A Birthday Gift to Myself: From Cebu to El Nido, Palawan / Island Adventure 🇵🇭☺️❤️

Hello everyone!

Hope all are safe and well!

Last year, I decided to give myself a birthday gift, something special, something for me. So, I booked a solo trip to El Nido, Palawan. It wasn’t my first time in Palawan, but all my past visits were work-related. This time, it was purely a vacation. A treat for myself after my birthday. I planned it ahead, booked my flight and hotel months before. I was really looking forward to this trip. ☺️❤️

Let me take you along on this journey, from Cebu City all the way to the islands of El Nido. ☺️

From Cebu City to Palawan

On the day of my flight, I left my place around 6am. I rode a Move It and we passed by the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, the second Mactan Bridge going to the airport.

When I arrived at the airport, I went straight to the Cebu Pacific counter for check-in and waited for boarding.

While boarding, I took some snapshots heading to the plane.

Inside the plane, I took selfie and photos through the window. From above, the view was breathtaking. The clouds looked like giant cotton balls, and when I looked down, I saw patches of green land, winding rivers, and islands surrounded by blue water. It reminded me how beautiful the Philippines truly is. The weather was clear, and we had a smooth and safe flight to Palawan.

Arriving in Puerto Princesa

Upon landing, I contacted a friend who helped me get to the van terminal going to El Nido. Inside the airport, I got a free brochure about Palawan and asked a fellow passenger to take my photo with the Love Puerto Princesa, Love Philippines sign. I didn’t know he was a priest until I found out after taking picture. Sorry po, Father! ☺️

Outside the terminal, I met my friend and rode with him on his motorcycle. Before heading to the van terminal, we stopped to eat at a roadside restaurant since the trip to El Nido would take 5-6 hours. Along the road, I also spotted a Manulife office. Of course, I had to take a photo as a proud agent! 😄

At the van terminal, I didn’t wait long. In a few minutes, we were already traveling to El Nido. There was a stopover in between for meals and bathroom breaks, but I forgot the name of the place. We arrived in El Nido past 6pm.

Arriving in El Nido

When I reached the hotel I booked, I brought down my things and immediately went to the shore, excited to see the view. The sun had already set, so I missed the sunset, but I still took a few photos. The boats were already parked, signaling that the day's island tours were over.

I had dinner at a nearby restaurant and went back to the hotel early to rest for the big day tomorrow, the Island Hopping Day.

Island Hopping Tour B at El Nido

The next morning, I woke up early, took a bath, ate breakfast, and got ready. I chose Tour B since I had already tried Tour A during a previous work trip.

While waiting for the tour guide, the hotel staff kindly took photos of me and even showed me the rooftop view. It was beautiful! An overlooking view of the sea and surrounding mountains plus the a lot of boats lining up ready for the island hopping tours.

The tour guide arrived and assisted me to the boat. Before boarding, he took picture of me by the shore.

I also had a photo with other local tourists and captured the moment as we sailed out to sea.

The feeling of being in a boat, surrounded by mountains, blue skies, and the vast sea, was freeing and calming. There’s something about the sea breeze and the beauty around you that makes you forget your worries.

First Stop: Entalula Island

This island was stunning. The sand felt like powder, and the water was crystal clear and so inviting. The tour guide kindly took many photos of me before I even got off the boat and and again when we got to the beach.

I was alone on this trip, but I didn’t feel too lonely because kind people around me were willing to take my pictures. One of the local tourists even volunteered to help taking pictures of me while I'm enjoying the crystal clear water.

I also met a couple from Leyte and a foreign tourist, and we had some photos together.

Second Stop: Snake Island

Snake Island is named after its long, winding sandbar that looks like a snake. While sailing toward it, I asked the tour guide to take pictures of me on the boat with the snake island behind me. The sea, sky, and sandbar looked like a perfect backdrop.

We walked on the sandbar and had some solo pictures and group picture with my fellow tourists.

We hiked up a mountain to view the island’s full shape. On top, you’ll see the sea stretch endlessly, with nearby islands and lush green mountains. It was tiring but worth it.

After the short trek, we go down and rest for a while.

We had lunch prepared by the tour guides. The lunch was included in the tour package. We prayed, took group photos, and enjoyed a delicious meal under the trees.

Third Stop: Pinagbuyutan Island

This island had beautiful, calm waters perfect for swimming. We were able to swim with our life vests, and some tourists went snorkeling. I didn’t swim far because I wanted to be near the boat just in case we were called back. We stayed here for about 30 minutes, just enjoying the calm and beauty of the place. The island was peaceful and relaxing.

Fourth Stop: Cudugnon Cave

Cudugnon Cave was a unique experience. To enter, we had to crawl through a small hole, just big enough for one person at a time. Inside, it was dark, a bit tricky and slippery, but further in, the space opened up into a wide chamber. It was quiet and mysterious inside, but I didn’t stay long because more tourists were entering. Parts of it were dark, so you had to be careful, but it was a nice short fun adventure.

Fifth and Last Stop: Cathedral Cave

As we approached this cave, we could already smell the strong scent of bats inside. It smelled like urine, and honestly, it was really unpleasant at first! 😁 But the longer we stayed, the more bearable it became and smell faded. 😁 We didn’t go down. We just took pictures from the boat while the tour guides kept it steady. The cave's towering walls and high arched opening really did look like a cathedral made by nature. It's truly majestic.

Back to Shore

After the last stop of our island hopping tour, we headed back to the mainland. I had some photos after stepping off the boat. We walked on floating paths back to shore.

Before leaving, I bid goodbye to my fellow local and foreign tourists. I also gave a small tip to the tour guides as my way of saying thank you. I was really grateful for their help and kindness.

After the long, exciting, and tiring island hopping day, I went back to the hotel, took a bath, and prepared to return to Puerto Princesa. I had a few last photos taken at the hotel before leaving and while waiting for the van.

This trip was truly a memorable birthday gift to myself. Even if I was alone, I was happy. I felt free, peaceful, and full of gratitude. ☺️❤️

I’ll write about my Puerto Princesa adventure in another blog, so stay tuned! ☺️

About Cebu City, Palawan & El Nido

Cebu City is my home for more than a decade, full of memories and busy city life. Palawan, on the other hand, is paradise and a gem of Philippines. A place that always takes my breath away with its natural beauty. El Nido, specifically, is like a dream. It is one of the most magical places I’ve ever been to. It is surrounded by limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and warm people, it’s a perfect escape.

Whether you’re with someone or on your own like me, El Nido will always welcome you with peace, adventure, and beauty you’ll never forget. ☺️

Have a Blessed Friday everyone! 😀😀😀💖💖💖

Thank You Lord for the blessings and love!

Be grateful in every little/simple things and you’ll find happiness you ever wanted! 😀😀😀

Everyday is worth to be grateful of!

Praying for the safety and wellness of all.

Heal Our Land Oh God!

Lovelots,
@shikika