28/08/2022
El Nido is famous for its island hopping tours where you will see some breathtaking lagoons, rock formations and snorkeling sites.
The last time I visited El Nido was 2018 and have been here several times before. The plan this time is going to be just a bday chill trip. No more island hoppings since I've done all the tours before. More on riding a motorcycle, explore by land, hang by the beach kind of thing and eat.
Expenses.
Cebu Pac round trip- P2,595
Van to El Nido - P700
Van back to Puerto Princesa - P600
Inngo Inn - P1,312/night/2 pax
Motorcycle - P300/8 hours
Going to the airport has always been stressful because of the traffic. This time, I made sure we get there early to avoid the traffic stress. Our flight is at 8:45am and we left home at 5am. We got to the airport before 6am.
Our flight departed on time and the plane ride was smooth except the landing. It took us just 45 minutes, 15 minutes ahead of the schedule.
Then the van ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido that was supposed to take 6 hours the most, took 8 hours. We had a slow driver plus he was picking up passengers along the way since there were 2 more empty seats. We arrived in El Nido at already 5pm.
The most stressful van ride ever because my friend got sick the whole stretch of the trip 🤮
El Nido
It's the rainy season so it was mostly raining during our stay. The rain comes and go so it's not like we're stuck in the room. It's quite the opposite. We're mostly outside exploring.
Inngo Tourist Inn
You can book you accomodations with Inngo Tourist Inn through Agoda for less. Located at the town center and near the beach where the boat tours are. Very clean with air-conditioning and hot shower.
Lio Beach
Lio Beach is about 10 mins by motorcycle from El Nido town. Sits right next to the airport. An Ayala developed beach community so expect just the very best here. Luxurious hotels like Seda, Balai Adlao & Huni with world class amenities.
More expensive than usual are the restaurants here with international & local fare. But the experience will be worth your money.
No entrance fee. Once you enter the big LIO sign by the main road, you will notice how beautifully landscaped this huge property. Parking is also free.
The road networks are integrated with nature. It is pedestrian friendly. You can explore by foot on a dedicated pathways or bike on bike trails.
The beach is clean. It gets sweep by a truck machine so it is constantly litter free. Just beware of these insects called Niknik, they bite and very itchy. There are plenty by the beach.
If needing time to chill and relax, this is the place to be. Plenty of tall trees that provide shades all day while you stare at the beach. Swings. Beach lounging chairs. Umbrellas.
You can even see the plane lands and take off while lounging by the beach. So cool.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish church
It's tradition that you go to church on your birthday to give thanks so we passed by the church. My mom would love to see me visiting a church on my vacations.
Since El Nido is well known for its eco-tourism, it is interesting to know that their patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi is also the Patron of the Environment
Nacpan Beach
The most awesome beach in El Nido if not the entire Palawan is Nacpan. A long stretch of light sand shoreline lined with rows of coconut trees with its oh-so warm clear water. I could just stay on that water all day.
During pre COVID times, we experienced it with bustling tourists and we loved it even with the crowd. And now, almost just to ourselves, we loved it even more.
Our drive to Nacpan Beach was exhilarating because of the pouring rain. It took us about 30-45 minutes along the scenic highway. We missed the signpost on the highway and drove past it until we realized we have gotten way too far. Waze wasn't useful when it's pouring rain. We turned back and from the signpost, we turned to the side road which is mostly unpaved with lots of water pot holes.
Renting a motorcycle is a lot more fun than hiring a tricycle. We rented a tricycle the last time we visited. Motorcycle rent is 300 for 8hrs, 500 for 24hrs. No entrance fee or parking fee.
Food are a bit cheaper in Nacpan than in Lio but not as good.
Come along guys
All music by:
Musician: Ikson
El Nido Forum Lio Beach, El Nido Nacpan Beach
