Only a few days after coming back from our seven-day trip to Palawan, I came across an AirAsia seat sale with an airfare that was less than half of how much our Cebu Pacific Air fare was. At only ₱485.62, I thought to myself, “Some buffets cost more than this and it’s already a round trip ticket, so why would I not steal it when it’s more delicious than food?” Assuming I ended up not boarding the flight to Puerto Princesa, the truth is it wouldn’t have hurt that much. Not the case, though, as I went on a solo travel to El Nido.

The flight was in a year’s time but I pretty much knew that I was gonna be doing it on my own since my companions wouldn’t be interested in visiting the same place they just visited the prior year. I still informed them anyway just so they wouldn’t accuse me of being a selfish prick. *shrugs*

Arrival

I was heading directly to El Nido and was staying at El Nido Sands Inn again so I had a van ride arranged. My flight landed before midday and as I remember it I only waited for a few minutes before I got my arse on the van and its engine started grumbling. At six o’clock, I was back on the balcony overlooking limestone cliffs and anchored boats.

Our itinerary during the aforementioned Palawan trip was jam-packed in that we were essentially always on the run. There was no reason to do the same since the experience was still fresh and I wasn’t staying on the island for the same number of days. With that, I didn’t really do any planning; I only looked forward to getting some sun and seawater in El Nido.

After settling in my room (I don’t have problems being in a dorm but I opted not to be in one this time around), I went out to check the nearest ATM, hunted dinner, and watched tables unfold on the beach and be swarmed by people. It’s either I have yet to have the habit of taking photos of my beverages then or it was simply a sober night. Tapping my back if it was the latter. Good job, self!

El Nido Island Hopping

Eating isn’t a priority when I travel so having breakfast in the form of bread and cheese spread was already a luxury. Island hopping tours in town go by the alphabet and since I already did a combination of Tours A and C, I wanted to go on Tours B and D. Unfortunately, the latter wasn’t as popular as the former and it was an off-peak season again so the inn’s attendant wasn’t able to find a group that I could join in.

In the end I landed on a group that was doing Tour A, with the destinations being Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach. People were crawling because it was the National Heroes’ Day and the islands I already visited weren’t how I remember them. #DramaKing

Big Lagoon

Unlike when I did the bundled tour, it was high tide when we came to Big Lagoon so it was such a marvel being able to explore it on a boat. The fact that I was the only outcast in the group, though, silenced my desire to tell the boatmen to stay around for a bit for some swimming. Boo! Sucks to be a #shytype.

Secret Lagoon

I’m not even gonna bother with photos to the entrance of Secret Lagoon because people were smothering it, waiting for their turn to penetrate it get through. Crazy how it was only us when we were there the year before. I started mingling more with the group here and even snapped at them. Saw Megan and Mikael on our way out and, true enough, the guy was “ahead of me” with only one tabò.

Shimizu Island

I’m not actually sure if it was Shimizu Island where lunch was served but if our watermen stuck to Tour A’s destinations, then that must’ve been the island. The food was even more heavenly than the last time and, with me gurgling with bottles even while still on the boat, sobriety was already a thing of the past. Booyah!

While the water was crystalline like everywhere else, I didn’t enjoy snorkeling that much because, where we were, majority of the corals have already undergone bleaching. Ouchie!

Seven Commandos Beach

For being the last stop of many tours, it wasn’t surprising that many visitors were making the most of the water at Seven Commandos Beach before calling it a day. For having benches for reflection relaxation and a store for refreshments, who wouldn’t wallow, right?

The tree swing was restless this time.

There was redemption on the snorkeling activity as there was a lot to take in with the submerged scenery here. In fact, I was sightseeing too much underwater, away from everyone, without paying attention to the time that one of the boatmen eventually came looking for me. Sarry!

Late dinner and more Red Horse was at a deserted Marber’s Restobar (can’t believe I don’t have photos of what I devoured). Afterwards, I retired back to the balcony, in front of my laptop, and abandoned myself to the quaint night and the lights illuminating it.

Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk

I was to climb Taraw Cliff (never thought about doing it when I had company) the next day but due to an accident earlier that year the activity was prohibited. Having already set my mind for it, I succumbed to doing the Canopy Walk which was supposed to be an alternative.

At the end of the trail was a platform overlooking the bay. Alas, it wasn’t any close to the view from Taraw Cliff. But hey! It’s already very good if you’re someone who doesn’t have the stomach for climbing cliffs.

I was done with the activity in less than 20 minutes and it felt like I was ripped off. Then again, it could’ve been due to my long-legged legs me being the only tourist around. The activity’s very safe with the quality of the hanging bridges and metal walkways and stairs. If you’re someone whose adrenaline loves the likes of tying your junk to a bungee or throwing it off planes, though, you’ll definitely prefer actually climbing Taraw Cliff instead.

Got some banana-pineapple shake (sosyal) to counter the blazing sun on my way back and came home to an empty inn. The sight was quite melancholic.

Nacpan Beach

Past midday I hopped on a scooter (remembering Bantayan!) and made my way to Nacpan Beach, stopping by the sign to Nagkalit-kalit Falls despite not having the slightest intention of getting wet there. Being in a van previously, I didn’t remember the road from the highway being unpaved at all.

I brought my loaf and cheese spread and at around two o’clock feasted on it together with the pancit bam-i I ordered at the cottage where I was loafing, all the while watching noobs people play volleyball using a minuscule net. For not having the custom of photographing everything yet, I don’t have a single proof of the cold beer that was quenching me. Shame!

The water was low but as serene and unclouded as it was.

When the sun drew closer to half past four I walked towards the capes to relive the cult for perspectives, saying hi to furries along the way.

I was already nearing my journey’s end when scooters scooted past me, making me bang my head the way Sia sang it, for the reason that I could’ve done the same had I seen someone ride one on the beach beforehand.

Nacpan and Calitang Beach—the twin beaches—were naturally in a dry state because of the tide.

I then carried on to the headland at the farther end. During my my first visit, our group had to retreat and stop exploring further because my companions were lazy asses one of my companions got dizzy.

Quite some view below, right? Only that it would’ve been way better if my scooter was with the lot. #bitter

The vantage point from this cape was made more picturesque by the presence of a tree, making the cape reminiscent of where the Kirikos lived during the Hunter Exam. With the right coverage, a shot could look as if looking at the beach through a forest. Kabog!

Pictured on the top right below is the headland with a view of the twin beaches. Would you go this far?

I got reunited with my scooter and lambasted it for not taking me across the beach 37 minutes past five and was back on the balcony yet again before darkness completely swallowed the day. That night I had pasta again at the same restaurant where I dined on my first night. Clingy, I know.

Puerto Princesa

I was leaving El Nido after lunch so on my penultimate day I just took a dip in front of the inn and fraternized with boats. That was also the last time my Ricoh camera was seen alive. Who was I to know that water was already seeping through the bastard?

I visit churches when I get the chance when traveling so I did that as well. You gotta be thankful, you know.

I arrived at Dallas Inn in Puerto Princesa at 6:00 PM and found myself chitchatting with a Kiwi couple in the 8-bed mixed dorm room. I’ve always sucked at geography and capitals and my knowledge that Auckland is the capital of New Zealand (well, it used to be) was debunked. Pretty much the same when I only learned in Sydney that Canberra is the capital of Australia. Yeah, my whole life has been a lie.

Despite having four bottles of Pale Pilsens that night I still managed to publish more than a year’s worth of post on my personal blog following flipping another year. Or was it all thanks to the drive brought about by the no-holds-barred moans of the foreign couple who banged the night away? Such music to my ears, it was.

The same melancholy in El Nido crept in on my last day after waking up and seeing that everyone had already gone for the day. But with Rasty and Airen—the inn’s cordial attendants—around, the feeling fleeted. We connected on Facebook and I remember Rasty being very approving of people who do local tourism on their own. He had a handful of necklaces with shells as pendants and asked me to take some to give to loved ones.

The greatest takeaway of the trip? Always bring a photo that you can easily dispose. ‘Course I added an entry to the map on the board. Ako pa sad! #kumpetitib

Tips

• For being among the most coveted destinations in the Philippines both by locals and forangers, flights to Palawan are aplenty and could be very cheap at times.
• Solo travel to El Nido is a piece of cake as you can easily join other groups in island hopping tours. Some may even include a visit to Nacpan Beach and/or Nagkalit-kalit Falls.
• Tricycles are readily available should you wish to check out nearby places and don’t know how to handle a scooter or motorcycle.
• Go for an accommodation near the beach so you can chill out or go swimming if you feel like doing so, pronto.
• As usual, avoid holidays and weekends if you want to steer clear of the horde of tourists. The presence of many people, bundled with the nature of tides, could mean that some stops during island hopping may be skipped.
• If you’re flying to and from Puerto Princesa and have or can make extra time, try to squeeze in activities there.
• Most importantly, don’t be gloomy when it’s gloomy. It was all drizzly before I flew out of Manila so I anticipated the same in El Nido especially with the forecast. For that reason I brought a laptop to be busy with in case I’ll be stuck indoors because of the weather. Life really is like a box of chocolates as the sun was melting me good throughout the trip.

Expenses

Visited: August 2016

The post Going Solo in El Nido: An Itinerary appeared first on Itinerant.

After paying a visit to Nagkalit-kalit Falls and Nacpan Beach, we were back at El Nido Sands Inn before three o’clock and had ample time to rest and prepare for our fourth day in Palawan which involved nothing else but a good swim at Long Beach in San Vicente. Around two and a half hours later, we got the ball rolling for our transit.

Accommodation

After transferring to a different van at a junction and traversing a hardly lit road which wasn’t paved all throughout and seemingly didn’t pass any civilization, we arrived at Myrla’s Garden and Cottages in Barangay New Agutaya a little over half past seven. I was starving and was very glad that in less than an hour we were already called for dinner; we had squid, fish, and chicken afritada.

Our visit to the archipelagic province wasn’t at the peak of the summer months and San Vicente wasn’t on the same level as El Nido and Puerto Princesa in terms of popularity so it wasn’t surprising that we were the only guests around (well, AFAIR). We karaoke~d until midnight (maxed it, mate!) and, thanks to GSM Blue and Red Horse, even danced the night away in the open air outside our rooms. Alak pa!!!

The 14-Kilometer Beach

Twelve hours after dinner and seven hours after the gyrating, we had dried fish and eggs for breakfast. And I just feel the need to say that before leaving for Long Beach, I had an acquaintance…

Long Beach was only 500 meters away from Myrla’s Garden and Cottages. We entered through a path which had a sign of an entrance fee but since no one was around to collect it, we just gave the payment to ourselves. #kurap The beach was as bare as a newborn’s butt cheeks; where we were, there were no establishments at all.

How annoying can it get when you anticipate a very sweet panorama shot only to find out that someone bombed it?

The place was deserted like a desert but there was a bamboo table and a suspended bench supported by tires. I’m no stranger to my companions so, for the very first time and for a change, I decided to strip down to swimming trunks. Life’s too short not to try on new fabrics for other people to see, right? You will always be judged anyway.

We lazed around, captured photos, and swam to the skies. The water was unbelievably crystal and overall the place reminded me of Nacpan Beach.

What if…I wear a fedora?

As far as our eyes could see, there were no other tourists who strut on the sugary white sand during our two-hour stay in Long Beach. Again, it could’ve been due to the off-peak season and the place not being as popular as other Palawan destinations yet. Also, given that Long Beach is said to be 14 kilometers long (allegedly making it the longest white sand beach in the Philippines) and has rocky headlands that interrupt the continuous expanse of its length, another possibility is that there were actually other tourists but they were in the other coves.

Monkey (D. Luffy) see, monkey do. The shot was blurry, though, as if MTRCB intercepted the shutter.

We had a very hectic schedule (artesta?) so we returned to Myrla’s at midday, just in time for lunch. Our ABS-CBN executive producer being constantly on the phone with a certain “Ms. Alma” instantly became a running joke since day one. At 3:00 PM, we were on the lookout for a bus going back to the capital.

Tips

• Long Beach spans multiple barangays of San Vicente so should you want to explore its entirety and you know how to ride a scooter, well, you now know what you can rent.
• While the part of the Long Beach that we were on had nothing was unspoiled, it wasn’t surprising that in reality, given its stretch, other parts of it already have beachfront resorts. As an emerging tourist destination, it could eventually become an alternative to Boracay.
• San Vicente is where Port Barton, a known Palawan destination, is so if you’re traveling from Puerto Princesa to El Nido or vice versa and plan to drop by, you can kill two birds with Long Beach as the other one.
• San Vicente has been made more accessible with the presence of an airport. Fly away!

Visited: August 2015

The post Longing for Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan appeared first on Itinerant.

As per the timestamps of my photos, we arrived at Nacpan Beach in the neighborhood of 30 minutes after the quick wallow at Nagkalit-kalit Falls. Our mode of transfer was a shuttle (van) which the landlady of El Nido Sands Inn arranged exclusively for our group. Other modes of transportation include renting a tricycle or a scooter (tried the latter on my second visit).

The Beach

At around ten o’clock, the long stretch of beach was next to deserted with only very few people, the powdery sand and azure waters extending on both directions against the horizon under a clear sky. There wasn’t any need for it in our case but if you want some quiet time instead of being amidst a crowd, either ends of the beach is your destination.

Before waging war against the sun, we helped ourselves to a late breakfast which was also prepared ahead by the inn. It was superb like our lunch the day before. Unfortunately, a knife succumbed to death following its battle against a watermelon. You fought well, Knifey.

Four-legged friends kept us company and one of them seemed to have gotten the habit of constantly touching people’s hearts for food. Who was I not to give in to a domesticated fur with such mischievous innocent eyes?!

After initiating another cheat day, we went for the cape on the south end to check out views of the twin beaches—Nacpan and Calitang—and along the way we passed by a community. The ocean was quite the temptress and the photo of a boatman carrying his boat reminds me of Eren Kruger after he revealed himself to Grisha Yeager.

The Cape

With grasses on the rocky promontory, I thought one particular photo dump was obligatory.

Our planner for the trip, Cha a.k.a. the lady in red, didn’t waste any breath and headed to the nearest high point from where we landed which, for some reason, had a prop ready in the form of a wooden bench.

Being the kumpetitib and epal that I am, I ventured even further for another high point that juts out into the sea.

The rest mustn’t have been inspired by Michael Bolton as they didn’t go the distance and just stayed downstairs, seemingly keeping up to date with what was on the news while trying to be shady. (See what I did there?)

Being on the farthest position, I had such a broad perspective and panoramic views were at my disposal, which of course included the signature view of Nacpan Beach and Calitang Beach sharing the same shore. (Does that mean they’re also caring since sharing is caring? *wondering emoji*)

Twin Beaches

Before long, the lady in red was already leading a cult. All hail Blood Reina!

We no longer headed to the other headland; someone got lightheaded and had a poor vision on our way back, probably due to the heat, that we had a runner do his thing for some water from the community we saw earlier. Run, Forrest, run!

With everything good, we packed our things and went home. Nah, that would’ve been among the greatest crimes of all time. ‘Course we luxuriated in the waters! The waves were close to none and the tide allowed us to get some distance from the beach. Phew!

We had lunch (we still had a lot of food!), had group photos taken, and then left around two o’clock. Rather early, yes, but that was for us to be able to ready ourselves and get a bit of rest as we were bound for San Vicente on the same day. I can’t believe I wasn’t day drinking though. Not a single one. Why!?

Nacpan Beach is a must-not-skip destination when you have time in El Nido. And while you’re at it, make sure that you also drop by Nagkalit-kalit Falls. There’s just no reason not to because it’s along the way. In fact, while this wasn’t one, there are also island hopping tours which may include both Nacpan Beach and Nagkalit-kalit Falls. Your choice.

Expenses

Our round trip ride from El Nido was exclusive to our group and inclusive of a stopover at Nagkalit-kalit Falls.

Visited: August 2015

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For having only two bottles the night before after our El Nido island hopping, we were on the road and back to our senses before seven o’clock and in around 25 minutes were already parked to start the hike to Nagkalit-kalit Falls. The entrance fee and tour guide cost us ₱770. Doing the math necessitates the counting of our heads in the foregoing post or carrying on.

The Hike

Rivers will have to be crossed so you might wanna ditch those shoes (but not the red dress!). I have my reasons, so along the way I was putting on some sunblock. #reasons #defensive

There was a track of what looked like that of a slithering snake but if it wasn’t that of such (a) reptile, then it was probably by your best friend who’s about to perform an act of perfidy (or already did).

You know what they say: silent still waters run deep. #mema

The Waterfall

In more or less than 40 minutes we reached Nagkalit-kalit Falls and since he who hesitates is lost, I took it off and jumped into the water without shilly-shally. Because like beaches, waterfalls shouldn’t just be looked at. (Well, at least for me.)

One happy kiddo.

Like other waterfalls, Nagkalit-kalit Falls provides free massage with no extra service.

Cliff Jumping

Our tour guide demoed where we could cliff jump so who were we not to do it? Gehee.

There were only three of us who indulged in the water and the rest were just onlookers, which was actually nice in that we had a dry maniniyot for some mowdel-mowdelan.

And mind you, our background below looks like the Devil’s Snare.

We only stayed for approximately 30 minutes but it was more than enough as we had the place to ourselves; a foranger came by but just added to the audience impact.

We retraced our steps through the wilderness called life and were back on the road a little past nine, about an hour after we arrived at the waterfall.

When in El Nido, you might as well get wet at Nagkalit-kalit Falls and be the early birdies (what’s new) at it. The hike was not like going to Igpasungaw Falls where slippery rocks offer you the opportunity of going with the flow. Malayo sa atay. We were on our way to Nacpan Beach when we visited and were lucky the torrent was substantial.

Expenses

Visited: August 2015

The post Nagkalit-kalit Falls: A Stopover to Nacpan Beach appeared first on Itinerant.

It was already 37 minutes past three in the morning when I did a final check if all the plugged gadgets were charging, ensuring we have enough juice for our El Nido island hopping activity. Following firefly watching in Iwahig (where I have no proof of the sightings because I was too busy dramatically thinking if a croc was gonna attack our boat in the dark), we flew from Puerto Princesa to El Nido in a van. It was one of those moments where you get to be thankful for an nth life, where n > 1.

We stayed at El Nido Sands Inn which was directly facing the playa. Of course, during that time I had no idea that “playa” is “beach” in Spanish. The place was basic with no air-conditioning, and I’m saying that not for a negative connotation but to point out that there really was no need for us to stay at a fancy accommodation since we were essentially staying for just one night. Young, wild, and free, if I may say. (On cue, Snoop and Wiz!)

El Nido island hopping has different flavors. We were to select from Tours A through D and we went for a combination of A and C, the supposed crowd favorite, and had a boat to ourselves since there were seven of us. After some food and beverage to start the day and some goofing on the balcony, we set off at eight minutes past nine.

Only a few meters away from the mainland, we were greeted by a turtle. I wasn’t adroit enough to take a snap though.

Helicopter Island

In around half an hour we arrived at our first destination—Helicopter Island. You might think of a position when you hear “helicopter” but even a kid should be able to tell why the island is named so. We spent the next 30 minutes snorkeling and socializing with Ariel’s minions besties.

Nemo, our favorite clam, and corals were in for the attendance check.

We still had a long day ahead of us so as much as we wanted to savor the white sand on our feet and check out the island itself, it was time to move on and set sail again.

Hidden Beach

El Nido is known for its limestone cliffs and it never comes short of them. Another 30 minutes elapsed and Hidden Beach was already in sight. The tide wasn’t what John Holt belts out in his song (it was already Atomic Kitten’s and Kardinal Offishall’s versions during my time) so the boat couldn’t be beached and we had to reach the beach ourselves.

The Beach and All Saints singing “Pure Shores” was what immediately came to my mind upon beaching. Trivia: Although the novel of the same name (Wikipedia, ikaw ba ‘yan?) from which the movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio was based was set in Thailand, the author was allegedly inspired to write it after visiting Palawan. Di mabasol.

What six-letter s-verb first comes to mind?

We had a lot of choreographed group photos on this beach but majority of them have bombs so I’m settling with the one below. After frolicking for about half an hour, we made our way back to the boat and headed off to Matinloc Shrine.

Matinloc Island

After approximately 27 minutes (don’t ask me, but the duration of our transfers from one island to another up to this point seemed consistent), pointed cliffs of Matinloc Island greeted us before revealing the shrine behind them.

Aside from the Virgin Mary and angel statues under the dome, there was also a statue of Jesus Christ on the island.

Hardly any time was spent on swimming here; we exhausted our stay by sniffing around, taking photos, and climbing the cliffs by the shrine. As they say, never settle for less so aim for the high one!

Secret Beach

It was midday when we left for our next destination and along the way our boatmen started cooking our almuerzo. I didn’t really search beforehand what to expect so I was absolutely ecstatic when we were told that to reach Secret Beach we have to swim through a hole. *grinning emoji*

See that hole right there? Let’s get ready to rumble!

With uncalm waves, swimming to the concealed beach was so reminiscent of when we swam a great distance from our boat to the shores of Apo Island without life vests and, as confident as we were with our swimming skills, ended up struggling. That was another life and I’ll spare the story for a different post.

Just right before the orifice was a massive school of sardines which I would’ve mingled with had I already known how to hold my breath better then, had flippers, and the waves were pacific. (Muchas condiciones amp!)

But first, let me take a selfie with my ever reliable flappy little wings.

From the looks of it, the beach is also accessible when the tide is high (there, I finally spilled the lyrics) by climbing over the crevice (or whadever it’s called) seen below. Why’d I fail to ask the guides for kanfeermation, I wonder?

The soulmates didn’t join us; I had my Game of Thorns moment. Secret Beach certainly wasn’t a long stretch but we still spent a good amount of time on it.

Secret Lagoon

Seventeen minutes past one o’clock it was when we approached Secret Lagoon, our preantepenultimate stop. Again, our boat had to be docked away from the shore because of the water level. It was great, actually, because the background was like no other. Like no other!

If the view below doesn’t impress you then I don’t know what will. #gondo

An advantage of having a boat exclusively to your group, aside from providing flexibility in your pit stops, is it won’t be awkward taking photos on the bow (unless you’re comfortable with strangers watching you, of course). You can have as many shots as you want until the perfectionist in you is satisfied. Lights, camera, accion!

At half past one, we fin’lly feasted on the scrumptious meal our boatmen prepared. Por supuesto there was rice! Nyormnyorm.

When we’ve had our fill, we started our search for a Horcrux. Apart from watching out for sharp rocks on my way, I was also on the lookout for critters in the shallows. No big deal.

For not being witches and wizards who can apparate, we had to walk to the left to the entrance of the lagoon.

Fortunately, no sacrifice in the form of blood like what Dumbledore did was necessary as the hatch was wide open.

With the stillness of the water licked by a gloomy sky and the way we broke into the lagoon, it was as if we were in the cave where Voldemort You-Know-Who hid Slytherin’s Locket, one of his Horcruxes. If we weren’t there to steal it, then we probably were among the Inferi.

I failed to ask again but it appears that the lagoon can also be accessed through the crevice when there’s a rise in the water level.

Big Lagoon

Including our lunchtime, we lasted for an hour and around 40 minutes before proceeding to Big Lagoon which was roughly a 10-minute ride. Yet again, as the tide wasn’t in our boat’s favor, we made use of our limbs—for ten minutes—to reach deep waters.

Seeing what lay beyond reminded me of another movie: The Lord of the Rings.

Always watch out for this spiny sea creature. For being a prick having been pricked thrice already at the time of writing, perhaps I should add vinegar to my checklist?

Big Lagoon would be my favorite in the tour even with the low tide taken into consideration. The water was placid and perfect for practicing freediving, which is again quite a shame that I wasn’t any better with my lungs then and didn’t have fins.

Our plunge was a bit abrupt despite the size of the place but I still enjoyed it as evident in the lack of photos while we were at it. That didn’t mean that the shabu pose could escape though.

On our way back my company maximized the “availability” of land while I chose to be with marine life by retracing my steps. Was worth it.

Small Lagoon

We reached Small Lagoon at four o’clock after about ten minutes of transfer from the bigger one. One hole for the road! It was as peaceful as Secret Lagoon.

At this point my back was already burnt to a crisp. Not that I cared. I am dust, and to dust I shall return anyway.

And then we were finally off to our final stop.

Seven Commandos Beach

It was nearing five o’clock when we were arriving at Seven Commandos Beach and from afar I could already tell why it was the last stop. With the presence of huts, there was no denying that were was gonna be a place to buy food.

Of course, I was actually looking forward to drinks. And I naturally had my gesture of triumph when their presence was kanfeermed. Thinking back, I couldn’t believe I didn’t bring booze with us. Would’ve been sweet being squiffy all the way. Hic!

While we were waiting for the sun to set over beers, our girls were being hit on by a foranger. Isang round nemen jen!

There was a tree swing near the store and someone had his Wrecking Ball moment. #ngeshu #LawitDilaPaMore

Capping off the El Nido island hopping activity on Seven Commandos Beach is a great option. You can chill out on the sand, get one final soak, or just wait for the sun to be swallowed whole while finishing a bottle and thinking about decisions you failed to make in the shower. We passed an hour and a quarter more on the island.

As we were setting out for the mainland, another heavenly body was attitudinizing; the moon was beaming, as if reassuring the horizon that the sun is already out of the way. (Gracias, Samsung Galaxy Camera!)

And can I just mention the cavity on the cliff below? For what it’s worth, it felt like a Wall Titan should’ve been in it.

Apparently Seven Commandos Beach is not far from where we started the day, as in less than 20 minutes we were already back at El Nido Sands Inn, excited for dinner and the bottles of Excelente and G.S.M. Blue Mojito.

Tips

• Private tours are also possible in which you don’t get mixed with other tourists and you can select which islands to go to (i.e. you can stay on them as long as you want).
• Ask about how the day’s tide will affect your destinations.
• If you want to maximize visiting islands, I’d say you have to be in El Nido for at least two days.

Expenses

The following day we proceeded to Nagkalit-kalit Falls and Nacpan Beach.

Visited: August 2015

The post El Nido Island Hopping Tours A & C: What to Expect appeared first on Itinerant.