When planning a short vacation for my customers, I always encourage them to use the “FIRST IN, LAST OUT” strategy – especially for those who are strapped for time, i.e. those “who cannot spare any time for vacation.” Where there is that much appreciated “long weekend,” leaving as early as possible on that first day of your vacation as well as getting back on the last possible & convenient time will mean having more time spent on your getaway.
El Nido, Palawan
We’ve heard so much about El Nido – way back when Palawan was the destination of “adventurous” tourists only. Yes, even as a local, I never even thought of ever going to visit that part of the Philippines. But times changed – and Palawan islands are now the go-to places for the every tourist.
During our recent trip to the Philippines, my husband, daughter and I were treated to such a lovely getaway by my husband’s eldest brother, Delfy, and his wife, Lynda. To make the most of our little time in El Nido, Palawan, we took the earliest flight out of Manila International Airport at 0715 Hrs and landed in the privately owned airport in Lio, Palawan at 0830 Hrs. The travel package Delfy/Lynda purchased included the shuttle from the airport to the resort hotel as well as the return transport, a Loft unit which accommodates 4 adults, and breakfast.
This is the view from our Loft.
El Nido The Cove (as it is called by the locals) is the resort hotel included in our package. Unlike the [relatively] new AyalaLand constructed resort hotels in the area, the old world charm that enveloped The Cove is irreplaceable. This is the view (above photo) we have from our Loft…and the silence with only the lapping sound of the water on the beach and the sea-smelling breeze that broke it…are the most relaxing benefits of being billeted in such an “old-world” hotel.
From conversations with the staff as well as my limited research, The Cove is owned by the AyalaLand, a land developer which literally spits out quality buildings – whether for business (commercial office buildings) or pleasure (resort developments & hotels). Sadly, this hotel is planned for either a refurbish or a tear-down. Our group is one of the lucky guests of The Cove before such a ‘remodel’ and we are truly sorry that the hand of ‘progress’ will ruin this beautiful place!
The company actually markets their more popular and high-end resorts (see About El Nido Resorts – credit AyalaLand web page), but unless you are one of the locals or have some connection to the place, you will not be offered any accommodations at The Cove.
Day 1: After checking-in early & leaving our luggage at the reception, our group took the resort’s shuttle van to go from our hotel to the Lio Beach where the municipality runs an air-conditioned mini-bus that shuttles people from the Lio beach to the town center. In town, we explored and shopped for souvenirs (their cashew nuts are popular gift items), then checked out the much recommended Sizzling Republic restaurant which is about a 15 minutes-ride from town center – and we were not disappointed! We had quite a spread- grilled talakitok (white fish), giant squid sautéed in coconut milk, mixed vegetables in shrimp paste (pinakbet), grilled pork, shrimp in chile paste and steamed rice with ripe-sweet mangoes.
When we got back, we were greeted with relaxing massages – after which we dined in the Terrace restaurant where we watched the sun set with a bottle of red wine.
Day 2: We had an early start at 0530 Hrs – and headed out to town to meet up with our Boat Guide, Jason, who brought us on our island-hopping tour. We were given a life vest to wear the whole time – and we finally understood the main reason. There are NO tenders to the different islets we visited. We waded up to our boat initially, then we either jumped into the waters and swam to shore to see/enjoy the Big Lagoon, the Secret Lagoon as well as areas where we just dove to snorkel down to see the colorful reefs and fishes. Kim & I enjoyed the kayaking around the Big Lagoon the best though.
By 1115 Hrs, we were back at our hotel to check-out. We left our luggage again to eat at one of the many restaurants at Lio Beach, enjoyed another grilled lunch, lounged and enjoyed the quiet of the area, then left to pick up our luggage before we left for the airport for our late afternoon flight at 0645 Hrs.
One noteworthy aside: El Nido and surrounding areas are so very clean – and this fact happened because the local government and those in the tourist industry are actively promoting the slogan, ” Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, bring nothing but memories, kill nothing but our time.”
TIPS FOR A TRIP TO EL NIDO – OR ANY ISLAND HOPPING EXCURSIONS!
- Bring two sets of bathing suits – if you love to swim (so you can use one while you dry the other)
- Bring waterproof bags – for your camera, your cellphone, etc.
- Bring your own snorkel so you can use the mouthpiece for a deeper dive to see colorful reefs and fishes.
- Bring water shoes if you are too picky to rent used ones on the island
- Bring your own lightweight towels – but they provide these.
- The hotel receptionist are very helpful – if you want to rent a private van.