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Palawan Chronicles III: Solo Beach Camping in El Nido (Part 1)

Posted on December 30, 2010 by journeyingjames 54 Comments
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WARNING: Don’t try this if you don’t know how to swim or you don’t know how to build your own fire. Are you afraid of big monkeys? Forget about solo beach camping.

Day 1

My travel journal says,

The sun is about to set in this part of the world. How I wish I am always connected with nature like this. Barefooted, not bothered if my feet are covered with sand. I love it actually- the world is absent to judge you according to what they think is right.” -journeyingjames (4:30PM, December 2, 2010)

Money at hand is not enough to book a guesthouse (Php150/night the cheapest I found) while I was in El Nido. Friends told me to get off the bus at Brgy.Corong-Corong because its cheaper there. I did and just asked around the way to the beach. I can’t wait to see for myself what people from around the world rave about.

The quaint baranggay, Corong-Corong, just about a kilometer from El Nido town proper

After some amazement, I looked for a fisherman who would be willing to bring me in an island where I can sleep for free. I told him that I want an uninhabited place like that of Survivor (except the drama and please no frills). I want to be reconnected with the Creator and just be in solace.

Ronnie, my bankero, parking the outrigger boat

Luckily I found a fisherman named Ronnie who agreed to bring me to Ipil Beach for Php300 bucks (back-and-forth). Not bad as package tours are between Php500-700. I just need to buy some important survival stuffs from the market and I’m good to go.

Ipil beach, El Nido is inhabited by long-tailed monkeys and some monitor lizards, here’s the video I took:

Just like what I said before, forgive the wrong grammars used. Its hard to be a celebrity on Youtube. Hahaha

The Arrival

“Sun-drenched skin, feet covered with powdery white sand, watching the waves kiss the shore, amazed on how these limestone cliffs are formed.”

The misty horizon with some limestone karst

Here in this particular spot in this beach cove, I’m brought to what the essentials of life-shelter, food and clothing. No iPad/iPod, no laptop and internet, no air-conditioned room, no hot showers, no comfy bed, no kitchen. Convenience is unheard and you just take hold of what is important in life.

I brought my mobile phone in case of emergency and for updates too. I also want to update my friends (read: make them envy of my adventures) of what I’m doing. And somehow be connected thru Twitter.

Place surveyed, check! Hammock, check! Woods for fire, check! Flash light, check!

Accommodation: Beach front. No Aircon just fresh air. Comfort Room?

Here’s the game plan:

Just like what I said before, forgive the wrong grammars used. Its hard to be a celebrity on Youtube. Hahaha

My Tweets:

I hope it doesn’t rain for 2 days as I will set camp in one of the islands here. Let’s see if I will survive the island challenge.

Looking for a place to set up my hammock.. the view is surreal, limestone karst, white sand, tall coconuts, gentle sea breeze.

I’m now at Ipil island. Ronnie, my bankero, brought me here aboard an outrigger boat. I plan to stay in this uninhabited island for 2 nights, survival journeyingjames-style

Just had an aftrnoon nap on my good old hammock. Was a bit tired of the 6-hour landtrip to El Nido. I’m waiting for the sunset.

Sun-drenched skin, feet covered with powdery white sand, watching the waves kiss the shore, amazed on how these limestone cliffs are formed.

I already built a fire, I hope the woods I gathered will be enough till the m0rning. I also got company, I saw a big monkey..this is exciting!

To be continued…

Expenses

Php280 (student fare) San Jose, Puerto Princesa City to El Nido Bus
Php12 Breakfast at Roxas: 2 bananas and boiled egg
Php50 Lunch at El Nido: Stew and rice for lunch
Php71 Cutter, cup, water, candle (some stuff I need in the island)
Php150 Bread, biscuits, peanut butter, jellies (food for two days)
Php10 El Nido town to Corong-Corong
Php300 Boat

Total: Php837.00

The Palawan Chronicles is a 6-part series of unforgettable moments I experienced during my 7-day escapade (December 2010) in Palawan. Some sights have become familiar and common because I stayed in Puerto Princesa City for almost a year but most are seen with fresh insight- rediscovering the beauty of simple life.

Join the adventure and let’s walk among throngs and throngs of Palawenos in Baybay (Baywalk), tour some city spots, survive a 2-day island challenge; visit a vanishing Batac tribe and taste French and Vietnamese influence in this beautiful island paradise. I will also add how much I spent to guide you should you plan to do a Palawan escapade.

Baywalk Christmas Tree Madness / Puerto Princesa City Tour / Solo Beach Camping in El Nido (Part 1) /Solo Beach Camping in El Nido (Part 2) / A Visit to the Vanishing Tribe of Batak / Perfect Match- French Bread & Vietnamese Noodles

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Palawan Chronicles IV: Solo Beach Camping in El Nido (Part 2) →

54 thoughts on “Palawan Chronicles III: Solo Beach Camping in El Nido (Part 1)”

  1. fetus said:
    Reply
    December 30, 2010 at 10:27 am

    sounds like you follow the code of the Bible “man doth not liveth by bread alone”. i can’t survive two days without two plates of rice at least every meal, most especially if i’m traveling where i consume a lot of energy.

    props to you, man.

  2. chyng said:
    Reply
    December 30, 2010 at 4:39 pm

    you hold the title for the most harcore backpacker blogger! walang ibang keri yan. ikaw lang. ikaw na! hihi

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 31, 2010 at 6:39 pm

      talaga? sana may award na ganyan. that’s the way to do if you wanna but dont have moolah. 🙂

  3. AJ said:
    Reply
    December 30, 2010 at 7:30 pm

    This looks like a long way away from MOA! :)) And I’ll take your advice. Camping is hardcore much for me. Isang hamak na pang-hammock lang ako. Nice vid! 🙂

    Happy new year!

  4. Marky said:
    Reply
    December 31, 2010 at 4:59 am

    Soon you’ll need a spare hammock for the girlfriend to be- Until then have more awesome travel experiences such as this. Hardcore Journeying James indeed…catch you on the road someday Man…

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      December 31, 2010 at 6:49 pm

      im ready anytime! haha you know, my hammock can accommodate two. thats too big for me.

  5. journeyingjames said:
    Reply
    December 31, 2010 at 9:16 am

    wait for the part 2 guys, let’s see what will happen there… wala pa ito sa kalingkingan

  6. The Nomadic Pinoy said:
    Reply
    December 31, 2010 at 6:43 pm

    hats off to you on this one. no tent and just a hammock! hopefully no rain or no bugs to pester you.
    happy new year!

  7. Beata Ahlbrecht said:
    Reply
    December 31, 2010 at 9:46 pm

    educational post I will have to give it a try in the new year. All the best with youR site. Will be back to read Palawan Chronicles III: Solo Beach Camping in El Nido (Part 1) | JourneyingJames regularly.

  8. Christian S | Lakad Pilipinas said:
    Reply
    January 1, 2011 at 12:33 am

    I agree with Chyng, hardcore nga!

    Good to know your rss is now working, now I can read you posts at work hehe =P

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2011 at 5:00 am

      thanks christian! haha, lagot ka sa boss mo, malay mo nagbabasa din ng travel blogs un. cheers!

  9. RunningAtom said:
    Reply
    January 1, 2011 at 3:17 am

    James, alam mo kung bakit hindi na ako active sa twitter? alam mo kung bakit madalas ayoko na dalawin ang blog mo?

    Wag ka nga! Painggit ka masyado, kainis! hahaha….

    Great adventure you have there again man! These adventures you’ve been having are all part of my dreams since College and all I can do is ngumanga habang binabasa ang mga adventures mo. 🙂

    Keep on journeying James 😉

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 1, 2011 at 5:08 am

      pedz! tulo laway ba? hahaha don’t worry, ilalagay ko sa wall mo yung blog. haha happy new year!

      • Kassy said:
        Reply
        January 4, 2011 at 4:18 pm

        MISMO!!!

        BRUTAL KA! PAK!

  10. Cedric said:
    Reply
    January 2, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Holy carp! 800 peysos. Sa susunod masaya kung gawa ka na rin ng mala Man Vs. Wild, Man, Woman, Wild or Dual Survivor na show. Hehe. But seriously, nakakainspire parati posts mo. Nawa’y magawa ko rin to this year. 🙂

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 3, 2011 at 6:12 am

      hindi pa yan tipid, feeling ko pwede pa yan ibaba..haha
      man vs wild and survivor man i really want to do kaya lang i need more practice and sponsors too, then no camera crew like survivor man.
      yung man, woman, wild, i hope in the near future, need to find someone adventurous like me.haha
      thanks ced!

      • Cedric said:
        Reply
        January 3, 2011 at 9:19 am

        If you’re gonna do a show similar to those Discovery Channel shows, make sure you practice talking with a British accent. Yun yata main requirement nila dun. Hehe.

        • journeyingjames said:
          Reply
          January 4, 2011 at 5:58 am

          hmmmm…. if that’s the case, i need to find a european wife na 🙂 para “man, woman, wild!” hahaha

          • Kassy said:
            January 4, 2011 at 4:20 pm

            * batok *

            sira ulo!

  11. Kassy said:
    Reply
    January 4, 2011 at 4:16 pm

    Dude, apir! 🙂

  12. Pingback: Running (Swimming & Walking too) in El Nido, Palawan | on a shoestring by journeyingjames

  13. ayan said:
    Reply
    February 14, 2011 at 8:47 am

    ey sir.. bka may contact number ka sa boatman mo… nabasa ko tong blog mo at nainspire(ampf) na subukan mgcamp din..kahit overnight lang..hehe
    salamat

  14. ron said:
    Reply
    April 15, 2011 at 8:14 am

    wow…all thumbs up..can’t wait to see more…god luck””journeyingjames

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      April 16, 2011 at 4:22 am

      thanks a lot ron! hope i can do this again in a different island and longer days. spen less, travel more!

  15. survival kit said:
    Reply
    May 4, 2011 at 6:43 am

    very interesting post. Thanks a lot for sharing it.

  16. LGBR-M said:
    Reply
    August 11, 2011 at 12:14 am

    Wow…bravo! Hats off to you, James! The family (8 adults and 2 kids) is going to El Nido, Palawan in November and we are all excited. I do hope that more Filipinos choose to explore and appreciate our own native land. Cheers to the Philippines!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      August 11, 2011 at 1:26 am

      hats off to your family for shoosing to explore the philippines rather than other countries. you will definitely enjoy the sceneries and the secret coves.
      have fun in el nido!

  17. David said:
    Reply
    October 14, 2011 at 5:52 am

    WOW! Fantastic post thanks so much for sharing.

    Planning to spend a week in El Nido in November and this sort of trip is exactly what I was hoping to find! I understand the potential for boredom but am prepared to take the risk 😉

    I have travelled a bit in SE Asia and currently live in Hong Kong but not been to Philippines before. Do you think it will be hard for a foreigner to find someone willing to take me out to a deserted island for a couple of nights or would I need to resort to a more organised tour?

    Thanks,
    David

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      October 21, 2011 at 4:31 am

      i dont think so but be prepared to pay more as you are a foreigner.
      if you cant find anyone, just take the tours, some have a plan your-own islands to visit where you can camp. enjoy your camping in the best place i ever saw, el nido!

      • David said:
        Reply
        November 28, 2011 at 9:41 am

        Hi James,

        Thanks for the reply. I ended up trying to do an organised kayaking trip with camping on the islands but this fell through so just did some diving and an organised 1 day boat trip.

        However I loved El Nido so much that I have just booked my return trip for March next year so will look again to find my own deserted beach!

        My next return visit would be for more trekking in and around Batad. You have a beautiful country.

        • journeyingjames said:
          Reply
          December 1, 2011 at 5:00 pm

          wow, nice to hear that. you would love batad too.

  18. demeter said:
    Reply
    November 23, 2011 at 3:41 am

    wow… idol !

  19. Rome said:
    Reply
    February 24, 2012 at 8:09 am

    wow… i admire you….u are so daring… hmmm
    wish to be with you inone of your travels para matoto ako mag tipid while travelling…

    God Bless you ang take care always….:)

  20. Juanito said:
    Reply
    February 26, 2012 at 8:39 am

    Didn’t the sandflies bother you whilst you were on Ipil Island? What month were you there? Thanks

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      March 1, 2012 at 2:58 pm

      there were no sandflies while i was there, and maybe bec my hammock is insect-repellant

  21. Martin said:
    Reply
    June 8, 2012 at 10:39 am

    Hey,

    Nice! Love tropical places. I have done survival camping on deserted island 3 weeks ago in Philippines! Only for 2 weeks but still it was really something. Love to read about this kind of stuff. I have a blog if you would like to look at my trip report

    http://www.searchingparadise.blogspot.com

    All best,
    Martin

  22. Martin said:
    Reply
    June 8, 2012 at 10:41 am

    Hey,

    Actually read your blog before leaving to my island. Done survival camping near El Nido for 2 weeks. Oh man, really good adventure. Want more!

    http://www.searchingparadise.blogspot.com

    All best,
    Martin

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      June 14, 2012 at 4:55 am

      nice adventure you have here martin! glad you enjoyed the camping

  23. Martin said:
    Reply
    June 8, 2012 at 10:42 am

    What is the name of the island you were camping?

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      June 14, 2012 at 4:54 am

      this is ipil beach

  24. xEro said:
    Reply
    September 10, 2012 at 6:33 pm

    how to get to ipil beach from puerto prinsesa? or from el nido to ipil beach?

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      September 17, 2012 at 2:22 am

      go to el nido (by bus) first then sign up for a tour to ipil. or you can kayak to ipil, just ask for a map while in el nido.

      • xEro said:
        Reply
        September 17, 2012 at 5:37 am

        if i’m gonna beach camp overnight, do i really have to sign-up for a tour to ipil? if taking fort wally shuttle will they drop me off at brgy. corong-corong?

        tnx.

        • journeyingjames said:
          Reply
          September 25, 2012 at 8:43 am

          no, you can just talk to fishermen in the area.

  25. Megan said:
    Reply
    September 16, 2012 at 8:07 am

    Hi James!

    This is an awesome adventure. My husband and I are leaving for the Philippines in a few days, and El Nido is on the agenda. We would love to do some deserted island camping. Can you please give me an idea of essential items we should take? Thank you!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      September 17, 2012 at 1:59 am

      food, water and clothes, bring, tent and fire. bring what you usually bring during beach camping

  26. Bic said:
    Reply
    January 15, 2013 at 2:53 am

    Hi James,

    REgular reader ako ng blog mo. I’m now in Puerto
    and plan to go to El Nido. San mo pala nakita
    ung tag 150 na room? I’ve been calling around
    parang 500 yata ang pinaka mura but that’s too
    much for me.

    Thanks dude! Your blog is very helpful…

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 16, 2013 at 10:43 pm

      in el nido? that’s in brgy corong-corong, i dont think its still there as I did that years ago

      • Bic said:
        Reply
        January 17, 2013 at 12:24 am

        Parang wala na nga eh. I’ve been calling around,
        talagang 500 yata ung pinakamura…perhaps I would try asking around for boarding houses…thanks for your timely answer 🙂

        • journeyingjames said:
          Reply
          January 20, 2013 at 12:23 am

          700/night na yung nakita kong pinaka mura

  27. Thomas Schönfelder said:
    Reply
    July 29, 2014 at 8:55 am

    What about risk of robbery there? Is there? Or is it save?

    I plan to go to Palawan in january 2015. Can you recommend some nice camping locations?

    I plan to go to Puerto Princesa, Sabang, El Nido, perhaps also to Quezon.

  28. J-M said:
    Reply
    October 20, 2015 at 1:02 am

    Hi,

    Looking forward to another trip to Philippines, last time I hit Palawan was in 2011 and didn’t make it up to El Nido.

    This time, I am looking to go up there, do you think in 2015, it is still possible to do beach camping like you did?

  29. Karel said:
    Reply
    January 28, 2016 at 3:35 am

    Or you can get even farther off the beaten track, check out some great spots in the Palawan area at http://www.islandhoppinginthephilippines.com/palawan/services/camping/. Half way between El Nido and Coron, clearest waters in the world, so excellent snorkeling, 52 islands in the area, most of which are deserted, so you can combine with local boat tour and sleep on your own island.

  30. James VP said:
    Reply
    August 1, 2016 at 7:27 am

    My wife and I are going to Palawan next week. Your info really is good and timely. Our first time there!

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