TRAVEL GUIDE: EL NIDO, PALAWAN
When we say Palawan, El Nido comes right in our mind. El Nido is known for its pristine beaches, rich in limestone deposits, lagoons, coral reefs and vast of marine creatures. El Nido is currently ranked #4 in Condé Nast Traveler's list of "20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World. CNNGo has called it the Best Beach and Island destination in the Philippines for its "extraordinary natural splendor and ecosystem [wikipedia].
We are so blessed to visit this paradise for second time around. Our first visit was on 2015 and 5 years had already passed, and the place changed a lot. But the beauty of the place still leaves me in awe. The feeling and the vibe was still the same.
How we Got Here
Our first destination was at San Vicente (made a separate documentation on this) but since our vacation days were long, we decided to stop by at El Nido which is just 3 hours away. The habalhabal drivers at San Vicente were too kind to looked for a van going to El Nido. We were picked up from the Long beach so there was no hassle.
There's a direct flight going to El Nido but it costs much. Most people booked a flight routed to Puerto Prinsesa but you have to be prepare on the 6 hours duration of ride.
Places to Go
From San Vicente, we arrived at El Nido at 1 PM. Not much time to go on an island hopping on day 1 since we didn't planned and booked our hostel ahead. Luckily, we found a cheap hostel since most of the hostel in El Nido are expensive. The tricycle driver was helpful enough to recommend a place to stay, to get our tours and where shall we go on a half day. It was already 2 PM and we decided if we can go to Nacpan Beach or Las Cabanas beach since these are the places we haven't been to when we first visited El Nido. We met the tricycle driver again while strolling the hyped El Nido (the vibes on the street were not really the same when we first went here). He offered a cheap tour going to Nacpan and Lio Beach.
Tricycle rental: 1,200 PHP good for 4 pax
Tricycle rental: 1,200 PHP good for 4 pax
Nacpan Beach
The beach is 1 hour away from the dock site for island hopping via tricycle. The road is already cemented but some areas were not yet as it is currently under construction. We were told the road was quite dangerous if not careful. There was a recent accident at the area but the tricycle driver assured us that we are safe.
The strong big waves of Nacpan makes you get thrilled but at the same, cautious enough not to be eaten by the rapid waves. A lot of foreigners were at the place. Most of them are just chilling, sun bathing and just enjoying the view. While us, making the best out of it. Took a dip while splashing against the waves. Setting our foot on the fine brown sand. It was short but had a great time basking at the beach.
The strong big waves of Nacpan makes you get thrilled but at the same, cautious enough not to be eaten by the rapid waves. A lot of foreigners were at the place. Most of them are just chilling, sun bathing and just enjoying the view. While us, making the best out of it. Took a dip while splashing against the waves. Setting our foot on the fine brown sand. It was short but had a great time basking at the beach.
Entrance Fee: 50 PHP each
Lio Beach
Lio beach is owned by the Ayala Lands Inc. This beautiful beach and the ambiance of the place attracts a lot of tourists. It's a place where everything you are looking for are there. fancy hotels, pharmacy, restaurants, cafe, bars, snack area (affordable Filipino snacks), chill area and a a lot more.
We got here first via tricycle but on our second time visit at the place, we waited for the free shuttle. The shuttle has a schedule but be sure to be early than the said time as it will be immediately be fully occupied. The waiting area going to Lio beach was quite far but still can be walk. We just walked to the waiting area for 20 minutes. You can also hail a tricycle to save some energy from walking. At the Lio beach, there are signage and you can ask their personnel but it is just located near the entrance.
Lio beach is owned by the Ayala Lands Inc. This beautiful beach and the ambiance of the place attracts a lot of tourists. It's a place where everything you are looking for are there. fancy hotels, pharmacy, restaurants, cafe, bars, snack area (affordable Filipino snacks), chill area and a a lot more.
We got here first via tricycle but on our second time visit at the place, we waited for the free shuttle. The shuttle has a schedule but be sure to be early than the said time as it will be immediately be fully occupied. The waiting area going to Lio beach was quite far but still can be walk. We just walked to the waiting area for 20 minutes. You can also hail a tricycle to save some energy from walking. At the Lio beach, there are signage and you can ask their personnel but it is just located near the entrance.
FREE ENTRANCE
Island Hopping
On our second day at El Nido, we went on island hopping. It's the most popular activity and a must visit. I was a bit surprised that there's now an entrance fee. On top of the 1,100 PHP tour fee, there's a 400 of additional fee. 200 for environmental and 200 for entrance fee. Above that, we were told to rent an aqua shoes for 100 PHP. It was not necessary before but now, it seems like a requirement. There are stone fishes and spiky stones we were told. But I think it was still unnecessary but it was still good though coz prevention is the key.
So all in all, we paid 1,600 PHP for an island hopping each. So we decided to just have 1 island hopping instead of 2 since we were really out of budget.
Shimizu Island
The name of the place was named after the tragic death of a Japanese diver, who explored the underwater of El Nido. A group of Japanese scuba divers explored the place unfortunately, Mr. Shimizu wasn't able to get back and later on, his body was found in an island with fine white sands and fascinating limestone deposits. Yes, it's this island.
From our bangka, we swam just to get to this island. It was bearable as the current was not that strong. We were also provided with life jacket. The place was perfect for snorkeling and of course, some picture perfect scenery.
Tour A
Cadlao Lagoon (alternative of Secret lagoon due to high tide)
Kayak is available for rental if you want to go to the nearby island. The current was strong so swimming going to the island was not possible.1 hour stay at this place, well, we just floated in the ocean and stared at the abyss. Saved some bucks as well.
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| Helicopter Island (tour C) |
Lunch Time
Vegan or vegetarian won't be worrying what to eat during island hopping at El Nido. Unlike before wherein I just ate some fruits because its the only food I can eat. Now, they are serving some veggies. Most of the tourists, usually foreigners, are plant based or health conscious and I am glad they are now considering veggies in their menu.
7 Commandos Beach
Just like before, this place has a volleyball and basketball court in a sand. The place was packed with tourists but still, the beauty of the place still stands out. Locals also been creating sand castles for a cost to serve as their livelihood. There are also locals selling goods and some fresh cocos too.
Shimizu Island
The name of the place was named after the tragic death of a Japanese diver, who explored the underwater of El Nido. A group of Japanese scuba divers explored the place unfortunately, Mr. Shimizu wasn't able to get back and later on, his body was found in an island with fine white sands and fascinating limestone deposits. Yes, it's this island.
From our bangka, we swam just to get to this island. It was bearable as the current was not that strong. We were also provided with life jacket. The place was perfect for snorkeling and of course, some picture perfect scenery.
Big Lagoon
When exploring Big Lagoon, kayak is the best activity. The 1st time we explored El Nido, we weren't able to do this activity and regretted it afterwards. So when we got a chance to explore El Nido again, we didn't miss to try this. It was all worth it. The place was too wide to explore by swimming and there are restricted areas if you just explore without a kayak.
Kayak rental: PHP 350 good for 3 pax
Kayak rental: PHP 350 good for 3 pax
Food
Food exploration at El Nido. Everywhere you look, there are fancy restaurants in every corner. There are also budget saver restaurants but only a few. We strolled the place to look for something to fill our tummy but some of our friends ended up missing Mcdo 😂 . But vegetarian foodie won't stop looking something to eat. I am glad I have a supportive carnivore partner who tagged along with me because I am not so good in directions.
Paul's G. Vegan & Vegetarian
The food shop is just beside our accommodation so after we leave our bags at the hostel, we immediately ate our lunch at this place. It was a bit pricey but still good.
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| Ramen (Left) Tofu steak (right) |
Trattoria Altrove
I think this place is famous. There are a lot of customers lining up at this place. The price was not that bad but we were too hungry to wait.
Shaka
The famous super bowl is also at Lio Beach, El Nido! The weather was very humid that time so half of my friends grabbed some ice cream while half of us splurged ourselves with these yummy bowls. It is also very important to eat nutritious foods at the beach and be hydrated.
Pizza and Amore
They served vegetarian and vegan pizza as well. While waiting for the free shuttle at Lio beach, we stopped by and ate at this place because we really missed pizza. The sad part, we missed the shuttle bus 😿. Over chilled at the place.
B-Belle's Vegetarian Cuisine
We first saw this place on our first day but we had filled our tummy already. Decided to just eat on breakfast and on our last day at El Nido. The shop owner asked us how we knew about this place. Told us that most of the foreigners recommended this place at a group called, happy cows. The food was great and the owner of the place was very accommodating. She told us that most of the restaurants at El Nido are expensive because the raw ingredients itself are expensive.
Random Cheap Street Food
Food tripping is a thing especially during vacation. But if you are on a tight budget or you are done with food tripping, well, a budget saver food saves your day. We still find it a bit expensive but at least, it was not over PHP 100. We found one near Kuripot Steak restaurant while hunting for something cheap to eat. To top it off, the cola was the best that time to beat the heat.
Accommodation
Jammer's Pension
We stayed at Jammer's Pension for 2 nights. It was a great deal. The place was clean but our neighboring room was a bit noisy. But we don't really mind because we were too tired to stress it out to the owner of the place.
It was also a scene that we won't forget. The wife of the owner got mad at us since we cancelled the island hopping tour they scheduled for us. We haven't paid for the down payment however, my friends already listed our names. The tricycle driver who recommended this place said to just book it from them. On our tour to Nacpan, that same driver told us if we want a cheaper island hopping tour. Of course as a budget traveler, we agreed but stated that the owner of the hostel might get mad at us if we cancel it. He assured us that everything will be OK. However on our 1st night there, we were told that we have to pay for the reserved bangka since she already booked us. She was freaking mad while slamming the door. We also paid the cheaper agency before our return to the hostel so backing out is also not possible. The 4 of us were waiting for our 2 friends who went out to buy some food at Mcdo since they rented a motor. Waited for them to talk about it since the 4 of us don't have the courage to talk it out. To make the long story short, everything went well since one of our friends talked to the owner. We also told the agency the next morning about the scene since we called them that night. Agency told us that the owner don't have the right to threaten the tourists as we have the right of choice. Told us that we should have contacted the barangay to solve it as she was harassing us. But well, lesson learned. Do not commit if unsure and canvass first before committing.
Price: PHP 2,000 for 6 pax/night
Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
4:00 AM - Home going to Airport
6:00 AM - Boarding time
8:00 AM - Arrived at Punta Prinsesa International Airport
8:30 AM: Walked a few distance from the airport to hail for a tricycle going to San Jose terminal
9:00 AM: Arrived at San Jose terminal. Ate our breakfast at a nearby eatery while waiting for the van to pick up more passengers.
10:00 AM: Rode the van going to Poblacion terminal
12:00 PM - Alight at Poblacion terminal. Ate our lunch at a nearby cafeteria
1:00 PM: Rode a tricycle going to the long beach where our accommodation resides
1:30 PM: Arrived at the long beach. Play cards while inhaling the salty air
3:00 PM: Getting ready going to Bato ni Ningning
4:00 PM: Arrived at Bato ni Ningning
6:00 PM: Travel going to the nearby market
7:00 PM: Dinner at their market
8:00 PM: Getting ready to bed
9:00 PM: Lights off
Day 2:
6:00 AM: Wake up time. Stroll at the beach
7:00 AM: Breakfast time. Getting ready
8:30 AM: Picked up going to the island hopping site
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM - Island Hopping
4:00 PM - Went to the market to buy some pancit canton, soft drinks, water, rice
5:00 PM: Enjoying the beach. sunset jog
6:00 PM: Dinner is ready. Eat
8:00 PM: Took a bath. prep for sleep
9:00 PM: Lights off
Day 3:
6:00 AM: Morning stroll at the beach
7:00 AM: Breakfast
8:00 AM: Prepare our bags to leave
9:00 AM: Took the van going to El Nido
11:00 AM: Arrived at El Nido. Still deciding where to go
11:30 AM: Hailed a tricycle and lucky enough, he recommended a place to stay
12:00 PM: Arrived at the hostel
12:30 PM: Ate our lunch at a nearby eatery. Paul G's Vegan and Vegetarian
1:00 PM: Strolled the streets of El Nido
2:00 PM: Decided to rent a tricycle going to Nacpan and Lio beach
3:00 PM: Nacpan beach
4:00 PM: Lio beach
5:00 PM: Arrived at the hostel
6:00 PM: Chill at the hostel while the owner made a scene
8:00 PM: Strolled the lively night of El Nido
10:00 PM: Lights off
Day 4:
8:00 AM - Breakfast time
9:00 AM- Waiting for our bangka for Island Hopping
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Island Hopping
5:00 PM - Took a bath
6:00 PM: Stroll. Dinner time
9:00 PM: Lights off
Day 5:
9:00 AM - Breakfast at B Belle's Vegetarian Cuisine
10:00 AM - Packed our things
11:00 AM - Checkout
12:00 PM - Lunch time
1:00 PM: Waited for the free shuttle bus going to Lio beach
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Chill at Lio beach
7:00 PM: Went to the terminal to take the van
9:00 PM to 11:00 PM: Van ride going to Punta Prinsesa International Airport
12:00 PM to 5:00 AM: Slept at the nearby Korean restaurant of the airport
Day 6:
6:00 AM: Fly back to Cebu
Sample Budget and Expenses
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