DIY TRAVEL IN, EL NIDO, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES, EXPLORE A PARADISE FOR JUST 500 USD OR PHP 10, 000.00

Hi guys, I just want to share you our recent trip in one of the most beautiful islands of the Philippines------El Nido, Palawan. A very beautiful paradise, composed of islands with clear waters, white sand beaches, corals, and limestone rock formations!!!! For only Php 10, 000.00 or 500 USD, you'll experience this true paradise on earth.

So where will we start? Uhm we initially booked our plane ticket months before, ( I think that was in November 2017, and our travel date is on May 12, 2018) thru Airasia, and we luckily got our plane ticket just for Php 5000.00 or roughly a hundred USD only from Manila to Puerto Princesa Palawan and vice versa. Note: I think that was pretty pricey, but still a good catch tho.

So on May 12, 2018, we arrived at Puerto Princesa Airport, and from there we rode to El Nido, Palawan via van transfer. The fare costs us Php 500.00 or 10 USD, with a total of 5 hours of land travel. Good thing, the seats of the van are comfortable enough for the passengers.

Prior to our trip, we also already booked a reservation to the Cliffside cottages, an airconditioned room for two, that costs Php 1500.00 or 30 USD to avoid the hassle. It's a good catch because the rooms are very comfy, and the magnificent view of the limestone rock formations are literally on the side, so I guess that's why it's called "Cliffside cottages". They also have fan rooms, so it's up to you guys, if you wanted a cheaper one. You can check 'em out at http://www.elnidocliffsidecottages.com/ or contact them at 091096567957 or email them at cliffsidecottages@yahoo.com.ph.

Island hopping:

So since we wanted a private tour, we negotiated with the owner of cliffside cottages, to hire a boat for us. Their offer was Php 9 000.00 or 171 USD, inclusive of meals, free use of snorkeling equipment, guides that will tour you at the five islands namely: small lagoon, big lagoon, hidden lagoon, seven commando beach and Simizu island. If it's too pricey for you, you can also go with the normal tour which costs Php 1200.00/pax or 30 USD and choose from a variety of tours:

*Tour A- Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Simizu Island, Secret Lagoon and 7 Commandos Beach.
*Tour B- Entalula Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave and Cathedral Cave.
*Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine and Star Beach

*Disclaimer: I haven't added any filters on the photos, so what you'll see is what you'll get.

First stop of our tour 7 commandos beach. I heard it's called 7 commandos because, on the world war era, 7 commanders hid and camped on the said island. Perfect for beach bumming and swimming, this island offers a long stretch of fine powdery sand, and crystal clear waters.

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2nd stop, shimizu island, where we did snorkeling-the best and highlight of our trip. Swimming with the fishes is a must-try experience for you guys. The view is also magnificent, warm torqouise waters plus limestone formations, ugh El Nido is a paradise.

3rd stop, Hidden lagoon, in El Nido, Palawan. This is where we ate our lunch.

4th and last stop, Big Lagoon in El Nido, Palawan. This is the most beautiful part for me. We're lucky that it's not crowded, unlike the Small Lagoon which is too crowded. That's why we didn't go in small Lagoon and enjoyed the Big Lagoon instead.

We've spent our remaining days in Palawan at Casian Island, a remote island with no electricity and signal. A perfect place for soul searching. I don't have photos since I'm saving my battery on that time.

Sidetrip in Baker's Hill

Also on our way back to Puerto Princesa, we did a stroll and as well as buying goodies/pasalubong at Baker's Hill. Good thing that they don't have an entrance fee and I guess the place is perfect for a photoshoot as well, so here are some of the photos we had.

Luckily, we had also witnessed the Polyplectron napoleonis, the Palawan peacock peasant which is endemic to the Palawan island. At that time, this male peacock is impressing the female one.