philippines - the COUNTRY OF 7641 InCREDIBLE ISLANDS
Fresh grilled fish, a bottle of frosty San Miguel, the juicy sweetness of mangoes and pineapples, stunning gold beaches, virgin islands, limestone cliffs and happy to go lucky Filipinos. There is an island here (precisely 7641 islands to choose between) that suits everyone’s taste and there is something here everyone would love.
PALAWAN - ONE OF THE MOST BEautiful ISLANDS IN THE WORLD
But one is ranked continuously as top the most beautiful islands in the world (according to Conde Nast Traveller) – Palawan. With its northern towns of El Nido & Coron, and the famous underground river and wild lashed setting – Sabang, is usually in the itinerary of a typical adventure lover heading to Philippines and it should be in yours too.
EL NIDO - THE GATEWAY TO BACUIT BAY
El Nido is the gateway to Bacuit Bay and all its 45-limestone islands and islets. The Bacuit’s limestone islands are remarkable for their unique geography featuring lagoons, caves, sandy beaches, clear water, their thriving coral reefs and abundance of marine species.
There are four different island hopping tours available in El Nido and this is something you come here for. You simply cannot leave this place without going on at least one. The choice is more limited though: A, B, C, D, with the tours A (partially in kayak) and C being the most popular ones. If you could choose only one, let it be C.
Pss. Head to incredible Nacpan Beach for a day of sweet laziness and bliss. It is only 40 min ride from El Nido. Nacpan Beach is rated as one of the top beaches in Asia (rightfully). Mad Monkey Hostel/Bar and Sunmai Sunset Restaurant is where you can chill out and grab your coctail or a get a snack/meal.
A shuttle bus does the journey - 600 PHP for a return ticket (booked via El Nido Boutique & Art Cafe). If you rent a motorcycle and decide to head there on your own it would cost you as little as 500 PHP while tricycle return ride as much as 1000 PHP.
GETTING THERE:
The pricey AirSWIFT is the only carrier that operates daily flights from Manila to El Nido. The flight from Manila is one and half hours, departing from NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) Terminal 4 and landing at Eld Nido’s Lio Airport (Lio Airport looks rather like a tropical resort than an airport terminal you are used to (The airport is approx. 4 km north from El Nido (approx. 20 min by tricycle and cost 300-400 PHP). But most travellers simply land in the capital city of Palawan - Puerto Princessa (Flights operated by Philippines Airlines and Cebu Pacific) and then hop into a van for approx. 7 h “fast and furious” ride directly to El Nido. Daytripper is the most reliable and safe van operator in Palawan. You pay the price for that. The cheaper but still “too fast and furious” alternative is Camarih Transport or slow but steady Cherry Bus.
TESTED AND RECOMMENDED TOUR OPERATOR:
El Nido Boutique & Art Cafe - a shop for hiking, beach wear and accessories, tour agency and restaurant/cafe in one. Almost everyone pop in here at some point.
WORTH TO NOTE:
All visitors to El Nido must pay an “ecotourism development fee” of 200 PHP, usually payable to your tour operator, if you plan to do any island-hopping, diving or other activities.
SLEEPING:
Spin Designer Hostel - shared and private rooms available. The premier hostel in the heart of El Nido.
Susan’s Place Bed & Breakfast - Puerto Princessa
Bambua Nature Cottages - Sabang
EATING:
THE WORLD LONGEST UNDERGROUND RIVER - SABANG
The underground river is the main reason people do stop by at Puerto Princessa as it is a great base to arrange a day tour to Sabang and its biggest attraction - the Undeground River. The tour in depth of caves itself only takes around an hour, as you make your way in a kayak. You will have a licensed guide with you. Due to the tickets and permissions required to go on the tour, it is easier actually to arrange it with a tour agency but absolutely possible if you want to be more independent and especially if you stay overnight in Sabang. The approx. price 1600 PHP (open buffet lunch included) + 150 PHP environmental fee.
CORON - ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE DIVING SPOTS IN THE WORLD
One of the best things you can do in Palawan is to go on the Tao Expedition boat to Coron from El Nido. A 5-night adventure on some of the Philippines’ uninhibited islands. The all-inclusive experience costs approx. 25 000 PHP per person. The Coron itself is a paradise for scuba divers. The waters are filled with WWII (Japanese and US) ship wrecks which makes Coron the most exceptional diving spots in the world. Many people I met when visiting Philippines claimed visit in Coron was the highlight of their trip.