Philippines

El Nido, Palawan:

Things To Do: the best things to do in El Nido are the island tours. Tour A and Tour C are the most popular. I would highly, highly recommend going on these tours with Art’s Cafe. They only takes smaller boats, so you are not in a huge tour group and they explain very well everything you are seeing. Lunch is included in the tour cost, and the food is pretty good! They are also very accommodating if you have dietary restrictions.

Tour A: Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commando Beach
- This tour includes snorkeling and kayaking.
Tour C: Secret Beach, Helicopter Island, Talisay Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Hidden Beach
- This tour has a lot of snorkeling opportunities. It also visits sites that are further away from town, so the waves are a little bigger. If you get sea sick easily, make sure you take Dramamine before going.

Accommodation:

Buko Beach Resort: a beautiful resort on the beach, one of the best areas on the island to watch the sunset.
There are many AirBnb’s on the island, several very nice resorts and hostels. It’s most convenient to stay in or near town.

Food:

Happiness: delicious Mediterranean restaurant, I would highly recommend the falafel. The seats at the bar are swings.
Altrove: the most famous pizza place on the island. There is almost always a wait and you cannot make reservations.
Sava Beach Bar: great place to grab drinks on the beach!
Birdhouse Cafe: a cafe recommended by several people. I didn’t have the opportunity to go, but I’ve heard great things!

Notes:

The best way to get to El Nido is flying AirSwift from Manila.
If you are flying from Manila to El Nido, you will have to go to a small domestic terminal. To get there, make sure you take a yellow metered taxi.
El Nido is very up and coming. The WiFi on the island is very spotty and it’s likely you will experience losing electricity, or as the locals call it “a brown out.”
Malaria is prevalent all over the Philippines. It is highly encouraged that you take Malaria pills if you plan on visiting.
You cannot drink the water in the Philippines. Make sure you always have bottled with you.
Most places in El Nido do not accept credit card. There are only 2 ATMs on the island and I have heard stories of the ATMs running out of money. I would get all the cash you think you’ll need at the airport in Manila.
The best way to get around El Nido is by a tricycle.