Northbound to Paradise

In the early days before i set foot on the road, i have this connotation that travelling is expensive and i think i can't afford it especially those great destinations that i thought only those who are fortunate in life would be able experience. One of those destinations is El Nido.

I thought El Nido is just for wealthy celebrities when i heard it on TV or read it on magazines. It's dollar rate that when converted to Philippine Peso would be a ridiculous amount to spend a night on a certain place. It always amuse me whenever i heard someone i know who just came from El Nido for a vacation.

Enough of those thoughts! thank God information nowadays are just few clicks away. I was able to read different online articles and blogs and well i just confirmed that there is really this El Nido resort existing with its expensive rates named after this place also called El Nido. The same water, same view, islands and sunset to experience. And we just drove five hours northbound from Puerto Princesa City to this small paradise.

After we straighthen up from the underground river stint and changed clothes for a comfy fresh ride, we continued the adventure on the road around 6:30PM. I decided we travel in the evening to maximize our mid-day arrival and complete our itenerary for the day. We stopped at Fort Wally, a carideria for our late dinner. Nothing special on the food but its already good for a rumbling stomach. There is nothing notable on the road since its already dark except for the rough roads that would just suddenly shakes us inside the van. We each got our own corner and its just up to us how we will be able to grab a nap.

We arrived in El Nido around 11PM earlier than the estimated five-hour drive. There is already a standby cargo tryk for our bags and two passenger to bring us to our cottage. It is a 10-15 minute walk from the town to Hadefe Cottages. Its a bit dark because the way was not well lighted. TIP: Bring flashlight. Our assigned cottage at Hadefe has aircon issue so we were directed to another resort nearby which according to our guide is related to Hadefe. We have no choice but to accept the little adjustment. We got air conditioned room for five with wi-fi connection as a bonus. We are already tired from the trip so we just called it a night.

Morning came and we woke up around 5AM to witness the sunrise just to be informed that sunrise is on the other side of the mountain. Okay, we should have asked last night before snorning into the night. TIP: No sunrise so no need to wake up early.

I myself can no longer revive my sleepiness so when some light shed the area, i just enjoyed myself witnessing the calm first morning of El Nido. Some part of shores are bare with its rocky ground with sea grass evidence that it's low tide. Nearby islands are covered with thin fog but still very visible while other far islands are silhouettes above the calm sea to complete the drama of mother nature. Such a relaxing ambiance while enjoying a cup of coffee. I dont have my coffee but my camera instead. Haha!

Breakfast has been served after an hour. Toasts with butter and strawberry jam comes with two pieces of fried egg and coffee or tea. We enjoyed the hearty meal with a good morning chat of good old days when we were all together in our first company.

After few minutes we found ourselves packing our bags because we will be tranferring to our assigned cottage at Hadefe and have ourselves ready for the island hopping. There will be seven islands in store for us, we availed the Tour A+C which according to my research is the best combination for first timers like us.

We went to Hadefe just few walks away from where we stayed our first night. It is an average place with few cottages facing the beach. It is more like of a small compound for a group or related families. I find it good not only for its good view of the beachfront and islands but the provice-like ambiance. Its cottages are made of native materials resembling with our bahay kubo (nipa hut) not like the concrete accommodations nowadays.

Then we are all set to conquer the islands. As per my advise our group each brought sunblock to avoid sunburns and being roasted under the heat. We left Hadefe to ride our boat past 9AM which i think is already late. TIP: The earlier you start on island hopping the better. This would give buffer and more time to enjoy every island stop.

Another thing im looking forward on this trip is the island lunch. We did the same thing when we went in Coron so this is not new to me but this lunch surpassed the latter not only with the food and taste but with the presentation. Haha! 

I read somewhere that this is already a routine on island hopping in El Nido complete with tables with table cloth on top, chairs and full presentation of luch with garnishes.  Though Hadefe did it a bit simple compared with the one i read online, its the effort to make it a feast in the eyes and most of all- the taste!

This is added attaction with the island tour. Guests were treated very well and gave them one of a kind experience to dine by the beach. Not all resorts and tours can offer this added tender loving care. Including the effort of on the spot cooking in the island or on the boat is a just to server the meal fresh from the hot pot.

Rain poured hard in the middle of the tour. Something to cool down the weather. I was able to experience the cool rain water while the boat is moving. Its been very long time since a bathe under the rain and it made me think of my younger years. One of the simple pleasures in life.

During my research for this trip, i encounter questions about comparison between Coron (Calamian Group of Islands) and El Nido, both part of Palawan. I have been to Coron last two years, so here is my verdict---

Both have crystal clear waters and same activites when it comes to snorkeling and fish feeding but Coron boasts itself for its notable Kayangan Lake, Coral Garden and Shipwreks. On the other hand El Nido pride itself with its Secret Beach, Matinlok Shrine and Big Lagoon. They have different beauties to present to their visitors so comparison would be difficult. Each one have their own attractions so i therefore conclude its worth vising both spots.

 

We ended the day past 5PM as indicated on the itenerary. We are able to complete only six out of seven islands under the Tour A+C due to lack of time. So now you know why its better to start early to avoid this kind of this alibi. According to our guide, the last island is a bit far and just a small beach which is not a good reason for us to buy. On the positive note, good thing we ended early just in time for the sunset by the beach. A seprate entry for sunset feast of colors.