Trip to El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

The beach is something of a blessing. It’s not for everyone, definitely. But for those who appreciate it, for the connoisseur, a beach is more than just sand and water. Every beach is different. Every beach has its own personality, a mark of sui generis that distinguishes it from other beaches.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½

Take El Nido, for instance. As far as beaches are concerned, the Philippines is known primarily for Boracay. Now, I’ve been to Boracay and not to bad-mouth the place, I got sick there. Literally. So, I’m not too big on Boracay. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s beautiful. Nice, white sand beaches, yadda yaddaâÂ?¦ But it’s very commercial. There is something very antiseptic about Boracay as if you’ve walked into a movie set. It doesn’t feel real.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½

But El Nido in PalawanâÂ?¦ now this is what they had in mind when they coined the phrase “tropical paradise”. This is as real as it can get.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½Most beaches are giggly women who are only too happy to flash what they’ve got.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ Not El Nido.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ Personality-wise, El Nido is theÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½sexy middle-aged woman who is confident enough in herÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½sensual body toÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½risk being complacent.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½She’s not aggressive.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ She doesn’t need to be.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ She knows she’s oozing with sex appeal and she’s taking her sweet time to enjoy every moment that you gawk at her before she moves in for the kill.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½

Getting there is close to impossible and getting out doubly so but once you get yourself there, you can definitely say you’ve arrived in paradise. There are reasonably priced flights from Manila to El Nido via the Southeast Asian Airlines three times a week (Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays). It’s advisable to book your flight back because you don’t want to be stuck in El Nido longer than you should. Otherwise, you will need to travel by land for 10 hours on rough road to get to Puerto Princesa where the next nearest airport is located.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½

Aboard a 19-seater charter plane, you will witness the breathtaking landscape of El Nido when you land at the El Nido Airport. The airport itself is a disappointment, a makeshift runway with huts instead of terminal gates. But then again you didn’t travel half-a-world away for another Kennedy Airport. You will need to travel by tricycle to the town proper from the airport. It costs 150 pesos (3 USD) and takes about 30 minutes on rough road. Once in the town, you have two choices. Hire a boat to take you to the 5-star beach resorts on the islands of Miniloc and Lagen. The boat costs about 3750 pesos (75 USD) and accommodations at either Miniloc and Lagen are considerably more exorbitant (215 USD to 305 USD, depending on the season) than if you stay in town.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½

If you’re a backpacker on a budget, stay in town. The beach may not be as lovely as that of Miniloc and Lagen, and facilities may be more lacking but the view is breathtaking and there are plenty to do.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½

(Bear in mind though that “plenty to do” doesn’t mean finding nightclubs with raves in them.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ You won’t be dancingÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½from sundown to sunupÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½at El Nido.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ This is where you go to get away from all that.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ El Nido is a very small community which you can cover by walking in ten minutes. Live music is featured in several of the establishments like the Sea Slugs Bar and Restaurant. Incidentally, Sea Slugs is by the beach and has kick-ass crabs and prawns.)Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½

The prices for accommodations on the beachfront at El Nido town ranges from 500 pesos (10 USD) to 2000 pesos (40 USD). The rooms have very minimal features (if toilet seat is an issue for you, like with me, I suggest getting the more expensive ones, it’ll be worth it). Also, since electricity in town is only from 1pm to 1am, you have to pay extra if you want your air-conditioner turned on the whole night. Be particularly discriminating when choosing your lodgings as some places have no security and are often targeted by local burglars.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½

Despite these setbacks, El Nido is still a paradise by anyone’s standards. The islands surrounding El Nido had created a beach that is so tranquil and serene. Each island is a discovery. Divers have a lot of spots to choose from. Sea kayaking can be wonderful and romantic experience as you head out to a secluded island all to yourself.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½

The food, as already alluded on, is unbelievable at El Nido. Reasonably priced, a crab meal can range from 150 pesos (3 USD) to 500 pesos (10 USD) and it’s guaranteed to be delicious. They are usually served simply as is, with a few herbs for flavoring and rice on the side. While not exactly haute cuisine, the food is amazing.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½

Most people who go to El Nido are honeymooners in search of a romantic getaway vacation. Others go there for the 7-day detox spa which supposedly is one of the best in the world. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to do the detox because I didn’t have the 7 days to spare. Still, others go here to really get away from it all.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½

One other positive thing about El Nido is that the people are very friendly and helpful. They take pride in their community and would help you in any way they can without asking for anything in return. They’re genuinely happy to see you happy and would love for you to come back. Needless to say, everyone has been accommodating during my stay there.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½

Its small town appeal and world-class resorts are endearing and unforgettable. It’s definitely a place you would want to visit again.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ This is the ultimate backpacker’s paradise.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ It’s sleek and sexy and too good to be turn.Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ You make love to her once and you know it’s not just a one night stand, it’s a moment you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.