SALUL! el nido!

A bit of a steady drizzle in the morn, 

but still a beautiful view to wake up to.

GOOD MORNING EL NIDO!!!!

Waking up to you is like waking up next to a half naked Ryan Gosling.

 Squirming in delight at the thought of me in you or you in me. 

But you are no Ryan Gosling that I could cuddle up to,

 so I'll just explore you with all my senses open instead.  

LET THE EXPLORATION BEGIN!!!

Left the shores with gray clouds above.

Yet still beaming with excitement at what waits ahead.

Then unto the SMALL LAGOON we went.

SALUL! was what Hemdra exclaimed.

Upon seeing the crystal clear water that can't be found in their place.

But nothing beats the eye-gasmic view when inside the SMALL LAGOON.

I curse not having an underwater cam.

Lucky us, our companion has one.

Still no camera could ever capture the beauty that one's eyes could see.

Then off to SHIMIZU we rested and lunched.

The island named after the Japanese who got lost and died.

But death is not so bad when it's at this piece of paradise on earth.

Besides, if not for his death this island wouldn't be called SHIMIZU.

So if you want an island named after you, 

all it takes is just your life really. 

What's so secret of the SECRET LAGOON we went to next?

See, that hole in the picture should explain it all.

Squeeze in the body tight then exhale at the grandness that mother nature made for SECRET.

So many lagoons of different sizes and forms.

Each of them as charming and enchanting as the other.

No wonder why Alex Garland got inspired to pen The Beach at our very own  El Nido. 

So proud of Pinas!

Moving on ...

Of all the lagoons this is the biggest,

after all it's called the BIG LAGOON. 

Sea Urchins galore,
Monkeys hanging everywhere,
Lush greenery from both towering cliffs and deepest waters,
This is as virgin as nature could get.
Or so my inexpert eye thinks.

Last Stop at the fine white sand of HELICOPTER ISLAND.

Seriously, it really looks like a helicopter from a far, or maybe a half sunk Moby Dick.

Being lazy, chummy and gay like the monkeys roaming behind the bushes is what this island will make you.

Besides, what better way to frolic in the sun and sand than at this isla with great panoramic view.

Before the sun sets farewell to a beautiful day,

I am already very much infatuated with this island I've dreamed.

Last night is the last meal with the friends we've met along the way.

At Art Cafe where the pizza is good and ambiance cool as the people in there.

A great way to end the night!

El Torro is definitely the place to chill.

Bean bags, bonfire, sand and stars....aaaahhhhh....

Infatuation turned into love... 

it's official

I AM DEEPLY IN LOVE WITH EL NIDO. 

We may have missed the chance to bond with our parents,

but we surely did meet the most amazing father-daughter and mother-daughter tandem.

Climbing the dangerous cliffs of Taraw with your daughter...

How cool could this 63 year old daddy get?

What about the mother who backpacked with her daughter on her last leg of Asian tour?

Aren't they just the coolest most amazing parents on the planet?!

Don't take this wrong way. 

My safety freak Dad would definitely not climb the cliffs of Taraw.

My energetic, not, Mom would probably just sleep through out the entire trip

But still they are the best parents.

You know why?

Coz honey, we wouldn't have experienced the kind of experience we had, had they come along. HAHAHA. 

But seriously, we literally, technically, financially, ly ly... owe them this trip.

I LOVE MY PARENTS 

and 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE EL NIDO!!!!!

Definitely my go back to place.

***

TIPS

Ride @ Fortwally -  P1,200 back and forth

(the most convenient and comfortable 5 hour ride to El Nido, I have to mention good playlist too ;)

Stay @ Stunning Vista - P 650/ 2nights

(great rooms, great sunset view, great people, great deal!)

Climb @ Taraw Cliffs - P 500/ 4 pax

(depends if get a real guide)

Island Tour Package A - P 900

(with free lunch)

Environmental fee - P 200

(mandatory, as long as it's for the environment why not?)

Tricycle rides - P10 

Eat @ Art Cafe - P200

Chill @ El Torro - P50/beer

***

To El Nido... I shall return...

SALUL!