Traveling: an idea born the moment I decide I have the time and means to do it. Next comes the staring at the world map long enough step, which supposedly helps me contemplate which destination sounds suitable for who I am at the specific time of my life, and what I wish to experience. When I ultimately fail to make a decision (this world is simply too beautiful to make up my mind!), I turn to fate for help, aka I browse my options on Google flights. When I eventually find a new place that suits my interests and budget, I look up to my favorite travel bloggers to learn more about their experiences and suggestions. That’s how, of all 7,000 islands in the Philippines, I landed in El Nido.

(Heaven is a place on Earth.)

A short flight from Manila, El Nido, a small village in the province of Palawan, a place were tricycles rule the streets and shop owners endlessly sweep sand and dust away from their premises, seems to be a well kept secret – although I have a feeling this secrecy won’t last for long. Imagine beaches with warm waters and white sands with the tallest palm trees and so, so clean, and the best part is that they are everywhere and they’re easily accessible!

(There are hundreds of beaches in the province of Palawan, where do I sign up to visit them all?)

Apart from its pristine, bluest of blues waters, there are a lot of affordable activities inviting all types of travelers, including zip lining from island to island, canopy walk, surfing, snorkeling, and more. With four main tours (which are very unimaginatively named A, B, C and D) visiting several isolated beaches and offering different fun and unique adventures, El Nido is a prime destination for both adventure and relaxation. For lack of better words, “this is the way of the Philippines,” as one of the local guides said with pride when discussing how beautiful his country is.

(Choices, choices…)

The disproportion between El Nido’s beauty, the relatively small amount of visitors, and the village’s low infrastructure is very obvious. Palawan is on the verge of being discovered by the tourist crowds, and I am glad I got to witness a part of it before it all inevitably changes in the next few decades.

(El Nido village, with its cozy streets crowded with restaurants, bars, and trinket stores, but not with tourists.)

I am grateful to whatever it was (fate? luck?intent?) that ultimately brought me to the Philippines and El Nido. The people I was privileged to share time with were travelers and like me, people who crave pure experiences without the hustle, something that El Nido expertly delivered.

(Happy hour in El Nido means 2 for 1 drinks and majestic views.)

It is always special when the stars aline and I get to connect with other traveling sister souls. There’s nothing more purifying than sharing the experience of traveling (whether metaphorically or literally) with those who are vulnerably craving the same as me: to be fully immersed in nature, and in the moment, with the sole goal of remembering our true and natural state, joy. I will forever be grateful for the time I spend on the road, and especially for the encounters, moments lighter than light, that make my life richer on a different level, those that help me recognize, and remember, that I never walk alone.

(In my book, every day is “hug-a-palm-tree” day)

The Way of the Philippines

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