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tbc
I wonder when I wander. #elnidopalawan (at El Nido, Palawan)
El Nido, Palawan Philippines
El Nido, Palawan Philippines
We’re in El Nido Palawan
Welcome to My Travel Diaries!
Hi there! I'm Clarisse, a 17-year-old Filipino student who loves traveling. Every word you read and every photo you see here is woven from my personal adventures. This blog is a window into my journey, and today, I’m thrilled to share my unforgettable experience in the paradise that is El Nido, Palawan.
El Nido: A Dream Carved by Nature:tips and experiences!
El Nido is located in the northern part of the Island of Palawan. It is well known for its fantastic Island hopping with beautiful lagoons and small paradise Islands. But besides that, El Nido offers some of the most amazing beaches and clear turquoise waters on the Island itself. In this blog post, we share the best islands and beaches in El Nido.
We spent 5 days and 4 nights here in El Nido and it blew me away. The stunning white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, beautiful coral reefs, towering limestone mountains, incredible lagoons, unspoiled nature and the bustling, trendy downtown.
The Perfect Time to Lose Yourself in El Nido
The dry season from November to May is El Nido’s time to shine, with March and April offering the most radiant weather. During these months, the skies are a canvas of blue, and the sea glimmers like a thousand tiny diamonds—ideal for water adventures and laid-back beach days.
How to get to El Nido
If you come to El Nido by airplane, you can either fly to Lio Airport which is located a 15 min drive from El Nido town or the airport in Puerto Princesa and drive to El Nido by van, which is a 5-6 hours journey.
As the clock struck 5 AM on May 15, 2024, our journey with Air Asia began, painting the sky with the promise of adventure. I could say that this wa a very special to me, not just because it was my first time visiting Palawan, but also because it was my first time flying on a plane. The hour-long flight was as smooth as a lullaby, and we touched down safely at Puerto Princesa City Airport, greeted by the welcoming arms of a new land. We embarked on the next leg of our odyssey in a rented van, a metal steed that carried us through a six-hour journey to El Nido. The road stretched out like a ribbon of possibilities, each turn revealing more of the island's secrets.
Upon our arrival, time seemed to slow down, allowing us to savor the simple joys of life. We spent our first moments grocery shopping, indulging in the sweet embrace of ice cream, and meandering through the town. While my uncle and cousins, the BOYS, explored the beach, the GIRLS—my Grandma, Aunties, Cousins, and I—found solace in the warmth of our rented house. After an hour of sleep, we went out again to get some fresh air. I was shocked because the boys surprised the three of us- me, my cousin (Ate Tuyet), and my tito (Ome)- with a birthday cake and sang “Happy Birthday” to us. After dinner, we visited the night market, had a quick night swim at the beach, and then spent the rest of the evening playing card games.
El Nido Island Hopping: The Beauty Of The Bacuit Bay
DAY 1: Embracing Lagoons and Beaches
Island hopping is a must do, in Palawan. There are 4 main island hopping tours in El Nido: A, B, C, D. Each one of the El Nido Tours will take you on a journey to explore a specific part of the islands surrounding El Nido. You will discover beautiful and preserved islands, clear water lagoons, white sand beaches, snorkeling sites and their hundred of fishes and coral species.
Our adventure commenced on a radiant, sunlit day. We embarked on Tour A, which led us to marvel at destinations like Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and finally, 7 Commando Beach.
Tour A’s charm lies in its abundance—blessing us with not one, but two or three enchanting lagoons around Miniloc Island. Our first stop was the magnificent Big Lagoon. Here, we swam and rented a kayak. The view was nothing short of breathtaking, and the water, so clear that it transformed into a transparent canvas, revealing the rocks below like ancient whispers.
Next, we ventured to Secret Lagoon, slipping through a narrow rock crevice as if entering a hidden realm. Inside, the beauty was so profound that it left me speechless—a rare occurrence. Swimming and snorkeling in this enchanting place was akin to diving into a living painting, with myriad fish darting around like vibrant brushstrokes.
On our third destination will take us to Shimizu island, where we can snorkel and see corals and/or relax on the white sand beach. This is also where, most of the time, the boat will stop for free lunch. With its great limestone cliffs covered with vegetation, a representative of the geological beauty of El Nido.
At the end of the day, the tour will stop of 7 Commando Beach, which has a long white sand beach, and where we can also find a little bar that will serve us refreshing drinks. While snorkeling there, we may encounter a few sea turtles and different types of fish. We spent our time there just chilling, swimming, and taking pictures.
DAY 2: Mysteries and Marvels
Day 2 was a bit sad because my cousin (Ate Tuyet) and my uncle (Tito Ome) couldn't join us for our Day 2 island hopping, which was Tour C. My cousin wasn't feeling well; she had a stomach ache because she ate a lot of grilled oysters last night. She was in pain and vomiting, so Tito Ome also stayed at the house to take care of her.
Tour C is probably the most popular of all El Nido Tours. It will take you on a journey to beautiful islands, beaches and snorkeling spots, and to an uncanny place: Matinloc Shrine.
On our first destination stop is one of the most famous island of the Bacuit archipelago. Its traditional name is Dilumacad island, but it’s more commonly known as Helicopter island because of its shape.
Our journey continued to the mysterious Matinloc Shrine, an abandoned sanctuary wrapped in legends. Whispers of ghostly tales clung to the air as we explored its haunted past. Amidst the eeriness, we enjoyed a free lunch, the island's secrets adding a dash of thrill to our meal.
We then ventured to the trio of beaches: Secret Beach, Talisay Beach, and Hidden Beach. At Secret Beach, we felt like royalty with exclusive access to its crystal-clear waters, diving into liquid glass that left us breathless. Talisay Beach offered a serene escape, where we sipped fresh coconut juice, revitalizing our spirits.
Tour C etched its beauty into our hearts, leaving us with memories of El Nido's magic. A tale of adventure, mystery, and breathtaking landscapes that we'll cherish forever.
DAY 3: A Beach Lover’s Reverie
Our last island-hopping adventure took an unexpected turn as we decided to forgo Tour B and Tour D in favor of a leisurely beach day. El Nido’s four crown jewels—Nacpan Beach, Lio Beach, Vanilla Beach, and Corong Corong Beach—beckoned us with their promise of serenity and sun-kissed shores. We rented a van and two motorbikes, as these paradises were but a 15 to 20-minute drive from El Nido town. Nacpan Beach stretched out like a golden ribbon, inviting us to relax and lose ourselves in its serene beauty. Lio Beach whispered secrets of adventure as we swam in its crystal-clear waters. At Vanilla Beach, the ocean's embrace was as warm as a mother's hug, and Corong Corong Beach offered a breathtaking canvas of colors, especially at sunset. Though the food there was a bit pricey, it was a small price to pay for the feast that awaited us. Surrounded by a tapestry of cultures and the company of fellow travelers, we savored every bite as we watched the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson.
Where to stay in El Nido
We rented a house because we wanted to be able to cook our own meals during the time we stayed in El Nido. We found this lovely family house (Full House). We can recommend staying here if you like to enjoy the local life because this place is around 5-10 minutes drive from El Nido town and beach in a local neighborhood. We enjoyed a lot to buy food in the markets and cook at home.
How to get around in El Nido
The easiest way to get around and explore all the best beaches in El Nido is by renting a motor bike. It will cost you around 500 pesos a day. The streets in El Nido are good, and it’s easy to drive. We had accommodation which was a bit out of town, and that is why a motor bike was essential for us. But if you plan to explore the best beaches in El Nido, you will need a motor bike, too, because most are far from town. To get around town, you can take a tricycle, which usually costs you around 100-200 pesos.
As I sit and look back on those sunlit days, I realize that El Nido isn’t just a destination—it’s an awakening. It’s the joy of discovering hidden lagoons and witnessing sunsets that turn the sky into a masterpiece. It’s the laughter shared over meals, the kindness of locals, and the moments when time stands still.
El Nido taught me to cherish life’s simple pleasures: the feel of sand between my toes, the sound of waves lapping at the shore, and the way the world looks when bathed in golden light. It’s a reminder that the most beautiful stories come not from the places we visit but from how those places make us feel.
So here’s to El Nido—a piece of paradise that will forever hold a piece of my heart. Until the next adventure, thank you for sharing this journey with me. 🌊 I’m already looking forward to sharing my travel experiences, stories and photos with you!
Back to El Nido, Palawan oct 17 to oct 22 2023
After almost ten years, coming back to El Nido, Palawan seemed surreal. I came with different set of friends but the feeling when I first went there is the same.
island life
