It's 2015 and what a cool way to welcome the year than to splurge into a prestine cold water encapsulated by a panoramic view of limestones forming a perfect cliff backdrop.
January 7, 2015. Right after our Puerto Princessa Underground River Tour, we headed to El Nido. Sounds cool, right? No it isn't that cool. Yes! we were messed up because of the Travel Agency named Fortwally, which by the way i strongly DO NOT recommend to anyone.
The pick up time from the hotel was supposed to be at 6PM. However, due to some delays we had at the underground river tour, our tour guide recommended us to be picked up at the Robinsons Mall instead. I was traveling with my good friend from Sydney, Yanti. That moment when your travel buddy was just absorbing all the negative vibes i had. Indeed, she was too excited! Thus, we were already waiting outside the mall by 7PM but to my dismay, we were only picked up at around 8PM. Sounds like so Filipino time, ayt?
Here's more to that, when we got into the van, we met a lot of people seated like sardines inside. What surprised us even more was when we learned that they also used the van to transfer cargo, loads like tissue paper, bags, hotel stuff, etc. That really gave us a very little space to move while inside the van in a 6 hours journey!
Moreover, the van had to pick a couple more hotel stuff and luggages up in the city. When i looked at my watch, it was already 8:30PM and we had not left Puerto Princessa yet. Geez! i was damn bored, how much more those Europeans on board who had been sitting there since 6PM. Yes, they were on time!
Anyway, so much with all the negative vibes! We didn't let it ruin our vacation to El Nido. The whole journey took a meal break at the Fortwally eatery, just around 3 hours drive from PP. Finally, at 2:30AM, we arrived at the El Nido Terminal. Yes, they dropped us off at the terminal though Fortwally Agents were boastfull to say that they were to drop us at our hotel. So, we just grabbed a tricycle going to our Hotel - El Nido Viewdeck Inn (just a 5 minute ride from the Terminal).
We rested ......and Viola! it was already the next morning. Ready to take a new chapter of adventure.
I'd like to highlight that while Puerto Princessa has the best people in town, El Nido locals were not as good as them. But kudos to the Viewdeck staff, they were all absolutely great.
When it comes to travelling, El Nido and Palawan are the destinations you won't worry about arranging tours ahead of time. As long as you have the cash to finance your tour, then right then and there you can grab a public tour. All tour packages have the same price as travel agencies are regulated by their local tourism office. Good job Palawan!
We opted for tour A and C. On our first day, we joined a group of 18 people on a tour A while we headed on to Tour C the following day in a group of 16 people.
Tour package details are widely available in tje internet, just ask Mr. Google to do the job.
The dock off point of the tour.
Entrance to the Small Lagoon.
An Island outside the Hidden Lagoon.
Yanti and I striking a pose!
These good damn hungry faces! Ate lunch at past 2PM.
Lunch by the beach set-up! All Filipino dishes. These were prepared by the boatmen. The food wasn't that much so be prepared to grab first 😜.
Oh there, Mr. Sunshine, where were you on our second day tour?
Tours A and C are the highly recommended tours though, tours B and D were also offered. To me, 2 days and 2 nights is enought to enjoy El Nido. Tour A was a bit relax, island destinations were just near to each other while Tour C had the islands far from each other.
Yanti and i at the Hidden Beach!
El Nido is indeed a great place to see those majestic rock formations. But other than that, there is nothing more to see there. Seriously, no view underwater! Just to caution everyone, El Nido is a rocky place situated at the west part of the Philippines along the West Philippine Sea fronting the open South China Sea. Yea, gigantic seas, creating gigantic waves. Because of this, we all got scratches and wounds all over our body. So if you are planning to go to El Nido, make sure you bring your rash guard suits and acqua shoes!
Ouch!!!!!
We stayed at the Viewdeck Inn, just 5 minute ride to the town. Well, we actually just walked going to the town. El Nido is full of expats, so expect hundreds of people of different looks and culture, flocking the used to be quite and secluded paradise of Palawan.
Cheers!
Josh
Wrote this blog using Blogger Mobile via iPhone6. All photos were also shot using iPhone6 Gold!
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