In the Philippines, one outpost on the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan stands out as a utopian wonder. Hop in a banca to marvel at towering, jagged cliffs erupting from the still blue waters. This is not the popular tourist destination dominating travel itineraries, but a town on the cusp of an enchanting tapestry of islands – El Nido.
Tucked away in Bacuit Bay, El Nido is a remote coastal settlement. When the Spanish arrived in the 18th century, they named the Palawan paradise “The Nest”. The bay is a marine protected area with over 30 000 hectares of conserved land and 50 000 hectares of preserved ocean, making it a vital breeding ground for five species of threatened sea turtle. El Nido is a leader in turtle conservation, and resort properties have been the first in the world to be awarded the Sea Turtle Friendly™ Tourism Certification by the Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network (WFEN). The region is also home to the Malayan pangolin, numerous endemic bird species, dugongs, and dolphins, boasting both terrestrial and underwater biodiversity.
To protect the environment, certain areas in El Nido are limited to a small number of guests at a time, while activities such as fishing, cliff jumping, and grilling are prohibited. Book a tour to see the Big Lagoon on the outskirts of Bacuit Bay, and kayak the unspoiled seascape where boats aren’t allowed. In the surroundings, Palawan’s swiftlets swoop to nearby caves where they use their gummy saliva to build edible nests in the crevices of the limestone. Once hardened, locals harvest the nests to make a traditional delicacy.
El Nido is the gateway to an archipelago of 45 islands. Some rise like monoliths while others are populated with mesmerising hills of sand. Continue to the largest island of Cadlao and discover idyllic coves among hidden lagoons. If there’s one thing El Nido offers in a world trafficked by tourism, it’s the opportunity to experience privacy. Just over 12 kilometres from Cadlao is Matinloc Island and its Secret Beach, which requires visitors to book in advance. Dare to plunge into the depths of this secluded location, only accessible by swimming through a passage in the rock wall.
With its isolated hideaways and protected locales, El Nido is the place to immerse yourself in nature’s pleasures. Relax beneath the watchful mountains that pepper this archipelago, and let your worries drift away with the tide.
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