Ages ago, I already have this fantasy to visit and explore El Nido, Palawan. It was all started from seeing those stunning photos flashing on the screen of the “videoke” we rented every time we have an occasions back home. It was became my ultimate childhood dream that I never thought will ever happen knowing by the fact of how expensive it is to get there.
I have been fascinated to travel around the Philippines since 2009 when I first visited the beautiful Cebu and Bohol with my cousins. From that day, I realized that yes, maybe it was also possible to reach my El Nido dream. Therefore, through the help of constant research and some travel blogs about this paradise where I discovered the cheap ways to experience this place, the stunning photos on my mind and always daydreaming about it over the past few years has finally became into reality.
El Nido, Palawan is situated in a northernmost tip of mainland Palawan, Philippines. It is known as one of the best beach and island destinations in the country for its extraordinary and pristine natural beauty and ecosystem. Anyone can fall in love with this breathtaking scenery.
Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan
I was fortunate enough to experience El Nido twice already with the most important people in my life. My first time here was with my favorite couple…my lovely parents back in January 2013 while the second one was with my husband Elifer last March 2014.
From Manila I booked a promo round-trip ticket to Puerto Princesa, Palawan via Cebu Pacific Air which cost around Php 1,500.00/pax with 1 to 1 ½ hour flight time. When we arrived at Puerto Princesa International Airport we asked some of the locals where we can find the terminal of Fort Wally shuttle service to catch our land transfer to El Nido (you can also arrange with them to pick you up from airport to their terminal with additional charge). The cost for one way ticket is Php 600.00 per pax and approximately 6 to 7 hours travel time from Puerto Princesa to El Nido proper. It is advisable to bring something to feel you at least comfortable for the long drive. However, if you can afford to booked a direct flight from Manila to El Nido you can inquire at Island Transvoyager, Inc. for the rates.
There are so many outstanding hotel resorts to choose from around the islands of El Nido where you likely to stay but that will cost extra high for a budget traveler like me. However, in my opinion why did you get those expensive hotels if you are coming there to explore the exceptional beauty of those islands that is located outside the vicinity of those luxurious resorts? We can make our travel simple to truly appreciate what are this place could offer more.
For that reason, on my first visit we stayed at Marina Garden Beachfront Inn. This hotel is situated at the beachfront of Bacuit Bay where we got a chance to witness the beauty of the island especially during sunrise and sunset. The cost of a room for 3 pax is around Php 1,300.00 per night including the breakfast. Although on my second visit I chose to stay in Sei-Nezioni Cottages Bar and Lounge located at Rizal St., Barangay Maligaya and 5-minute walk going to the beachfront of Bacuit Bay. For me, it is one of the best place where you can possibly stay at the island. Their cottages under the cliff makes them unique and will bring you the simplicity and native feels at your stay which cost Php 1,950.00 per night including the breakfast for two. Their rooms are surprisingly impressive from the simple decors to the native materials they used for the ceiling and flooring along with a very comfy bed.
Overall, my whole stay with these both accommodations were absolutely great and undoubtedly memorable.
Sei-Nezioni Cottages under the cliff.
Native feels at Sei-Nezioni room.
El Nido dream is best enjoyed by hopping from one island to another to see the magnificent limestone cliffs, snorkeling and swimming on those white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, experience to have lunch in one of the pristine islands and spending the whole day at the paradise with your loved one/s. I cannot express how surreal the whole journey was for me. It was indeed one of the most amazing experience of my life.
(At the El Nido proper there’s a lot of stores/agencies offering an island tour packages where you can compare and choose from.)
Our ‘follow me to’ shot inspired by Murad Osmann on our way to island hopping. (All my posted pictures here are not edited for you to imagine how naturally amazing the islands of El Nido)
Amazed on the crystal clear water of the island.
The crew and our tour guide preparing the lunch on boat while we are having fun on one of the islands we visited.
At the top of a limestone cliff at Matinloc Shrine.
I love El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
If you can dream it, you can do it! It was all started as a childhood dream which brought me already to the different places in the Philippines and in Asia. Traveling was fun and gives you unforgettable memories that you will cherish forever. Never stop dreaming and never stop reaching your dreams because we are never too old to set a new dream to dream again.
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