El Nido Travel Tips, Itinerary and Expenses

El Nido travel tips:

1.    Food is a bit pricey at El Nido except for meals that comes along with the island tour.  As much as possible choose an accommodation with breakfast package. Also,  since electricity is between 230pm to 6am only, consider those with generator or back-up power. 

2.    The tricycle minimum price is P50 per trip.  It is ideal to get accommodation within the town proper or nearing Bacuit Bay so the beach, food area, shopping area, and other destination(s) can be by foot.

3.    Bring plenty of sunblock and apply often especially during the tour.

4.    There are areas in the tour that you need to swim through.  It is highly advised to bring a waterproof or underwater camera to ensure that you capture every moment and tour destination.

5.    It can be wavy at times so make sure that your belongings are kept dry in a safe package.

6.    There are destinations in the tour that you might find dull.  In my case for tours A & C, the Helicopter Island, Star Beach and Seven Commando Beach are of less interest.  Though the tourism office discouraged combination tour, you can still inquire with your booking office for a tour that would highlight the best of El Nido Islands especially if time/budget is not a luxury for you.  I personally enjoyed and I highly recommend for Tours A & C the Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon and Matinloc Shrine.  We had both tours through Islanen Outdoors and the service was great from the reception to the actual tour :)

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A DAY WITH THE ALANGAN MANGYAN TRIBE OF MINDORO [An Outreach Activity for the Mangyan Tribe]

Just before summer bade its final days, we joined LAKBAY KINABUKASAN at BACO, MINDORO on May 23, a Brigada Eskwela and Medical Mission Project. It was a concerted effort of groups from different walks of life who came all the way from Manila to reach out one of the Mangyan tribes in Mindoro.

We did several pre-school activities in the past and we want, as much as possible, for our children to be involved.  Among the projects I've blogged was the visit to the Mangyan Tribe of Talipanan and the Palansa Elementary School.

For this year’s project, a medical mission (free check-up, medicines and vitamins) and Brigada Eskwela project was given to the Alangan community of San Ignacio Banilad.  The Sitio is located at the foot of Mt. Halcon and an hour away from Calapan proper.

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TALIPANAN FALLS – Talipanan, Puerto Galera, Mindoro

TALIPANAN FALLS 

Talipanan, Puerto Galera, Mindoro

 

We trekked the Talipanan Falls during our Puerto Galera trip rigth after the summer outreach program at the Mangyan Village of Talipanan.  It was my first “official” trek with my 3 kiddos and despite my worries of the kiddos safety, their excited faces was hard to resist. 

I allowed my eldest to join the lead group with sister as a watch while hubby and I attended to the two.  The almost 90-degree wall confirmed the fear of heights of my 2^nd child as she was literally trembling as she pushes herself up.  After several fruitless tries, she pleaded her dad to just stay.  They then enjoyed the river with a mini-falls.

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MINDORO | White Beach – Puerto Galera

We spent the Year 2012 Holy Week at Puerto Galera.  It was an outreach activity for the Mangyan Village in Talipanan and a supposedly Talipanan climb but with the kiddos in the trip, we decided to cancel the climb and just enjoyed White Beach.

Before we left Manila, we packed already the goodies for the Mangyan kids.  We were able to gather a total of 75 sets of school bags and supplies.  Thanks to the sponsors and to my school-based mountaineering group for making this project a reality.

Day 1

We left the Metro at around 3am to catch the first trip to Puerto Galeraand by 6:15am we started sailing.  By 10am, we docked at White Beach and met the other members who were at Galera days ahead.  As it was a long-weekend, prices were high and resorts are fully booked.  It was through the advance team that we got our place at a good price.

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MT. TAPYAS -- Coron, Palawan

MT. TAPYAS

Coron, Palawan (153 MASL)

http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2009/08/philippine-travel-and-adventure.html

During our visit to Coron, the Mt. Tapyas climb was our first outdoor activity.  It was made of about 700+ concrete steps courtesy of the Palawan taxpayers as shown at the foot of the hill.  

As you gradually ascend and reach the huge cross at the summit, the beauty of Coron slowly unfolds before your eyes – the harbor, the different island formations and even nature’s glory at its darkest.  It is known to be the best viewing deck of Coron.

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BANOL BEACH - Coron, Palawan

During our Coron Trip, one of the attractions we visited was the Banol Beach.  Though narrow in length, it was blessed with beautiful limestone backdrop with a greeny effect.  You will also appreciate the texture of the sand -- just right to pamper your feet.

Banol Beach 

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PALAWAN | CORON TRIP

Day 1

We left Manila at 930am and arrived with a rough landing at Busuanga airport after an hour.  The aerial view of the Coron islands is undeniably a wonder...

This part of Palawan – Coron – Busuanga, is known for its beautiful lakes, caves, dive spots, limestone formations, etc...

Upon arrival at the airport, we were asked to fill out an arrival card (only in Coron) by the Tourism office and we gathered some brochures to orient us of Coron.  The travel from the airport to the hotel and the town proper is about 45 minutes.  We stayed at Gran Vista Resort and we are thankful for good service that they provided.  

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SNAKE ISLAND -- Honda Bay, Palawan

During our Puerto Princesa trip, we spent our third day at Honday Bay and we splurged most of our time enjoying the Snake Island.

At Lourdes Pier, a boat can be hired to take you around the bay.  You can hop in to "open-to-tourists" islands of your choice.

Honda Bay

Snake Island's name was derived after its snake-shaped form of elongated sand bar.  Snorkeling is a must do activity in the island, so make sure that you have the gears already before leaving the wharf.  Another cool thing is feeding the fishes, extra bread or rice will already do.

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PALAWAN | PUERTO PRINCESA TRIP

Puerto Princesa – The Last Frontier

For more information, visit:

http://visitpuertoprincesa.com/

http://www.puertoprincesa.ph/tourism/tourism

We did this trip when airline low-fare promos was not yet a hype and online blogging about beautiful places in the Philippines was just about to begin.  In short, we have very little guidance about where to go and what to do at Palawan. This was our first “solo” flight as husband and wife and with the kiddos at home, we prayed for no other but a safe return.

Day 1

We arrived at Puerto Princesa with an untimely headache and a trickle of rain.  At the airport, maps, tour brochures and hotel listings are available for the tourists.  We chose White View Paradise Hotel being the most affordable at that time.  We rode a trike to the hotel, settled in and had my headache rest.  It was near noon when we went out for lunch and a City Tour.  We rented a trike for P400 to bring us around the city and the driver served as our tour guide providing firsthand information about the beautiful places of Puerto Princesa. 

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