In the Philippines, an outpost at the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan is a utopian miracle. Hop on Banka and marvel at the towering jagged cliffs gushing out of the calm blue waters. This is not a popular tourist destination that dominates the travel itinerary, but is located in the charming island tapestry – El Nido – a small town at the tip.
Tucked away within Bacuit Bay, El Nido is a remote coastal settlement. When the Spaniards arrived in the 18th century, they named the paradise of Palawan “The Nest”. The bay is a marine protected area with more than 30 000 hectares of protected land and 50 000 hectares of protected ocean, making it an important breeding ground for five threatened species of sea turtles. El Nido is a leader in turtle conservation and the resort is the first in the world to receive the Turtle Friendly Tourism certification from the Wildlife Friendly ™ Business Network (WFEN). The area is also home to Malay pangolins, numerous endemic birds, dugongs and dolphins, with terrestrial and underwater biodiversity.
To protect the environment, certain areas of El Nido only allow a small number of guests at a time, while activities such as fishing, cliff diving and barbecues are prohibited. Book a tour of the Big Lagoon on the outskirts of Bacuit Bay and kayak over the unspoiled ocean views where boating is not allowed. In their surroundings, Palawan’s swiftlets fly to nearby caves, where they build edible nests in crevices in limestone with sticky saliva. Once hardened, locals harvest bird’s nest to make traditional delicacies.
El Nido is the gateway to an archipelago of 45 islands. Some rise like boulders, while others are filled with enchanting sandy mountains. Continue to Kaderau Island, the largest island, to explore an idyllic bay in a hidden lagoon. If there’s one thing El Nido offers in a world of developed tourism, it’s the opportunity to experience privacy. Just over 12 kilometres from Cadlao is Matinloc Island and its Secret Beach, which requires advance reservations. Dare to jump into the depths of this secluded location, which can only be accessed by swimming through a passage on the rock face.
With its secluded hideaways and protected areas, El Nido is the place to immerse yourself in the pleasures of nature. Relax under the mountains that dot this archipelago and let your worries dissipate with the tide.