Five Days in Palawan

Puerto Princesa Boardwalk

After months of planning, our trip to Palawan has finally become a reality. We spent 4 1/2 days in Palawan: 1 1/2 day in Puerto Princesa (Touchdown and Take off) and three full days in El Nido. 

We landed on Puerto Princesa International Airport at 1:30 PM on a Wednesday and thanks to Kuya Lowel, our friendly tricycle driver, was able to finish our city tour in half a day for less than the price that we expected. In half a day, we were able to visit the World War II Museum, the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, Mitra Ranch, Baker's Hill, Plaza Cuartel and the Puerto Princesa Boardwalk. Initially, we only wanted him to take us to the museum and Plaza Cuartel but he wanted to show us what his city has to offer. We initially agreed to pay 400 Php for both of us but we had so much fun so we gave him more (Read about our tour in Puerto Princesa here). He also took us to the bus station, where we rode the 9 PM bus to El Nido. As it was peak season, we got our tickets online through PinoyTravel, the first bus ticketing platform in the Philippines that caters to multiple destinations around the Philippines.

The ride to El Nido was bumpy, with sharp twists and turns. We arrived at 2 AM in El Nido. We didn't expect that we would arrive this early so we're stuck at the bus station without accommodation in the middle of the night. Luckily, Ate Eden from Cliffside Cottages was nice enough to let us check in early for a fraction of a night's stay. She was also kind enough to let us check out late on our third day. All in all, we spent 3,500 Php for three nights on an air conditioned room with free breakfast. 

We coordinated with Northern Hope Tours for our three-day El Nido itinerary. We provided them a list of places and things we wanted to do and they were very accommodating and patient in answering all of our questions. Our island hopping tours were hassle free. We went for tour A for our first day and Tour C on the third day and they arranged for our guide to climbing Taraw Cliff and a tricycle to take us to the twin beaches and Marimegmeg beach. 

Our two days of island hopping were a bit meh, but don't get me wrong. The islands, the beaches and lagoons were beautiful but we came during peak season and well, the places were VERY crowded. This was expected and the crowd didn't disappoint. 

Tour A took us to Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Simizu Island, Secret Lagoon and 7 Commandos Beach. We enjoyed snorkeling, swimming and kayaking around the lagoons. 

Read more about our Tour A island hopping experience  here.

Tour C's itinerary included Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine and Star Beach. Despite the names hidden and secret, those beaches were really crowded. 

Our best day in El Nido would have to be the second day. We started it with a climb to Taraw Cliff and ended it watching the sunset in Marimegmeg beach. Lesser crowd, beautiful views.

View from the top of Taraw Cliff

Marimegmeg Sunset

Overall, our trip was a success. It had its ups and downs but it helped us get to know each other more. Can't wait for our next trip!

Beaches and Sunsets

With our energy renewed, we were ready to explore the beaches on El Nido. Our first stop was the Nacpan and Calitang Twin Beaches. After the crowded island hopping tour from the other day, we expected these beaches to be full of tourists. To our surprise, it was peaceful. We were happy as we swam on the uncrowded crystal clear water, relaxed that finally, we were able to find a place not teeming with noisy tourists.

Finally, some R & R.

We had lunch at one of the nipa huts that sold food on the beach. To our surprise, the food wasn't expensive and taste really good. The shrimp was really delicious that we ordered three servings more. :D

Lunch!

After enjoying the island life, we headed for Maremegmeg Beach, one of the best places to catch the sunset in El Nido and it didn't disappoint.

Maremegmeg sunset.

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A

Well rested after the bumpy night bus ride, we were excited to go to our first day of exploring El Nido. For day one we went with tour A, which includes the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Simizu Island, Secret Lagoon and 7 Commandos Beach. This is the tour that most travel agencies offer to tourists so we kind of expected that there would be lots of people on these places.

...And we weren't disappointed.

The lagoons were breathtakingly beautiful but due to the number of tourists, you don't get to enjoy the peace and relaxation that you hope for when you go on vacation. Nevertheless, we enjoyed snorkeling, kayaking and swimming on the beach because the crowds don't matter as long as you enjoy who you're with. <3

I just love rock formations

Hello there, fishies!

7 Commandos Beach

We ended the day with dinner on the sea shore, watching the sunset and people watching.

Summer 2012: FUNtastic Island, Medellin

To kick off summer (and to clear my mind and heal my heart LOL), I decided I want to spend a day on the beach. With the help of my CVG friends, I was able to arrange a trip to FUNtastic Island in Medellin for 1,000 Php back and forth. :) Since it's also almost my birthday, I promised my LXK friends that I will take care of the food as long as they take care of everything else and viola! We took the bus to Medellin and after five hours, arrived on the port. We met Kuya at the port and when we saw the boat that is supposed

Can you fit 13 people (plus the boat driver in this boat? Yes you can!

to take us to the island we were hesitant (there were thirteen of us and when you see the boat, you'll understand why).  Nevertheless, we lack sleep, we're feeling adventurous so off to the island we go!

FUNtastic island was developed by the government of Medellin to attract tourists to Gibitngil, Medellin. Cottages were built on a huge rock and you can get there by walking on a bridge (or swimming to the rock on high tide or walking during low tide). Residents get to swim around the island for free on certain days while tourists pay a small fee. Rates as of April 2012 are below.

Cottages on the rock

Rates as of 2012 we saved 500 Php for the pumpboat!

As this is my trip with my office mates, I took this time to get to know them. Most of us were heart broken in one way or another and some of us are happily in relationships. Despite the differences, we all had one goal on the island and that is to have fun! For food, there were some stalls that sell fresh fish and meat and they will cook it for you for a fee. All in all, I spent 850 Php to feed 13 people. :) Had I taken them to a restaurant, it would have been more so my wallet is happy. :D

Hello there, little boy!

Loving the island life

Around 4 PM, we decided it was time to head back to Cebu. The trip to Medellin proper wasn't as smooth sailing as it was in the morning, unfortunately. We were laughing and talking when suddenly big waves started coming our way. We kept quiet for the rest of the trip as Kuya sailed on with his 13 passengers with no life jackets. We all sighed with relief when we reached the shore and thanked kuya for keeping us safe.

We survived the waves! 

With happy hearts and renewed spirits, we are ready to face another week of work. :)