This is by far the best beach I have ever been in the Philippines. The blog space cannot accommodate all the photos I took there! Marine life here is highly preserved and cared for. If you are the type who wants to get upclose and personal with the fishies, and you enjoy lots of island hopping, exciting ocean activities and utmost VIP treatment…and budget is not an issue…then this is the best beach for you! El Nido is a group of islands off the coast of Palawan mainland, Philippines.

FACILITIES: There are 2 world-class resorts in EL NIDO: Lagen island and Miniloc island. The only difference is that Lagen has the bigger facilities, restos and area…mostly cemented walking areas. While Miniloc is the more private and rustic resort (huts, cabanas etc.). Miniloc has the best beachfront for scuba diving and fish feeding. While Lagen is the more expensive one because of its facililities and swimming pool area. We stayed in Miniloc island, and we don’t regret at all! Our cottage in Miniloc resort is tropical-themed, but the features are hotel-like (beds, sheets, shower, towels, etc.). They also have their own Spa for that relaxing massage after a day of kayaking and windsurfing.

RESTAURANT: The restos serve a la carte and hearty buffet meals everyday. Very good food!!! International meals and a wide aray of desserts will delight you. Your package in accommodation comes with buffet meals either in the resort or in the many island restos you’ll go to. It feels like you’re going to 5 different beaches in 1 trip!

BEACH: In the package, you will have your own coordinator who will suggest your itinerary for your trip. You will just choose among a long list of activities to enjoy. For our trip, we did the following: -Kayaking in small and big lagoons, fish feeding, bottom fishing, island hopping in Entalula island, Pangulasian island lunch and sunset viewing, Snake island, Lagen island breakfast, spelunking in the Cudugnon caves with lots of bats, windsurfing in Entalula island, hobbiecat sailing, sunset cruise, snorkeling in the big lagoon and infront of Miniloc reef, Intro scuba diving, suntanning, massage, island buffet lunches..u name it! You will be brought to and fro by your own private speedboat…

PRICE: I forgot the exact price but our 5D/4N stay was around 40,000 pesos per person. It’s worth the price! Contact your reliable travel agent for this as El Nido resorts rely on reservations made by agencies. Or else, the price will be more expensive (published rate). Visit http://www.elnidoresorts.com/

HAPPINESS FACTOR: 200% I love it! Must go back…maybe with someone special! Truly world-class!

HOW TO GET THERE: There’s only 1 airline flying straight to El Nido islands in Palawan. Island Transvoyager chartered plane. Their airport is also within the domestic airport of Manila, but they do have a separate receiving area with lounge. You will get to the rustic and tropical-themed El Nido airport in 1 hour and 20 mins.

MUST-TRY: Swim with the huge Jack fishies just in front of Miniloc resort. Get a big bread from your buffet breakfast, sit in the water holding area stairs, and see hundreds of fishies eat your bread from your hand in 3 seconds!!! Lagen island does not have this perk!