Waves and Wonders: Our El Nido, Palawan Travel Diary

Hello, Hivers! After exploring the amazing Underground River in Puerto Princesa, our adventure in Palawan didn’t stop there. We continued our journey and headed to El Nido, a place known for its stunning lagoons, white sand beaches, and beautiful island views. The long road trip was worth it, as we looked forward to seeing more of Palawan’s natural beauty. Tired but excited, we were ready for the next part of our unforgettable getaway.

From the Underground River, we got back on the van to begin our journey to El Nido. It was a long ride around 5 to 6 hours from Puerto Princesa. We left in the early afternoon and passed by quiet towns, lush greenery, and winding mountain roads. Some parts were bumpy, but the scenery helped make the trip enjoyable.

We had short stopovers to stretch, grab snacks, and use the restroom. Most of us napped while others watched the views pass by. Finally, we arrived in El Nido at around 7 p.m. The town had a quiet, cozy vibe, with soft lights glowing from nearby shops and eateries.

We checked into a simple transient house just a few minutes from the town center. It wasn’t fancy, but it was clean and comfortable, just what we needed. The best part? It was only a 3 minute walk to the wharf where our island hopping tour would start the next morning. That made us even more excited for what was to come.

Island Hopping Begins
The next morning, we woke up early to prepare for Tour A, one of the most popular island hopping tours in El Nido. The weather was perfect clear blue skies, calm waters, and a refreshing breeze. We packed our sunscreen, hats, and dry bags, had a quick breakfast, and walked to the wharf.

We met our boat crew and tour mates at around 8:30 a.m. Our boat was ready, and the adventure began. Tour A included stops at Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach, some of the best spots in Bacuit Bay.

Our first stop was Big Lagoon. We rented kayaks to explore the calm emerald waters surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. The beauty of the place was unreal. It felt peaceful, like we had entered a secret world of nature.

Next was Shimizu Island, where we got to snorkel. The water was so clear, and we saw many colorful fish and coral. After snorkeling, we relaxed on the beach while our guides grilled lunch.

Lunch was a treat for us. Grilled fish, shrimp, chicken, rice, vegetables, and fresh fruit, served right by the beach. Eating with the sound of waves and island views around us made it feel like paradise.

After lunch, we went to Secret Lagoon. To get inside, we squeezed through a small hole in a rock wall and inside was a peaceful hidden pool. It felt cool and mysterious, like nature’s hidden surprise.

Lastly, we stopped at Seven Commandos Beach. The sand was soft and white, and the tall coconut trees made the place look like a postcard. Some of us swam, others rested, and we even bought fresh buko juice from local vendors. It was the perfect spot to end our day.

Nightlife in El Nido
After getting back from the tour and taking a refreshing shower, we still had energy left and we were curious about what El Nido had to offer after dark. So, we decided to explore a bit of the nightlife in town.

The streets were lively, filled with tourists and locals just walking around or looking for dinner spots. We stopped by a beachside bar where there was acoustic music playing. With sand under our feet and a cool drink in hand, it was the perfect way to relax after a full day at sea.

Some restaurants had fire shows or live bands, while others offered quiet beachfront seating under string lights. We tried some delicious seafood again and even got to chat with other travelers. The vibe in El Nido at night is friendly and laid back, no loud clubs, just cozy music, good food, and people enjoying the moment.

We didn’t stay out too late, but the night gave us one more memory to treasure. It was the perfect mix of adventure and chill. A reminder that El Nido is not only beautiful during the day but also charming at night.

By the time we returned to our transient house, we were beyond satisfied. Our second day in Palawan was packed with adventure, beauty, great food, and a fun night to top it all off. El Nido had given us a day we’d never forget.

If you ever plan to visit Palawan, make sure you take Tour A and experience the nightlife even just a walk through town or a drink by the beach. It’s all part of what makes El Nido so magical.

Thank you for reading this wonderful experience. See you in my next adventure, Hivers!

PS: All photos are mine and enhances with the help of Canva.

Have a great day ahead!