By Nathan Allen

About half way through my motorbike trip around Palawan Island in the Philippines, I stopped in El Nido, a stunning limestone cliff-studded island paradise. This was my first trip back since 4 years earlier, and I barely recognized the place. It’s amazing how much can change in 4 years. Entire neighborhoods have been built, along with countless new hotels and resorts.

Honestly, I felt a bit overwhelmed by all the changes. It seemed my little piece of paradise was gone forever. I navigated through swarms of people and tricycles crowding the narrow streets, slowly making my way to my new home for the next few nights–“The Nest El Nido”.

 
Here, with an absolutely stunning view looking out to iconic Cadlao Island, I was able to relax after a longggg ride in the sun. It was only then that my head cleared a bit, and the hotel manager informed me of something. He said that while the town has definitely grown, the crowds I experienced were probably just all the school kids getting out at the same time, temporarily choking up the streets. Whew!

Yes, there’s still paradise to be found…

Welcome To “The Nest El Nido Resort” in Palawan, Philippines

The Nest is a family-owned and operated resort situated in Caalan, on my favorite and more remote side of El Nido. This is the area I walked past each afternoon 4 years ago, when I would journey up the beach to photograph beautiful island sunsets.

The Nest Resort has a special place in my heart, and for several reasons. First of all, the design aesthetics are just my style. I love the tasteful blending of “modern” and “beachy”.  It’s truly a classy place, but with a nice, laid back feel to it. 

The garden landscape in the center of the resort is quite expansive, and beautifully designed. Gardening is a passion of the owner, and amazingly, she did all this landscaping herself!

Yes, this resort is a real family affair – a homecoming and a labor of love, all wrapped up in one. Keep reading and you’ll see why…

The outside villa windows are basically perfect mirrors, which not only insures complete privacy for guests inside, but also reflects the stunning beauty of the garden and views of Cadlao Island across the sea! It gives the cozy property quite a colorful and spacious feel. Nice touch!

I mentioned that the resort is family owned and operated, but I did not mention that it is Filipino owned and operated–something that is unfortunately rare for high-end properties in the Philippines, and even more rare because the land this property is on has belonged to this family for over 6 decades! Seriously, I loved hearing this story…

In the 1950s, a Man Stumbled Upon Paradise in the Philippines

He was a WWII soldier stationed in Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. After the war, stories of a wild and scenic paradise pulled him north. He kept going further and further, eventually reaching this fabled Shangri-La at the top of the island.

Aside from a few Chinese fishermen, the village of El Nido was unknown to the world, just a spec on the edge of a remote Philippine island. Here, in this enchanting paradise, the man saw potential. He put down roots…eventually fell in love and married a local girl. They started a family.

He became the town postmaster, and owner of its largest store, which he ran out of his own home. The store, called “IBR”, is still there today!

He was one of the only residents earning any kind of decent salary. As you can imagine, there wasn’t a lot to spend the money on in a sleepy seaside village, so he just started buying land. It was so cheap…the family thinks he purchased the land the resort is on for just $20! Think about how much it must be worth all these years later, being situated in the most sought-after part of the #1 island in the world!

Smart man, and it’s incredible that the family held on to it all these years.

(Continued below)

When his daughter grew up, she got married and started a family in Alaska, of all places. After the kids were grown, they left the bitter cold to return home to the Philippines, and live her dream of having a resort in the paradise of her childhood. Pretty amazing to find original land owners in El Nido going all the way back 60+ years!

Returning to Their EL Nido Roots, & Living The Dream

As mentioned, she handles all the gardening. The design and construction was carried out by her husband and her son Michael, who also does an excellent job managing the place (along with his lovely wife Christine). You can see the 3 of us posing for a picture below (along with much of the resort staff:) The family is incredibly humble and down-to-earth. They made me feel right at home.

(Photos of food & staff)

I visited before The Nest was even finished being built, and before they were offering lunch and dinner meals. However, I did get to do a taste-test, and was also able to experience a mouth-watering breakfast, including fruit that was locally grown across the water on beautiful Cadlao island! Did I mention I also ate some of the best bacon I have ever tasted in my life? Imagine the best bacon you’ve ever had, and that you’re eating it here:

I experienced a massage on the upper level here as well. You can’t beat the relaxing sound of island waves crashing during a blissful massage. REAL waves, mind you. This is not an iPod playing:) I think they also plan on having yoga classes up there…all with an absolutely stunning view!

Villa Room @ The Nest El Nido

My villa felt warm and inviting. The little details made all the difference in the world…things like the fresh, aromatic smell of the soap, and even the soft, oversized bath towels! I never realized a towel could smell so good. Bedding feels luxurious and inviting as well.

(Photos of villa room & bathroom)

Another thing I loved is the craftsmanship of all the furniture in the rooms and around the property–it’s all locally sourced, or made directly on site!

Day & Night Views of Iconic Cadlao Island

 *If you’re wondering, I took these shots with my Sony Rx100III. <–Amazon, but in the PHL you can find it HERE.

These views are my favorite part about being in El Nido. The daytime shot was taken directly from the resort restaurant, I believe. The sunset shot was taken at a nice secluded spot about 10 minutes north up the beach. You just need to keep trekking along the beach until the sunset comes into view.

The Nest El Nido – Contact Info, Reviews & Rates

Sorry if I can’t stop gushing about The Nest El Nido. I guess I left a little piece of myself there. I love everything about it–the story, the people who run it, and the neighborhood it’s situated in. I’m not the only one, apparently they are already booked solid for months out, and at the time of this writing, it’s not even completely finished yet!

Yes, it goes without saying that you should book as far in advance as you can. Enjoy this little piece of paradise, and please send the family my best!

Check rates and read reviews HERE

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Like my page to follow along with me:)  – Nathan

Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

Social Media

Have something to add? Feel free to leave a comment…

The post The Nest El Nido Resort – Family Bought This Land For Just $20! appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

For me, there is no better way to explore Palawan than by motorcycle. It is the modern day stallion, providing nomads and wanderers the ultimate freedom and mobility. As a photographer, I especially love the ability to stop along the road anywhere I see something that catches my eye.

Bus rides may be more comfortable, however, they are torture for photographers.

In the Chinese zodiac, I was born in the year of the horse. According to tradition, this perfectly explains my penchant for wandering. In other words, I need to stretch my legs; gallop far and wide. It’s fitting that I have ended up in Asia the past few years, submersing myself in cultures and climates vastly different than my own.

A Motorbike Trip On Palawan Island, Philippines

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Palawan, it’s a large Philippine island bordering the South China / West Philippine Sea. Palawan has consistently been ranked as one of the top tropical islands – with the best beaches in the world. As you’ll see later, it surely deserves the honor! Along with Boracay island, it’s one of the top tourist draws in the Philippines.

However, the island still has vast stretches of rugged, untouched jungles and white sand beaches. Well off the beaten path. That’s why when rent-a-bike.ph offered to provide me a motorcycle, I jumped at the chance.

Where To Rent a Motorcycle in Palawan

I landed in Palawan’s main hub, Puerto Princesa, and stopped by the motorcycle rental place next door to the airport. I tested out a yellow Kawasaki Rouser, and loved the way it felt. It’s an on road bike, but I’ve had heaps of practice riding off road if needed.

Rent-a-bike.ph is owned by a Russian transplant named Sergey. He offered to take me on a quick ride to some of the nice beaches nearby. I certainly looked forward to seeing this region of Palawan!

The next morning, after a great stay at the Ivywall Hotel, I met Sergey and we made our way out of town. He rode a Honda XR150, which is better for off road. It’s available for rent as well. I figured most of my riding would be on paved roads, so the Kawasaki would be more comfortable for my trip.

The roads in Palawan are nice and windy, – quite scenic as well! We pulled over at a mountainous overlook, and Sergey posed his bike so we could get this shot.

The Rough Road Trip to Kalaodiong Beach

After that, we continued to little known Kalaodiong Beach. The last stretch of road is unpaved, steep and rough. However, the beach at the end is pretty good. It’s probably the nicest, undeveloped beach relatively close to Puerto Princesa.

To clarify, there’s actually nothing on this beach. Just a few locals who might ask for 20 pesos to park your motorbike. We had more to see in this part of Palawan, so after relaxing here for a few minutes, we started back for Nagtabon beach (another gem which we had passed on the way).

There’s a vista point along the way between the two beaches…at least I think that’s where it was. If you want to relax with a fresh coconut and views out to sea, this is a great place in central Palawan.

Nagtabon Beach, Palawan

Nagtabon beach is barely developed. To be sure, there are very few options for snacks, food, and drinks. If you walk to the end of the beach, an American has returned to his roots in the Philippines and opened up a unique guest house there. I think it’s called Caroline’s Secret Resort.

It’s basically a simple beach bar, but there is a giant castle “turret” which you can stay overnight in. However, it has no windows or screens, and is a bit pricey for what you get. I suppose it’s the unique experience you’re paying for?

We were pretty hungry by the time we arrived here, so we stayed for dinner. Drinks and burgers seemed a bit expensive, however, no other options are available on the beach. Prices reflect that. It’s a bit remote, so transporting supplies probably costs him.  In any case, super nice guy.

Nagtabon Beach View, From The Castle

Here is the vista from the top of the castle turret. In addition to nice views of the beach, there’s also an adventurous rope bridge you have to cross to get up here…

Caroline’s is an excellent place for watching the sunset, too. As chance would have it, 2 women from Latvia were there practicing “stick dancing” on the beach. I captured these silhouette shots just before we left…after the sun had dipped below the horizon.

( In photos: 1. Silhouette of 2 women checking their phone on beach 2. Nagtabon Sunset landscape )

In case you’re wondering, I took these shots with my Sony RX100III. A very impressive pocket camera! That link is for Amazon, but in the Philippines or Singapore you can get it here..

We walked all the way back to the motorbikes on the other end of the beach…and of course then I realized I left my sunglasses at the resort. I told Sergey I would just meet him back in Puerto Princesa later, and then I ran back to get them.

Luckily I found the sunglasses, and trekked all the way back to the bike again. I rode back to Puerto Princesa in the dark…the trip seemed to take forever! Without a doubt, I was completely exhausted.

(Continued below…but I’d be honored if you want to follow along with me on FB)

Once back in Puerto Princesa, I met with a tour operator to get more information about my next stop, the Underground River tour in Sabang (central Palawan). She invited me on the tour as a way of saying thanks for promoting the Philippines. Very kind, and she even told me there was no need to promote her company specifically!

Looking Forward To Day 2 on the Motorbike…

Basically, this short ride was just a warm up for the rest of Palawan. Just wait until you see how much better the beaches get! The ride to Sabang the next day was unforgettable, too I’ll leave that for chapter two…

You can find hotel rates and reviews for Puerto Princesa and Palawan HERE

Pt 1. >  Pt 2. > Pt 3. >  Pt 4.  > Pt.5 > Pt 6. > Pt 7. > Pt 8.

*Motorbike for this trip was provided by www.rent-a-bike.ph.

* Updated January 18, 2021

If you notice anything that needs correcting, please don’t hesitate to let me know!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

The post Palawan By Motorcycle – Pt. 1: Puerto Princesa and Nagtabon Beach appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.