... Dock and Ride is back, Palawan escapade and beyond...
A lot of people touts Palawan as one of the world's best tourist destinations, and I agree. For me it is heaven on earth. The Philippines is fortunate enough having this God's great masterpiece thrown at the island of Palawan. That is why, locals and tourists alike flock on this part of the country.
A lot of people touts Palawan as one of the world's best tourist destinations, and I agree. For me it is heaven on earth. The Philippines is fortunate enough having this God's great masterpiece thrown at the island of Palawan. That is why, locals and tourists alike flock on this part of the country.
You may become a stranger in your own land if you have not seen
this part of the planet. Palawan being branded as one of the centers for marine
biodiversity, home of flora and fauna, cited as one of the seven wonders of nature,
best paradise on earth and so on. Name it and Palawan have it all, from
magnificent underwater diving sites, to best islands and rock formations,
to underground river with rich stalagmites and stalactites formed for over a
thousands of years ago, best beaches which surely you can never resist to delve and
savor the pristine blue waters and relishing powdery white sand beaches. This best place is sure to pull you back.
This magnificent island is accessible by sea and air transportation, having airports in Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Busuanga. Major seaport is in Puerto Princesa
Commonly tourists' first stop is Puerto Princessa where numerous airline companies offer affordable airfare.
In our case, we traveled from Manila to Puerto Princessa, Palawan via Cebu Pacific Air, one of the budget airline carriers operating in Palawan. it's just forty-five (45) minutes transit from Manila when we arrived at Puerto Princessa Airport, we went directly for a 6-hour ride by land through a pre-arranged travel and tour service (van). . Kudos to the efforts of our colleague Ariel whom we visited during his wedding day.
Our first stop:
EL NIDO, best known for white-sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and rock formations... simply, paradise within reach. It's similar to Boracay station 3 where there are numbers of hotels to stay. You can choose from low cost inns to a pricey luxurious hotel accommodation. We stayed at Rainforest Beach Hotel during our entire El NIdo visit.
We appreciated the warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere of the owner and staff of the hotel. They prepared appetizing and delectable dishes during our stay. Rooms and other facilities were clean and well maintained. Unlimited coffee and water is provided at the lobby, truly these simple things are worthy of our appreciation and gratitude.
It is strongly recommended to stay at this Hotel and of course, we will be staying here again the next time around. For those who are planning to visit El Nido, pre-arrangement of hotel accommodation and service vehicle is more convinient, because of its availability considering that the this place is becoming a major tourist hub for its popularity and wide array of activities and leisure it offers to tourists both local and foreign.
What to do in El Nido?
Well, it depends on the kind of activities you want, staying at the Hotel and savoring the pristine waters at the shoreline before sunrise is enough. But there's more... you have to discover the real El Nido much more away from the beachfront turned commercial areas. If you are good at diving, El Nido is rich in underwater scenery. Baquit Bay is one of famous area where there are plenty of dive site. Of course, you have to coordinate with Dive shops offering diving activities.
If you prefer to just discover why El Nido is famous, then island hopping is for you. Usually, the Hotel where you are staying knows best. There are plenty of affordable bancas offering island hopping packages depending on your negotiating skills with Mr. Boatman.
Our group paid a fee of Php 20,000.00 for twenty people in one banca. It is good for a whole day tour (our boat left at around 9 am and came back to shore at around 4 pm). This includes a tour guide (who told us the name of each island and the myth behind its name), lunch, boat transfers, environmental fees and snorkeling masks. Just bring beach essentials such as a swimsuit and your waterproof camera. Put on your sunblock, shades and your good to go.
...and our tour begins. All day island hopping to various locations
Small Lagoon
Big Lagoon
Secret Lagoon
Seven Commandos Island
Hidden Beach
Commonly tourists' first stop is Puerto Princessa where numerous airline companies offer affordable airfare.
In our case, we traveled from Manila to Puerto Princessa, Palawan via Cebu Pacific Air, one of the budget airline carriers operating in Palawan. it's just forty-five (45) minutes transit from Manila when we arrived at Puerto Princessa Airport, we went directly for a 6-hour ride by land through a pre-arranged travel and tour service (van). . Kudos to the efforts of our colleague Ariel whom we visited during his wedding day.
Our first stop:
EL NIDO, best known for white-sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and rock formations... simply, paradise within reach. It's similar to Boracay station 3 where there are numbers of hotels to stay. You can choose from low cost inns to a pricey luxurious hotel accommodation. We stayed at Rainforest Beach Hotel during our entire El NIdo visit.
We appreciated the warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere of the owner and staff of the hotel. They prepared appetizing and delectable dishes during our stay. Rooms and other facilities were clean and well maintained. Unlimited coffee and water is provided at the lobby, truly these simple things are worthy of our appreciation and gratitude.
It is strongly recommended to stay at this Hotel and of course, we will be staying here again the next time around. For those who are planning to visit El Nido, pre-arrangement of hotel accommodation and service vehicle is more convinient, because of its availability considering that the this place is becoming a major tourist hub for its popularity and wide array of activities and leisure it offers to tourists both local and foreign.
What to do in El Nido?
Well, it depends on the kind of activities you want, staying at the Hotel and savoring the pristine waters at the shoreline before sunrise is enough. But there's more... you have to discover the real El Nido much more away from the beachfront turned commercial areas. If you are good at diving, El Nido is rich in underwater scenery. Baquit Bay is one of famous area where there are plenty of dive site. Of course, you have to coordinate with Dive shops offering diving activities.
If you prefer to just discover why El Nido is famous, then island hopping is for you. Usually, the Hotel where you are staying knows best. There are plenty of affordable bancas offering island hopping packages depending on your negotiating skills with Mr. Boatman.
Our group paid a fee of Php 20,000.00 for twenty people in one banca. It is good for a whole day tour (our boat left at around 9 am and came back to shore at around 4 pm). This includes a tour guide (who told us the name of each island and the myth behind its name), lunch, boat transfers, environmental fees and snorkeling masks. Just bring beach essentials such as a swimsuit and your waterproof camera. Put on your sunblock, shades and your good to go.
...and our tour begins. All day island hopping to various locations
Small Lagoon
Big Lagoon
Secret Lagoon
Seven Commandos Island
Hidden Beach
 |
| Big Lagoon |
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| Big Lagoon scenery. |
The view of Small Lagoon where you will appreciate being away from the hustle-bustle of the metro. Boat operators offer Kayaking for Php 500.00, it is good for two to three people and enjoy the view going to Secret Lagoon
A striking pose in front of the Coast Guard Station El Nido.
Island Hopping, a ten-minute boat ride from island to the other.
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| Cliff dive: a chance to conquer our fears and enjoy pristine blue waters. |
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Lunch time: delectable foods and drinks were served at noon. hungry tummy is happy seeing fresh grilled tuna, pork belly, fresh sea foods with chili lemon soy sauce fresh fruits and many more  |
NEXT STOP: One of the New Seven Wonders of Nature
Puerto Princessa Subterranean River National Park
Gusto Grill in Sabang, Puerto Princessa offers lunch buffet (all you can eat) for Php 200.00. The food is nice, worth for the penny you spent.
...and the must try, Tamilok, one of the exotic delicacies in Palawan. This singe order costs Php 100.00. It's delicious, tastes like a seaweed.
From El Nido, we traveled for almost 9 hours by land to Sofronio Espaniola, Palawan to attend our coleagues wedding day on 18 August 2018.
The wedding was held at Sto Nino Parish.
Sto. Nino Church in Sofronio Espaniola, Palawan
We visited Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Puerto Princessa. We came here on a week day, it was so quite that you can say your prayers earnestly. For us Catholics, it is believed that this sacred place is miraculous. Make sure that you make a wish especially if it is your first visit here.
