El Nido, Philippines 2019
How we got there: From Boracay we flew air Swift ( 40 minute flight time). Please read air Swift policies closely as we had to pay a ton of excess baggage fees. You can add allotted weight via credit card up to 4 hours before your flight.While the airport is very small we still set up transport to our hotel.Where we stayed: the Panorama resort El Nido. While this was a bit pricey with its 3 stars it's the highest rated hotel currently available without opting into some of the private island options that start at 1000/night. The panorama is composed of 8 glam huts with fully functioning air condition, TV comfortable bed and a spacious modern feel. The staff at the front desk were wonderful. A small pool sits just in the middle of all of the 8 rooms. The selling point of this resort however is the back patio/bar/lounge/restaraunt which in my opinion has one of the most stunning sunsets I have ever seen. DJ's spin dee chill until 10 pm and people flock here for the sunset. Currently this is the best place to stay close to the city center with a tricycle it's about 10 minutes.Insiders tip: Ask the front desk to reserve you a front row bed for the sunset for the duration of your stay. As guests this is a perk not to be missed.https://www.expedia.com/Hotel-Search?HotelID=21619022&endDate=2019-01-12&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkvTjpY_o3wIV0sDICh2oZAc6EAAYAiAAEgIxfPD_BwE&locale=en_US&selected=21619022&semcid=US.UB.GOOGLE.PT-m-EN.HOTEL&semdtl=a11149238014.b158106476681.r1.g1kwd-417948210195.i1.d1280317507826.e1m.j11020618.k19061350.f11t2.n1.l1g.h1e.m1&startDate=2019-01-11Hotel pics:
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[wpvideo Xekhhim0 ]What we did: While El Nido serves as the hub of most of the hotels the true beauty of the region can be found in the archipelago accessible by boat. Tour companies abound in El Nido so please do your homework. We chose Hello El Nido for our tour company. As you will find tours are divided into days labeled as A,B,C and D with some variation of what each of those tours encompass. If you have the luxury of time I would do all of them. You can do combination tours if you are limited and can not commit to all days. Tours generally leave around 9 am and return around 4pm. For a reference please see our tour choices below.Insider tip: I would certainly allow for a couple of chill days without booked tours just to unwind and relax.
The beauty of the islands seen on the tour ( in no particular order)
What we ate: By the time we reached El Nido we were just about at our breaking point as far as local cuisine. We did manage to find a few great meals:The panorama hotel and resort: as mentioned earlier besides being a stunning venue for sunset the Spanish influences in its dining menu were a delightful accompaniment. While waiting for the fresh Paella which takes an hour you can indulge in a number of finger stacks.
Happiness Beach Bar: A wonderful break from Filipino noodles Happiness is an Israeli managed falafel driven menu. Food was great!
Altrove: the number one ranked trip advisor restaraunt in El Nido this brick oven pizzeria will definitely have a line to get in ( the good news is that it moves fast). The Pizza was solid and would stick to this on the menu.
General tips for El Nido
- Bring water shoes with solid soles as many of your excursions will require swimming and then walking over slipper rock!
- Cash is king in El Nido and there is one ATM that may run out of money so get cash before coming. I would also check with your hotel about whether room charges can then be cleared with cash or credit card. Pay on your card for as much as you can in advance, tours, hotels etc.
- Dry bags are a must and a waterproof phone case helps as thugs will get wet as you make your way out to see the sites. Oceanpack seems to be the most popular bag on the Island.