was arranged by the travel agency in Puerto Princesa
Travel Cost:
P4,500 each person includes:
- 2 nights accommodation in Jhanna's Inn
- breakfast
- van transfer to and from Puerto Princesa- El Nido
- 2 tours of your choice (1 whole day)- island hopping including lunch
