Enchanting El Nido

Palawan was just then a dream destination, but last March 10, the dream became a reality. I have been longing to visit this place for quite a while, so when the opportunity came, without second thoughts I grabbed the offer. We booked our ticket early January since Cebu Pacific was having a sale for Puerto Princesa (thanks for promo fare, they made travelling easy and affordable). The initial plan was just to tour around Puerto Princesa but luck was on our side, we were able to get a very good deal for El Nido. So, off we go to El Nido.

We left Cebu on March 10 for Palawan and we arrived before 12 noon at Puerto Princesa. There we meet with our tour guide and we started our 6 hours travel to El Nido but since the driver drives so fast and is well adept with the long, winding road to El Nido we made it only in 4 hours. We arrived at 4:30 in the afternoon . We stayed at Hadefe, which is a few minutes walk from the main road. We took a shower, watch our 1st sunset and off we go to tour the town and look for a place where we can eat dinner. We went to the town plaza and had dinner in one of the grills there. The plaza was so colorful and bursting with activity since it’s just a few days before the town fiesta which happens to be on the 16th of March. After dinner, we took a stroll along the seashore and had some drinks at Seaslugs where a live band is performing. After that we headed back to our cottage and called the day off so as to prepare for the next day activities. It’s gonna be a long, exciting and fun-filled day ahead.

DAY 1
Small Lagoon
This was our first stop for the tour. The place has a small opening for the entrance so the boat cannot enter, its either you swim or kayak, we chose the latter. I was in awe when we are inside the small lagoon, the karst formation is awesome and the place is so serene. There were lots of tourist inside.

entrance to small lagoon

the pristine waters inside small lagoon

Big Lagoon
We just pass by big lagoon and the place is perfect for picture backdrop.

the Big Lagoon behind us

Secret Lagoon

inside secret lagoon

? Beach
This is were we had lunch. while waiting for our lunch to be served we spent our time swimming and enjoying the pristine waters of El Nido. Lunch consist of freshly grilled fish and squid, cucumber salad, and fruits. Perfect ambiance paired with yummy food, feels oh so heavenly.

our yummy lunch

7 Commando Beach
Our last stop for the day. We had fresh buko juice here sold for 30 pesos a piece.

A view of 7 Commando Beach fresh buko juice at 7 Commando

DAY 2

Despite the tsunami that has just happened in Japan, this did not dampen our spirit to continue our island hoppping tour.

Matinloc Shrine

breathtaking view from the top

Talisay Beach

Im not quite sure if this is the name of this beach but as far as I remember this is the name our guide told us. We had lunch here.

having fun swimming while waiting for our food

Secret Beach

My favorite spot of all. Legend says that this beach inspired Alex Garland's novel "The Beach", which was written during his stay in El Nido. It is only accessible through a narrow crevice in a rock wall and one must swim underwater to get inside. I had second thoughts going inside since its kinda risky, you have to be very careful in entering the narrow opening, despite the waves without bumping the walls of sharp rocks but Kuya Emil, our guide assured me that its all worth the risk. So, i took the risk and was in awe, it was like paradise right before my very eyes.

having a dip at Secret Beach's clear water

Snake Island

Is named as such since the sandbar resembles the shape of a snake. The S-shaped sandbar is visible when the tide is low and is best viewed atop.

the long stretch of sandbar can be viewed from the top

Cudugnon Cave

This cave is only accessible only through a small opening that will lead you to a narrow empty space in the middle. I did not went inside since when I peek its all rocks...hehhee...This cave is known to be the burial site during the Neolithic Period. There’s a part of the cave thats off limits for safety reason since the rock were steep and sharp, this is where part of the remains of our ancestors lie. Beside the Cudugnon cave is a house, its the only house I have seen in the island and when we arrive we were greeted by the friendly dogs and since i did not went inside i just enjoy the sight of the beach and watching the 2 dogs playing, so carefree and free since they have the place all for themselves.

the small entrance of Cudugnon cave

inside Cudugnon cave

We spent our last night in El Nido roaming around the town looking for some souvenir shop, we also went to the town plaza to watch some performances that was held, and we had dinner at this restaurant which i forgot the name, but the food was fantastic and the serving was a plus. It was beyond our expectation. After dinner we hang at Sea Slugs for some cool music and to enjoy the cool balmy air and the soothing sound of the waves.


Words are not enough to describe the magnificence of El Nido, its like a piece of heaven on earth for me. This is probably one of the best vacation i ever had. Great company, perfect destination..there's nothing more that I can ask for.