While on an island hopping tour of El Nido (Palawan), I chanced upon this lonely kayak lying idly on a small beach cove. The setting was perfect! The high noon heat was glaring mercilessly upon the bay with low lying trees sheltering the shore.
The shallow waters were painted with a refreshing aquamarine and in the distance with lurky deep blue colors. The verdant foliage was lit up like emeralds bordered by jagged rocks and tall limestone cliffs accentuated by sinister shadows.
Images of “Survivor”, “Lost”, and “The Beach” suddenly filled my mind and from than moment on I was relieved of satisfying what I was longing to experience for my visit to Palawan.
During my sojourn, I got to see a lot of Northern Palawan … it was definitely worth more than my initial expectations. Here’s my photo story of my 13-day backpacking trip:
Day 1
I’ve always been interested in backpacking or to “live/travel in a backpack.” When I go on trips, I prefer to take the local transportation, cheapest accommodations, local food … sacrificing comfort for the chance to visit more places and have a more authentic experience of the destination. For me, traveling should be an educational journey, to learn about foreign places and people and in the process learn more about yourself. The thrill of exploring places on your own and getting closer to the locals also makes the trips much more special and memorable. That’s why I set myself to go on a solo backpacking trip to Palawan so I can experience the backpacking lifestyle and visit the one place in the Philippines that I’ve always wanted to visit. My Palawan adventure started by taking a roll-on roll-off (roro) ferry from Iloilo City to Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The 36-hour boat ride includes a stopover in Cuyo Island and crosses the Sulu Sea. The ferry leaves Iloilo after dark and arrives at Cuyo for a short stop over the next day.
Waiting for the Iloilo – Puerto Princesa Montenegro Boat (RoRo) Ferry in Lapuz, Iloilo
Day 2
Cuyo is a group of 45 islets scattered in the middle of the expansive Sulu Sea between Panay Island and Mainland Palawan. The town of Cuyo used to be the capital of Palawan during the late 1800s and is home to the historic Cuyo Fortress Church. The main island itself is bordered by scenic beaches but some of the other islets has secluded white sand beaches, thriving dive sites, and ultra luxury resorts such as Amanpulo.
6-hour Stopover and tour of Cuyo Island, Palawan
Cuyo Fortress Church circa 1683s, Cuyo Island
Capusan Beachfront, Cuyo Island
Capusan Beach, Cuyo Island
Quijao Beach, Magsaysay, Cuyo Island
Taking a breather in Quijano Beach
Tabunan Bay and View of Bisucay Island
Preparing to depart Cuyo Island
Day 3
Approaching Puerto Princesa City
Arrival in Puerto Princesa Seaport
Shuttle Van Ride to San Vicente Poblacion
Sunset in San Vicente Pier
Day 4
San Vicente is a rising tourist destination in Palawan. It is home to Long Beach, a 9 kilometer stretch of white sand bordered by tropical trees and azure waters. Aside from Long Beach, San Vicente’s coast is also fringed by many other smaller white sand beaches and surrounded by beautiful off-shore islets. Palawan is currently building a new airport in town and improving roads to accommodate the huge tourism potential of San Vicente.
Long Beach, San Vicente
17km walk to Long Beach and Tandol Beach, San Vicente
Stuck in the rain between the limestone cliffs and caves of Long Beach and Tandol Beach
Tandol Beach after the rain, San Vicente
Brgy. Alimanguan, San Vicente
Day 5
Taytay is a small coastal town surrounded by scenic hills and off-shore islets in Northern Palawan. A short hike to a restaurant perched on top of a hill provides a great view of Fort Santa Isabel built during the 17th century, Taytay’s coast, and a charming bayside promenade.
Unplanned Sidetrip to Taytay Town
Overview of Taytay (Sta. Isabel) Fort from Casa Rosa Cafe
Bus to El Nido
Bus Ride to El Nido
Day 6
El Nido is a popular backpacker’s destination in Palawan. The biggest attraction of El Nido is the picturesque islands sprinkled off its coast. The author, Alex Garland, was rumored to have stayed in El Nido while he was writing his novel, “The Beach,” and it was one of his inspirations for creating his mythical island paradise. The novel later became the inspiration of a similarly titled movie in the 1990s starred by Leonardo de Caprio. El Nido, hands down, has the most scenic seascapes I’ve seen. The towering mountains jutting out from the sea and bordered by steep jagged limestone cliffs and white sand beaches were just an amazing sight. I loved El Nido so much that I decided to extend my stay there so I can see more of its islands, lagoons, white sand beaches, coral gardens, and marine life.
El Nido Island Hopping Tour A (Hidden Beach, Lunch in Star Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach)
Hidden Beach in Matinloc Island, El Nido
Star Beach in Tapiutan Island, El Nido
Helicopter Island, El Nido
Cadlao Lagoon, El Nido
Walking Tour of Calaan Beach, North of El Nido Town Proper Beach
Sunset at Calaan Beach
Stuffed Squid and Mango Shake with Rum at Squidoo
Day 7
Small Lagoon in Miniloc Island, El Nido
Big Lagoon in Miniloc Island, El Nido
Umbrella Beach in Miniloc Island, El Nido
Secret Lagoon in Miniloc Island, El Ndio
Beach beside the Secret Lagoon in Miniloc Island, El Nido
Exploring the Beach beside the Secret Lagoon
Closing in on Shimizu Island, El Nido
Fish feeding off the coast of Shimizu Island, El Nido
Walking Tour of Corong-corong Beach, Santikan Beach, and Marimikmik Beach
Sunset view at Marimikmik Beach
Day 8
Port Barton is another of Palawan’s popular backpackers’ destination but has an even more laid back and local feel to it that El Nido. It has an excellent beachfront area lined with backpacker friendly resorts and hostels. Like El Nido, many tourists also go to Port Barton for its many off-shore islets.
Toploading the Bus from El Nido to Roxas
Port Barton, San Vicente
Unsuccessful Trek to Pamuayan Falls
Twilight at Port Barton Beach
Day 9
The St. Paul Underground River became widely popular when it was voted as a finalist for the “New Seven wonders of Nature.” Also known as the Puerto Princesa Underground River, it is the longest navigable underground river in the world at 8.2 kilometers and is an integral component of a 3,500 hectare protected national reserve. Sabang Pier is the main jump-off point to the Underground River, beside it is a similarly named white sand beach lined with restaurants, resorts, and guesthouses.
Sabang Beach
2 hour Jungle Trail to St. Paul Underground River, Sabang
Monkey Trail to St. Paul Underground River, Sabang
Mouth of St. Paul Underground River, Sabang
Paddle Boat Tour of St. Paul Underground River, Sabang
Day 10
Puerto Princesa City is the capital of Palawan and is one of the most visited travel destinations in the Philippines. It is known as the “City in a Forest,” mixing the comfort of urban living, proximity to excellent eco-tourism destinations, and awareness of environmental protection among its people. Within the city proper are many interesting places to go to such as beaches, seafood restaurants, a local theme park, and a beautiful seaside promenade.
Top loading the Jeepney from Sabang to Puerto Princesa
Immaculate Concepcion Church, Puerto Princesa City
Plaza Cuartel, Puerto Princesa City
Busy Intersection in Puerto Princesa City
Palawan Provincial Capitol, Puerto Princesa City
NCCC Mall, Puerto Princesa City
Puerto Princesa City Baywalk
Tuna Steak Dinner at Ka Lui Restaurant, Puerto Princesa City
Day 11
Off the coast of Puerto Princesa City are the islets of Honda Bay. Within an hour’s travel from the city proper, visitors can already experience white sand beaches, thriving coral gardens, and scenic seascapes.
Pandan Island, Honda Bay
Snake Island, Honda Bay
A Quick Self-portrait in Snake Island’s Long Sandbar
Starfish Island, Honda Bay
Beach bumming at Starfish Island
Sunset at Silica Beach, Puerto Princesa City
Seafood Platter Dinner at Badjao Seafront Restaurant, Puerto Princesa City
Day 12
Mitra’s Ranch, Puerto Princesa City
Baker’s Hill, Puerto Princesa City
Puerto Princesa Airport – Flight to Manila
Aerial Views of Calamianes Group of Islands (Calamianes, Coron, Busuanga) in Northern Palawan – Still on my wishlist of places to travel
Arrival in Manila
Day 13
Visit to Plaza Miranda and Hidalgo St., Quiapo for some Camera errands. Had my Nikkor 18-105mm AF-S VR fixed and bought a new Sigma 18-250mm DC OS HSM to pair with my Nikon D5000.
Flight Back to Iloilo, Home at last!
To read the full travel journal, check out Survivor Palawan – A Solo Backpacker’s Travelogue.
In the Philippine Ilonggo dialect, ambot ah literally means "I don't know." After graduating in college, I decided to hold off pursuing my profession and embarked on a free spirited journey of adventure and self-discovery. My travels have led me to many places across the Philippine Islands and South East Asia. I don't know where this path will take me but I'm certain I'll get a lifetime of stories out of it.
panalo sir! ganda ng mga pics, inggit ako. i will backpack panay island soon. i hope it will be a blast like yours!
Thanks. If you’ve got any questions, I’ll glady help you with your itinerary for your Panay Backpacking trip.
i’m envious too! sarap tlga sumama sau, planado at nalibot mu ata lahat! great captures! *clap clap*
Ahehe. Kelangan mo pa mag practice ng mahabang-habang lakaran :) Thanks Gail
clap! clap! clap! winner marcos…grabe what more can i say,astig shot mo kay cyril love it…i miss el nido na and wanna go back again…
Thanks peachy … me too I want to go back, I want to go to secret beach, huhuhu :(
o nga noh, nde ka pala nakapasok sa secret beach…let’s go back for tour B & tour C =) …i’m going to iloilo on oct 16-18 for the maskara festival…help naman on how to get to bacolod via iloilo….
hi, marcos. how much yung fare ng roro from lapuz to cuyo? How long yung travel time? I’ve never been to secret beach in El Nido. :) Someday, someday. I wish I have enough resources and time to also go on backpacking trips just like you did. More adventures for you, marc!
The fare at the Milagrosa Roro was P1070 for the deluxe (upper deck) from Lapuz to Puerto Princesa. Going to Cuyo, I think it’s only around P600 and it takes approx. 8-10 hours. Thanks gene :)
Where was your take off point to Cuyo? Was it Lapuz-Cuyo also?
yes, In Lapuz. The Milagrosa and Montenegro terminal are just walking distance from each other.
Wow, really nice shots… makes all of us envy you! :) I spent a year in Palawan but was never able to capture it the way you do. :)
Thanks for showing the beauty of our country to many who are unaware. :)
Am looking forward to going back to Palawan, I hope real soon…
BTW, did you get Malaria prophylaxis? .. You know what to do if ever you get fever hehe…
Thanks Kareen. I was lucky that the weather cooperated with me during my trip.
Did not get a malaria prophylaxis, despite my sister’s insistence, hehe. During my research, I found out that malaria in Palawan is only more prevalent in the dense jungles of the southern part of Palawan. The risk of malaria for tourists going to PPC and Northern Palawan is very minimal … not unless you’re really asking for it and insist on wandering off to the jungle :D
Congrats Marco!!! How i wish i could travel around the world and explore all the hidden secrets of paradise like you…. More power and wishin’ you all the best… God Speed!
Thanks Rodge!
I am planning to doa solo backpacking in elnido.. after seeing this.. i definitely should see this!! thanksss Marcos!
Cool ah. In my experience, I found Palawan to be easy for doing solo trips so just do a bit of research and you’ll be fine. Good luck on your trip!
iba ka.
ikaw na talaga.
galing
thanks nikki
Sehr good ang ganda nang guinawa mo .We like to do it on Feb. 2011. Do you write a Book about it. A travel Guide for Tourist.
Thanks! A travel guide book? not at the moment. My blogs are mostly where I post my travels.
Great job, found your post really helpful especially when i did my own trip to Puerto Princesa and El Nido with a 7k Challenge in mind.
http://www.wearesolesisters.com/2010/09/chichis-7k-extreme-challenge-result.html
Happy travels!
thanks for the feedback Chichi … had a great read over at your blog.
astig ang trip!!! gusto q rin gawin yan
I hate you Marcos. Kainis ka. I hate you i hate you ang ganda ganda ng post mo. Ganda ng Palawan. I hate you I hate you! (syempre opposite meaning haha :D)
Kakagulat naman ng reply mo Mica, hehe. Thanks!
ganda ng pictures!!! sarap mag beach!
thanks flip
congrats!
here’s my photo coverage of the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards
2010 Philippine Blog Awards photo coverage (winners, stage, hosts, people)
http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010-philippine-blog-awards-photo.html
bloggers @ 2010 Philippine Blog Awards (photo coverage)
http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com/2010/12/bloggers-2010-philippines-blog-awards.html
thanks for sharing azrael
tol, anong camera gamit mo?
D5000 with (18-55 non vr) kit lens
very nice photos..well captured.
ganda! we’re going to palawan this feb, akala ko el nido’s out of reach pero di naman pala. hehe.
really nice shots! may i know what camera did you use? :) i’ve been to some of these places but was not able to capture their beauty like you had.
Thanks Shirley, I used a D40 with kit lens during the trip.
nice ang ganda ng place parang paradise. i think i wanna visit it sometimes
Go for it Event Lover!
Sir! grabe naman ito… nakakatulala ang mga kinuha mong litrato!
Thanks Ian :D Nice to meet you, btw, in Manila
i wish i captured our moments in El Nido like the way you did.
lalo na yung mga sea and sunset shots.
I’m craving to experience those moments again :( it really pays to allot a generous amount of time/effort to take sunset photos when traveling
Hi Marcos. Your photos are awesome. What camera do you use? Thanks.
thanks travelfreak. I’m using a Nikon D5000 with Sigma 18-250mm lens
wats ur facebook fan page? i want to know what dialects and backpack stuff should i gear up myself with when i travel. wanna know more bout that :o)
Nice place..Thanks for sharing.
I happened to bump into your blog while doing a little bit of research on Palawan. Thanks for all of these. They helped me a lot.
No problem jipp.
the beauty of palawan (el nido) is breathtaking, thank you very much for sharing your backpacking adventure.
My pleasure Edgar ^_^
really envious. you’re indeed a traveler by heart. i hope you can help me prepare a “DIY underground river itinerary” too as we’re planning to get there early next year. i also do travel a lot, usually alone, and i am looking forward to having a blog site like this =) it’s inspiring, really!
Thanks gianella. posted my DIY UG tour here: http://www.ambot-ah.com/puerto-princesa-underground-river-solo-jungle-trek-sabang-palawan/
chymera00 .. tanong q lng po ? meron po ba kayo na discover na hidden place jan sa palawan? kelangan q lng po kc sa presentation q sa tourism subject .. help me po pls ? tnx po ..
Hidden place? hmm… of all the places I visited in Palawan, San Vicente Long Beach probably fits that bill the most.
Hi! I’m a solo backpacker as well and I was hoping you could help me with my travel to El Nido. I’m planning to go there on feb. any affordable place to stay you can recommend in el nido? where and how much did you book for your el nido island hopping? is it doable to get to underground river without booking a tour? Thanks so much in advance. and nice shots by the way, awesome!
Hey cale, I can recommend Hotel Banane in El Nido. Here was my itinerary for your reference: http://www.ambot-ah.com/palawan-12-day-itinerary-budget-and-expenses-diy-backpacking/
Flying to Puerto Princessa day after tomorrow and heading to El Nido from there. Thanks for the pics and info, it seems it’s going to be an awesome journey!
Cool! Good luck on your trip Jay!