See the line where the sky meets the sea, it calls me...
How Far I'll Go by Auli'i Cravalho
If you have read my intro post, you probably know that I love going out to the beach. Since I was a little kid, it has been my favorite family trip. As I grow older, our family trips were no longer as frequent as it used to be. I remember that it came to a point when the only time I get to go on one were when we (or sometimes it's just me) join our church's family day but my love for the beaches didn't change.
When it comes to my dream destinations, El Nido, Palawan invariably finds its place at the top of my list. With its captivating limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and clean beaches, El Nido is indeed a paradise! For me, it is the perfect scenery for Taylor Swift's song Snow on the Beach's line that goes 'this scene feels like what I once saw on the screen..' THE PLACE IS JUST BEAUTIFUL! It really felt like I am looking at a postcard! ♥ If you don't believe me, I reckon you join me as I take you on a virtual journey through my unforgettable vacation trip on this paradise!
Arriving at the paradise called El Nido
After the 6-hour van transfer from Puerto Princesa, we finally arrived in El Nido. From the moment I set foot on the tricycle terminal and saw the gigantic limestone cliffs, I knew that I will have one of the best days in my life! We had to ride a tricycle to get to the hotel we've booked because I got jackpot! The hotel was just a three-minute walk away from the docking area for the island hopping and is fifteen-minute away from the food center! What a strategic choice of accommodation, right?
Since our island tour would start the next day, we took the extra time we had to explore the neighboring streets and sceneries. We looked around the area and talked to locals. We just spent the rest of our arrival day strolling along the powdery white sands, savoring the local cuisine, and acclimating ourselves to the laid-back island vibe.
Island Hopping Extravaganza
Island hopping is the heart and soul of any trip to El Nido. Needless to say, we armed ourselves with sunscreen, sunglasses, and of course—us girls wore this cute sun hats as we hop on the boat! Our first stop was as Seven Commandos Beach. There, we were greeted wight away with powder-like white sand. The beach stretch has lots of palm trees which made the place Instagram-perfect!
We had our lunch on Shimizu Island. Our amazing boat crew prepared our delicious meal that consisted of fresh seafood and other Filipino dishes. Amazing food and view really did it wonders to me, I ate too much no regrets though, food's amazing!
We visited other picturesque places through out this island-hopping day like Secret Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Helicopter Island, Nat Nat Beach, Star Beach, and some other spots which names slipped my awestruck mind. During all the boat rides from one place to another, I can't help myself from admiring God's wonderful creation. The way the clear-blue waters turn to clear-turquoise, the coral reefs we got to see as we snorkeled (and some fish I never thought I'd see in real life too), the gigantic limestone cliffs—how could one not simply adore God's creation?
El Nido Streets and Shoreline at Night
El Nido's dining scene extends its charm into the evening hours. Several bars and restaurants along the beach and offer a laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious seafood, tropical cocktails, and live music. During our trip, the locals are preparing for their upcoming festival which made the atmosphere more lively. There were basketball games, outside dining that offers different kind seafood dishes, live bands, and more. My personal favorite were the grilled ones! I am not quite sure if that setup was the regular scene every night in El Nido or it was purely because of the upcoming festival but there sure are other established options. These establishments often feature local performers who serenade the night with melodious tunes, making for an unforgettable dining experience. Be warned though that prices on different establishments vary and may not be budget-friendly.
As we cap our last night in El Nido, by sharing our stories by the beach. As we reflect on our time in El Nido, we were washed by a new profound sense of gratitude. Indeed, the vacation left an indelible marks in our hearts. The memories we've made, the friendship we've forged, and the moments of awe we've experienced will forever be kept in our hearts. If I were to create a mosaic of happiness, you'll find many memories of El Nido in its details. As we bid good-bye to this tropical paradise, we do so with a heart full of gratitude and a promise to carry the spirit of El Nido's beauty and serenity wherever we go. Until we meet again, El Nido–thank you for a vacation that will forever shine brightly in our memories.
With feet that are always ready to be buried in the sand,
Allie ✨
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