Philippine Business Magazine: Volume 9 No. 1 - Travel
Nature Tripping
El Nido is just like it is in the pictures, and more – simply amazing
By Maureen Macaraig-Martinez

If there’s anything El Nido Resorts in Palawan is set to prove, it’s that “local” and “analogue” is still the best way to enchant travelers from all over the world. I know. I’ve been there myself. And long after I’ve gone home, the smiling faces of the resort staff as they sang and waved goodbye in that picture-perfect view of the islands’ lush forest and limestone cliffs still linger in my mind. It was the best nature tripping experience I have gone to thus far.

Miniloc Island
They sure know how to pamper their guests. The moment we got off the resort’s private plane that flew some 90 minutes from Manila, everything else was taken care of by the resort staff – from our luggage to the boat rides, and later on, to our meals and all our activities. The only thing we had to do was relax, detach ourselves from the busy city life, and indulge in the natural beauty of the environment. Soon, nothing else mattered. There’s just me, my two companions, and the islands and waters of El Nido.

We are not professional divers. But the resort gives a treat to people like us – an intro-dive session that lasts around 20 minutes. I was confused between breathing and equalizing under water but it didn’t keep me from exploring the different world down under. Fish and corals of different kinds and colors were all over.

We couldn’t get enough of the water so we went snorkeling and kayaking alternately until sundown where El Nido provided a magnificent view of the magic hour.

A tiring day results in a heavy appetite. But no matter how sleepy we were, the food and the place was just irresistible. The three of us were transported to a private area they call “payong-payong,” away from the main resort. With torches surrounding us, a bonfire nearby to keep us warm, background music, and the soothing splash of the waves, the three of us had a private dinner — a perfect way to end the day.

We left our cottages at 6:00 a.m. the next day to kayak our way to see the sunrise. We toured the big lagoon at the side of Miniloc Island before having breakfast and headed to nearby Pangulasian Island to hike up the mountain and witness yet another breathtaking view of the islands of El Nido.

Lagen Island
They sure know how to pamper their guests further. From the mountain climbing and further snorkeling at Pangulasian Island, the Miniloc Island staff, “turned us over” to the Lagen Island guides at yet another island, Entalula, for a sumptuous picnic lunch. Our luggage was sent straight to Lagen Island, our second nest in El Nido.

We were welcomed just as warmly in Lagen Island. After checking in at our cottages, off we went again to the waters for hobiecat sailing. The winds carried us around the area through such a relaxing sail, having one of the resort staff do the sailing while we do the sight-seeing. Just before sundown, we went on a mangrove tour, and retired rather early after dinner, in preparation for another day full of activities.

We never got tired of the sunrise in El Nido. We witnessed it once more at a strip of island they call “sandbar” as we sip our cups of coffee and chocolate. The rest of the day we spent in island hopping, snorkeling, and cave exploration.

The limestone cliffs of El Nido are definitely a must-see, not just in passing, but closely. These rock formations are different from the rest of the Philippines. They are believed to be an original part of the Eurasian plate, an entirely separate plate from the Philippine Mobile Belt. There are caves hidden in most of these limestone cliffs that left us in awe not just with the beauty but the wonder of nature as well. There are natural grooves in the walls and bird nests plastered against the cave walls made by the world-famous edible nest swiftlet. These nests, made of the bird’s saliva, is an expensive ingredient for soup dishes that townspeople say amount to some P150,000 per kilogram.

Back to Reality
Time sure finds a way of passing by slowly and swiftly at the same time. With the load of activities that we did at El Nido, we didn’t notice the time fly. But here we were at the last day of our tour, almost regretting our departure and yet knowing we just can’t stay.

The trip to El Nido was a treat for us. It’s an experience of lifestyle, more than the accommodations, the meals, or the activities. The product is nature – pristine and untouched. And for this alone we already got our money’s worth.

We all go back to reality with a tinge of sadness. But it is comforting to know that there is a different kind of reality back in El Nido – something we can look back to and remember, and look forward to as we plan for a repeat of our nature tripping adventure.

For inquiries and reservations, visit www.elnidoresorts.com