El Nido (2022- Opening under Pandemic lower restrictions)

 There's always a good reason to go back to El Nido.

Wondering what it's like to travel back to Tropical Paradise in a slowly recovering tourism economy at the time of the Pandemic? I got the questions and got some answers when I tried flying to El Nido after 2 long years of lockdown series and some travel restrictions.

 

 

 

 

My birthday was just around the corner when we travel back to Palawan. I wanted some island vibe where it will really feel like a vacation. Before traveling to Palawan, we waited for the lifting of antigen & RT-PCR requirements. Hence, advance booking of accommodation and DOH-verified vaccination cards must be accomplished before entering the province. Upon arriving at Puerto Princesa Airport, my heart almost jumps for joy for I can feel that it's a vacation already. Tourist log-in is a must, this is where your booked accommodation and tour must be shown. We had an early booking at Hidden Garden Pension House, together with the island tour and Van Transfer from PPS to El Nido. No time wasted, we head the road to El Nido for almost 4-5 hrs. Back then, it was nighttime when we travel to El Nido. But this time, I was able to see the beauty of different towns we passed by, the scenic country road, and the lazy vibe pavements. When we started to see the towering karst of El Nido, we were packed with excitement of what's ahead of us in the coming days. It was a perfect time of arrival since it's almost sunset time. 

 After unpacking our things at Hidden Garden, we hurriedly run to bacuit bay to catch our 1st day sunset. And it's confirmed. El Nido had some rest too in the past two years. It was more charming and quiet than it was in 2015. With nothing much to do, we just stare the day fades away and hunt for dinner before establishments go for early closing. 

On our 2nd day day at El Nido, we had our complimentary breakfast and get ready for tour B. Our tour provider was spider travel & tour. We started our with snake island. A sand bar that connects 2 islands. we had to hike up to a hill to finally see the beauty of the whole area. Next stop would be Entalula Island. A small island where swimming and photo ops may be enjoyed with karst and coconut trees in the background. We didn't stay long in this island for lunchtime is just around the corner. Guides and boatmen prepare our lunch within the boat, we will be having lunch floating in front of cudugnon cave which also our next destination. Nothing has changed, they still serve sumptuous amount of beach-vibes foods. After having our lunch, they took us inside the cave, got some photo ops or swim beside the beach. Then, we proceed to our next stop. The Cathedral cave. In this area, a cathedral like formations were inside the cave. It is a cave within waters, so our boat just enter the shallow part where we had our photos taken. And for our last stop on our island hopping tour is none other than Pinagbuyutan Island. A snorkeling site with a private beach near it. Current here was a bit strong that's why it's a little hard to snorkel, but when you got to see what's underneath, you wouldn't mind the current. You just wanted to carry on, anyway, the guides has been in look out in case someone needs help. 

Since our tour ended early, we still had the chance to change clothes and go to another destination for chasing sunsets and make the most of our time until dinnertime. We hurriedly ride a tricycle to Las Cabanas where Maremegmeg beach is located. It was a fine, chill and refreshing sunset to twilight experience. I could say "achieved!" for my birthday vacation plans. We just sat down by the sand, feeling the gentle breeze of air, hearing the soothing sound of waves and watching the sun kissed the sea. A kind of relaxation we all deserve from a noisy and chaotic world.
 

 

 Next day, It was exact day of my Birthday. We are going on Tour A. the most famous tour among all  island hopping in El Nido. I was just a bit shocked to see crowds waiting for coastguard clearance before the tour. Only to be reminded that it was weekend already. We started the tour with Secret Lagoon. This time, I know what to do and what to expect. We didn't spent much time here since most of our acquaintances prefer to go immediately to next destination. So, for our 2nd stop. It is the most famous picture spot in El Nido. The Big Lagoon. Back then in 2015, we didn't have much picture here because we did a combination tour, which limit our time to stay in the area. So, this time, we did kayak, swimming, exploring the whole lagoon and took as much photos as we could. After about almost 1 hour, we proceed to our next destination, the Shimizu Island and Payong-payong beach. while our boat is floating in front of the island, we can swim around the area or just wait in the boat for lunch. What I love in this area is the crystal clear water that almost inviting you to swim and couldn't resist it. With the 2 towering rock formation that seems like the big lagoon. After having our lunch, we proceed to the snorkeling site of shimizu island. From the snorkeling site we had the other day, I could say, this is much alive. More colorful underwater scene. And for our last stop for tour A is none other than the 7 commando island. The island with different activities to do. One can go swimming, play basketball, volleyball, get a fresh buko or just lie down under the coconut trees. We ended the tour earlier again, So, we got the chance to changed clothes and rent a motorbike with guide to drive us and spend the rest of the afternoon at Nacpan Beach. Where the most of the picture-perfect sunset takes place. It is one wonderful experience to celebrate my day in this kind of perfect kind of sunset. We just make most our remaining time by staring at the sun, feeling the gentle waves to our feet and smelling the fresh environment of Nacpan Beach. There's nothing I could asked for but more time to be here. Contemplate some moments since it was another blessed year. Never in my heart that I will get used in visiting El Nido.

 

 

 

 

  

 

After spending good time in Nacpan Beach, We searched the bacuit bay for dinner and had our chill cocktail night at Savah Bar. That is to conclude our vacation for we will be leaving Palawan early in the morning. 

I've been blessed to have return to Palawan especially on my birthday, Indeed a break from a busy life. My dream birthday vacation and my revenge travel after 2 long years.