January is just so perfect when beaches are not that flocked yet by tourists. It's my birth-month and my third time doing a solo-trip vacation. Join me as I show you why El Nido is a must-visit and going there is not that expensive.
One of the reasons why you should travel alone at least once in your life is to meet amazing people.
YOLO - First day in El Nido, 2 Irish couple and one balikbayan from the US.
YOLO - Second day in El Nido, Couples from Italy, Morocco, 2 Balikbayan from Canada and a Spanish guy.
Budget: P8,000 (4 days/3 nights)
Round Trip Airfare - P1200
Puerto Princesa City Tour - P500
Round Trip Bus Transfer - P800
2 nights Accommodation - P1200 (El Nido Sands Inn)
Island Hopping Tour A - P1100
Island Hopping Tour C - P1400
Food, Pasalubong, and others - P1800
*This travel will cost you less if you are in a group to split down other expenses.
This travel happened last January 24-27, 2014. Since I will be arriving Puerto Princesa by 11AM, I decided to include the PP city tour in this travel. Anyways, it will only cost me P500, just to kill the time for my 10PM bus transfer en route to El Nido.
YOLO - Plaza Quartel entrance gate.
YOLO - Church of the Immaculate Conception, why it's blue.
Let's look what's inside Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center.
YOLO - Photo Op with the Congressmen, este, crocodiles.
YOLO - Largest freshwater crocodile in captivity. I forgot the name but I'd rather call him Enrile. lol
This bear cat is harmless and you'll pay P20/pax to have a photo like this.
YOLO - Ella the bear cat at Palawan Crocodile Farm and Nature Park
Baker's Hill is a garden-themed array of stores and restaurants. With it's positive aura, you don't feel like leaving the place yet too soon. Their 'hopia' is to die for and I was able to consume one whole box of pork hopia. That's how good it is.
YOLO - Photo Op with Mr. Baker the mascot.
YOLO - Walking along this beautiful landscape in Baker's Hill.
The least I like when I travel is buying "pasalubong". Not just because I need to allot extra money for it but I want to encourage others to travel. Things like this will have an extra sentimental values if you've been to that place. In addition, buy something that symbolizes the place you went to so you can vividly remember the experience.
YOLO - Ornaments symbolizing Palawan's heritage that's so perfect to take home.
I chose the last trip for the bus transfer so I will no longer have to pay for an extra 1 night accommodation on this trip. At the same time, RoRo buses are spacious enough to comfortably sleep and last trips have less passengers that you can have the seat on your own. I arrived in El Nido at 4AM. Lucky enough that my contact for the accommodation responded on my message and offered me an early check in. I was able to get at least 3 hours of additional sleep.
Waking up at 8AM for my island hopping, this what's greeted me in the balcony.
YOLO - having coffee in the balcony with this enchanting view. Quiet relaxing, isn't it?
Among Island Hopping Tours, it is said that Tour C should not be missed so that's what I asked from the lodge owner for me to arrange. Unfortunately, though it was sunny, Coast Guard cancelled all Tour C due to huge waves. So I have to go with Tour A which I heard is second to Tour C.
Tour A
YOLO - Shimizu Island, Loving the heat of the sun.
YOLO - Shimizu Island, Waiting for our lunch to be served.
Big Lagoon is Tour A's highlight. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed here since boats passes back and forth. They will just get inside for tourists to take some photos. The crystal-clear water is so enticing and the cliffs add to its majestic attributes.
YOLO - Entrance to the Big Lagoon. #HashtagAmazing!
YOLO - This is what I'm talking about!!! Getting inside Big Lagoon.
YOLO - and another... this is Tour A's highlight.
Ending the tour at Seven Commandos Beach. You can 'chilax' on their day bed sipping your pinacolada or your choice of cocktail at a kinda exuberant rate.
YOLO - Seven Commandos, 'chillax' before sunset comes.
On my second day in El Nido, I was advised that Tour C was still not allowed. But my prayer was answered. After 30 minutes of waiting, I was informed that the waves are manageable for Tour C. As I was amazed by the Big and Small Lagoons, islands in Tour C even captivated my heart.
YOLO - The Alternative Bar, Doing the right thing; breakfast in the morning.
YOLO - First stop is Helicopter Island for snorkeling.
YOLO - Stealing a photo of these 2 Italian couple. Talisay Island, El Nido
After our lunch in Talisay Island, we headed to Matinloc Shrine. This would be the usual photo you'll see in post cards and in the internet about El Nido. Hold your breath and enjoy the next photos.
YOLO - Approaching Matinloc Shrine
Matinloc Shrine used to be a retreat house fro Catholic Priests. Unfortunately, this place is already abandoned. They even held weekly mass here. Since no fresh water is available in the island, they need to leave the place for convenience and less maintenance.
YOLO - Matinloc Shrine, Climbing the cliff to capture this picturesque and breath-taking view. Feeling professional photog.
And it doesn't end there. Wait there's more... Let's unravel the mystery and get inside the Secret Beach. In order to get inside, you need to swim inside the hole underwater. Now you know, I guess, it's no longer a secret. lol
YOLO - Secret Beach, where people flocked, that's where the opening underwater.
YOLO - Inside Secret Beach, I just can't keep it a secret.
And for the final destination, the Hidden Beach will now be uncovered. This is so perfect for beach bumming since you're protected from direct sunlight. Water is not too deep for swimming and feels like you're in a swimming pool with it's crystal clear water.
YOLO - Hidden Beach, so not hidden anymore.
YOLO - Hidden Beach, me, enjoying the waters without my life vest. lol
El Nido is indeed a place full of beautiful harbours. I only did 2 tours and there's still a lot more to discover. If I have to come back, I'll bring some friends or someone who's special to me. Not to share the experience with them but to have someone who will take more pictures of me, lol
YOLO - Definitely, Buddha Pose should never be forgotten.
If you got questions and suggestions, don't hesitate to leave a comment below. Thanks!
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