Why I Love El Nido

I've mentioned so many times how much I love El Nido, Palawan that I think of relocating there one day. I love El Nido not only for its beautiful beaches or lagoons but for the peace and simplicity of the whole society in general. The municipality of El Nido is my ideal place to live. It’s generally peaceful and clean despite the many tourists taking their vacation there.

snorkeling at Hidden Beach

Beach front in the town proper of El Nido

me at the Secret Beach

PEOPLE

The people in Palawan were the nicest people I’ve met. I don’t know if it’s just circumstantial but throughout my 7 days in Palawan, I’ve never met a single person who has taken advantage of me as a first time tourist or of any vacationing foreigners I knew for that matter. Tricycle drivers, street vendors, tour operators and even random people I spoke with in the streets were so nice, honest and welcoming. This is very opposite in other areas in the Philippines wherein it is not uncommon for a taxi driver to take advantage of any tourist by asking more than the supposed metered rate. It happens to me in Manila several times. In Palawan, nobody asked me for more than the published minimum tricycle rate of Php 20.00. Except of course when the destination is too far or during the night and dawn wherein they charged more than the minimum fare which I understand.

locals running errands in El Nido

at the town proper of El Nido, pretty much like any rural town proper in the country

PLACES

El Nido is undoubtedly for me, the most beautiful place I’ve been to. The unbelievably clear water on white pristine beaches were so inviting that I went swimming and sunbathing until I got sunburn. I only stopped swimming when my skin hurts too much. I was too excited that I forgot to put on the sun block by the way. The sunburn took a toll on my skin that it turned flaky in the next few days. Nevertheless, I’m happy.

The experience of getting into the Secret Beach through the small hole of the gigantic limestone cliffs amid the huge waves is just exhilarating. I will never forget that awesome experience.

The marvelous corals, fishes and different marine animals in El Nido add charm to the already beautiful place. I will never forget when we went fish-feeding. The different varieties of fish in El Nido confidently eat the food waste we threw at them as if they are used to having these people around them. Maybe they already are used.

going back to El Nido's town proper after our island hopping tour

fishes in El Nido

LIFESTYLE

The lifestyle in El Nido is distinctly simple. Nowadays tourism is the most promising industry. Hotels, inns, tour operators, shops are sprouting around the town proper. Most of the establishments are either family- owned or sole proprietorship. I haven’t seen any big companies such as Jollibee, hotel chains or SM serving the area which makes it unique and distinct from other commercial beaches such as Boracay.

morning in El Nido

some of the growing businesses in El Nido- massage spa center

relatively clean street of El Nido

Business related to tourism is ever-growing in El Nido

I have been to different places in the Philippines like Manila, Iloilo, Cebu and of course Davao but El Nido really differs from it all because of its beauty, environment and of course the people.