Unleash Adventure:Thrilling Activities in El Nido Beyond Usual Island Hopping!

El Nido. The name itself evokes images of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning limestone cliffs. It's a place that has long been celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and endless opportunities for island hopping adventures. But what if I told you that there's more to El Nido than meets the eye? Join me on a journey off the beaten path as we explore this tropical paradise from a different perspective.

Unveiling the Gems of El Nido

Our adventure begins at Lime Resort El Nido, a hidden gem nestled amidst lush greenery and overlooking the azure waters of Bacuit Bay. Far from the bustling tourist crowds, this boutique resort offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking a more intimate experience of El Nido. We arrived here a little past 2AM and immediately took a rest to make up for the long trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. As the new day dawns, we were greeted by the wonderful view of the beach from our small balcony. The pool at the deck is the best spot in the hotel. The view from there was so relaxing and serene, I know I should come back and spend more time here.

Lime Resorts El Nido

But our exploration doesn't stop there. We venture further to El Nido Bayview Resort, perched atop a cliff overlooking the panoramic vista of El Nido's coastline. Here, we're greeted by warm hospitality and breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. The resort's elegant suites and infinity pool offer the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation after a day of adventure. During the night, the pool turns magical! The pool lights up, shimmering like bioluminescent waves.

El Nido Bayview Resort

Thrilling Adventures Await

While traditional island hopping may be the norm in El Nido, we're ready to spice things up with adrenaline-pumping activities. Our first stop? The Canopy Walk, a thrilling treetop adventure that takes us soaring above the jungle canopy. As we navigate suspended bridges and zip lines, we're treated to bird's-eye views of the lush rainforest below—a perspective of El Nido that few ever get to see.

Check El Nido Via Ferrata for this awesome adventure.

Rates: Hanging Bridge- P400; Dreamcatcher: P400; or get both for only P700!

Photo: JEXX HINGGO

But the excitement doesn't end there. Next up, the El Nido Zipline—an exhilarating ride that sends us flying across the sky, with nothing but the vast expanse of the ocean stretching out before us. With the wind in our hair and the sun on our faces, we feel truly alive as we take in the beauty of El Nido from above.

Check ElNido Zipline if you want to try this activity.

Rates: Sitting Position- One way- P600, two-way- P1000; Superman Position- One way- P800, two-way- P1000; Combi sitting and superman- P1100.

Photo: AR LEONG

Discovering the Serenity of Sibaltan

After days of adventure, we crave a taste of serenity, and Sibaltan beckons with its promise of peace and tranquility. Tucked away on the quieter side of El Nido, this sleepy fishing village is a hidden oasis of calm amidst the bustling tourist scene.

Early morning at Sibaltan

At Sitio Tourist Inn Sibaltan, we find the perfect home base for our explorations. Run by a friendly local family, this charming guesthouse offers cozy accommodations and warm hospitality that make us feel right at home. From here, we set out to discover the hidden treasures of Sibaltan, starting with a private island hopping adventure to Linapacan.

at Sitio Tourist Inn Sibaltan

Island Hopping off the Beaten Path

Unlike the crowded island hopping tours of El Nido's main attractions, our journey to Linapacan offers a more intimate and exclusive experience. With the islands all to ourselves, we're free to explore pristine beaches, swim in secluded coves, and soak up the sun without another soul in sight.

We had the whole island for our ourselves here at Magransing Island, Linapacan

As we kayak through crystal-clear waters and snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, we're struck by the raw beauty of this untouched paradise. Here, surrounded by nature in its purest form, we feel a sense of awe and wonder that's impossible to describe.

Crystal clear waters here at Rawis Island, Linapacan

Rawis Island, Linapacan

Achievement Unlocked: Kite Surfing

After a day of island hopping, we also tried Kite Boarding and Kite Surfing. The place is really windy and is the best spot for Kite Surfing. Trivia: I have never experienced flying a kite and it was like nurturing my inner child when I tried Kite Surfing here. You can rent a kite for P1500 for one hour or P2500 for 3 hours. Believe me, it is addicting!

Kite Surfing at Sibaltan

You can inquire at Sitio Tourist Inn Sibaltan about Island Hopping in Linacapan and Kite Boarding/ Surfing.

Immersing Ourselves in Local Culture

But our adventure in Sibaltan isn't just about exploring untouched landscapes—it's also about connecting with the local community and immersing ourselves in their rich culture and traditions. A whole day is dedicated to learning from the locals, as we're treated to traditional cultural dances, try our hand at kite surfing, and discover the art of buri and nipa weaving.

Cultural  dance at Sibaltan

Buri Weaving at Sibaltan

But perhaps the most memorable experience of all is our encounter with Hilot, a traditional Filipino healing art that uses massage and herbal medicine to restore balance and harmony to the body. As we sit back and relax under the skilled hands of a local healer, we feel tension melt away and a sense of deep relaxation wash over us—a fitting end to our journey through El Nido's hidden gems.

Hilot/ Pagtatawas - a traditional healing in Sibaltan

How To Go To El Nido

We took the flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa via Cebu Pacific Air. Cebu Pacific is my airline of choice to Palawan because they offer flexible bookings, low fares and they always adhere to global best safety practices. There are at least 6-7 flight schedules from Manila to Puerto Princesa daily. Book a Cebu Pacific Air flight to Palawan here.

Fly to Puerto Princesa via Cebu Pacific Air

There are vans and buses that can take you from PPS to El Nido. On this trip we decided to take the 9:30 PM schedule of Cherry Bus to El Nido. It was very comfortable because we have lazyboy seats with plenty of leg room plus we have a toilet inside the bus. Ticket is at P750 or P600 for Seniors, Students and PWD. The trip is around 5-6 hours.

Inside Cherry Bus Palawan

A Journey to Remember

As we bid farewell to El Nido, we carry with us memories that will last a lifetime. From the thrill of soaring through the treetops to the serenity of secluded beaches, this journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. And while El Nido's famous island hopping tours may draw the crowds, it's the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path adventures that have captured our hearts and left us longing to return.

So, the next time you find yourself dreaming of paradise, remember that there's more to El Nido than meets the eye. Venture off the beaten path, and you just might discover a side of this tropical paradise that few ever get to see.

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