Hello Steemians! I've been away for a week coz I just had my Summer getaway at El Nido and Puerto Princesa, Palawan! I'm so excited to share with all of you guys the beauty of Palawan!
First off! Let's get to know El Nido đ
EL NIDO
El Nido, officially the Municipality of El Nido, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines. It is about 420 kilometres (260 mi) south-west of Manila, and about 238 kilometres (148 mi) north-east of Puerto Princesa, Palawanâs capital. A managed resource protected area, it is known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, limestone cliffs and as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago.
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."
El Nido Palawan Philippines has some of the most beautiful scenery we have ever encountered. This cluster of islands is off the tip of the Palawan Island is full of dramatic rock formations and surrounded by bright blue waters. There are a ton of things to do in El Nido so give yourself a week in El Nido if you can. The town itself has enough options for food and the basics for a week-long trip or so. Hotels range from gorgeous over the water beach huts or budget-friendly rooms.
HOW TO GET TO EL NIDO
There are 3 ways to travel to El Nido: Air, boat, or land. The easiest and fastest way to El Nido is by air. We went by air from Cebu to Puerto Princesa, and by van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, which took 6 hours land travel. Youâll have to fly to Puerto Princesa first, which is easily reachable from most major Philippines destinations and affordable like Cebu Pacific. You can have it reversed by flying to Coron first but plane tickets are a bit expensive to Coron.
Travelling to El Nido From Cebu
Flights to El Nido from Cebu: 15:15 daily
Flights from El Nido to Cebu: 12:55 daily
Luckily, we got the cheapest flight worth Php 1,000 pesos(one way). So better watch for promo flights if possible. Flight time to El Nido is approximately 90 minutes.
EL NIDO HOTELS
There are tons of hotels in El Nido, something for everyoneâs budget. Rooms are becoming more and more available to book online. Below is a general El Nido hotel price range.
âșBeachside room in El Nido with AC: 2200-4000P
âșEl Nido over the water bungalow room: 15,000P +
âșAir conditioned room in El Nido town: 1000-2000P (Private Bath, clean, simple, AC) we stayed at Arkitel Bed and Breakfast which had: free wifi, free breakfast, a really nice family room with a clean and simple room.
âșFan room in El Nido Town: 600-800P (Private Bath, clean, simple)
âșBasic room in El Nido: 400-600P (shared bath, no shower in some cases)
Arkitel Bed and Breakfast Family Room
There are some luxurious hotels in El Nido to stay but I suggest you can just stay at a simple air conditioned pension house since 80% of your day will be for the tour and you won't be having your tour inside the hotel right? đ
EL NIDO TOURS
There are 4 main island hopping tours in El Nido: A, B, C, D.
We availed of a tour package from Estranghero Travel and Tours since we wanted to make this trip hassle-free worth Php 9,700 per head. Our tour includes Island Tour A and C and 2 days tour at Puerto Princesa as well. As much as we wanted to avail all tours From A to E, we don't have enough budget for it. The travel agency will be the one who will adjust for your given budget.
For now, I will only be showing you Island Tour A and C. However, you may also search for the tour inclusions for other tours.
El Nido Island Tour A
Tour A is one of the best and most popular island hopping tours in El Nido. During the day, you will discover beautiful lagoons, beaches and snorkeling spots where you can swim and admire the corals, the colorful fauna and its hundred of fishes species.
Tour A is most beloved because it will bring you to see not one but three beautiful lagoons located around Miniloc Island: Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. Swimming and snorkeling there is just amazing. Clear water, numerous fishes⊠you name it!
Island Hopping Tour A Destinations:
Big Lagoon
Small Lagoon
7 Commando Beach
Secret Lagoon
Shimizu Island
El Nido Island Tour C
Tour C is probably the most popular of all El Nido Tours. It will take you on a journey to beautiful islands, beaches and snorkeling spots, and to an uncanny place: Matinloc Shrine. If you were to pick only one tour in El Nido, this probably would be Tour C.
Island Hopping Tour C Destinations:
Helicopter Island
Its traditional name is Dilumacad island, but itâs more commonly known as Helicopter island because of its shape â although, some think it looks more like a camel, a dolphin or even a dinosaur. Youâll have to see with your own eyes to decide which form it reminds you of the most!
Hidden Beach
Matinloc Island
Matinloc Shrine
Secret Beach
El Nido FAQ
Does El Nido have ATM's?
YES! Getting money in El Nido is possible. The El Nido ATM machines are located nearby the town of El Nido. I would still suggest bringing cash with you to El Nido, ATMâs in such remote locations are known to run out of money often or even be out of service for days at a time. Trust us you donât want to run out of money in El Nido.
Does El Nido have power all day?
YES! Electricity in El Nido is 24 hours a day. Power outages still happen but several places have a generator.
How Much Money Do I Need In El Nido?
The amount of money needed in El Nido will be based on your travel style. Here are some general figures to use. Filipinos have realized they have something special here and the prices are starting to reflect. I guess you canât blame them, but there is a lot of price fixing where everyone raises the price together. Day trips now cost 1200P per person, I say now because all the signs around town use to say 600P, but have a piece of masking tape with sharpie written over to say the new 1200P. Prices will change as demand is higher and tourism increases.
As for us, we budgeted around 3,000 php for our 7 day trip but everything went out of control since we wanted to enjoy everything that El Nido and Puerto Princesa has to offer from food and everything in between. But thanks to Steemit and with the help of my sister 
PUERTO PRINCESA
Palawan is often cited as one of the best islands in the world. And if youâve been there, youâll probably agree. Limestone rock formations, turquoise sea, white-sand beaches, fresh seafood, friendly locals and peaceful vibe. This tropical paradise offers the best representation of the Philippines.
With the opening of the Puerto Princesa International Airport, more and more international tourists can book cheap flights to Puerto Princesa and go directly to Palawan without having to pass through Manila. While Puerto Princesa is a highly urbanized city governed independently from the province, it provides a good mix of laid-back beach vibes and city comforts.
For first-time visitors, here are the must-try experiences in the Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. Note: This will only limit to our tour package availment.
1. Visit the Underground River
Puerto Princesa is the gateway to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (popularly called the Underground River), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. This protected area located about 80 km north of the city center is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of the island. It is bordered by St. Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east.
Visitors can take a short 15-minute boat ride or 2-hour hike from jump-off point in the town of Sabang to get to the area where boats ferry passengers through the cave. To cater to the high number of visitors, tours are now standardized, thereâs a strict queuing system and all guests are provided with audio devices in different languages explaining the history of the park and the various rock formations throughout the duration of the boat ride.
2. Go on a City Tour
For those who want to learn more about the historical side of the city or have half a day to spare, you can book city tours to visit various historical sites. The most popular sites usually included in city tours are:
âșPPC Cathedral
âș City Baywalk
âș Rizal Park, Plaza Cuartel
âșBinuatan Creations
âșMitraâs Ranch
âș Baker's Hill
âșButterfly Eco Garden
âșPalaw'an Tribal Village
3. Go on a Food Trip
Palawan is a great destination for foodies with lots of homegrown establishments to try out. For first-timers who want seafood and Filipino specialties, the top recommendations include:
Kinabuchâs Bar & Grill
Ka Luiâs
Badjao Seafront Restaurant
Ka Inato
Veranda Restaurant by Skylight Hotel
For us, we chose to dine at Ka Lui's Restaurant, one of the famous restaurants in town.
They're open daily from 11am-2pm during lunch and 6pm-11pm during dinner. When you are planning to dine, better get a reservation first since there are several guests who will be dining in from time to time. You can ask for your hotel to get a reservation for you đ.
Also, you are asked to take off your shoes or slippers when you are about to enter. Good thing I didn't wear closed shoes that time (think about athlete's foot đ€Łđ€Łđ€Ł)
The place is very cozy and nice. very native-inspired restaurant! Ka Lui is accessible via tricycle within Puerto Princesa City. If your coming from the city proper the fare would be P10 per pax.
Their Menu:
We ordered Kalui Special of the Day Set since it offers a wide range of seafoods (Fish Steak, Prawns, Veggies of the Day, Spicy Squid, Rice and Starters). We ordered Bukoconut, Fresh fruit buko shake and Mango papaya shake for pur drinks.
You can also try at Baywalk, they have an array of restaurants there that offers affordable yet so delicious and very fresh seafoods served for you. You hcan have it served boodle fight style or in a plate. As for us, we have it served boodle fight style since we wanted to experience it their way.
We ordered the "Sama-Sama" Set good for two pax which was worth 300 pesos only!
It was very worth the price! Affordable and our tummies are very full!
âșTry the fresh "Tamilok" of Palawan.
Another must-try for adventurous foodies is Tamilok, an exotic delicacy you can find in Palawan and Aklan. Also known as woodworm or shipworm, tamilok is not a worm but rather a mollusk that lives in mangrove areas. Itâs served kinilaw-style and tastes like creamy oysters, with a slimier texture and saltier flavor. I got to try it at Gusto Restaurant, which was the fresh ones being sold near the Underground River (P150/serving).
Where we stayed at Puerto Princesa
Raq Pension
(Airconditioned room good for four pax with one T&B with shower heater, free wifi, TV)
Quick Tips and Reminders
âșBased from experience, if you wanted your trip to be hassle free,it is best if you avail of a tour package. Just give your desired travel dates, duration of travel and your preffered budget, and the travel agency will be the one to adjust for you. For an adventurous type of person and if you wanted to own your time and get the cheapest like of backpackers, you can have your trip as DIY. Anyway you can search for the cheapest hotels at Traveloka.com or on Airbnb site beforehand.
âșFor your swimming gears, better buy your own sea shoes since you have to rent sea shoes if haven't got one. That's 100 pesos per day.This was very helpful for us since most of the time you have to walk from the boat to get to the site and mind you it's very rocky on your way there.
âșBring extra cash with you during the island hopping since you have to pay additional charges like as for the Kayaking, you will never know if its high tide or low tide when you get to the site.Some of the boats used for tours are big enough and can't get through the site when it's shallow so you have to rent a kayak boat (small, narrow watercraft or boat) to bring you to the site especially for Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon.
âșBring food and a lot of water with you to fill your monster tummies especially when travelling from El Nido to Puerto Princesa (Vice-Versa) since it's a 6 hours long drive.
âșTake note of this. Due to some Diarrhea concerns.. Only drink bottled mineral water for your safety.
âșTry everything you have never done before or you have never tasted before. The experience, the beautiful views, the food, that you can ONLY see or experience in Palawan.
âșMake sure to enjoy every moment of the trip! Not everyone had the chance to experience the beauty of Palawan, so get yourself a pat on the back for you are one of the few who were lucky enough to witness it's majestic beauty.
Contact Numbers
For those of you who might want to avail of a tour package, just contact Fidel and he will assist to your concerns.
Fidel S. Pacia Jr.
Palawan Tour Coordinator
Estranghero Travel and Tours
Globe/Viber/Whatsapp : 09175558840
Smart : 09985338646
Fo Arkitel Bed and Breakfast where we stayed in El Nido, just contact this number :
09277503895
Phew! That was long though.But that was just a a quick overview of what El Nido and Puerto Princesa has to offer! đ Don't worry, just keep posted on my next posts! I will be posting more of our El Nido and Puerto Princesa Tours! One by one! đ
If I have missed something important or if you guys have questions, just feel free to ask and comment down below. Resteem and upvotes are highly appreciated đ
Thank you very much!
Best regards,
anjiyoung đ