August 2023 – We decided that we want to explore Asia a bit more and this year we chose a destination that combines relaxation with adventure, El-Nido Palawan. We visited El-Nido off season (rainy season) and we don’t regret it. We were very lucky as we enjoyed 8 days of sunshine and it was definitely not very busy which made our whole experience even more enjoyable.

What to do

• Tour A, B, C & D: There are some predetermined tours called A, B, C and D many local providers are offering. We have tried tours A and B and they were pretty amazing. It’s definitely worth it as you can visit so many beautiful little islands, snorkel, kayak (depending on the tour) and it’s a really good value for money. Prices vary between Php 1,200-1,400 (Circa €22-25) for a day tour that also includes your lunch. We booked our tours via our hotels which is the usual way these tours are arranged. Our tour company was “David John Travel and Tours” and the tour guides were absolutely amazing, helpful, knowledgeable and supportive – Reggie and John John you rock. You can see an overview of the destinations and respective pricing below.

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Kayaking: Depending on where you are staying you can rent a kayak for the day and visit the local beaches at your on pace, bring your snacks and enjoy this beautiful paradise at your own pace. The price for a day rental is around Php 800 (Circa €13).
• Canopy Walk: The canopy walk is a nice and easy way to hike up the Taraw Cliff. It is basically a guided walk up to the cliff using the appropriate equipment (harness & helmet) and it takes around 30 minutes both ways. It is suited for families and children and it also works if you are not athletic. There is one suspension bridge on the way to the top that you may consider if you have a fear of heights. That was definitely Martin’s least favourite part. It costs Php 700 (Circa €12) and it is strongly recommended cause the view is amazing. I personally went on the walk with my flip flops on which wasn’t the best idea, wear your sandals or sports shoes and you should be more than fine.

  

  

  

• Las Cabañas Beach: This is a strongly recommended beach for sunset watching. We went there early afternoon and enjoyed the view at one of the many beach bar restaurants of the area (Maremegmeg Beach Club) named after the 100 years old Maremegmeg tree that is right in front of it. Read more information in the “Where to eat” section below.
• Napcan Beach: This beach is quite far from the town but it is worth paying a visit. It is approximately 4km long and it is absolutely beautiful. We found an amazing tricycle (or Tuk Tuk) driver Nico Olvinar which you can contact via Facebook / Messenger if you are interested. He drove us to Napcan Beach and back (this is a half day trip) as it is 45 min away from the town for Php 1000 (Circa €16).

  

  

  

Where to eat

As you may know already I am a vegetarian so food in El Nido – Palawan was a challenge. I usually go for the local cuisine but this was not really feasible as most local delicacies contain meat. So these are the following alternative options I would recommend based on our experience:

• Big Bad Thai: Located right in the centre of El Nido town this is an amazing option if you like Thai food. It has a nice variety of Thai food options you will definitely enjoy. There are also a few options for vegetarians as well. [You can pay by card here]
• Skybar H Hotel – Piece of Sky: This is a beautiful rooftop bar at the top of H Hotel, a newly established hotel, with a perfect view of the El Nido beach. It has a very modern vibe and a nice collection of food and drinks. The same hotel has a vegetarian restaurant we didn’t get a chance to try but heard amazing things for. [You can pay by card here]
• Bella Vita: This place was walking distance from our hotel (right on Corong Corong beach) – 3 minute walk on the beach depending on the tide. It is very cute and cozy with some nice Italian options for lunch or dinner. [You can only pay by cash here]
• Maremegmeg Beach Club: Nice options of western food, local made juices and cocktails, exactly what to need to watch the sunset at the “Las Cabañas Beach”. According to Martin, it’s a nice place – “The piñas were quite coladas“.

I recommend tasting the local tropical juices and coconut water which are available everywhere on the island. They are fresh and delicious in any combination.

Where to stay

Maligaya Beach Bungalows if your answer. When it came to El Nido we decided that we want a quiet stay really close to town and Maligaya Beach Bungalows was definitely the best choice.

• Staff: Beverlie & Ian have been amazing. We do travel the world but it was the first time we got such a warm welcome. Beverlie was kind enough to give us a lot of details on food, activities, laundry, tours and answer all our questions. She really loves what she does. The both of them would be a reason to come back to this little paradise.
• Room: The rooms are absolutely beautiful, they are just 5 in number. We got the one that was facing the beach and we had an amazing time. Really clean and comfy, they equipped with air conditioning and fans so you will more than survive the warm climate.
• Breakfast: There were available upon pay different sets of breakfast. Really nice choices and they bring them to your room upon time request with a creative touch. Loved it.
• Location: Just a 5 minute ride via tricycle from town located right on the Corong Corong beach. This beach is not amazing for swimming especially during the time of year we went (August 2023) but it’s the starting point of the tours you definitely want to do (Tour A, B, C & D). You can walk there, no hustle. It is also a 3 minute beach walk (depending on the tide) to a nice Italian Restaurant (Bella Vita).

We are so happy we didn’t choose to stay in town. This way we had the relaxing and joyful experience we were going for.

Tips

• In most places you can only pay with cash so make sure you have enough cash with you.
• Exchange money at the Manila airport, alternatively you may exchange money at the local banks in the El-Nido town, however, the whole process may take more than an hour.
• Choose a hotel that is away for the town traffic and noise.
• You can move around via a tricycle (or tuk tuk) they are very affordable.
• Bring your water shoes, you will need them during island hopping tours.
• Bring mosquito repellant with you and some after bite cream and make sure you have something appropriate for jelly fish bites as well (just in case you get beaten on the bum like we were).
• Bring your Go Pro (or other action camera) and buy a waterproof case for your phone and take it with you on the tours.
• Have fun, people here are so nice. Learn some of the basic words in Filipino and that’s all they need. (“Salamat” we definitely used often which means thank you).