El Nido, Palawan | Inside The Tourism Bubble
It was so good to be back in El Nido, Palawan! The last time we visited it was way back in 2017 and it was so crowded with tourists like us.
But this time around, we had this once in a lifetime experience wherein we had all the attractions to ourselves!
The Dance of the Balinsasayaw
Tucked in the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan, the municipality of El Nido is home to towering limestone cliffs and rock formations. Plus, there’s the biodiverse ecosystems, crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches and everything in between.
The municipality is bordered by Taytay in the south, the West Philippine Sea on the west, the Sulu Sea on the east, and Linapacan on the north. El Nido has 64 islands and islets, 18 barangays and lots of tourism attractions to visit.
It is no wonder that El Nido together with the whole island of Palawan was regarded as the country’s last frontier. In fact, it was recently declared as the World’s Best Island in 2020 by travel Magazine Travel+Leisure.
“El Nido” is a Spanish word that translates to “The Nest”. To add, the Swiftlet or Balinsasayaw was one a thriving bird specie in the area that makes it nest from its own saliva.
Moreover, El Nido was once a flourishing industry for it natural resources including the Bird’s Nest. Now, harvesting this ingredient it is closely monitored and regulated as the population of the birds need to recover.
Pangulasian: The Island of the Sun
We got the chance to visit Pangulasian Island, this eco-resort is part of the tourism bubble in El Nido. In fact, the resort is set fronting a 750-meter pristine white beach and against a backdrop of tropical forest.
To add, Marine Lizards/Bayawak litter the area, they are like the local dogs in the area, but mind you, they are completely harmless.
The rich marine life around the island is just right at its doorstep. During our stay, we saw Black Tip Reef Sharks and an Octopus lounging around the reefs on one of our snorkeling sessions.
There’s also a hiking trail that leads to the top of the island with a dense forest teeming with life. As a matter of fact, it is inhabited by Monkeys and Palawan Peacocks, who didn’t mind us as we passed through.
At night, we had the beach to ourselves and the sky was so dark that the glorious milk way core was visible to the naked eye.
Travel Tips
El Nido, Palawan Travel Requirement and Guidelines | Local Health and Safety Protocols
El Nido gradually opened its doors with their tourism bubble this 2021 under the point-to-point travel set-up. Because of this, travelers can once again explore and bask in its fine white sand beaches, alluring lagoons, and many other scenic spots.
What travel requirements do I need to prepare?
1. A Negative RT-PCR Test Result
- All domestic tourists coming from outside of Palawan must present a negative RT-PCR test result taken atleast 72 hours prior to their travel.
2. Get a QR Coded Tourist ID
- All tourists planning to visit El Nido should get a QR Coded Tourist ID that they will use when going in and out of the municipalities’ attractions. To secure one, you may access https://elnidotourism.ph/ and upload necessary documents needed. Cut-off time is 3pm a day before your arrival.
3. A Confirmed Booking at a DOT Accredited Accommodation
- With the onset of the new normal guidelines, the Department of Tourism only allowed a number of establishments who can follow the health and safety protocols. Furthermore, they are awarded with the Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO)
- You can check-out the list of their accredited partners here https://elnidotourism.ph/tourism-partners/
4. Roundtrip Flight Tickets
- Roundtrip flight tickets are one of the requirements to be submitted. As of writing, Puerto Prinsesa is still closed for tourists. Moreover, only flights serviced by Air Swift at LIO Airport accepts guest with confirmed travel booking.
- There is a mandatory health assessment of visitors upon entry and exit
- Check Airswift flights HERE
5. Valid Identification Card
- A valid identification card showing your permanent address
6. Confirmed Travel Itinerary
- Itinerary will be provided by your DOT Accredited Accommodation. Apart from this, they’ll be the one facilitating your tours in and around the islands
What are the guidelines to follow when you are in El Nido, Palawan?
1. Minimum Health Standards – Face Mask and Face Shield
- Wearing of face mask and face shield is mandatory. Together with the practicing of social distancing, regular hand sanitizing specially in public to help fight the spread of the virus.
2. Transport and Tour Protocols
- Tourists must secure private transportation to and from the airport up to their accommodation. Moreover, land tours and island-hopping tours must be handled by your DOT Accredited Accommodation as long as it follows your itinerary.
Updated November 09, 2021
