This would be the most off the beaten path, rugged and rewarding trip I've ever taken to this day!
Added Bonus:
Art Cafe provides snorkel gear to rent and lunch. They do recommend bringing your own towel and sun block. Darryl and I also picked up a bag like this in Thailand we used on both boat excursions... life saver!
The next day we took a break from being out on the water and rented scooters to drive up to Nacpan Beach. This is a MUST do when visiting Palawan. We could relish in the feeling of how free we felt all day, but I'll save you from that. Nacpan was gorgeous! Calm, inviting and private. It almost felt like we were the first ones to ever step out on this beach. A tip to renting scooters: always take pictures of the scooter before you leave the rental spot. They may try to nickel and dime you when you get back. In our case they should have. Wait for it! |
We dove back to El Nido just in time to witness this amazing sunset below! But before we got back we had a few hiccups along the way. A brief rain storm swept through the area leaving the clay roads practically flooded. Our scooter lost traction making it down a small hill. The scooter fell over and skidded down, our legs caught between the bike and the clay. OUCH! Not to mention its quite freaky being in the absolute middle of nowhere during a rain storm. My only pair of sandals were sucked into this murky clay puddle. As Darryl reached in to find them my mind went racing with images of pythons and sink holes (dramatic much?). Shoes were rescued and we ran (limped) with our bike back to the paved road!!!
A few tips I have when traveling to El Nido:
- Factor in 7-8 hour bus rides to and from Puerto Princesa with your flight time and where you are staying!
- Jelly fish sting... and there is such a thing as Sea Lice (trust me.. I got it)
- Not a coffee culture, expect powder coffee everywhere!
- El Nido doesn't have an ATM and 90% of places will not accept Credit Card!! Get your cash in PP.
- Casual attire (leave your jewels at home), swimsuits, sunblock, GoPro, Calamine lotion (for sea lice) and feminine products (they do not have them).
- We went in May and it was hot but actually quite perfect, they predicted rain but it lasted 20 minutes for 1 day. I'd say peak season is February, March and, April just like Thailand.
Okay planning my trip back...
Any questions please don't be afraid to ask below or by emailing me at abby@basicambition.com
PS. Philippine mangos are INSANELY good!
xx. Abby