Some people choose to have a retreat in a convent or in the mountains to self-reflect or recharge. For those who love the beach, Cagnipa Island is a perfect sanctuary for peace and silence. In the last five years, Port Barton has become a popular stop for travelers exploring Palawan. A 45-minute boat ride from Port Barton, Coconut Garden Island Resort in Cagnipa Island offers a feel of island life amidst a rich and lively flora and fauna. It is definitely better to stay here compared to a resort in Port Barton proper as it offers a cleaner beach in a virgin island with more privacy, cheap accommodations and excellent food at an affordable price. The lush garden, beach beds, native hammocks and the whole beach can be all for yourself during the low season or shared with a few guests during the peak months. Waking up at around half past five to watch a spectacular sunrise by the shore is not a bad way to start the day. Chimi, the new addition to the family, is there to accompany you together with some crabs, birds and fish. I once saw some dolphins from a far very early in the morning. The quietness enables you to hear the engine of every Boeing 747 passing by from above. A zoologist may be entertained by the presence of huge lizards (or “bayawak” as Filipinos call them), monkeys, and several other species of mammals, birds and insects that can be found in the island. The limited electricity, mobile and internet makes it easy to disconnect with the world but in turn connect more with oneself. It is not to say that there will be total isolation, as they have two rounds of free strong WIFI for an hour or so in the morning and early evening in the restaurant. For Php1200 a night during the low season (i.e., June to October) and Php1800 during the peak season, their deluxe rooms go with a solar panel that allows you to use light and a fan at night. Cheaper rooms at PhP600 during the low season are available (for accommodation details, click here), but get a deluxe room if available. Common areas have generator electricity from around 10:00 to 13:00 and 18:00-21:00. The resort tends to be full during the peak season so make sure to reserve a room in advance especially if you plan to visit in December. During off peak months, there is a chance that the whole beach is just for you. Owned by a former cruise ship chef from Switzerland, it is by far the best restaurant I have been in an isolated place. You wouldn't have to worry about what to eat as they offer a wide variety of dishes including freshly baked bread for breakfast and quality meat for dinner. Try their Medallion of Beef Tenderloin in Brown Sauce (Php430; with spiral pasta, but can also be with fries), Swiss-style Sautéed Diced Pork Tenderloin in Mushroom Sauce with Roesti Potatoes (Php370) and Pan Fried (or Grilled) Tuna Steak Soya Onion Sauce (Php175). Fishermen from the nearby village would pass by sometimes with their catch of the day, such as a 500—gram Lapu-Lapu which I had for just Php270. They use wood fire for cooking. For a piece of paradise on earth, visit Coconut Garden Island Resort, Cagnipa Island, Palawan. How to get here: Fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa. There is also a van the airport parking lot that leaves at 7am to Port Barton. If you cannot catch that then take tricycle to San Jose Bus station (special trip from the new airport is at Php60 pesos). From there, take a van (Recaro Transport, Php300/person) to Port Barton. The trip is around 3 hours with one stop over in a store for a toilet break. The road is not yet fully paved so there may be delays during the rainy season due to muddy roads, though there has been much progress in the pavement work in the last months. You can pre-arrange a boat trip with Coconut Garden Island Resort from Port Barton to Cagnipa Island (Php275/person) and back. What to bring: While it is possible to swipe your card with a mark-up of 7%, it is recommended to bring enough cash for the whole trip. There are no ATMs either in Port Barton or in Cagnipa Island. Take your snorkelling gear, book and sun glasses. Make sure to close the mosquito net properly when you sleep and put on some anti-mosquito lotion to avoid insect and sun fly bites. What to do: This place is perfect for those who would like to spend their day reading, writing, or simply doing nothing. Ask one of their staff to guide you for a walk along the forest of the island. In case you get bored, they offer tours by boat to the islands around Port Barton or the other beaches in Palawan Island. They have their own boats and can customize a trip for you depending on what you want to see. It is also an excellent spot for snorkeling where you can find turtles, rays, etc. on top of the diverse corals and marine life, depending on the season. Where to go next:
Go back to Port Barton and take a boat to San Vicente (home of a 14-kilometer Long Beach) or take a van to El Nido or back to Puerto Princesa. You can also rent a boat for a special trip to Sabang. Coconut Garden Beach Resort Cagnipa Island, Port Barton, San Vicente, 5300 Palawan, Philippines http://www.coconutgardenislandresort.com/ (+63) 918-3702395 (Smart) ; (+63) 926-7210112 (Globe) [email protected]
1 Comment
Surreal. Paradise. The inspiration behind the film "The Beach". The best in the world. El Nido used to be a luxury but now has become more accessible and in fact a favorite among Filipino and foreign travelers. Here are some useful information for those who are planning to visit this part of the Philippines. 1. Getting there The best way to get there from Manila is by plane. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines fly to Puerto Princesa where you can then take a bus or van to El Nido. If you plan to stay only in El Nido, better take a morning flight then take a tricycle (PhP13 per head) directly to San Jose Station where you can take a Roro or Cherry bus (non-aircon or aircon, from PhP290 to PhP480) or van to El Nido. It takes around six hours to get there, so if you leave Puerto Princesa at 12 noon, you will get there by early evening. Consider the travel time when making your itinerary. There are also direct flights with a 50-seater plane from Manila to El Nido. 2. What to bring While there are several kiosks, small stores and pharmacies where you can buy something you might have forgotten to bring, there are no ATMs yet in El Nido so make sure to take enough cash. It is also better to have your own snorkeling gear especially if you plan to do a lot of island-hopping. For documenting your trip, make sure you have a waterproof camera or case or a dry bag as you need to swim from the boat to get to certain islands. 3. Going Around Within El Nido Proper, everything is reachable by foot. You can take a tricycle for short trips if you want move from one town to another but you have to negotiate to get the right price. It is also possible to do a day trip with them, though doing it in a motorbike is cheaper. For renting a motorbike, Fast & Furious gives the best price (around PhP400-450 per day depending on the season and how many days you will rent it - again, negotiate). 4. Booking your tour It is convenient to do island-hopping in El Nido even for solo travelers. Unlike in other towns where you need to rent the whole boat for a day which costs more the less people you are, you can book a tour with your lodge, hotel or a travel agency (there are several around town). Doing this requires an environmental pass, which is usually included in the price of the tour. Ask your tour operator for your pass and use it in the succeeding trips. Some advertised tours automatically include a pass in the price, so inform the operator before booking that you already have it and check if they can discount that from the price (PhP200). Tour prices range from PhP1000-1500. 5. What to see El Nido is empty during the day as most people are out doing island-hopping. For first timers, the most recommended tours are A (famous for the Big, Small and Secret Lagoons) and B (known for the Snake Island). I have done all tours and my personal favorites are those two. Tour D is rather less frequent and difficult to book. If you prefer to spend a day in the mainland, you can checkout Las Cabañas Beach or explore farther areas by motorbike or tricycle (you can make arrangements with a tricycle driver for a day trip if you do not know how to drive a motorbike, though the latter is cheaper). See Nakpan and Calitang Twin Beach and Nagkalitkalit Falls. El Nido is heaven for divers, so if you are one, don't miss the opportunity to do it when you are there. If you don't dive, snorkeling is enough to appreciate its beautiful marine life. (Note: Do not swim in El Nido Town Proper's beach.) 6. Where to sleep There are several lodges in El Nido Town Proper and Corong-Corong. Popular among backpackers are dorm-type accommodations (starts at PhP250) and private fan rooms for as low as PhP500 (prices vary during non-peak and peak seasons). Tranquility lovers can now stay in Nacpan Beach or Tapik Beach, too. Try to book in advance especially if you plan to come during the peak season or on a holiday weekend. If you want to be based in El Nido Town Proper, it does not necessarily have to be beachfront as the town is small - you can go by foot almost anywhere. Ricgem Place is affordable, new and clean. Try Our Melting Pot if you want a hostel atmosphere. For more luxury, you can stay in one of El Nido's resort islands. For a list of inns in El Nido, this link is helpful. 7. Where to eat There are several options available depending on your budget and the type of cuisine you prefer. Travelers who are tight on the budget frequent Silog Republic and the rotisseries along Rizal Street while those looking for a more posh ambiance go to resto-bars like Mezzanine. For the best sunset and Spanish tapas, go to Republica Sunset Bar in Corong-Corong. For a more detailed review of Nido restaurants, see: The Ultimate Guide for Traveler Foodies: El Nido Palawan Restaurants. 8. Where to go next
If you want to continue your trip, you can take a boat to Coron (take note that this is an 8-hour trip) up north, see the historic town of Taytay or explore the more virgin Port Barton or San Vicente down south. For more information, see: A Rewarding Untrodden Path: Port Barton and San Vicente Palawan. Enjoy El Nido! -JB If you have questions or reactions, feel free to leave a comment below. Heavy traffic, pollution, too much people, lack of green spaces, and having almost just the mall for leisure activities: these are just some of the reasons for a quick escape from Manila. Given these daily hassles and chaos, an easy weekend getaway to relax before another work week starts is not a bad idea. Here are some trips you can choose from depending on the type of activities and landscape you are looking for. 1) Hit the Talipanan beach Located at the far left end side facing the sea, this is the more hidden beach along that side of Puerto Galera. It is ideal for those who prefer tranquility, e.g., instead of staying in the busier White Beach. While it is isolated, there are small resorts for accommodations and dining. You can ask them to call a masseuse if you feel like having a massage by the beach. Try Luca's Pizzeria down the end of the beach. Wake up early to see the beautiful sunrise. Why it is easy: You can drive or take a bus from Manila (e.g., the bus stations beside LRT Buendia) and in more or less three hours you will already be in Batangas Port (there is a parking area for cars). Take a boat to get to White Beach and from there take a tricycle to Talipanan. 2) Dive in Anilao, Batangas It is not necessary to take a flight to have a good dive. All it takes is a three-hour drive to enjoy a rich marine life. This makes Anilao a popular weekend destination for Manileños who love to dive and snorkel. Being a certified diver is not necessary: some offer the easy introduction dive accompanied by a professional. Why it is easy: Aside from being close to Manila, there are a number of resorts (like Planet Dive) to choose from that offer everything you may need: equipment, lessons, lodging and food. You can go for a day or overnight trip that usually includes meals. Ask about their menu before you book as some packages strictly cover all meals. It is also possible to get there using public transportation. 3) Appreciate Filipino Heritage and Art in Rizal province For those who have no time for an overnight trip, this is one option you should consider. A whole day is enough to savor Rizal's several treasures. Make a stop at each city's nineteenth-century-old church, the Pinto Art Gallery, and end your day with a drink and some FIlipino food in one of the restaurants along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo with a view of Manila. Why it is easy: While it is more convenient to do this trip with a private vehicle, the route is simple for everybody. Get a map and mark the the places of interest before hand: they are all easy to locate and directions are nothing complicated. Watch out for traffic near some of the churches on Sundays due to the volume of people attending the mass. 4) Relax in Tagaytay Weekenders visit Tagaytay for different reasons: its churches, garden restaurants, nature spas, bed and breakfast and hotels, and of course, the picturesque view of Mt. Taal with the surrounding lake that you can contemplate from any cafe along the main road or hike up to its crater. While you have the usual favorites like Bag of Beans, Leslie's Sonia's Garden and Rowena's, there is always something new to find in every visit. Check out the hidden Chateau Hestia garden restaurant and deli for their savory dishes and charming ambiance. Why it is easy: Approximately two hours from Manila (depend on traffic), Tagaytay itself is small so it is easy to move around. Most places of interest are along Tagaytay Road: its main highway that stretches from Sta. Rosa to Calamba and Nasugbu. Pasalubongs can be bought everywhere - from tarts (e.g., Rowenas), pineapples, buko (coconut) pie, or even plants. 5) Explore Baler Though it is famous for surfing at Sabang Beach, you do not need to like it to appreciate Baler. You can rent a motorbike or tricycle or use your private vehicle to see the historical town center, its waterfalls, hills and other beaches. It has a lot of restaurants and cafes where you can simply hangout, too. (See: The Ultimate Guide for Traveler Foodies: Baler Aurora Restaurants). Why it is easy: The bus company Genesis runs trips from Cubao in Quezon City to Baler. If you prefer to ride their Joy Bus (with couch seats) and go for a night trip to Baler and the last trip coming back to Manila, make sure to buy your tickets in advance. It is possible to do it via internet but has to be at least three days before your trip. You can also join a tour offered by travel companies. 6) Discover Las Casas de Acuzar Popular among couples as a prenuptial shoot backdrop, this private resort showcases transplanted heritage houses recreating a colonial village. For example, Paseo de Escolta is a replica of a popular hotel in Manila back in the 1900s which is among the overnight accommodations you can choose from if you prefer to stay overnight in this resort. There are several day tour options to choose from depending on your budget, i.e., ones that include the entrance fee, set meal or buffet lunch, snacks, use of the beach area. You can also opt to stay overnight either in Why it is easy: Simply take a bus (for an approximately three-hour trip) from Genesis in Cubao in Quezon City to Balanga, Bataan (PhP200). From there, a jeepney or tricycle can bring you to the main road of the resort. 7) Hike the Mt. Pinatubo Famous for its eruption in 1991 which is the second largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century, it is possible to trek the mountain to admire the surreal landscape on its crater. Why it is easy: A lot of travel companies offer a day trip to Mt. Pinatubo which includes transfers from Manila, the 4x4 ride to and from the trek start point, and a free shower after the hike. They will meet you at a meeting point and drop you off there as well when you come back to Manila. You can also organize a do-it-yourself trip. 8) Go back in time in Corregidor Island
An island located at the entrance of Manila Bay, it played an important role in our defense against the Japanese forces during the WWII. Heavily bombarded, it now serves as a memorial for the Filipino, Japanese and American soldiers who died during the war. Why it is easy: You can take a ferry from the terminal in CCP to Corregidor. There are also tours that you can buy online - try to search for offers. Check the weather forecast when you plan your trip as there are possible cancellations of trips (e.g., coming back to Manila) if the sea is rough and bring some snacks and water. (For more travel tips, see: 12 Practical Tips for Traveling Smart) |
The Philippines7107 islands. Deserves to be in your bucket list. About the AuthorAlways in search for vitamin D. Archives
July 2016
Categories
All
|