It would take several lifetimes to explore the 7,000+ islands that make up the Philippine Archipelago. But, probably the best place I’ve been in the Philippines is El Nido, Palawan. The 5-6 hour van ride from Puerto Princesa is definitely way worth it!
El Nido is definitely a magical place. A place on Earth you should visit before you die. Don’t believe me? Then, read on. Spoiler alert: You too, will fall in love with El Nido!
1. These beach front restaurants and accommodations
Taking a room in town means being close to restaurants and beach side bars, but also closer to the everyday sights and sounds.
2. These crystal clear waters
Am I the only one obsessed with crystal clear waters?
3. These powder-like, white sand beaches
Having a long stretch of white sand beach all to yourself to enjoy is THE DREAM for a beach bum like me.
4. These cool bancas
Hop into these bancas (motorized boats) while cruising along from island to island as you gaze at the beauty around you.
5. These palm trees
These towering trees scattered beautifully across the town and beaches are extraordinary. I can’t help but admire the tropical vibe they epitomize.
6. These sunsets
Sitting on the beach, relaxing and unwinding while watching the sun paint the sky is probably one of my life’s most pleasurable moments.
7. This new found island friend
He probably joined in one of the tours and finally decided to stay a little while here. I can’t blame him. Good boy!
8. This shrine in the middle of nowhere
A shrine? Yes, that’s right. The Matinloc shrine is actually in one of the remote islands.
9. This heart-shaped stone
Locals saw this heart-shaped stone on the island. Later, it was found out that the island is also heart-shaped. Coincidence?
10. This nature wielded door
Yes, in order to get to the other side, you have to get through this narrow hole. Mind you, it is quite slippery.
11. This island shaped like a helicopter
This is actually my most favorite – Helicopter island. Not only that the beach is pristine and long but the water is also the clearest. And to top it off, this is where I had the most fun snorkeling.
12. This feast
Oh, the food they served.. is divine! I kinda had to choose between my bikini body (wishful thinking) and shamelessly indulging myself into this feast.
13. This feeding frenzy
Why not stop in the middle of the sea, grab a banana and bread, and dine with the marine life?
14. This awesome ride
Yes, this is my ride. Yes, it is a bad as*.
15. These cocktails
Beach and cocktails? What could go wrong? The worst case scenario would be: you get too drunk, the boat leaves you and you’re stuck in island. Nothing! Cheers!
16. These tropical ice bergs
Oh, these things are like mushrooms springing out in the middle of nowhere. 
17. This massage place right at the beach
What better to relax than getting a massage. On the beach. Listening to the waves. While watching the sunset.
18. These limestone cliffs
Standing on top of these limestone cliffs as I take in this spectacular view is both scary and enjoyable.
So, there you have it! Of course, there could be a thousand more especially that I have not visited all the islands. This list can grow for miles! But, this for now:
18 good reasons why I fell in love with this paradise. 18 good reasons to come visit.
Already thinking about going here for a holiday, aren’t you? Enjoy all these during your El Nido Island hopping tours. Have fun!
Travelosio 
Looks like a lovely place. I hadn’t really thought about going to the Philippines – until now that is! I keep hearing good things about its beaches so as a fellow beach lover I might just have to plan a trip soon!
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Oh it is… I highly suggest that you sort out a plan to visit! 🙂
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This looks gorgeous. Maybe after Europe, I’ll have to do some island hopping in the Pacific. Thanks for sharing!
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My pleasure! 🙂
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I always recommend Palawan over Boracay to everyone. I haven’t been up to El Nido yet but what a gorgeous place 🙂
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Yes, same here! El Nido is hauntingly beautiful. 🙂 You should definitely go!
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Gosh, reading this fills me with so much nostalgia for El Nido. Blogging about it is a double-edged sword don’t you think? It’s too beautiful not to write about but on the other hand, the more people praising it the more visitors will go. Then it would be crowded and there will always be people who won’t be respectful to places they visit 😦 Well anyway, great post and even better photos! More adventures to you ^_^
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I totally understand. It is the risk of blogging about beautiful places. But then again, you are right, it’s too beautiful to be selfish about. One person or another, someone has to write about it 🙂 Happy travels and cheers to wanderlust!
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Ahhhh one of my dream places! The waters looked so clear! Sooo beautiful.
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Yes! 🙂
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This looks beautiful. I need to book my next vacation there stat.
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I am in love with the thought of El Nido! Now I am totally inlove with all this photos in your blog. I am heading to the Philippines on September this year. I HOPEEEEEE my time will permit me to visit this beauty!
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Oh please make time for El Nido. You won’t regret it 🙂
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Wow! Paradise indeed. I’m planning to go back to the Phil next year but will be is Surigao. I will make sure to take a trip to El Nido! It’s gorgeous.
Thanks for the idea. I love your blog 🙂
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Thanks Jules. If you will be Surigao, make sure you take 2-3 day trip to Siargao. It is gorgeous there! You will love it for sure 🙂 You can about it here: https://travelosio.com/2015/05/21/siargao-island-6-things-you-shouldnt-miss/
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I want to see the other hidden beauty of our country too. I haven’t been there but hopefully I could visit in the future too. Oh noo.. I didn’t know the fish there is friendly too xD It’s such a beautiful place.
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I think you should visit before it gets too crowded.
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The place looks beautiful! And your pictures does them justice. I lived on a tropical island all my life and I can definitely attest to the sea’s therapeutic advantages. Dangit, you made me want to go back home! haha
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Thank you! Why, where are you now? Come home 😀
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everything looks so amazing.. really … white sand beaches appeals the most to me.. . as I love to spend my holidays on beaches.
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hi, I loved the pictures of El Nido. I mostly spend my holidays on beaches..thus loved the white beaches the most.
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Same here, I am a beach bum myself 🙂 Cheers to beach lovers! 🙂
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I swear I could write tons of stuff when the universe will take me here…its just beautiful
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I feel you. This list won’t do half the justice, El Nido is remarkable beyond words.
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Wow it is like heaven.I am from Greece and our beaches are popular but this is different!So jealous!
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Wow Greece! Lucky, I dream to go there some day! Your beaches are breathtaking. It is one of my top must-go’s as a beach bum! 🙂
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Wow! It is so good to read about all these tucked away out of travel books ‘finds’. Thanks for sharing Sarah 🙂 I can see you had a lovely time at el nido!
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Thanks Nidhi 🙂 I had a blast, thanks! Happy travels and cheers to wanderlust 🙂
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I am so putting this to my bucket list. El Nido is such a breathtaking place and i have not been there yet.
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Reblogged this on Spotlight On Travel and commented:
I’ve never rally wanted to travel to my “homeland” of the Philippines but then every now and then I come across great posts like this one from an adorable Pinoy travel blogger! Bucket List item created!!
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Thanks for reblogging Julia 🙂
Happy travels and cheers to wanderlust! 🙂
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wow your pictures arent pretentious. youve really captured your fascination for El Nido! hopefully ill have this kind of awesome experience as you did!
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What an extraordinary place! Thanks for sharing it with us, Sarah.
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My pleasure! 🙂
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Wow, looks like such a cool place to visit! definitely on my list of places to see now 🙂
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Hi Shanalee, you won’t regret it 😉
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Rawrrrr I am so jealous!!!! I only wish I had the money to spend for travel!!!
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Hi Janine! There are budget accommodations in El Nido and you can also find cheap but delicious food around town. You can go without breaking the bank 😉
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Wow these are really great photos! The water is so clear too. Surely, El Nido is the definition of Paradise!
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El Nido is one of the places in my bucket list. One day, I will visit it with my family,
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Whoah! El Nido is just so stunning..definitely a unique island hopping experience. I can’t wait to come up with a post of this beautiful island paradise. Great photos! 🙂
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I have always wanted to ask this to people going there, how developed is the tourism of the place, is it like so mainstream that there are too many tourists already>?
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El Nido is not very developed. Consider the following points: (1) No direct flights to there, (2) electricity is only 12 hours a day and (3) there are no ATMs in the town. Yes, there are bars, restaurants and other entertainment but really, it is all concentrated in one area. Once you get out near the beach where the action is, it’s all lush, fresh and green.
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At some point, I was filled with wanderlust seeing these magnificent photographs. But knowing that sharing this will both have pluses and deltas for the place. Anyway, putting these all aside, I will definitely check out El Nido sometime next year when my schedule permits me. I still need to learn how to swim and snorkel since water is not my strongest element! I don’t have any issues with climbing those cliffs since I usually do climbs and treks just to get the most magnificent views 🙂 Thanks for sharing this!
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Hi Jeane, if you are worried about drowning, there is a solution: life vest. The boatmen will provide for you. You will be pleased to know that before I went to El Nido, I didn’t know how to snorkel either. It is quite easy. It is so fun, the fish are not shy at all. They will swim right in front of your face. Also, if you are into trekking or cliff climbing, there is also an inland tour option 🙂 Just approach your chosen tour operator, they can arrange it for you.
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Now that’s a place that is hard to describe in words, absolutely beautiful!
I never knew one could find so many amazing attractions at one place, but thanks to you for bringing this to us!
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Hi Alok, thank you for your kind words! 🙂
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The rock formations, the torquoise waters- it’s awe-inspiring, I so wanna be there and I’m planning for a budget travel there… Soon, soon. 🙂
http://www.kiatcebu.com
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Hi, thanks for stopping by my blog. This post has encouraged me to add yet another awesome place to visit. Love your photos. Cheers, Mark
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Lovely photos! 🙂
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This site was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me.
Many thanks!
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