Posted by: Jenn
Our flight to Puerto Princesa, Palawan was pretty uneventful - which, considering what we had previously been through in terms of transportation in the Philippines, was a very very good thing. We did get moved to an exit row to replace a mom and little boy. That was exciting because this was by far the tightest plane we had ever been in. With out backs straight and our bums all the way back, our knees were still smashed into the fold up tray on the back of the seats in front of us. The exit row was much more roomy.
Our flight to Puerto Princesa, Palawan was pretty uneventful - which, considering what we had previously been through in terms of transportation in the Philippines, was a very very good thing. We did get moved to an exit row to replace a mom and little boy. That was exciting because this was by far the tightest plane we had ever been in. With out backs straight and our bums all the way back, our knees were still smashed into the fold up tray on the back of the seats in front of us. The exit row was much more roomy.
Once in Puerto Princesa our two main goals were to get lunch and then get on to a little town called El Nido. We found a really cute 'go green' restaurant that I was certain would be above our budget but to my surprise it was not. We ordered a fancy lunch with amazing lemon grass tea and enjoyed every bit of it!
We then made our way to the bus station and piled into a supposed air con mini van to make the treacherous six hour journey to El Nido. Unfortunately we were in the very back of the van and felt none of the air con. Have we mentioned how hot it is in the Philippines? It was a long six hours...
We finally pulled into the bus station in El Nido and searched the beachfront town for a suitable beachfront bungalow to spend a few days in. After price checking several places we found a cute place within our budget. The only downfall was our bathroom didn't have a toilet seat on the toilet...weird.
We finally pulled into the bus station in El Nido and searched the beachfront town for a suitable beachfront bungalow to spend a few days in. After price checking several places we found a cute place within our budget. The only downfall was our bathroom didn't have a toilet seat on the toilet...weird.
Our first night in El Nido was spent wandering around to get our bearings and enjoying the amazing sunset. We also booked an island hopping tour for the next day.
We boarded our banga boat at 9 AM and set off with about ten other tourists for a day of enjoying white sand beaches and snorkeling in crystal clear waters. Our first stop was a small bay with a hole in one of the walls that led to a small lagoon. Although there were numerous boats anchored throughout the bay and tourists in life jackets were splashing around, the rock cliffs meeting the clear green water was enough to pull our attention away from the commotion and into a tranquil abyss.
Our next stop was called secret lagoon. We were least impressed with this spot although the lagoon did live up to it's name.
As we were leaving the lagoon, a storm decided to pass through and bring with it a torrential downpour. Although saddened by the loss of sun, the pelting rain against the smooth surface of the water was entrancing.
Luckily the storm only lasted for about 20 minutes and we were back in business. The boat set anchor at another beautiful beach and we snorkeled our hearts out. The visibility was spectacular and the ocean was so alive with fish, starfish, and colorful reef.
As we surfaced, our boat driver motioned us over to shore where a buffet lunch was spread out on the beach. Fish, chicken, pork, rice, salad, and fruit...yum!
We hit up a longer beach next where we were served fresh coconut milk right out of the coconut. I can't say that I particularly liked the milk. I think I liked the idea of drinking out of a coconut more.
Jonathan and I agree that this was one of our favorite island hopping tours we have done in all of Southeast Asia. I know - woah - that's a big statement. Take a minute and let it soak in.
Now, let this sink in. The activity that we partook in the next day was even better. We rented glass bottom kayaks and gave ourselves an island hopping tour. We went out with an English couple from the boat tour and explored several beaches within kayaking distance. It was fan-freakin-tastic.
Now, let this sink in. The activity that we partook in the next day was even better. We rented glass bottom kayaks and gave ourselves an island hopping tour. We went out with an English couple from the boat tour and explored several beaches within kayaking distance. It was fan-freakin-tastic.
The beaches we stopped on were not only secluded but they were completely empty. The four of us felt like we had discovered a secret. I mean obviously we didn't because you could see El Nido from the beach we kayaked to, but we can pretend that no one knew about it. Yeah, it was that pristine.
The photos of the shells below are ones I have found on the beaches in the Philippines. There are so few tourists that all the cool shells are still in the sand. I have been amazed at some of the shells I have found and if I don't get rid of some I'm not going to be able to lift my backpack. Anyways, after a few hours of shell searching, snorkeling, and sun bathing we kayaked to another 'secret' beach. We enjoyed an all you can eat muffin, cookie, and bread lunch, that we picked up fresh that morning from an amazing bakery in town, and then explored the 'undiscovered' shoreline.
It was a long paddle back to town and both of us were quite sore from never working the paddling muscles but it was well worth it. We loved getting away from everything and finding our own beaches to chill on.
We got back into town just in time to see the sunset. I must say that El Nido has had some of the most amazing ocean sunsets we have seen on our trip thus far.
We got back into town just in time to see the sunset. I must say that El Nido has had some of the most amazing ocean sunsets we have seen on our trip thus far.
Because this area of the Philippines is not super touristy and it is pretty cheap, not to mention absolutely gorgeous, we have decided to spend some more time here (that's why this post is Part 1). We might do some more island hopping or just hanging out on the beach. Either way, just know that we are living it up in paradise! We have discovered that the Philippines is a pretty amazing part of the world that has yet to be hounded by foreigners and we are glad we get to explore it while it is still pretty 'raw' in a way.