Beyond Valenzuela: Soul Searching & Learning 7 More Things about El Nido

There are moments when you just need some time to unwind and reflect on things. The first few months of 2018 have been a whirlwind for One Valenzuela and she believes that this may have been the case for some of you as well. Life is hard but it’s up to us on how we will face the music, right?

One Valenzuela felt the need to have a brief break after a speaking engagement in Puerto Princesa, Palawan which went quite well (Thank you for the opportunity!). El Nido calls her back the second time around.

El Nido is such an amazing place to be in. One Valenzuela remembers the first time she went here with Little One Valenzuela – they grabbed a couple of blueberry muffins from El Nido Midtown Bakery, walked along the beach, and watched the sunset let out its magic. 

You might have seen a lot of posts about how one can splurge on a grand vacation in El Nido or simply get there on a humble budget (One Valenzuela falls in the latter; simple lang po tayo). Well, this post is not an exhaustive travel guide about El Nido. You will find those in travel-themed blogs which One Valenzuela also read whenever going to places beyond Valenzuela City. Rather, this post will give a few more points which may help you as you do your soul-searching in this gorgeous place through the photos below. Here are a few things that made her solo stay there even more unforgettable.

 1. How to travel better from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?

 Travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is approximately 5 to 6 hours via land. Be ready for such a long journey. One Valenzuela brings snacks to munch on and water to drink for this trip. There are vans and buses which are cheaper. But for those who want to be a bit more comfortable, Daytripper’s vehicles have ample leg room which makes the travel much bearable. Vans are not allowed to go beyond the terminal and so you have to take the tricycle (Php50) to reach your lodging. This is not the best shot of the van but just focus on the leg room.

2. What tour to take?

Tours A (Blue lagoons - Php1,200) and C (Islands and beaches - Php1,400 as of this writing). Suggestions: If you need to choose one, take Tour A. If you can do both, take tour C first then A. If you can do all tours, why not try all!?! Prices are fixed in El Nido and the tours all come with a sumptious group lunch. She intends to do the Taraw hike (Php700 as of 2018) and go to Nacpan in the future if life permits it again.

Other than the paradise itself, guides do their best to entertain tourists. One Valenzuela has to mention Jerome and his fellow tour guide who showed how to make birds and grasshoppers out of coconut leaves. Jerome said that seasoned tour guides pass this kind of knowledge to them. Ang galing!

3. Where to stay?

One Valenzuela has not experienced staying in a posh place while in El Nido. Again, she is just a simple kid. She highly recommends Biolina Guesthouse, a family-owned accommodation because of its budget-friendliness (Php1,000 for a fan room), the people’s warmth towards guests (saying hi to the Mantoses!), and the location which is literally near everything (beach, food spots, the Canopy walk). And you know what? The bougainvillea plant that they have there has a bird's nest during One Valenzuela's stay meaning that the birds are THAT comfortable to reside with the humans in this place. Well, to say it shortly, learn from the birds.

4. Where to run?

 Want to sweat it out after eating a lot? A Palaweño told her that runners frequent the uphill road near their elementary school. One Valenzuela tried the route! Basang sisiw mode on. It was her first time to run on an inclined path. Along the road are some cashew nut trees where she was able to pick a few fruits (with permission from the owner). By the way, Palawan is known for cashew nuts, so grab a few packs for pasalubong.

5. The best ice cream in El Nido?

 According to One Valenzuela’s taste buds, grab a cone of Gusto Gelato. She personally loves their Dark Chocolate ice cream. The tiramisu flavor is also good - she ate some while simply walking along the streets of El Nido. By the way, they also allow you to have samples of their ice cream (see upper left corner of the photo).

And you know what? The staff of Gusto Gelato(the one near Squidos) mentioned that she loves her job and how the company takes care of employees like them (benefits, etc.). So, yes, buy products from shops like these. 

6. Bread?

Still, still, still, go to El Nido Midtown Bakery. It churns out piping hot pan de sal early in the morning. The blueberry muffin (Php30.00) is something that you should try as well.

7. Where to dine?  

There are a lot of food stops in El Nido already! It's really hard to recommend shops. But...the falafel shop along Calle Hama is good! The owner of this spot is also the one who makes good falafels in the Legaspi Weekend Market. (Falafel - Middle Eastern food made of chickpeas and/or fava beans)

The falafel here in Happiness Bar also tastes good! Did not dine here yet but got the chance to taste their sample along the way. Well, One Valenzuela's advice is to basically eat what you haven't tried before. Like a falafel meal! 

For those Valenzuelanos planning their vacation in this great place, hope this short post helps. Have a happy summer!

One Valenzuela bound to Palawan: Day 3 on a City Tour

Every travel has an end. On the third day, the group pursued the City Tour where in they visited various places in the city. But before they ride the van, they took photos at Balay Inato.

One more tour to go!

 Tiangge Tiangge

Go to Cora Palawan Pearl and Souvenir Shop for cheap cultured pearls(freshwater pearls-small pearl earrings: 3 sets for Php20), South Sea pearls (pricy, One Valenzuela asked for brown colored ones and the pair costs around two thousand pesos, but well worth it), kasuy (Php45-390, depends on weight), dried fish, and shirts (range from Php90 and up).

One Valenzuela also bought a few boxes of Love Pearls at Php80.00 each. Here, the one who receives the box will have to make a wish and then get the pearl directly from a clam! The color of the pearl were given meaning (i.e. white for health, cream for happiness, peach for love, lavender for wisdom, and gold for wealth). After that, the pearl is then placed inside a pendant necklace. Great gift idea.

Yeah, One Valenzuela bought one ref magnet.

Sets of pearl earrings and necklaces

Strings of pearls will delight your eyes

The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

Previously known as the Crocodile Farm. Learn more about crocodiles. Take a photo op with a baby crocodile. Check out other animals such as porcupines and birds.

Smile like a a crocodile! ^_^

The biggest so far in the center is Mac mac.

Learn more about crocodiles with this guy as your guide.

Baker’s Hill

Buy Hopia (Php40-45 a box). Their cheese bread is also very soft and of course, cheesy. Take fun photos in their mini park.

One Valenzuela likes the hopia mongo better. But better buy the two flavors for pasalubong.

Baker's Hill statues are fun to take photos with

A staff told us that they put fresh flowers here daily.

Sit and say "oh"!

Small monkey decorations are all over Baker's Hill

Hopia, hopia

Mitra’s Ranch

See the islands of Honda Bay. Zipline and other activities available.

Activities at Mitra's Ranch

View the islands of Honda Bay.

Mitra was fond of roosters that is why this structure
looks like a cockpit.

Great location for photo shoots. :)

Binuatan Weaving

Learn how to weave. Buy weaved bags, wallets, etc.

Aya trying her hand on weaving.

Beautifully colored bags adorn the Binuatan Creations shop.

Plaza Cuartel

Here a statue is erected to commemorate slain American soldiers.

Relax and feel the breeze among trees. Visit the cathedral across the street.

The trees give ample shade in the plaza.

Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral beside Plaza Cuartel

The group also passed by Ka Lui, Palawan City Hall, and Palawan's Baywalk. The van later on dropped the group near the airport terminal. From there, they ate and waited for their flight back home.

Baywalk at Puerto Princesa

Trying on bracelets at a store near the Puerto Princesa airport

And we hope to be back soon Palawan!

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Appreciation Box:
This trip is heaven sent, thank you Tita Neneng for making this trip happen. The whole group had fun (under the sun) and it is an experience which will always be remembered. Thank you for your tips regarding airport conduct, funny stories, life enriching moments, and a lot more.

Thank you for being a great Tita to us all. Hoping for more adventures with you and Aya in the near future. Domo arigato gozaimasu!

Tita Neneng and Aya: Ride to Palawan.
 Thank you so much!

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To Aya, Feb, Tita Merdel, Tito Nonoth, my sister, Little One Valenzuela: One Valenzuela had a great time bonding with you guys. Sa uulitin!

To Tito Vic, salamat po sa sundo at hatid sa airport.

To Rebecca Arbolado of Marianne Home Inn, salamat sa asikaso. Kuya Bodjie and the van drivers, thank you for the great tours. To our boatmen, thank you for sailing and swimming with us.

Thank God for being with us in the whole trip. ^_^

Salamat Palawan. It is indeed more fun in the Philippines!

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Valenzuelanos, One Valenzuela hopes that you get to visit Palawan soon. Here are some of her suggestions on your future Palawan trip:

• What to bring for the Palawan trip: light shirts, shorts, slippers, sunblock,swimwear, extra stash of cash for pasalubong, ziplock. Wide brimmed hats are for sale at several areas in the docks and pasalubong center so you may just buy there. Start saving for a waterproof, shockproof, freeze proof camera (note again and again to self)--hehe. When bringing your camera, always have your charger with you since you will surely be taking a lot of photos.
• For a comfortable trip, go with tour packages. But if you are working on a tight budget, a DIY tour is for you. Make sure that you get permits for the Underground River on your first day since there are times when it is fully booked.
• Environmental fees (Php40 at the time of writing) and snorkeling gears (Php150) are not included in tour packages.
• There are more activities in store for everyone other than the Underground River, Honda Bay, and City tour. Someday, One Valenzuela hopes to go firefly watching at night, visit the museum, try out scuba diving, and eat at some of the local restaurants.
• Tricycle transportation here is fairly easy. As of this writing, a ride in the city will cost you Php 10.00 per person.
• The group never had an issue on missing belongings on their stay here in Palawan. Yet it is advised that you bring a sling bag so you can put your important belongings in front of you.
• When buying in Tiangge Tiangge, go to Cora's. It is cheaper to buy here than in non-air conditioned stalls.
• Useful websites (The ones One Valenzuela used which are reliable. You may check out other sites too.):
  
  Marianne Home Inn
  http://www.marianne-palawan.com/
  Balay Inato
  http://haimchickeninato.webs.com/
  Airphil Express (under Philippine Airlines)
  http://www.airphilexpress.com/

One Valenzuela bound to Palawan: Day 2 at Honda Bay

Everyone was so giddy and excited to go swimming and snorkeling today. One Valenzuela's group first had their complimentary breakfast at Balay Inato. The breakfast look unappealing when One Valenzuela saw it at a website but after eating the whole meal, she felt so full and ready to conquer the day.

Balay Inato's longsilog

Little One Valenzuela's Mahi-mahi

Again, they were picked up by Kuya Bodjie and the van. It took them 30 minutes to reach the Honda Bay docks. They rode a bigger boat now and again wore life vests. They are going to visit three spots: Pambato Reef, Pandan Island, and Cowrie Island.

Yey, Tita Neneng! We are off to an adventure on Day 2.

Pambato Reef

One Valenzuela's group saw several giant clams and various kinds of corals. The boatmen also doubled as their guide underwater. The boatmen shared with them facts about marine life.

Pambato Reef

Tita Merdel getting ready to snorkel.

Tito Nonoth on the go.

Pandan Island

One thing that One Valenzuela will never forget here are the numerous fishes that they saw underwater. Marami talaga! One Valenzuela bought a couple of Skyflakes biscuit packs and they fed the fishes there. The boatman also guided them to an area where they can find clown fishes. He also showed them some poisonous corals and a spider starfish. Since One Valenzuela does not own a waterproof camera, she has to be content with beach photos (Note AGAIN to self: Start saving for a waterproof, shockproof, freeze proof camera).

Just buy packs of biscuits and
you are good to go fish feeding

Aya and Patrick Star: the people at the island reminds us always that after taking pictures,
we should put the starfishes back in the water.

I love you too, sistah!

Little One Valenzuela loves the water!

See the sand, Ma? Like sugar!

One Valenzuela's group also had grilled lunch on this island. Just imagining the food table again makes her drool.

Taob ang pinggan: grilled porkchop and fish, fresh lato seaweed, steamed lady fingers, squid,
fresh cucumber-tomato salad and rice.

Peddled by locals: fresh Nangaranga(?)
for Php200/ tray.

Steamed Nangaranga(?)

Take note that there are no trashcans in this island. You have to take your trash with you back to the mainland.

Cowrie Island

Named after the cowrie shell, the said seashells at the island are already very rare. You will see a massage area, bar, several tables and chairs here on this island. Trees give shade to island visitors. At around 4 p.m., the group took a bath to wash off the saltwater and sand before heading back to the port.

Cowrie Island: You won't miss it because of this signage

Trees serve as shade near the beach of Cowrie Island

Cowrie Island Bar and Restaurant

What you can buy at the Cowrie Island Bar and Restaurant

Cowrie Island amenities and perks

The gang went back to Balay Inato, satisfied with their day. Rebecca Arbolado of Marianne Home Inn came over and One Valenzuela settled their payment with her. Ms. Becca gave us Wild Honey as a souvenir to take home from our Palawan trip.

Pawi, the pawikan and some Wild Honey to take home

Together, the group ate dinner at one of Balay Inato's huts. They kept on discussing the highlights of their day. Tomorrow is their last day and they will be on a City Tour. 

For the details of this trip (tips, contact numbers,etc.) and One Valenzuela's appreciation box, go to Day 3.