Kayak Between Islands
The beauty of El Nido is in its crystal waters and unspoiled beaches. One of the best ways to experience this is to get off the main island and explore the islands of El Nido Bay or Bacuit Bay.
Hire a kayak for the day, venture out to sea and see where the wind takes you. With dozens of islands to discover, it’s easy to find a secluded spot and enjoy a slice of paradise all to yourself. When I spent the afternoon on a deserted beach it felt like I was in a movie!
Two of the more popular spots to visit by kayak are the Big and Small Lagoons. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, the lagoons provide gorgeous scenery in all directions.
Go Island Hopping
For a more relaxing option, and to reach the farther outlying islands, enjoy an island-hopping boat tour. As the most popular activity in El Nido, these trips can’t provide the peacefulness that arriving by kayak can.
However, it’s a great way to discover some of the Philippines’ most idyllic locations hidden away in the Bacuit archipelago. There are four options (Tour A, B, C or D) and each has its own appeal, depending on whether you would like to laze on the beach, go snorkelling or explore some caves.
Pro Tip: Tour A and Tour C are the most popular routes. If you prefer a quieter experience, opt for Tour B or Tour D.
Climb up Taraw Cliff
For some land-based exploration, tackle the short but fairly challenging hike up Taraw Cliff from El Nido Town. The climb takes around 45 minutes to reach the summit. Be warned that the trail is not clearly marked and parts of it involve scrambling over rocks, sometimes using all four limbs!
It’s best to hire a guide. Tenacious hikers are rewarded with fabulous views over El Nido and the islands beyond the bay. The sight is well worth the effort.
Explore Underwater Worlds
The Philippines offer world-class snorkelling and diving. It was the first place I snorkelled in Southeast Asia and set the bar so high that nowhere else has managed to compare. If you decide to take a tour, Tour C is the best for snorkelling opportunities. Alternatively, you can simply grab a mask and swim off one of the beaches. The water is clear as glass, making visibility excellent.
The coral reefs around El Nido are exceptionally rich in marine life. Angelfish, clownfish, starfish, green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles are just a few of the colourful creatures you can expect to spot here. In addition to the impressive sea life, divers can also enjoy exploring myriad shipwrecks in the waters of Coron, just north of El Nido.
Enjoy the Canopy Walk
If the trek up Taraw Cliff sounds too taxing, the El Nido via Ferrata Canopy Walk is for you. This is a less challenging one-hour walk but with equally impressive views over El Nido Bay and beyond. The walk includes crossing a suspension bridge, which involves wearing a harness.
The canopy walk needs to be completed with a guide and safety equipment is included. There is an option to add on the Dreamcatcher experience, a web-like construction from which you can enjoy both panoramas and views from below!
Visit Nacpan Beach
One of the most impressive beaches in the north of Palawan is Nacpan Beach. Around a 40-minute drive from El Nido Town, you’ll need to hire a tricycle (the Filipino version of a tuk-tuk) or rent a scooter to get there. The last section of road is bumpy and makes for a rough ride but the journey is worth it.
The beach is a 4km sweep of powdery sand backed by green hills and coconut palms. The warm water is great for swimming but be sure to take extra care as the sea is a little rougher here than the gentle lapping waters of El Nido Bay.
Source : touropia
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