Trifter

A lot of people, especially most of the friends I have asked do not want to go to El Nido for the reason that the travel cost is too high. Surprisingly, we managed to survive and even splurge at some point, on a restricted budget.

For definite but affordable fun in El Nido, here are some tips for you in getting there, going around and getting away from this awesome place.

How to Get There

There are regular bus trips going to El Nido from San Jose Terminal in Puerto Princesa near the New Public Market off the National Highway. Make sure to wake up very early in the morning because the first bus leaves at 6am while the last bus leaves at 7:30am. It’s better to reserve your seat a day or two before so you are assured of a better seating location. Fare is P300 but be prepared for a long (8 hours) bumpy, rocky and adventurous ride.

You can also hire a van for P12,000. If you want to fly directly from Manila, Mora Air Services Inc can fly you and your friends or your family to El Nido for P10,000 and pick you up again when its time to come home to Manila.

For people who come from other parts of Palawan like Taytay, Sabang or Port Barton, there are boats you can hire to go to El Nido for P1500 per person. But we don’t recommend this for three reasons. First, you are sure to get wet, second, you will miss the great sights along the way, and third, there’s nothing like a rough adventure trip on the roads leading to El Nido. Believe me, you wouldn’t regret taking the bus.

Things to Do

El nido is really a typical and quiet Filipino town that thrives mainly on tourism and fishing. These days, it’s hard to see El Nido without a single tourist; some of them already started their own businesses around the town, from lodging houses to restaurants. Everyone seems to know how to speak English even though their words are limited and like every Filipino, everyone has a ready smile to give you.

There are a number of activities to do in El Nido that can last you two weeks without getting bored. Because of our short stay, we only managed to do the usual tours but if you have more time to spend, we suggest that you make the most out of your trip here.

There are three basic island hopping tours around the Bacuit Bay called Tour A, B and C which go around the islets of Small and Big Lagoons, 7 Commando Beach, Secret and Hidden Beach and Helicopter Island. A tour can cost from P650 per person to P1800 if you are renting a boat. For groups of 4 to 6, it will be more economical to hire a boat to take you around the Bacuit Archipelago for one whole day, at least you have a say of where you want to go. Don’t book at the first restaurant that will offer you tour packages. Chances are they are more expensive and time limited. Walk around the town to survey other tour operators where you can bargain prices. With the tour comes snorkelling so reserve your fins, masks and goggles a day before, each cost P100.

Mang Edgar, the boatman we hired offered swimming with the sharks along with the basic tours, so don’t forget to check him out. Blame it to my memory lapse for forgetting his number, but you can just look for the signage ISLAND HOPING near a small coffee shop in Rizal St.

For the more adventurous, you can also go kayaking around the islets. A whole day of kayak rentals costs P700 and if you can’t keep up with the rowing for one day, they also rent it for half a day at P450. Fishing and wind surfing is also available for P800 to P1200.

El Nido Boutique and Art Cafe arranges the said activities plus rock climbing and other things to do. You can reach them at 09204469135 or email them at elnidoboutique@yahoo.com.

Dining

If you are booked to go to El Nido this summer, don’t expect a Boracay-like party place unless you are staying in one of the expensive resorts at Miniloc or Lagen Island. But El Nido doesn’t lack good food or good drinks anyway at a price that wouldn’t rob your bank accounts.

Squidos Restaurant

Our favourite French diner place in the area, Squidos is a modest little hut in the main street, made of thatched roof and bamboo. Unbelievably though, the food is scrumptious and at a very low price. The owner cum manager and waitress is a Filipina married to a French guy who is also a very good cook.

We love their chocolate crepe, two pieces of crepe filled with generous serving of chocolate inside and laden with chocolate syrup outside. And it is for only P90. It was so good that when we went back to Manila, we had to search all the coffee and crepe shops for something similar but we just couldn’t find any. Also don’t forget to try their Rosti with Cheese (P150), Coq Au Vin (P280) a typical French dish similar to our own adobo but cooked with red wine and their Mushroom Omelette (P80). You would love it as much as we do.

Aplaya Restaurant

Just beside the Boat Association hang out area near the beach, Aplaya is a budget friendly restaurant serving Filipino food. Although the food is not as delicious as Squidos, the restaurant serves dishes worthy (and even above) what you paid for. We had a big tuna, which can be good for two to three persons, for only P150. Aside from its affordable food, you have a very nice view of the sea since it is actually situated on the beach. The downside is you have to move your table further up during high tide if you don’t want your feet to get soaked. The staff is very friendly also.

Coffee Shop

For the best espresso in town for only 35 pesos, drop by at the Coffee Shop every morning. You can watch the town wake up and the shops open while enjoying the breeze from the ocean and the smiles from the little boys and girls in the street.

Accommodation

Since we didn’t have much time to spare, we decided to stay at the first hotel suggested by our English friend Maz Murphy, the Four Season Hotel, which is alright for its air-conditioning, television, clean and safe rooms and very friendly staff. All for P700 on a lean season rate.

There are also lodging places that rent for the same price with a beach front view. Just scout the place first for a better bargain.

For pictures pls CLICK HERE

Take Off Magazine Summer Issue 2008