El Nido is one of the nicest place in the island Philippine. There is simple living, enormous landscape & seascapes with hospitable people. Around 1:15 hr ride on a 19 seater plane, half an hour land travel to El Nido town. You can’t compare the beauty of El Nido to, it’s different. It is somewhat similar to the virgin islands of Camiguin you’ll need to ride a boat and wander the islands of El Nido! It is really a wonderful and magnificent and you will love the sea foods! It’s very fresh!
El Nido is considered a showcase of Palawan’s geology and various wildlife It is one of the most important sites for biological diversity in the country and has been stated by the Philippine government as a protected area.
Conquered by towering marble cliffs that are homes to a number of tropical birds, El Nido is the source of one of the most delicious soups specially found in Chinese restaurants “the Nido Soup”. This soup consists mainly of the bird nests that abound in the area. Edible-nest Swiftlets (Collocalia fuciphaga) abound in El Nido. The nests of these birds are found in the crevices of the limestone cliffs and are the main ingredient of the health enhancing bird’s nest or nido soup. It is these nests that gave the place its Spanish name, El Nido. But El Nido is more than this. It prides itself in having the most beautiful seascapes in the province of Palawan, known as the country’s last frontier. Because of its utter splendor, it has also been called the island of the gods, heaven on earth that is El Nido.
El Nido is a municipality situated at the northwestern tip of the province of Palawan, Philippines. It is 430 kilometers southwest of Manila, and 238 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan’s capital. El Nido is bordered by the Linapacan Strait in the North, the Sulu Sea in the east, and the South China Sea in the west.
The Municipality of El Nido is composed of 18 barangays (villages) covering a total land area of 50,000 hectares. Its population of 27,000 people is a combination of native Palaweños, with a heavy presence of migrants from other parts of the Philippines. The world’s largest pearl was discovered by a Filipino diver in a giant Tridacna (mollusk) under the Palawan Sea in 1934. Known as the “Pearl of Lao-Tzu”, the gem weighs 14 pounds and measures 9 1/2 inches long and 5 1/2 inches in diameter. As of May 1984, it was valued at US$42 million. It is believed to be 600 years old.
It is the scenic landscape, crystal clear waters, and relative isolation that attracts and fascinates most travelers to El Nido. The 45 islands and islets and the surrounding sea present endless opportunities for adventure, nature appreciation, and even just simple amusements. El Nido’s majestic limestone cliffs are estimated to be 250 million years old. They stand guard over clear waters, with 200 species of tropical fishes, more than 100 species of corals, and three species of endangered sea turtles. El Nido’s forests are host to more than 100 species of birds, a large number of which are endemic to Palawan.
Kayaking in secret lagoons, mangrove tours, snorkeling or diving with colorful tropical fishes, hiking to the peak of an island, fishing, bird watching, exploring uninhabited islands, picnic lunches or sunbathing in a white sand beach. These are just some of the activities that can be arranged by El Nido Resorts.
Island Hopping is the main one, totally dedicated to the over 50 beaches in the marine reserve of Bacuit Bay. There are a number of places to hire boats including packages that include food and tour guides. Or do it yourself by walking down the beach and hiring a boat. On the other hand you can also hire kayaks, paddle boats or even go windsurfing! Fishing is also available here.
Scuba Diving is also famous, as there is a wealth of marine life and plenty of reef here. More advanced diving is also available. You can never bore of the islands, but sometimes you may hunger for something a bit different. No problem, El Nido have much more. Through the tourism office, you can book tours with the El Nido Tour Guides Association. They can take you Cliff Climbing which gives a wonderful birds-eye view. Try north of the town and you can go Cave Exploring, and also discover the Waterfalls.
Perhaps you favor to hit the dirt track and make your own adventure. Simply hire a Motorbike, fill up with gas and travel around away. North of the town there is a circular road taking you round both sides of the mainland. There are several places scattered around town that you can hire motorbikes; it will cost 1000 pesos per day plus fuel. If you prefer a slower look at the local scenery you can also hire mountain bikes in town. After a long day under the sun you may want to simply relax. The Alternative Center offers an array of Therapies including massages, detox, reflexology and more. A healthy menu is also served at El Nido beach resorts. Before you leave you may want to take a piece of El Nido with you. There are some Souvenir shops in town offering a variety of local handicrafts.
A number of bars offer different entertainment including billiard, dancing, live music, karaoke, and of course along the beach front the chance to relax and watch the beautiful view as the day comes to a close. There are many strangeness to El Nido, for example the electric power is from 1pm to 1am. Also you will not find any banks here, although you can change foreign currency and travelers cheques at a couple of places though at an increased rate. There are also no telephone lines so communication is mostly via mobile phones plus there are two internet cafes. Once you have been here you realize why. Enchanting El Nido is truly breathtaking; many leave, their lives changed by this magical place.
How to get there?
1. Flying from Manila to Puerto Princesa
Most tourists coming to El Nido land on Palawan island in Puerto Princesa International Airport, though a direct flight from Manila. The two main companies operating daily flights between the two cities are Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.
2. Taking a van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
The journey usually continues with a van direct from Puerto Princesa airport up to El Nido bus terminal. Your van transfer will take between 4:30 and 6 hours, depending on the time of the day, and the price for a seat is around P600 to P700.
3. Riding a tricycle to get to El Nido town
Finally, your van will stop in Corong-Corong bus terminal. This is located just 5 minutes away from El Nido Poblacion (the proper town) with a tricycle. You’ll just have to ask you to one of the drivers to take your hotel or guesthouse. During the day, the normal price is P15 per person, but at night, the rates goes up and the tricycle drivers will ask you P50 minimum.
So here you are, well arrived in El Nido!
Aventurier 