Complete Guide to Visit El Nido Philippines for the First Time
Hello,
After my friends left, I became incredibly homesick. Inviting friends to travel is a great idea until they leave and you’re left wondering what you’re doing in the middle of nowhere, with no plans, and no compadres to split happy hour with.
I kept myself busy by going on another tour.
Four Main Tours:
Tour A: Payong-Payong Beach, Big Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island. This is the most popular.
Tour B: Snake Island, Pangalusian Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Pinagbuyutan Island
Tour C: Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Helicopter Island, and Tapiutan Beach. This is the best one for snorkeling.
Tour D: Cadlao Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Nat Nat beach, Pasandigan Cove, Paradise Beach, Serenity beach
The prices range from $20-35 depending on who you book with. You can also book a private boat for about 5 times that cost.
Although the tours go to different locations, they are all very similar. You are on a boat from 10AM to 4PM. You will have lunch on a gorgeous, white sand beach. And you will always get back crispy brown (red in my case) and salty.
You can check out spots on the mainland including waterfalls, beaches, and view points. You can even make your own tour with a company by paying a driver to take you to three spots of your choosing.
I did none of those things. Instead, I rested at my hostel.
This was the view in the morning.
This was the view during sunset.
I rest my case.
Other important info:
Money: Most places, including shops and tour companies, are cash only. There are only 4 ATMs in town along and two money exchange places.
Transportation: Only rent a scooter or motorcycle if you’re really comfortable driving them. The roads are narrow and crowded. I made it just fine walking and paying for the occasional Tricycle/Tuktuk.
Parties: There is happy hour everywhere but not much of a party scene. I heard Amigos is good, but I never went myself.
Tour agencies: Make up about a third of the businesses/shops in town. Ask around for the best price.
Food: I hate to say it, but I do not like Filipino food. That said, there are a lot of different cuisines to choose from.
Three days ago, I took a shuttle bus back to Puerto Princesa. You can book them online or at any agency in town. I got mine to pick me up and drop me off, which is rare. But just ask and see what you can negotiate.
Since arriving in Puerto Princesa, I have been laying lifeless in bed and getting room service and massages. I realized I have been home for one week in the last 4 months. Instead of booking a flight home, I planned an entirely new trip to another country.
