El Nido, Palawan

           Situated in Bacuit Bay, El Nido is about 238 kilometers of Puerto Princesa City. It has eighteen barangays four of which are situated in the Poblacion (town proper) such as Buena Suerte, Corong-corong, Maligaya and Masagana.

 

PLACES OF INTEREST

 

*Bacuit Bay*

     The bay is dotted with islands and islets, most of which are inhabited. Its clear blue waters are teeming with marine life. It is home of dugongs, turtles, manta rays, species of fishes, coral reefs, and the occasional whale sharks.

 

*Cadlao Island*

     It is the largest island in El Nido, occupying a land area of 10.06 square kilometers. Among all islands, it is the closest to town proper and has the highest peak that towers up to 640 meters above sea level. It is known for its white sand beaches, gradually sloping sea floor, hidden lagoons, and nature trails through its lush forest cover. One of these nature trails leads to the charming saltwater Makaamo Lagoon. Surrounded by mangroves, the lagoon is best enjoyed in silence at sunrise or sunset when the birds feed.

 

*Dilumacad Island*

     This island has a beautiful white sand beach stretching to some 300 meters that is ideal for picnic lunches during island-hopping trips. There is an underwater tunnel at its northern side and a fringing reef on its southern end. The island is also called Helicopter Island because its limestone cliffs resemble the shape of a helicopter when it is viewed from a considerable distance.

 

*Pangulasian Island*

     It has 750 meter wide stretch of powdery white beaches in El Nido, which is very ideal for sun bathing, sunset viewing, and other beach activities. The waters fronting the beach are clusters of coral reefs that make this area a good snorkeling and diving site.

 

*Cudugnon Point*

     It is an important anthropological site.The anthropologists believe that the cave dwellers were from Borneo, and travelled across the ancient land bridge that connected Palawan from Borneo. The crevices of its cave roof are inhabited by barn swallows and insectivorous bats. One must crawl through the hole to enter the main cavern.

 

*7 Commands Point*

     Beach is popular destination for picnics.

 

*Matinloc Island*

     Matinloc Island, the longest slim island in El Nido, has a secret beach that is inaccessible by boat and surrounded by steep rock walls. To reach it, divers must swim underwater through a narrow crevice in a rock wall.

Aside from the Secret Beach, the island is also famous for the Kulasa Beach, a 100-meter beach strip of fine white sand located at one of its coves. Other attractions are:

 

*Big Lagoon*

     One of the popular snorkeling spots, it has deep emerald waters and is frequented by sea turtles.

 

*Small Lagoon*

     Reached through a crack between rocks, the small lagoon is enclosed by towering marble walls

 

*Pinasil Island*

     The island has a cathedral-like cavern accessible by dinghy and kayak. Its cool interior is lit at certain times of the day by sunlight coming through an opening at its peak. This one of important sites for the busyadors or the birds' nest gatherers.

 

*Tapuitan Island*

     The rich marine life provides for excellent scuba diving and snorkeling.

 

*Vigan Island*

     Located near Pangulasian Island, it is also referred to as, "Snake Island," because of the fine natural sandspit (s-shaped sandbar) that "snakes" off it shores. The sandspit is clearly visible only when the tide is low. On both sides of the sandspit are shallow swimming areas

 

*Dibuluan Beach Club*

     This island can be hiked to the top for a great view of the inner Bay. Activities offered are snorkeling and water sports activities.

 

*Población (Town proper)*

     Nestled around the towering marble and limestone cliffs and green hills, the town proper is a thriving tourist center where most cottages, bars, and souvenir shops can be found.