Some places should take work to reach. For now, that’s the case with the Philippines and El Nido. Christina’s photos from this awesome place still inspire wanderlust and the desire to return. This unpolished gem of a town sits near the northern edge of the Philippine island of Palawan. Christina and I spent a wonderful week in El Nido and enjoyed every moment of our time there. From the awesome boat tours to our chance meeting with some amazing people, El Nido was probably one of the best trips we’ve ever taken. That’s why I want to share this intro to El Nido with you.
Visiting El Nido in the Philippines
This El Nido travel guide is part of our series on Southeast Asia Travel. It was originally created on September 1, 2014. It has been maintained and updated (as of December 27, 2018) to reflect current viewpoints and travel trends.
Flights are available for those short on time and long on money but who would do that? Isn’t life be all about that 5-6 hour ride in a van packed to the brim bouncing around on paved and unpaved roads alike?
It should be required reading for those hoping to enjoy this magical town. An hour plane ride would be more an annoyance than anything so why not hop on a bus and brave the trip?
But even the vans are more luxurious than the buses that add an extra couple of hours to the journey from Puerto Princessa, Palawan’s provincial capital and main travel hub. It’s painful but totally worth it, based on what you’re seeing here.
In this intro to El Nido, I just want to share some of the many beautiful moments here that have happened among this gorgeous scenery. Different shades of green and blue coloring the landscapes as we investigated via boat.
Our Thoughts and Yours, Too!
Hopefully someday I’ll get to revisit this exquisite place but for now, that week will have to serve as just a small taste. Have you ever felt like there’s never enough time? That’s how I feel about El Nido and even its surroundings.
Maybe someday, El Nido. I’ll miss you for now and hopefully, we’ll get to meet again.
Have you ever been to El Nido? What did you think?
Your photos are stunning, they seem from out of this planet. Thanks for sharing with us, Duke 🙂
Ahhh please write more about El Nido, I’m going to Palawan in March for the start of my round the world trip and I will be long on time and short in money, haha. Gorgeous photos!
I’m enjoying your blog, especially the stunning photos that you have here. The posts themselves are interesting enough too 🙂 Keep it up!
Thank you so much, Mara. I hope you continue coming back. It’s always great to hear such nice comments on my work and my wife’s photos. Take Care.
I have seriously been thinking of going to the Philippines and it may even happen later this year. Your photos are beautiful and am glad you went to Pallawan as I have heard a lot about this place.
Yeah Tim. You definitely should visit Pallawan. We might go back and visit Boracay but El Nido will always be on my mind.
went there for the first time last month tim, it was the best experience of my life so far, i traveled to bantayan island off of cebu, highly recommend it it as well, hope you get to go man, safe travels
wonderfull photos make me want to travel there
Thanks!
yw
Great pics and it makes me sad that summer is coming to an end. It will be much to cold to get any swimming in for months and months where I live. I do agree that there’s much to be said for 5-6 hour car rides. So much more gets seen and experienced that way.
Thanks Jeri. Those rides might not be fun but they make for a great story afterwards.
WOW, what a stunning place.Carl. They say picture cannot truly capture the beauty. So if that is the case, El Nido must be nothing short of spectacular. 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words! We went during the rainy season, so unfortunately most of my photos were not as “stunning” as they might be during the peak season! Got lucky with a couple of them! El Nido is definitely a wonderful place that I suggest anyone with a wandering soul check out!
Wow, those photos are stunning. I can’t wait to hear more about this el Nido, it looks like paradise! 🙂
Wow! Thank you Christine for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment! Hopefully Mr. Duke Stewart has some more posts about our visit coming out soon!
Beautiful photos of a stunning place! Did you take them with a friend? Bet you can’t wait to return and explore more. 🙂
Hi Ramona! Thank you for your comments! Mr. Duke Stewart is the brains behind the operation here, and I’m the lucky one that gets to hang back behind the camera lens! El Nido is definitely a fantastic hidden gem! Hope to see you back here again!
Philippines have such beautiful islands, I shall hope to visit one day but this one looks pretty amazing too. Looking forward to reading about it. 🙂
Carl, these are some of the most stunning photos that you have posted! WOW! Is the water really that beautiful in El Nido??? I’m really looking forward to more:)
Honestly Jacquie, yes. Lots of these photos are presented without any filter. I was amazed at how green and perfect that water was while touring the surrounding islands.
That first picture is amazing Duke Stu. I envy you for having been to such a place. Wonderful.
Thanks Welli. There will be more to come. Just have to put it all down. So much here.
Beautiful pictures. The effort to view such a place is well worth it.
Thanks Bindu! This was a trip eye-opening for in so many ways but also for the beauty we encountered.
Yey! Glad you liked Palawan! I’m from the Philippines but I haven’t been to this side of Palawan which is Puerto Princesa. This place sure is paradise on earth!
Palawan was immaculate in just about every way. So beautiful and warranting a revisit next year possibly.
El Nido looks stunningly beautiful. The colors are amazing. Look forward to seeing more..
Thank you Ken! It was such a spectacular journey. I can’t wait to put what I can out there. I hope you continue coming back.
Hi Carl – that picture you started with is amazing – I couldn’t wait to see the others. Am looking forward to reading what else you’re going to share with us.
Lenie
Thank you Lenie. I’ll be coming out with more but hopefully in a tasteful, not braggy way.
Thank you for your comment Lenie! Surprisingly, I took that first photo from the water with a borrowed waterproof camera with the hopes of sending something neat to my kayaking father! Apparently I was lucky that day and it turned out pretty good! Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment. It really means a lot to us to engage with people and get feedback!