I did another solo-backpacking trip back to Palawan, but this time, I went to El Nido.

As usual, guys, I cannot remember the places I’ve been to, all I know is that from Puerto Princesa airport, there are people offering van rides to El Nido. It costs Php 500-600, depending on how you haggle.

Although I suggest that you coordinate with the people from whom you are staying, they offer a cheaper price. I got mine for Php 600 for one-way because I did not listen to the one I was talking with. I stayed in Nido Friendly Inn for 3 days and 2 nights, for 500 pesos a night, owning a room good for two, with AC, electric fan, and even its own bathroom! I know, it’s soooo cheap! Others were offering me 800 pesos for a single room with shared bathroom. NO. And I also had free breakfast for two days!

The island-hopping tours:

I got Tours A and C for Php 1000 each, yehesss! Tour A is originally Php 1, 400 while tour C is Php 1, 200. I saved Php 600!

On my first day, I had the tour A. Island-hopping included Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon. Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach. Because I was alone, I obviously sat at the back side of the boat but then an amazing family “adopted” me for the day.

The twist? I was with them the whole trip, they even paid for my Kayak ride at the Big Lagoon, I ate with them, laughed with them, shared good stories about the Philippines, President Duterte, and of course UP. Apparently, three of them graduated from UP and they are all doctors in the United States! The other one is a foreigner and is a teacher. I learned a lot from them, of course!

They were so nice to me, very happy to be with, and very down-to-earth. I wish I had their Facebook accounts.

More annoying photos from my GoPro:

On my second day, I booked Tour C. We went to Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, (another) Secret Beach, and Hidden Beach. We were not able to go to Star beach because we set off late.

Boat rides set off at 8AM from El Nido but we left the proper at around 9:30 which had the foreigners I was with angry and disappointed. Apparently, the propellers of the boat broke. The Italians were asking to refund their money or just get an extra boat but the “captain” of the boat was so stubborn, even shouted back to the angry foreigners.

We still pushed through, though.

I took more than three hundred photos but most shots are blurry. I bought another case for my GoPro now. Too bad I didn’t see it before my trip to Palawan. Here are some annoying sariling sikap photos.

El Nido is a paradise, no questions asked. The beaches are crowded but not as crowded as Boaracay. Clear blue waters, beautiful mountains, and amazing people are there. I could not ask for more.

But that solo trip back to Puerto Princesa apparently led to this:

But I would go back, even that goes without saying. xx