ASTOUNDING NATURE SPLENDOR

ASTOUNDING NATURE SPLENDOR

Author: Christian Dequita

Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty. Albert Einstein

El Nido Palawan

My partner and I finally came to realize our goal this year. It was, in fact, a birthday present I owe myself too. We have been planning this trip for quite some time. Almost on the verge of disappointment due to bad weather condition. The airline would probably cancel or may reschedule the flight. We are incredibly filled with excitement. We had everything well prepared and promptly coordinated. That’s I gave credit to my beautiful cousin who has been residing in the nearby town of Palawan as well. She coordinated everything from the city to island tour.

June 26, 2015, at 3:45 in the afternoon we departed Manila bound to Puerto Princessa the main port going to Palawan.  The plotted scheduled flight is 20 minutes delayed due to some aerial traffic control situation. It was nearly 6:00 in the evening when we arrived at the Puerto Princessa Domestic Airport. We took an early dinner at a nearby restaurant while we waited for a friend who will be joining us on a trip to El Nido. A good friend way back in college who was assigned in Puerto Princessa but originally came from Cotabato City also my hometown.

We departed Puerto Princessa past 15 minutes of seven in the evening. Travel period is approximately 4 hours. It may be somehow exhausting but were more excited of how the trip is going to be. Finally,  we arrived at El Nido past midnight. We took our rest for an early tour schedule.

El Nido is a first class municipality and managed the resources protected are in the province of Palawan in the Philippines. According to CNNGo, El Nido is the best beach and island destination in the Philippines for its “extraordinary natural splendor and ecosystem”.

Our trip to El Nido is indeed a manifestation of the living proof how magnificent the gift of nature is. These photos are a few of my captures images of the island tour we had during our visit.

Found in Miniloc Island which is probably the most popular in the island of El Nido. The island’s spiky coastline is filled with pockets of white beaches and lagoons and caves, both shallow and deep. It is one of those islands you think only exist in the movies or probably an imagination. 

I may have a bit of confusion here;-) Bacuit Bay is situated in El Nido whereas many I have asked that Bacuit Bay is also what to be have known as El Nido itself? If there was one thing that I am sure about it, is that both are located on the crescent isle of the Corong Corong which is a barangay of El Nido. The island made of islets and island sheltered most of the endangered marine life. The island is a natural habitat for dugong, coral reef, turtles and oftentimes whale shark. The island is surrounded by 45 islands, which I am pretty sure that I will not able to visit all of those. Well aside from limited time? Definitely I’ll run out of budget;-). Cadlao Peak has the highest summit with 2,100ft above sea level. Magnificent isn’t it? imagine standing at the peak you would see the finest of Palawan has to offer. But I guess it would probably take me the entire day to reach the summit because I am not a mountaineer?

The island made of islets and island sheltered most of the endangered marine life. The island is a natural habitat for dugong, coral reef, turtles and oftentimes whale shark.

Bacuit Bay, El Nido Palawan

Miniloc Island home of the small and big lagoon, probably the most famous and sought after tourist spot in El Nido.

Big Lagoon, Miniloc Island

Big Lagoon l El Nido, Palawan

Small Lagoon, Miniloc Island

On the amazing rock formation of the island is the hidden beach. Also known as the secret beach, it has mini cool caves. We had our lunch here while enjoying the great scenery of the nearby islands. FYI, the said hidden beach gave an inspiration to writer  Alex Garland the author of The Beach.

Hidden Beach, Matinloc island

Hidden Beach, Matinloc Island

Inclusions of our private tour package are the unlimited island destination within the hours we agreed. Surprisingly, Kuya Ronald, who’s the chief tourist guide along with his assistant prepares a special lunch. They cooked it by themselves and had it served with a good presentation of dishes. My cousin, Shalom accompany by Ms. Cherry and Kriziel they do market early morning.

Grilled Tuna l Lunch at the Hidden beach

Eggplant Salad l Lunch at the Hidden Beach

Grilled Pork Belly l Lunch at the Hidden Beach

Cucumber Salad l Lunch at the Hidden Beach

Fresh Fruits l Lunch at the Hidden Beach

Matinloc Island whom I shall refer as a mystic island. It is represented by a spectacular limestone rock formation. And the built with a great architectural landscape, the Matinloc Shrine. Bedazzled by its crystal clear water and behold by the story behind its history.

Matinloc Shrine, Matinloc Island

Matinloc Shrine, Matinloc Island

The snake island or formerly known as Vigan island. I do not know in fact why is the island called the snake island. Well, the island is definitely non-poisonous;-) From a similar place I visited in the past, the island is made up of two islets with a peripheral sand bar dividing the two islets. 

The Snake Island l Vigan Island

Tapiutan Island will catch your attention because of its contour and vertical limestone walls. The island’s rich marine life is one reason why it entice a multitude of scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Tapiutan Island, El Nido

The Seven Commandos Islan, may not be the best among the island I visited but definitely can hold on to its own. I will be publishing an article for this. I hope you can check it soon.

The Seven Commandos Island

Along with these highly anticipated island destinations are some of the must-visit spots in the island of El Nido. These Cadlao Island, Dilumacad Island, Marimegmeg Island, Cadugnon Point, and Pangalusian Island. There are several booking offices in the area. Food and cheapest accommodation are also available for all backpackers. It would be convenient as well if your trip to El Nido will be coordinate before hand. If the group consists of 5 members I suggest taking a private reservation of boat for your complete tour for much savings.

Las Cabanas l El Nido Palawan

Entuala Island l El Nido, Palawan

Payong Payong Beach l El Nido, Palawan

For all those who wish to visit El Nido, feel free to email me and I will be happy to give you a contact point for your economy budget.

Also, we are extending our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Cherry, for a well-coordinated island tour. To my dearest cousin Shalom Grace Casabar, Emmanuel Casabar, and Romel Canaya for the accompaniment and warmth accommodation extended to us during the visit. On board is my crew for the said vacation in El Nido. Thank you guys;-). It would not be pleasurable as it is without you extending assistance. 

Here are some of the photo clips during our most memorable getaway in El Nido. You can also check my gallery for some footages during my island visit in EL Nido, Palawan.

Look down deep into the nature, and then you will understand everything even better. Albert Einstein

God’s bountiful creation is exemplary. My up and close experience with nature wanderlust are simply magnificent. Who would have knew that there is a portion of heaven on earth? This is an astounding nature splendor. Christian Dequita

El Nido, Palawan Philippines Travel Guide

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