CEBU, Philippines - Those who believe that Boracay’s White Beach is the best piece of bone-white beach in the Philippines have never laid their eyes on El Nido. Bounded by jagged limestone cliffs and hanging gardens of lush green foliage, the tiny town of El Nido located a good 238 kilometers north of Palawan’s capital, Puerto Princesa, is a soul-searcher’s paradise.
El Nido literally means ‘The Nest’ in Spanish—for a very good reason. While the limestone cliffs are a treasure-trove of birds’ nests that are priceless ingredients in Birds’ Nest Soup, El Nido is a nesting place for those who wish to truly commune with the beach.
Devoid of the blaring sound of party music, El Nido’s soundtrack is an easy mix of crashing waves, gentle sea breeze, and the occasional sputter of motorized outriggers that take the intrepid tripper into the heart of Bacuit Bay, through the crystal clear waterways that bring together El Nido’s vast complex of islands and shoals which are home to fine stretches of sand and the occasional jellyfish washed over on a pristine shore.
Nest in El Nido on the warm summer months of April and May when the sky is clearest and the sunset at its most glorious. Have a seafood beach picnic on a quick layover at an empty beach or simply while away the afternoon drifting aimlessly on the still, blue green waters of the Big Lagoon.
Travel Tips
When to Go: March to May for diving
Where to Stay: Crash into island life in one of El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island’s water cottages. Here you have a VIP seat to the sunset, crystal waters at your feet, and limestone cliffs at your back.
Getting Around: The best way to explore tiny El Nido is by foot as taking a sikad (a pedalled or motorized tricycle) may easily take you to your next destination within town in the blink of an eye. Take any of the motorized outriggers owned by the locals to explore the islands or better yet, hop on board a kayak and row away into the sunset.
Chow Time: Light a bonfire by the beach and enjoy a sizzling seafood platter from the Pukka Bar right at the beachfront. For more romantic options, go barefoot and sink your teeth into authentic Italian fare at the Trattoria Altrov’e.
Trip Tip: Bring a dry bag to store stuff that will go nuts when exposed to water. You’ll need it when you’ll find yourself swimming through cracks and crevices underwater just to catch a glimpse of hidden beaches.
Read Before You Go: Although the novel is set in Thailand, the author of The Beach, Alex Garland, is said to have drawn inspiration for his highly acclaimed novel from El Nido’s Secret Beach.
Fun Fact: El Nido is piece of pre-history as the island was formed 250 million years ago where North Vietnam and South China are now.
Helpful links:
http://www.elnidophilippines.com/
http://www.elnidotourism.com/