Enchanting El Nido

"Alleluia! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever. He alone does great marvels, his love endures forever. In wisdom he made the heavens, his love endures forever. He set the earth upon the waters, his love endures forever."

Psalm 136:1,4-6 

El Nido is located in the northernmost of Palawan mainland of western Philippines. The ecosystem in El Nido brings pride as it consists of:

• 45 islands and islets
• 250 million year-old limestone cliffs
• 888 species of fish
• 447 species of coral
• 114 species of bird
• 5 species of marine turtle
• 2,645 hectares of mangrove forest

Most especially they have the edible nests of collocalia fuciphaga more commonly known as nido nests of swiftlets. These nests cost about $3,000 per kilo, a rare and expensive stuff.

Are you overwhelemed by the given info? But wait, there's more! El Nido, Palawan has El Nido Resorts!

El Nido Resorts have 3 resorts. Back in 2007 however, they only had 2 resorts when I was invited to stay at Miniloc. Island Transvoyager Inc is the official aircraft of El Nido Resorts. After about some 75 minutes or airtime, you will be greeted by a pleasant looking local Jeepney.

Boat transfers to El Nido Resorts are exclusively through this port. Boats will either take you to the designated resort that you will check into.

The ride going to Miniloc was already amazing. The limestone and the color of the sea will truly excite you.

Miniloc is one of the most beautiful coves in El Nido. This resort has 50 native and rustic accommodations.

The cabanas at Miniloc are specifically arranged to remind you of a coastal village in our country.

Not far from the beach, you can swim with these 1.5 meters jack fish and other different school of fish. Oh, I also found Nemo, he's photo-shy though, so you just have to be there to see him. 

By sundown, the resort would create a festive mood for dinner complete with cultural presentations.

No Photoshop involved. No DSLR. Just my plain digital camera and God's beautiful creation. An El Nido sunset that would haunt you wherever you go.

Island hopping is one activity you should never miss while spending time at El Nido. You can do this kayaking or maybe with a pump boat. The scenery will make your jaw drop in awe.

Snake Island is a lengthy sandbar, about 3 kilometers long. It got its name because of its snake-like shape. Parts of it will be submerged in water during high tide.

If there is abundance in limestone then for sure stalactites and stalagmites would be present as well.

Entalula is one island where you will hop into for a quick lunch arranged by the El Nido resorts.

The Entalula is another resort managed by El Nido resorts but his one is smaller and near the town.

The open sea of Entalula makes it easier for Hobbiecat sailors to stir through. I even tried it myself, of course with the help of an expert guide. A very nice experience.

On top of a hill in Entalula, you will see an amazing scene that will take away the weariness of hiking up.

One of the islands visible from the hilltop is this Turtle Island. It is prohibited to be near this island because turtles are naturally bred.

Before going back to Miniloc, our itinerary includes visiting Lagen Resort. I didn't waste this time to take some pictures of the island resort. The Lagen's backdrop is a lush forest and it is facing Bacuit Bay.

While on the plane going back to manila, I glimpse on my window and saw the turquoise water and lush green islands below. I remembered a song of a defunct boy band; God must have spent a little more time... in Palawan.