Day 1 - Puerto Princessa to Sabang. Arrival & transit in Manila. Took a morning flight from Manila to Puerto Princessa. Upon arrival in Puerto Princessa, I took a public jeepney to Sabang. Check-in to Cafe Sabang once I arrived there. Overnight in Sabang
Day 2 - Sabang to El Nido. Half day tour to Puerto Princessa underground river. Check-out from guesthouse and took a shuttle van to El Nido. Check-in to Austria's Place upon arrival in El Nido. Overnight in El Nido.
Day 3 - El Nido. Tour A island hopping tour. Overnight in El Nido.
Day 4- El Nido. Tour C island hopping tour. Overnight in El Nido.
Day 5- El Nido. Motorcycling tour around El Nido, visiting Corong Corong and Marimegmeg beach in the morning. In the afternoon, visited Nagkalit-Kalit falls and Nacpan Beach. Overnight in El Nido.
Day 6 - El Nido to Coron. Check-out from the guesthouse and boarded the ferry departing for Coron
5.50 am - Arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Terminal 3), Manila by flight (Cebu Pacific Air)
Immigration clearance
Purchased a data plan from a booth in the airport terminal for my use later on - 600 peso (unlimited usage, valid for 2 weeks). Went with SMART as I've read that their coverage was pretty good, especially in Palawan
Breakfast in the airport - Jolibee (138 peso)
Arrival in Terminal 3, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila
Getting a tourist SIM for my use later on
Departure hall at Terminal 3, Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Manila to Puerto Princessa, Palawan
10.15 am - Board flight (Cebu Pacific Air) from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Terminal 3) to Puerto Princessa, Palawan - 784 peso (one way). Managed to get this unbelievably low price during one of Cebu Pacific's promotional offers
11.30 am - Arrival at Puerto Princessa International Airport
Immigration clearance
From the airport, getting to El Nido is pretty straightforward, simply visit any of the tour booths outside the airport, and they will get you sorted. Shuttle vans to El Nido cost anywhere between 500-600 peso each way. The last van departs around 5-6pm, however try to get to Puerto Princessa as early in the day as possible as it's a pretty long journey, about 5-6 hours
Puerto Princessa to Sabang
I wanted to spend my first night in Sabang, and getting there from the airport unfortunately wasn't as straightforward as I thought. There are vans that go to Sabang for 300 pesos, but since it was low season at the time, there weren't enough passengers to fill up the van. And just for your info, the last van to Sabang leaves at 3.30pm and takes roughly 1.5 hours
Since there were no vans going to Sabang that day, I had two choices, overnight in Puerto Princessa and take a morning van the next day, or try my chances with the local jeepney, the last one departing at 2pm. Decided the latter would be the best option, however after experiencing it, I strongly advise to go for this option only as a last resort, as the trip took almost 4 hours and is very, very uncomfortable
11.50 am - Rode a trike from the airport to San Jose market to look for a jeepney that will take me to Sabang - 100 peso (bargained down from 120 peso)
Wanted to stopover at City Coliseum enroute to apply for my Visitor Entry Permit (VEP) for the Puerto Princessa Underground River at the booking office there, however my driver assured me that I can apply for my VEP in Sabang itself. This is true for low season, however it's still advisable to apply for your VEP in City Coliseum during peak season to avoid disappointment
12.20 pm - Arrive at San Jose market (dropped off near the jeepney terminal). Walked around the area for a bit as the jeepney driver told me that they will only leave at 2pm
2.20 pm - Rode a jeepney bound for Sabang - 150 peso. The journey to Sabang was a very scenic one, however it's not an experience I'd wish to repeat with a jeepney, as they stopped countless times to pick up and drop off passengers and took a lot longer than I'd liked
Took a public jeepney from Puerto Princessa to Sabang, not an experience I ever want to repeat
Arrival in Sabang
6.00 pm - Arrive in Sabang (dropped off right in front of my accommodation in Sabang). Check-in to Cafe Sabang - 350 peso per night (staying for 1 night). Accommodation and facilities are basic at best, however it is well located, only a short walk away from the pier and beach. Silay, the owner of the place, is fun and very approachable (she speaks fluent French) and took in strides to make my stay here a memorable one
Walked to Sabang beach for dinner (under 5 minutes). There's a bit of nightlife and a few restaurants along the beach. Had dinner at Thalets restaurant - Chicken adobo (185 peso) & San Miguel beer (60 peso)
There's quite a few tour booths along the beach as well, that sells the Puerto Princessa Underground River tour packages for 900-1,000 peso. Cheapest package I've found is from Cafe Sabang, and costs only 800 peso
6.45 am - 7.45 am - Walked around Sabang beach. The beach is particularly scenic, and walking from end to end at a leisurely pace only took me 15-20 minutes
8.00 am - Walked to the Sabang pier to start the Puerto Princessa Underground River tour
As I've mentioned earlier, the easiest way to do the underground river tour from Sabang is by simply purchasing a tour package (includes VEP, entrance/conservation fees, audio guide & boat charter plus a runner's fee) for 800-1,000 peso from any tour agency or guesthouse in Sabang. I purchased mine from Cafe Sabang for 800 peso only
Alternatively, you can also DIY the underground river for lesser the cost without much difficulty. The booking office at the Sabang pier (the building in front of a basketball court) opens as early as 8am, and from there, you can apply for your VEP (250 peso), entrance/conservation fees (150 peso, inclusive of the underground river tour), audio guide (85 peso) and boat charter from Sabang to the underground river and back (1,000 peso per boat, this cost can be lower if you share the boat with other people). The whole process is quite simple to follow. Once you've paid up at the booking office, simply sign an indemnity form and they will give you a boat number. Wait for your number to be called out and off you go to start your tour
8.30 am - Start the Puerto Princessa Underground River tour. The boat ride from Sabang pier to the underground river took 15-20 minutes each way. After landing on a scenic beach and walking the short jungle trail, you will be given a life vest, helmet and an audio guide before being put onto small paddle boats that will take you inside the underground river. Don't expect to see beautifully lit caverns here, instead you'll be rowed around in complete darkness (with only your guide's flashlight to help you see)
10.30 am - Concluded the underground river tour and back to Sabang by boat
Walking along Sabang beach in the early morning
Amazing views from the eastern end of Sabang beach
Going spelunking at Puerto Princessa Underground River
Sabang to El Nido
11.00 am - Back in Sabang. Had early lunch at the Homemade Crepe To Go stall - Cheese burger (45 peso) & coffee (15 peso) before returning to the guesthouse
12.00 pm - Pack up and check-out from the guesthouse
Went to the Lexxus shuttle stand (opposite the Sabang police station) to inquire about the schedule. The earliest van departs for El Nido at 7.30am and the last one leaves at 4.30pm. Reserved my seat for the 2pm van going to El Nido - 700 peso
12.10 pm - 1.50 pm - Did more sightseeing around Sabang village to pass the time. Had some refreshments from one of the stalls near the pier area - Mango fruitshake (50 peso)
2.15 pm - Rode shuttle van from Sabang to El Nido
3.00 pm - Stopover in Salvacion to switch vans. If you missed the last van to El Nido, it's also possible to ride a jeepney to Salvacion and try to hitch a bus or a vehicle to El Nido
5.00 pm - Stopover in Roxas
7.00 pm - Stopover in Tay Tay
Arrival in El Nido
8.15 pm - Arrive in El Nido (dropped off at Corong Corong bus terminal, about 1km away from El Nido town)
Walked from Corong Corong to my accommodation in El Nido town (under 15 minutes)
Check-in to Austria's Place - 500 peso per night. Stayed for 4 nights (total cost - 2,000 peso). The fan room I got was rather tiny and lacked privacy as the window opens out to the breakfast room. The internet connection here was really bad, though it was pretty much the same elsewhere in El Nido. Other than that, it's in a very good location and the breakfast spread was pretty good. I'd advise to book in advance as this place often runs full every other day or so
At the same time, I also inquired my guesthouse on the island hopping tours. There are generally four main island hopping tours in El Nido, Tour A, B, C & D. Tour A & C are the most popular ones
Signed up for Tour A the next day - 1,200 peso
Had dinner at IBR Fast Food restaurant - Fish curry with rice (180 peso). Probably the cheapest place for food in El Nido, opens 24 hours every day
11.00 pm - Return to the guesthouse
Austria's Place, my accommodation in El Nido, Palawan for the next few nights
The breakfast room in Austria's Place. Always loved having my breakfast every morning by the balcony, where you could almost see the sea from there
Breakfast at the guesthouse - Eggs, toast & tea (included in the room rate)
Before going off for island hopping tours in El Nido, you will be asked to pay an eco-tourism development fee (EDTF) of 200 peso (valid for about a week), however since the arrangement was handled by my guesthouse, I wasn't asked to pay this. Upon payment, you will get a receipt that you will need to keep throughout your stay in El Nido
Before starting tour A, bring just enough cash for kayak rental plus a little extra for any binge purchases. Lunch and drinking water will be served aboard the boat, so don't worry
Keep in mind that these tours do not include mask and snorkel, either bring your own or rent them at the booking office for 100 peso per set
9.00 am - 12.00 pm - Started Tour A. Visited the following points of interest around Miniloc island:
Seven Commando Beach. A very beautiful beach and the first place we visited as our guide told us we're doing it in reverse to avoid the crowds
Papaya Beach. Located next to Seven Commando beach. You can't access this beach by walking from Seven Commando though, as they're separated by a karst, however you can request your guide to drop you off here. It's equally as beautiful and the snorkeling here is a lot better too
Small Lagoon. Our next stop after Seven Commando, and my favorite stop in Tour A. To get to here from the landing point, you can rent kayaks or simply swim there (it's not very far from the landing point and the lagoon is small enough to swim around to see it in its entirety). Rented a kayak to explore the lagoon for 300 peso (shared the kayak with another person in the group, so I only had to pay 150 peso)
1.00 pm - Lunch aboard the boat, just off the Small Lagoon - Grilled seafood (included in the package)
Leaving El Nido port for Tour A
Seven Commando beach was our first stop of Tour A
The karst at the end of Seven Commando beach that separates it from Papaya beach, however there seems to be no way to get around it other than by boat
Approaching the Small Lagoon. You see these karst formations such as this almost everywhere you go
Our second stop during Tour A, Small Lagoon. This is the landing point where you can rent kayaks to explore the lagoon not too far away
Entering the Small Lagoon
That tiny opening amongst the karst was where we entered from
Kayaking around the lagoon's crystalline waters, surrounded by karsts
Delectable seafood lunch aboard the boat, courtesy of our onboard cook
Tour A (continued)
2.00 pm - 5.00 pm - Continued Tour A. Visited more points of interest around Miniloc island:
Shimizu Island. A snorkeling site that we visited after lunch and supposedly one of the best ones around Miniloc island. Didn't get to go to the island, rather the boat is moored off the coast in the small channel surrounded by impressive karsts between Shimizu and Inatula islands
Secret Lagoon. Another beach we visited, with one difference. At the end of this beach, there's a tiny hole in the karst, from which you can enter the secret lagoon. Honestly, it's not very impressive, I liked the beach a lot better actually
Big Lagoon. Our final stop before heading back to El Nido. At the time of our visit (just before sunset), the water level in the channel leading into the lagoon receded to just below our knees, therefore our boat couldn't get through. Like Small Lagoon, you can also rent kayaks here for 300 peso, or you can try to swim it. Though I'd strongly recommend you to rent a kayak instead, because the lagoon is just too big to cover by swimming
5.15 pm - Conclude Tour A and sailed back to El Nido
Snorkeling off Shimizu Island
Approaching the Secret Lagoon
Took this shot from the beach area of the Secret Lagoon
The tiny hole leading into the Secret Lagoon
Inside the Secret Lagoon
The channel leading into the Big Lagoon, our final stop of Tour A. At this time, the water level was low enough to walk around, however I wished I rented a kayak instead lol
Almost sunset at the Big Lagoon
Back in El Nido
5.45 pm - Back in El Nido and walked back from the port to the guesthouse (under 10 minutes)
Signed up for Tour C the next day - 1,400 peso (the normal rate for this tour, however my guesthouse was generous enough to give me a discount, I only paid 1,200 peso!)
Breakfast at the guesthouse - Eggs, toast & tea (included in the room rate)
All island hopping tours in El Nido require you to pay an eco-tourism development fee (EDTF) that costs 200 peso and is valid for about a week. If you have already paid for the EDTF, remember to bring along the receipt for checking
Before starting tour C, bring some cash for entrance fees or any binge purchases. Lunch and drinking water will be served aboard the boat, so there's no need to bring your own onboard. Like Tour A, mask and snorkel will not be provided. You can rent them at the booking office for 100 peso per set if you don't have your own
9.00 am - 11.00 am - Started Tour C. Visited points of interest mainly in Matinloc island and other islands in the vicinity:
Baliwood Beach. Located on Cadlao island, this gorgeous beach was our first stop and is the replacement for Hidden Beach (which was supposed to be in our itinerary but we couldn't go to as it was closed off at the time)
Secret Beach. Our next stop after Baliwood. Located on Matinloc island, getting to this beach is the fun part, which involves swimming through a sea cave in order to get there. It's a bit crowded though, not so secret anymore I guess
12.00 pm - Lunch aboard the boat, just off Secret Beach - Grilled seafood (included in the package)
Our first stop of Tour C, Baliwood beach
We had Baliwood to ourselves, there was nobody else but us and that's what was so beautiful about it. My very own slice of heaven
Sailing to Matinloc island
Approaching the Secret Beach
To get to the Secret Beach, we needed to swim through this sea cave
Secret Beach... no more
Another view of the Secret Beach
Tour C (continued)
1.00 pm - 3.50 pm - Continued Tour C. Visited more points of interests on Matinloc island and the surrounding islands:
Matinloc Shrine. There's an entrance fee of 100 peso to enter this shrine, our group took a vote and decided to skip this place in favor of doing a bit of snorkeling in the waters off Matinloc. Glad it turned out this way, as the snorkeling here is some of the best I've done in El Nido
Talisay Beach. A narrow but very beautiful stretch of beach on the island (Tapiutan) opposite Matinloc. Here, you can walk around to admire its surroundings or grab a meal or drink from any of the peddlers here
Helicopter Island (also known as Dilumacad Island). Another beach we visited for more R&R before heading back to El Nido. The reason why people call it that is because of its shape (it looks almost like a helicopter from afar)
4.00 pm - Conclude Tour C and sailed back to El Nido
Sailing to Matinloc shrine, which we eventually didn't go lol
Went to this spot somewhere near Matinloc shrine for snorkeling
No regrets. The snorkeling off Matinloc is some of the best I've done in El Nido
Lots of soft corals here, and anemone fish!
Approaching Talisay Beach, on another island opposite Matinloc
Peddlers selling food and drink on small kayaks
Enjoying my leisurely walk along Talisay beach
Nearing Helicopter Island, our final stop of Tour C. It does look like a helicopter, doesn't it?
Our boat dropped us off on the beach at the southeast side of Helicopter Island
Achieving zen. Perfect spot setting for relaxation and meditation
Back in El Nido
4.30 pm - Back in El Nido and walked back from the port to the guesthouse (under 10 minutes)
Had dinner at IBR Fast Food restaurant again - Burger steak with rice (95 peso)
10.00 pm - Walked around El Nido for a bit before heading back to the guesthouse
Breakfast at the guesthouse - Eggs, toast & tea (included in the room rate)
8.00 am - Walked from my guesthouse to the port authority building (under 10 minutes)
Purchased my ticket for the 8.30am ferry (Bunso boat) departing for Coron the next day - 1,200 peso (one way). A trip from El Nido to Coron via Bunso boat takes about 6-7 hours in good weather
Alternatively, there is also a fast boat (Montenegro Shipping Lines) from El Nido to Coron. Costs 1,700 peso (one way). The boat leaves at 6am and takes 3-4 hours to get to Coron in good weather. If your intention is to get on the fast boat to Coron, it's recommended that you purchase your tickets at least a few days in advance as they get sold out really fast. I couldn't get a ticket for the fast boat the day before and this was during shoulder season!
Although you could purchase ferry tickets from any tour agency in El Nido, it's still advisable to deal directly with the port authority. This is because seats are limited (even more so during peak season) and tour agencies tend to oversell. I know this for a fact as there were a few people who couldn't get on the boat that day despite having tickets!
A common sight in the mornings at the El Nido Port Authority building. Dogs are brought in to sniff out drugs or bombs before boarding
If time is of the essence for you, then the fast boat may be the best (but not the cheapest) option to get to Coron in much less time. Try not to book last minute as it's a hot seller!
Finally got my ferry ticket to Coron. Now on to other things!
El Nido Canopy Walk
While my intention was to scale the Taraw cliffs, it was closed off unfortunately due to an accident earlier this year. My alternative was the El Nido Canopy Walk, which is only halfway up the cliffs, however is still the safest option to get a bird's eye view of El Nido
8.30 am - Walked from the port to the El Nido Canopy Walk booking office (under 10 minutes). The booking office is located along Rizal Street (the main road to Corong Corong). To find this place, just walk along Rizal Street until you see an arch, then turn right and walk another 50m or so until you see the office
Paid the admission fee for the canopy walk - 400 peso (inclusive of guide & safety gear)
8.45 am - Started ascending the canopy walk (under 15 minutes to get to the viewpoint at the top). It's not a very rigorous trek, and the trail is made very safe with well placed steps and handrails. Crossing the canopy walk midway through the trek is a particular highlight
9.00 am - 9.20 am - Photo ops at the viewpoint. Very good views of the El Nido bay and the surrounding islands
9.30 am - Started descending down the canopy walk (under 10 minutes)
The turn-in to the El Nido Canopy Walk booking office is located near this arch along Rizal Street
El Nido Canopy Walk booking office
Crossing the canopy walk to the other side. It does sway quite a bit, to a point that it feels like we're about to fall over, but don't worry that's what the safety harness is for
View of Taraw cliff from the canopy walk, it's just a shame I couldn't climb that as it was closed off to tourists
Climbing up the final steps to the top. We're almost there...
Reaching the viewpoint at the top of El Nido Canopy Walk
Amazing views of El Nido bay and its surroundings can be seen from the top
Motorcycling around El Nido
9.35 am - Walked back to El Nido town center (under 5 minutes)
Rented a motorcycle to start touring around El Nido - 400 peso (for full day usage). I personally recommend Sandseth motorbike rental (located along Rizal Street)
Refuel at a nearby gas station - 50 peso
10.00 am - 2.00 pm - Started motorcycling tour around El Nido, visited the following points of interest south of El Nido:
Corong Corong Beach. Only 1km south of El Nido. The way in to this beach from the main road can be quite difficult to spot, just ask the locals how to or ask around for Ailyn Sunset Inn (there is a small path from the main road to this beachfront property). Overall, the beach isn't very nice and can be skipped if your time is limited
Marimegmeg Beach (also known as Las Cabanas beach). Another 3km heading south of Corong Corong. Just follow the main road down until you see a lot of trikes parked on the right side of the road. From here, there is some steps going down to the beach. Definitely a lot nicer than Corong Corong, and this was where I spent most of the first half of my day. There are beachside restaurants, bars and there's even a zipline here for the adventurous
Lunch at The Beach Shack (located along Marimegmeg beach) - Fish & chips (250 peso) & San Miguel beer (70 peso). A bit pricey but you get to use their beach chairs for free
Back in El Nido town center
Rented a motorcycle to tour around El Nido for the entire day
My first stop, Corong Corong beach. The path from the main road to the beach was not easy to find. To get here, just ask around or look for Ailyn Sunset Inn
Corong Corong beach wasn't that nice in my opinion, you can safely skip this if you're in a bit of a rush
My second stop, Marimegmeg beach. Also known as Las Cabanas beach. This beach is definitely a lot nicer than Corong Corong
There are a lot of beach bars and restaurants along Marimegmeg beach, but The Beach Shack became my choice for the day
Spent most of the first half of my day lazing at Marimegmeg beach
Motorcycling around El Nido (continued)
2.00 pm - 6.00 pm - Continued motorcycling tour around El Nido. Visited more points of interest north of El Nido:
Nagkalit-Kalit Falls. Roughly 12km north of El Nido. To get here from where we left off, you first need to head back to El Nido, then take the main road heading north. There will be signboards with 'Nagkalit-Kalit falls' written on them when you're nearing the place. From the main road, you will need to trek through the jungle and cross a few rivers to get to the waterfall. At my pace, it took me 45 minutes each way. I highly recommend getting a guide though, as finding the waterfall was quite difficult. The path isn't very clear, and it's easy to get lost if you're not careful. The waterfall isn't that impressive anyways and given how much effort it took to get here, I would give this a pass if you're short on time
Nacpan Beach. Another 3km up the road from Nagkalit-Kalit, then turn left into the dirt road when you see a sign with 'Nacpan Beach' written on it. Continue another 4km on bumpy and muddy dirt road until you arrive. Nacpan is one of the longest beaches in Palawan (second only to Long Beach in San Vicente) and is without doubt, one of the most beautiful beaches I've been to in Palawan. Another highlight of this area is the twin beaches of Nacpan and Calitang, one of the most photographed spots in the area. Stayed around until sunset before heading back to El Nido
6.05 pm - Ride back to El Nido
When nearing Nagkalit-Kalit falls, there are a few signposts along the main road that point the way to a parking area, where you can also hire a guide to get you to the falls
First few minutes into the trek to Nagkalit-kalit, and this beautiful countryside opened up. Can you spot the buffalo?
Finding Nagkalit-Kalit is not easy and can be quite disorienting
Tiny cascades leading to Nagkalit-Kalit falls. It's not very impressive I know, especially given how much effort it's taken to get here
Continuing on to Nacpan beach
Scenic countryside on the way to Nacpan beach
My final stop of the day, Nacpan beach
Almost sunset as I made my way up the grassy knoll at the southernmost tip of Nacpan beach
Twin beaches of Nacpan and Calitang viewed from up here
Watching the sunset from Nacpan beach
Back in El Nido
6.45 pm - Back in El Nido. Returned the motorcycle and went back to my guesthouse to freshen up
Dinner at Jarace Grill restaurant - Seafood sisig (280 peso) & San Miguel beer (65 peso)
Spent the remainder of my evening walking around El Nido. Had some refreshments from a roadside stall - Mango fruitshake (80 peso)
9.00 pm - Return to the guesthouse
One final evening stroll around El Nido
Dinner at Jarace Grill restaurant, one of the more popular restaurants on the beachfront in El Nido
The service here was quite slow but it was worth the wait
Hi, do you pre book your hotels at Sabang and El Nido?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Hi Joyceni,
ReplyDeleteYup, I did but not necessary to prebook as there is plenty of accommodation options in both those places :)