Kariann HaskellRonny has the gift of language, and since he is versed in Tagalog, we ventured together on our first international trip. Excitement and nervousness set in once we arrived at the airport, only to be met by an upgrade to first class on our flight to Los Angeles Airport..
After a short layover, we boarded our plane that embarked us on a journey in the air of 19 Hrs across the Pacific Ocean to Taipai, Taiwan. This was our first layover of a few on our long journey to the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan, El Nido.
We were fortunate enough to have an entire row to ourselves for the flight, and while we were able to lay down on the seat, I was still uncomfortable and didn’t rest much. We flew with Eva Air, and the service was great. Blankets were provided, as well as slippers and headphones.
I had all my addresses down in a small notepad that I brought in case I wasn’t able to connect to WiFi in Taiwan. Thank heavens we did because our trip from the inside of the airport to a proper taxi was easy and quick. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport faded from view as we headed to Pleasant Hotel, Taoyuan City. *update to notice Pleasant Hotel is permenately closed.*
I awake to a text that our flight was rescheduled,and we speed off in the morning to catch our flight to Manila. We flew AirAsia for this flight and it was a nightmare. From getting to the check-in gate before anyone was there, we waited till the employees came in and checked our luggage. Going through security, we get stopped. They take our tripods and tell us it’s against their rules to let you get on the plane with a carry on tripod. Tears in my eyes, and no time before our flight, I resign and let them go. If that wasn’t enough of a morning, this flight gets delayed. SURPRISE! You win this time, Taiwan.
An hour late, we board the proper plane and promptly get sprayed with some mystery substance, which turns out to be an aerosolized insecticide. How exciting!
Flight three out of the way, we arrive in Manila, Philippines. In true fashion, we stop at the Wendys in the airport for a quick lunch. After scrambling, trying to find the terminal shuttle, we finally find our final gate in terminal 4. A white room with hundreds of chairs, all facing forward towards the big signs with flight information. We lucked out and our flight out of Manila wasn’t delayed, and tons of other Airswift flights delayed that morning. We were now on our final flight before we reached our destination of El Nido.
As we cleared through some white whipped clouds, the blue water below peeked through and the island of Palawan came into view. The airports landing strip is right on the edge of the water, backing right up to El Nido Bay.
Stepping onto the humid tarmac, were bussed across the airport to small huts set up to provide shade and water. Think airport. But without any windows, and Filipino fare lined the inside, providing a quick authentic snack and shade before transiting to town.
Tricycles came in one by one and picked up passengers. After a short wait, we climb aboard our own and zip to El Nido Town around noon.
Our accommodations were the beautiful Entalula Cottages. Nestled in the heart of El Nido Lagoon, you have a small private cottage to yourself with air conditioning (which is a must for us in heat + humidity). Mornings were private on the patio with breakfast brought to your room. Fresh fruit, eggs, and toast were fantastic starts for the days of snorkeling, exploring, and close to downtown for drinks and dinner.
After settling in, we venture into the city to find a meal. At the end of Rizal St and Serena St was Jarice Grill; a beachside grill. *Jarice Grill is permenately closed*. A line up of fresh fish greeted us from the streetside, and after climbing the staircase, we found the most beautiful view. Down we sat, and drinks were ordered. Food here was hit or miss, but overall we had a good experience here and were always sold by the view.
Sunrise came and we ventured onto the pink hued beach to enjoy a few moments.
I thought I was prepared, and off we went to sign in for the morning and get on the boat. The agency I thought I had booked through could not find our reservation. Naturally, I felt overwhelmed and unable to find my reservation since there was no internet. After a phone call from the staff, they located our reservation through a different tour company. WOW. I wanted to punch myself. So be aware of exactly which agency you’ve booked your tours through, because they all share the same names! (Tour A, B, ect.) Or just have a higher IQ than me.
Defeated, we headed to the correct agency and they offered to take us on a tricycle ride to Nacpan Beach instead, since we missed the boat to attend Tour C. Grateful and intrigued, we agreed and off we went towards an uncharted destination.
20 miles and 45 minutes later, we pull into a sand parking area, and told to enjoy a few hours at the beach. Our eyes rested on a small hut offering coconut water and beer. Two coconuts later, we leap out into the surf, getting slopped around the sand and waves.
Though our skills at conquering the waves was subpar, it was so much fun and one of our favorite memories. The sand was crystal white, with the water vibrating with hues of blue.
Another ride back to El Nido for the rest of the afternoon exploring then retreating back to our cottage, a bottle of corner store Tequila tucked in our bags.
The next day we explored the shoreline, visiting Caalan Cemetery
being swallowed by the sea. A trail wound us back towards High Chaparral Cottages, where we bought a much needed water and spoke to the woman running the joint as chickens and cats hung around in the midday heat.
The next morning came and we set out on our first island hopping tour B.
Seven Commandos Beach was our first snorkeling experience. I enjoyed the views more as there were many tourists flopping and taking selfies in the shallow water
Entalula Island had one of my all time favorite rock features.
Small Lagoon was our kayaking adventure, gliding through sheer slabs of limestone cut into the blue skies.
Payong-Payong Beach was our lunch stop for the day. Fresh grilled fish, rice, and fruit were all available and abundant on each tour. I spent most of the time in the water snorkeling, weaving into the waters, taking in the feeling of being somewhere that I’d been dreaming of, so far from home.
The next day we had our second island-hopping tour A. The highlight was going Vigan Island. As we shored up, I headed to a mess of rocks to clean out my water socks and take some photos. Of the sudden, Ronny comes roaring up with a rock in his hands, and starts screaming at this monkey that was running down the beach towards me.
That freakin monkey. I hate monkeys. He ran off and I got a sort of picture of him being an awful creature.
Ipil beach was our final destination, but by this point, Ronny was fried to a crisp, and I was feeling fatigued and irritated. While he waited back on the boat, I splashed about Ipil Beach, swallowing a ton of seawater while trying to soak in the last of our water adventures.
Our final day in El Nido was spent among the people, on the streets. We brought with us a basketball to donate to the local school, and I needed to experience Taho. I found it meh.. Our morning rush to the airport was fueled by Tequila Sunrises as a last ditch effort to prolong the inevitability of our long travel time back home.
