There was one reason I wanted to come to the Philippines.
El Nido.
Located on Palawan, one of the least developed of the major islands in the Philippines, I’d only heard fabulous reviews about this beach town. Island hopping in turquoise waters, unspoiled beaches, and the world’s last frontier were just some of the things my friends had told me about El Nido so when it was finally time to leave Puerto Princesa and head north, I was ecstatic.
After a six hour crammed minivan ride over some terrifying roads, Tara and I took a tricycle to the main street and began looking for accommodation. We ended up booking an oceanfront cottage at Chizlyk Cottages. It was a little more than I’d normally pay for accommodation but it was about 50 feet from the sea and the owner was a sweetheart.
For the next few days we went into full on vacation mode.
Days started early, usually close to 6 am when the power around town was shut off the room began to get hotter and hotter. After throwing on a bathing suit and sundress, we’d usually make our way to the Art Cafe for breakfast before hitting the beach or swimming in the sea.
On our first day we spent some time at the beach outside our cottage. The water was shallow and clear making it the perfect place to wade around and cool off for a while.
The next day we went on one of El Nido’s famous island hopping tours. Just about every establishment in town offers these four tours and we booked Tour A through our cottage owner for 700 pesos (the standard price). A boat picked us up at the beach outside our cottage and we began the 30 minute journey to our first stop, the Small Lagoon.
This area was crowded with other boats, but you could swim through rock openings to get to smaller and less crowded lagoons to swim or snorkel in peace. It was at this point that a jelly fish swam very close by and touched me. Luckily, I was not stung but it was a little too close of an encounter with nature for me.
Next up was a small beach area that was also crowded but the white sand and clear water made for some spectacular views.
Our third stop was an almost deserted beach with the most turquoise water. There were no shells and rocks and it was the perfect place to swim in peace. Our boat captain cooked us a delicious lunch of grilled fish, fresh fruit, pork, and salad which we ate right on the sand.
After lunch we took a ride over to the Big Lagoon, probably the most famous place in all of El Nido. The water is deep, clear, and very blue. It was the perfect place to jump off the boat and not worry about any encounters with jelly fish.
Our final stop on the tour was 7 Commando Beach, one of the more developed islands. There was a beach bar serving up cold beer and tropical drinks and a line up of boats dropping off sun kissed tourists. We grabbed a drink and spent the rest of our time alternating between the sand and the sea, making sure to take advantage of every last second of sunlight.
We spent our last day at Las Cabanas, a beach resort a few kilometers outside of town. A quick tricycle ride away, the resort offers access to their beach for free. Even though it rained on and off that day, we enjoyed sipping coconuts under palm trees and soaking up the sun.
We ended each day similarly- with dinner and a cold beer or two on the each- while enjoying the fabulous sunsets of El Nido.
El Nido is paradise. Things move slowly. There isn’t pressure to do much, only enjoy your surroundings while you’re there. It was the perfect way to unwind after two years in Korea and the perfect way to start this trip.
Stunning – it was actually El Nido that inspired Alex Garland’s famous cult classic “The Beach”. Jelly of you.
I had no idea! It was lovely, if you ever have a chance, go!
Looks stunning, my dad is moving to the Philippines at the end of the year, so a visit will definitely be on the cards, I will make sure we check this place out!
Love the coconut shot!
Sacha recently posted..My Birthday at Sala Café, Mae Rim
You really should. It’s a lovely country with probably a million beautiful beaches to explore!
This place is incredible. We hope to get few days off at work in the first week of May so we can fly there :):) Can’t wait! Love the idea of having a lunch on the beach
Agness recently posted..How to Prepare for Long-Distance Cycling in South-East Asia
I love the Philippines and Palawan was our favourite island. El Nido has so much to see and do, either on a budget, or at the higher end. The island tour was great, the beach nice, awesome accommodation and good food!
We recommend spending the night on a deserted island under a mosquito net
Cheers!
Dariece @GoatsOnTheRoad recently posted..5 Reasons Why You Should Travel To Sri Lanka
I really wish I would’ve had the chance to camp on a deserted island. Maybe next time!
Wow, this really does look like paradise. Stunning. I love that it doesn’t seem too packed with people aswell.
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It was stunning. And you’re right, it wasn’t too crowded.
Yeah. Garland was actually living at El Nido when he wrote the book. The place is so beautiful that he got inspired. Well, with a paradise like El Nido, who wouldn’t?
PS: The pictures are great!
- See more at: /paradise-found-el-nido-philippines/#comment-5629
Dee recently posted..Great Diving and More at Biri Island, Philippines
Thanks Dee! I can definitely see how he was inspired to write about paradise in El Nido. I miss it!
Just wanted to let you know, I’m traveling to El Nido because of this post! Looks like paradise
Corinne recently posted..Weekend Update – Music, Hostels and Bikes
This makes me so happy! Enjoy
I love the tie-dyed towel!
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