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Published: September 25th 2009
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Coming back from the Philippines and returning to the US for work and endless chore, I almost forgot to blog about our trip to El Nido, Miniloc. But reading National Geographic Adventure October 2009, featuring El Nido as being the richest marine reserve the Coral Triangle. I can’t help but to agree.
I have always dreamed of going to the paradise called Palawan. Wondered, mystified, amazed and now I can’t believe I am writing about it.
My younger brother, Carlo together with his girlfriend Diana also went home from Dubai to explore this much desired destination.
July 20, 2009, 6:30 AM, Papa dropped all of us at the Island Transvoyager Incorparated (ITI) chartered flights terminal for our 7:30AM flight. This is also the jump off point for Amanpulo resorts chartered flights. It was funny that all of us really traveled light. All of us just brought with us 10 pounds of hand carry items for a 3 day 2 night vacation. During check-in I realized that I mistook it for a 10kg weight limit for the 18-seater passenger plane. Everything seemed so personalized. It is just a handful of people in the terminal, no long lines for check-in.
The plane was so small that the flight attendant’s safety instructions were given in a small lobby before boarding the plane. The FA did not board with us but everything was pretty much arranged before the flight. The check-in process was a breeze.
It felt like flying in a private plane. And 45 minutes later we were already hovering over mountains, green forests and aquamarine waterlines surrounding the land areas. The flight itself was spectacular, giving you a preview of what is to come.
We were welcomed by Palawenian’s songs as we landed at the exclusive El Nido airport. We had a short “mirienda” (snack) of sapin-sapin (sweetened sticky rice) while waiting for our 45 min boat ride to Miniloc island. The staff did not waste time and talked to each of us to arrange our itinerary for the rest of our stay.
We transferred from one boat to the other due to some shallow areas nearing the island. This also prevents the marine life from being damage near the beach areas. As we were nearing Miniloc, we saw the water cottages lining up beside the picturesque limestone landscape making a perfect back drop to this pristine
beach. We were surprised to see foot long fishes swirling at the clear waters at the port area as if like carps contained in a pond. Marine life is so visible already.
Checking in was swift so we were already able to rest in our garden cottages just in time for our 3PM scheduled boat tour to the small lagoon. The rooms were prepared with personal touch, with origami like birds made of coconut leaf on the bed with a welcome letter.
As we woke up dazed due to the early flight schedule, we first ate our late lunch. Once you’ve entered Miniloc, there is no more need to hold on to your credit cards or cash. It’s just locked in your own safety box in the resort’s office. And so everything is just signed for.
Paddling the kayaks as we entered the small crevice to the small lagoon was simply breathless. Without any motor sound to interrupt nature’s voice of just birds and falling leaves, we were enclosed in the lagoon. Suddenly the waves could no longer enter the opening, giving it the air of silence. But thanks to my brother’s paddle horseplay, my meditation
was disturbed by paddles splashing over the water. We raced to the egress imagining that once the water rises, we could never go out. Of course you could always dive, but that’s too much adventure in one day.
The next morning, Carlo, Diana and I went for the Intro Dive lessons. Val was still fast asleep. Who could blame her it was 7AM. We had some orientation then proceeded to the cement walkway a few feet from our cottages. As each of us took turns, I can not believe how much I could see in just a few meters underneath the shoreline. Schools of fish blanketing the sea. Guided by my dive master to equalize, I did my decent and ascent along the coral beds. Our word for the day was “equalize”. It is not as easy as it seems. I could only allow one of my ears to give the popping sound signifying air pressure evening out. I had to remove my mouthpiece to swallow and equalize since your mouth tends to dry with oxygen passing through your mouth. We had to make do with the disposable underwater camera to capture the beauty of the marine life but
never did it justice.
Mid morning, we rode a speedboat to go to the big lagoon. As its name denotes, it’s just a bigger version of the small lagoon. Being in a boat instead of a kayak, we took advantage of this time to get pictures we were not able to do in the small lagoon due to the fear of damaging our non-water proof cameras.
Lunch at Pangulasian island was really creative. This island has a buffet area with no accommodations. It’s like a drop off and pick up island. I must say the view, the sand and the water has more character compared to Miniloc since you have limestone cliffs surrounding you. I can’t believe they were able to assemble the entire buffet area in this isolated place. We had crabs, sushi and some blueberry cheesecake beside the beach. What more could you ask? Oh yes…they even brought our pre-selected snorkeling gear, and personal bath towels for a hands - free travelling in a fun afternoon. Carlo and I spent most of the time windsailing. We had instructors to teach us as well. I was able to glide for at least a minute, which was the
record for the group. I suffered from knee bruises climbing the board though.
Next activity was island hopping. We went into a cave that used be a burial ground, which was interesting and a little gross. Our feet seemed to have been submerged in guano water. Then we moved to the Snake Island. The name was derived due to the sand forming an S shape because of two opposing water currents meeting in one sand mass. Here we found the unique carnivorous pitcher plant also known as Nepenthe. Spotted two varieties the reddish and the yellowish one. As I stared at this mythical plant, rain poured in its spout. We all rushed to go to the boat and headed back to Miniloc. Ended the night with drinks and betting with billiards.
On our last day, we had to change the backdrop of where we have our breakfast. Could life be much more beautiful to have a change of scenery every time we dine? And yes, buffet meals and someone to cook pancakes and eggs the way you like it. Lagen Island had a pool, more rooms and more staff. It was not as rustic or as green as
Miniloc. It does not have rooms made with nipa hut roofs. Lagen appeared more like your clubhouse in an island but would seem sturdier in withstanding typhoons.
Our last stop, Entalula island, was voted by most visitors as the best place for photoshoots. The limestone cascading cliffs just blocks the sun perfectly. Val and I spent our time traversing the sea in a hobbie-cat. Again there’s a certain ambiance that sailing does without motor sound. I guess I would somewhat imagine what yachter’s feel sailing their big boats in the Atlantic without the engine ruining the natural sound of the ocean. I imagine playing Enya music. This is just so relaxing.
As we checked out, gazing on what we’ll be leaving, we can’t help but to take some postcards to remind us of this trip. As if the numerous pictures we have taken was not enough. Plastic shampoo bottles from the room to take home were not present. Why? They have small refillable clay jars to hold your shampoo and conditioner. Smart way of preventing the use of plastic. The resort’s involvement for eco-diversity is so commendable. They even provided a checklist of plants and animal life we
have witnessed, for them to monitoring the population. Go Philippines! I’m proud of this wealth of wonder.
El Nido, Miniloc -“just might be greenest lodge in the entire (Coral) Triangle” competing with Indonesia & the Solomon Islands. - Costas Christ , Natianal Geographic Adventurer October 2009.
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