El Nido is one of the nicest place in the island Philippine. There is simple living, enormous landscape & seascapes with hospitable people. Around 1:15 hr ride on a 19 seater plane, half an hour land travel to El Nido town. You can't compare the beauty of El Nido to, it's different. It is somewhat similar to the virgin islands of Camiguin you’ll need to ride a boat and wander the islands of El Nido! It is really a wonderful and magnificent and you will love the sea foods! It's very fresh!
El Nido is considered a showcase of Palawan's geology and various wildlife It is one of the most important sites for biological diversity in the country and has been stated by the Philippine government as a protected area.
Conquered by towering marble
cliffs that are homes to a number of tropical birds, El Nido is the source of
one of the most delicious soups specially found in Chinese restaurants "the
Nido Soup". This soup consists mainly of the bird nests that abound in
the area. Edible-nest Swiftlets (Collocalia fuciphaga) abound in El Nido. The
nests of these birds are found in the crevices of the limestone cliffs and are
the main ingredient of the health enhancing bird's nest or nido soup. It is
these nests that gave the place its Spanish name, El Nido. But El Nido is more
than this. It prides itself in having the most beautiful seascapes in the province
of Palawan, known as the country's last frontier. Because of its utter splendor,
it has also been called the island of the gods, heaven on earth that is El Nido.
El Nido is a municipality situated at the northwestern tip of
the province of Palawan, Philippines. It is 430 kilometers
southwest of Manila, and 238 kilometers northwest of Puerto
Princesa City, Palawan's capital. El Nido is bordered by the
Linapacan Strait in the North, the Sulu Sea in the east, and
the South China Sea in the west.
The Municipality of El Nido is composed of 18 barangays (villages) covering a total land area of 50,000 hectares. Its population of 27,000 people is a combination of native Palaweños, with a heavy presence of migrants from other parts of the Philippines. The world's largest pearl was discovered by a Filipino diver in a giant Tridacna (mollusk) under the Palawan Sea in 1934. Known as the "Pearl of Lao-Tzu", the gem weighs 14 pounds and measures 9 1/2 inches long and 5 1/2 inches in diameter. As of May 1984, it was valued at US$42 million. It is believed to be 600 years old.
It is the scenic landscape, crystal clear waters, and relative isolation that attracts and fascinates most travelers to El Nido. The 45 islands and islets and the surrounding sea present endless opportunities for adventure, nature appreciation, and even just simple amusements. El Nido's majestic limestone cliffs are estimated to be 250 million years old. They stand guard over clear waters, with 200 species of tropical fishes, more than 100 species of corals, and three species of endangered sea turtles. El Nido's forests are host to more than 100 species of birds, a large number of which are endemic to Palawan.
Kayaking in secret lagoons, mangrove tours, snorkeling or diving with colorful tropical fishes, hiking to the peak of an island, fishing, bird watching, exploring uninhabited islands, picnic lunches or sunbathing in a white sand beach. These are just some of the activities that can be arranged by El Nido Resorts.
Activities To Do in El Nido
Island Hopping
is the main one, totally dedicated to the over 50 beaches in the marine reserve
of Bacuit Bay. There are a number of places to hire boats including packages
that include food and tour guides. Or do it yourself by walking down the beach
and hiring a boat. On the other hand you can also hire kayaks, paddle boats
or even go windsurfing! Fishing is also available here.
Scuba Diving is also famous, as there is a wealth of marine
life and plenty of reef here. More advanced diving is also available. You can
never bore of the islands, but sometimes you may hunger for something a bit
different. No problem, El Nido have much more. Through the tourism office, you
can book tours with the El Nido Tour Guides Association. They can take you Cliff
Climbing which gives a wonderful birds-eye view. Try north of the town
and you can go Cave Exploring, and also discover the Waterfalls.
Perhaps you favor to hit the dirt track and make your own adventure. Simply
hire a Motorbike, fill up with gas and travel around away.
North of the town there is a circular road taking you round both sides of the
mainland. There are several places scattered around town that you can hire motorbikes;
it will cost 1000 pesos per day plus fuel. If you prefer a slower look at the
local scenery you can also hire mountain bikes in town. After
a long day under the sun you may want to simply relax. The Alternative Center
offers an array of Therapies including massages, detox, reflexology and more.
A healthy menu is also served at El Nido beach resorts. Before you leave you
may want to take a piece of El Nido with you. There are some Souvenir
shops in town offering a variety of local handicrafts.
A number of bars offer different entertainment including billiard, dancing,
live music, karaoke, and of course along the beach front the chance to relax
and watch the beautiful view as the day comes to a close. There are many strangeness
to El Nido, for example the electric power is from 1pm to 1am. Also you will
not find any banks here, although you can change foreign currency and travelers
cheques at a couple of places though at an increased rate. There are also no
telephone lines so communication is mostly via mobile phones plus there are
two internet cafes. Once you have been here you realize why. Enchanting El Nido
is truly breathtaking; many leave, their lives changed by this magical place.
El Nido certainly is a
magical place. From its ageless towering marble cliffs to its white sandy beaches
with crystal clear water, many refer to it as paradise. There are over 50 beaches
to discover, so many in fact that sometimes you feel as if you are on your own
private private beach. You will also find enthralling lagoons with peaceful
turquoise-green water, caves that can take you to hidden beaches, and a very
diverse variety of wildlife.
El Nido is a top destination for island hopping, book your boat, take some food,
some drinks in a cool box and disappear into the heavenly marine reserve that
is Bacuit Bay. It is a truly relaxing and inspiring place; Alex Garland wrote
"The Beach" while living here. Scuba diving is also a popular activity here
with over 30 dive sites for varying levels and skills; from taking the plunge
and learning to dive for the first time, to perfecting your expertise and advancing
your qualifications.
Seafood is a local specialty; in fact many fish are exported to Manila, and
on to other South East Asian countries. There are restaurants scattered around
the town offering various foods to suit most palates. From sea foods to meat
dishes, salads, pastas, stews there is something for everyone. Specific restaurants
also have foreign influence including French, German, Swiss and Australian.
WEATHER AND SEA CONDITIONS
Climate
The climate in El Nido is distinguished by two seasons: generally dry, from
December to May, and wet, from June to November. April and May are typically
the driest months, while the heaviest rainfall occurs around August. The Northeast wind blows
from December to March, occasionally interchanging with the North wind during
December to February. The Southwest wind is felt from June to October while
the East wind, the mildest of all winds, blows during the months of April and
May.
Surface Temperature
The average surface temperature ranges from a low of 22ºC
to a high of 33ºC. The coolest temperatures are usually
experienced during the month of January, while the hottest
temperatures are felt in April and May.
Water Current
The current in El Nido differ from very slight to moderate
depending on tidal conditions. Divers and snorkellers can swim
back to the boat without difficulty since currents are usually
very manageable.
Water Temperature
The average water temperature ranges from 24ºC to
26ºC during the months of December to March and 26ºC
to 29ºC during the months of April to November.
Water Visibility
Water visibility ranges from 3 meters to 10 meters from
December to February, 10 meters to 30 meters from March to May,
and 10 meters to 15 meters from June to November. The best time
for diving at El Nido is during the months of March to May, as
surface conditions are good.
HOW TO GET THERE:
AIR FLIGHT
PAL, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific
Manila - Puerto Princesa: daily flights
Island Transvoyager Inc. (ITI)
ITI offers 2
flights every day, 7 days a week from Manila direct to El
Nido and back, one in the morning; one in the afternoon.
If there is request there is also a lunchtime flight.
Fares are $120 inc taxes each way. Baggage is limited to
15kg including hand luggage. Extra kilos thereafter
charged per kilo rate.
South
East Asian Airlines (Seair)
• Manila - El Nido: 2 - 3 times a week with Seair
• Busuanga - El Nido: 2- 3 times a week with Seair
• Manila - Taytay: daily flights with Asian Spirit and
Seair (+ by road 2 hrs. to El Nido)
Seair offer 2 flights a week, Tuesday & Thursday, from Manila - Coron - El Nido - Puerto Princesa and back. Weight is restricted at 10 kgs, extra is charged per kilo.
Fares:
(not incl taxes, same price either way)
Manila - El
Nido: P4600
Coron - El Nido: P1990
El Nido - Puerto Princesa: P2000
BOAT
Cargo/Passengers Ship:
• 3 - 4 Cargo-ships depart Manila per week for El Nido, 2
of them via Coron, Busuanga.
Private Boat Hire:
• During peak season a regular boat operates from Sabang
to El Nido vice versa.
San Nicholas Lines
San Nicholas Lines offer two trips by boat per week to and from Manila. The journey time is approximately 30 hours and food is included. The fare is 1,080 pesos. Book at least 1 day in advance. The booking office is located next to the Petron gas station.
LAND
Buses:
• Daily Busses depart at San Jose Terminal in Puerto
Princesa for El Nido. 7.30 and 9.00 am. Same departure times
for El Nido to Puerto Princesa.
Private Van Hire:
• Hire a VAN from Puerto Princesa to El Nido v.v. or
occassionally their shuttle van is available.
BUSES
Sweety Transport Bus
Sweety offer
2 trips a day from El Nido to Puerto Princesa City
passing through Taytay and Roxas. The trips usually takes
around 8 hours and departures are between 6am and 8:30pm,
you are advised to book seats in advance. The fare is 350
pesos. There is also a corresponding two trips from
Puerto Princesa City back to El Nido each day, leaving
between 5am and 9am, again please book in advance.
Win Eulen Joy Liner
Eulen Joy also offer 2 trips a day from El Nido to Puerto Princesa City passing through Taytay and Roxas. The fare is 350 pesos. Likewise they have two corresponding trips from Puerto Princesa City to El Nido. You are advised to book in advance.