Tag: paradise

El-Nido Palawan, Philippines – An underrated gem

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).

Trip to Pelion, Greece – an undisputed paradise for nature lovers

June 2023 – I was honoured to have been asked to become the Godmother for my dearest friends’ child in Pelion, Greece and that is how our adventure started. It is truly paradise on earth with the perfect combination of turquoise blue waters and lush vegetation. The christening took place at the village called Tsangarada. We enjoyed it to the fullest and are definitely going back on the first occasion.

How to get there

Arrive at the Sallonika airport and take a rental car and drive all the way to Pilion Greece (approximately 270 km). The ride is absolutely beautiful, the road is a bit bendy towards the end of the ride so beware in case you get car nauseous. Make sure you have water with you and some snacks.  It is a 4 hour drive including small stops on the way.

Where to stay

We absolutely loved our stay at Iris’ guesthouse. The owners were absolutely wonderful, so friendly and caring. They prepared home-made breakfast for us every single morning using their own local products and it was delicious. They even own a store at the local village, Tsangarada selling their handmade products, herbs, jam, and more.They upgraded our room for free and we got a chance to enjoy every single morning the beautiful view of the Aegean Sea.

We had a bumpy ride trying to get to one of the beaches which ended up in a flat tire which apparently is not that uncommon in the area. We tried contacting the car rental company but it would take ages to get to the nearest city to get it fixed. Instead our amazing hosts just called a local friend and had our tire fixed in no time.They really did make is feel like home.

What to do

Beach hopping of course. I am highlighting below a couple of the beaches we went to that we absolutely loved.

Drive to the path leading to Fakistra beach and then wear your water shoes or your sports shoes and go for a little hike downhill. It may be a little bit tiring but it’s absolutely worth it because it will be one of the best beaches you’ve ever seen or swam in. Turquoise blue crystal clear water, surrounded by an amazing lush scenery and  a small waterfall leading directly to the sea. An alternative way to get there is kayaking from other near by more accessible beaches.

We were so lucky, we visited this place in early June and the weather was just right for a lovely day at the beach. Not too hot and not too cold. We went on a work day so there was literally no one there except for an amazing local restaurant that offered us a delicious home made Mediterranean meal. I have traveled around the world a bit so far, but I have never seen such a beautiful beach. I was staring at the horizon for a couple of minutes and was so lucky to spot 10 dolphins or so happily swimming across the Aegean sea. That’s what I call tranquillity and happiness.