A sweet escape to El Nido, Palawan

Perhaps the nostalgic, unfathomable feeling you might want to hit the road again sounds like you or it’s just me. Blame it to my itchy soles. After my PPS Tour I find myself cornered in the most captivating islands of El Nido.The unplanned journey to El Nido turned out to be a life-changing travel experience. The desire of wanderlust, adventure and an exhilarating beach therapy to feed my soul made me to the point of cancelling my flight from PPS – MNL and almost quit my job. The challenge of spending a budget of PHP5500 in El Nido ended just right! El Nido is not an expensive getaway as I thought it was. Having a glass of straw banana shake in Aplaya Restaurant with the breathtaking view of El Nido made me realize that landing in the island is indeed a dream come true.

The bumpy ride to El Nido is worth every single pain in the butt and never be alarmed of the check point along the road. Any varieties of Mangoes were under the quarantine process to prevent the spread of the pest known as “Mango Pulp Weevil”. It was believe that the pest came from neighboring country beside Palawan. Good thing I wasn’t interested of buying mangoes that time because it will only be confiscated. The road trip isn’t as bad and elongated as I thought. In fact, there were interesting sceneries along the way, food stop over and public toilets in case your gall bladder might give up.

I gave Dudz Caranog of Tay MIloy’s Inn two thumbs up for the room rates that suits my budget. I was delighted to pay PHP300 per person per night. I wish I can try the entire Island hopping tour from tour A – D, I may have all the time in the world but I was out of budget that time. I only tried Tour A and C as most recommended by locals. I wish to go back someday and try tour B and D. I had my most wonderful Island Hopping tour ever in El Nido with James and a couple of Russian Women I’ve met. There are tons of Island Hopping Packages but I choose Lagoon Tours which offers great tour guides and tasty food services. El Nido’s limestone stands out and swimming in Simizu Island was amazing. I ate in Carenderias most of the time ranging from PHP 50 and up. *Yeah, Swak sa budget!*

El Nido’s charming island, spectacular landscapes and turquoise waters never failed to amaze me. I can’t resist drinking just one beer in El NIdo at Ric Son’s Restaurant. I admit I’m a little surprise that El Nido has a little bit of chill mode at night. Live music while having beer was awesome. A breakfast in Habibi while enjoying the enormous view of El Nido was amazing. Although, I failed to try their famous “love me” flavor shisha, it was pleasant to just sit back and relax in the place. I heard about Squido’s being tagged as one of the restaurants that caters good squid food but unluckily it wasn’t part of my challenge budget and instead of having a state of the art food at Squidos I ended up having squid and pork bbq in town’s food streets area. I know I won’t leave the town without trying something French. Bonjour La Salangane! I maybe out of budget but I tried one good cheap French dessert! Rushing to the restaurant to eat dessert after eating in Carenderia was a remarkable experience. La Salangane also offers activities to do around El Nido. And Felicitations! The place has access to the wonderful beach of El Nido. Postcard moment, Picture perfect indeed!

The traditional Filipino Pasalubong will surely not to be missed. Surely, El Nido Boutique and Art Café offer Souvenirs but they are a bit pricey. Good thing, I had the time to go back to Puerto Princesa and I was able to buy cheap souvenirs there! My travel experience to El Nido was really fantastic. I know El Nido’s wanderbug bite is incurable. I predicted that my escape to El Nido will have a part two soon!

How to get there?

By Air:
Fastest way to reach El nido is by ITI. Travel time is approximately 90 minutes. For reservations email: csu@islandtransvoyager.com or call +63 02 851 5674.
Seair also flies to El Nido via Busuanga. For online bookings you may visit their website or you may call directly at +63 02 749 0100

By Flight/Road:

Book a flight to Puerto Princesa via Cebu Pacific, Airphil, Zestair or PAL and travel by either bus or van.

From Puerto Princesa – El Nido; Air con Shuttle Van travels approximately 6 hours. For updated time schedule and fare contact the following:
Lexus Van: +63917-5859612
Savior Van: +63929-6225974 :
Fort Wally Van: +63917-2762875

Public Buses from Puerto Princesa – El nido travels approximately 8 hours. For updated time schedule and fare contact the following:

Eulen Joy Bus: +63926-6998700 or +63919-7162210
Sweety Bus: +63919-7119221

By Sea: Manila – El Nido

For approximately 30 hours you can reach El nido by sea through San Nicolas Lines. You may call them at +63 02 243-2830 to get the latest date and time schedule.

Super Ferry also operates from Manila to El Nido. For reservations and updated schedule you may visit their website.

By direct boat from Coron – El Nido:
Atienza Shipping Lines: +63 02 243 8845
MBCA Jessabel: +63907-6741918

For more info you may check my Destination Guide to EL Nido Post.