El Nido is one of the nicest place in the island Philippine. There is simple living, enormous landscape & seascapes with hospitable people. Around 1:15 hr ride on a 19 seater plane, half an hour land travel to El Nido town. You can't compare the beauty of El Nido to, it's different. It is somewhat similar to the virgin islands of Camiguin you’ll need to ride a boat and wander the islands of El Nido! It is really a wonderful and magnificent and you will love the sea foods! It's very fresh!
El Nido is considered a showcase of Palawan's geology and various wildlife It is one of the most important sites for biological diversity in the country and has been stated by the Philippine government as a protected area.
Conquered by towering marble cliffs that are homes to a number of tropical birds, El Nido is the source of one of the most delicious soups specially found in Chinese restaurants "the Nido Soup". This soup consists mainly of the bird nests that abound in the area. Edible-nest Swiftlets (Collocalia fuciphaga) abound in El Nido. The nests of these birds are found in the crevices of the limestone cliffs and are the main ingredient of the health enhancing bird's nest or nido soup. It is these nests that gave the place its Spanish name, El Nido. But El Nido is more than this. It prides itself in having the most beautiful seascapes in the province of Palawan, known as the country's last frontier. Because of its utter splendor, it has also been called the island of the gods, heaven on earth that is El Nido.
El Nido is a municipality situated at the northwestern tip of the province of Palawan, Philippines. It is 430 kilometers southwest of Manila, and 238 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan's capital. El Nido is bordered by the Linapacan Strait in the North, the Sulu Sea in the east, and the South China Sea in the west.
The Municipality of El Nido is composed of 18 barangays (villages) covering a total land area of 50,000 hectares. Its population of 27,000 people is a combination of native Palaweños, with a heavy presence of migrants from other parts of the Philippines. The world's largest pearl was discovered by a Filipino diver in a giant Tridacna (mollusk) under the Palawan Sea in 1934. Known as the "Pearl of Lao-Tzu", the gem weighs 14 pounds and measures 9 1/2 inches long and 5 1/2 inches in diameter. As of May 1984, it was valued at US$42 million. It is believed to be 600 years old.
It is the scenic landscape, crystal clear waters, and relative isolation that attracts and fascinates most travelers to El Nido. The 45 islands and islets and the surrounding sea present endless opportunities for adventure, nature appreciation, and even just simple amusements. El Nido's majestic limestone cliffs are estimated to be 250 million years old. They stand guard over clear waters, with 200 species of tropical fishes, more than 100 species of corals, and three species of endangered sea turtles. El Nido's forests are host to more than 100 species of birds, a large number of which are endemic to Palawan.
Kayaking in secret lagoons, mangrove tours, snorkeling or diving with colorful tropical fishes, hiking to the peak of an island, fishing, bird watching, exploring uninhabited islands, picnic lunches or sunbathing in a white sand beach. These are just some of the activities that can be arranged by El Nido Resorts.
Island Hopping is the main one, totally dedicated to the over 50 beaches in the marine reserve of Bacuit Bay. There are a number of places to hire boats including packages that include food and tour guides. Or do it yourself by walking down the beach and hiring a boat. On the other hand you can also hire kayaks, paddle boats or even go windsurfing! Fishing is also available here.
Scuba Diving is also famous, as there is a wealth of marine life and plenty of reef here. More advanced diving is also available. You can never bore of the islands, but sometimes you may hunger for something a bit different. No problem, El Nido have much more. Through the tourism office, you can book tours with the El Nido Tour Guides Association. They can take you Cliff Climbing which gives a wonderful birds-eye view. Try north of the town and you can go Cave Exploring, and also discover the Waterfalls.
Perhaps you favour to hit the dirt track and make your own adventure. Simply hire a Motorbike, fill up with gas and travel around away. North of the town there is a circular road taking you round both sides of the mainland. There are several places scattered around town that you can hire motorbikes; it will cost 1000 pesos per day plus fuel. If you prefer a slower look at the local scenery you can also hire mountain bikes in town. After a long day under the sun you may want to simply relax. The A healthy menu is also served at El Nido beach resorts. Before you leave you may want to take a piece of El Nido with you. There are some Souvenir shops in town offering a variety of local handicrafts.
A number of bars offer different entertainment including billiard, dancing, live music, karaoke, and of course along the beach front the chance to relax and watch the beautiful view breathtaking; many leave, their lives changed by this magical place.
El Nido certainly is a magical place. From its ageless towering marble cliffs to its white sandy beaches with crystal clear water, many refer to it as paradise. There are over 50 beaches to discover, so many in fact that sometimes you feel as if you are on your own private private beach. You will also find enthralling lagoons with peaceful turquoise-green water, caves that can take you to hidden beaches, and a very diverse variety of wildlife.
El Nido is a top destination for island hopping, book your boat, take some food, some drinks in a cool box and disappear into the heavenly marine reserve that is Bacuit Bay. It is a truly relaxing and inspiring place; Alex Garland wrote "The Beach" while living here. Scuba diving is also a popular activity here with over 30 dive sites for varying levels and skills; from taking the plunge and learning to dive for the first time, to perfecting your expertise and advancing your qualifications.
Seafood is a local specialty; in fact many fish are exported to Manila, and on to other South East Asian countries. There are restaurants scattered around the town offering various foods to suit most palates. From sea foods to meat dishes, salads, pastas, stews there is something for everyone. Specific restaurants also have foreign influence including French, German, Swiss and Australian.
