We've Found Paradise!
- Feb 10, 2016
- 3 min read
Location:
El Nido, Palwan, The Philippines
After a six hour minivan journey where we were unsure if we would find somewhere to stay as everywhere was fully booked online due to the Chinese New Year, we jumped out of the minivan and found somewhere straight away. 'Sands Inn' may be pretty basic but it is along the sea front with amazing views.
After settling in, both myself and Jason went on a little stroll exploring the island. Eventually we stopped off for a drink where we enjoyed a nice sunset. A couple of kids soon came over to us. One of them was trying to take my camera. I don't think he was trying to steal it, just like most kids, he just wanted to play with it. Was I going to let him play with my camera, hell no!
In Asia there is so much to explore. A day trip doesn't really cost that much, so a day island hopping and visiting different lagoons is definitely a must. After finally being able to relax on the boat after having to walk through deep water just to get to it, we were told we were on the wrong boat. Anyway, we got off and walked to the beach to the woman in charge. She was one of the most rudest people I have ever met. She wouldn't answer any of our questions, kept talking on our mobile phone, then she started walking to our hostel which is only a three minute walk. Trying to get away from us she began to run so she could get there before us. After a lot of arguing, she agreed to let us back on the original boat. We weren't going to let her incompetence spoil our day. There was simply too much to explore. My favourite place we visited has to be 'The Secret Lagoon.' 'Shhhhh, it's a secret!' You have to climb through a small opening in a cliff to be greeted by this wonderful, peaceful retreat that was worth all the jellyfish bites and the soar coral rocks we had to walk across. One of the jellyfish clung onto Jason's side for what I'm sure felt like a lifetime with all of its tentacles leaving their vicious marks on his side. What a brave soldier. We even got to enjoy a nice buffet lunch with amazing food including a fish the team had caught for us, straight out of the sea, cooked perfectly in the BBQ and with some rather juicy fruit to end our delightful buffet. A feast for the senses. I may have gotten a little bit sunburnt and Jason, who was beginning to look like someone who has been infected by some deadly plague to wipe out all of mankind, of which, photos are available on request! At least we managed to enjoy our day!
Later on, after our day on the boat, we got back to the island with rumbling stomachs in dire need of fuel, I mean food, we stopped by a restaurant run by two Italians. Both of us got two amazing burgers of which Jason, who isn't much of a burger fan, stated it was the nicest burger he has ever had. Strong words, very strong words! We left feeling very satisfied.
The next day, both of us hired out scooters so we could go in search of a new adventure. To say I enjoyed the pleasure of the open road is an understatement. It's so nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy town and find some of the more secluded parts of the region including 'Napcan Beach.' The beach is on the top things to do in the region and can only be accessed via a couple of kilometres of dirt road, which really isn't a pleasant drive, but is worth it as you can see why it is so popular. The only negative is all the jellyfish in the water, but it is a must!
We really enjoyed El Nido. It has such a holiday atmosphere with lots of market stalls, nice places to relax in and lots of fun boat trips, the area is filled with very happy holidaymakers. With beautiful limestone cliffs spread across a vast sea, in a place that resembles that of 'Ha Long Bay' albeit without all the rubbish! Being a world traveller, being exposed to so many wonderful places is a privilege and one that should not be taken for granted. This is paradise!
By Andrew
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