Palawan Chronicles IV: Solo Beach Camping in El Nido (Part 2, Swim & Stare)
WARNING: Don’t try this if you don’t know how to swim. Also, solo traveling is kinda boring, especially when all you see is the beach and the beach and the beach. Make sure that you have enough water. Don’t imitate what happened to me on my second day.
Day 2
So I was awake almost every hour to check the surroundings and make sure my fire is still burning.
I woke up a tad late; I must have enjoyed the fresh sea breeze blowing on my sun-kissed face. Time for some morning coffee after a nice 10-hour sleep on my hammock!
I bought a stainless container in town, its good to drink some coffee while staring at the limestone karst
I can’t think of any place more peaceful than this but I can’t live here forever.
The Swim
I was calculating if my water can last until the next day. Unfortunately, I need to look for some potable water. The beach and the inner part of it doesn’t have a water source so I am forced to swim to other beach/island and look for a water source. I left my belongings and swam for about 30 minutes (goggles on) and saw another beach- the 7 Commando beach. Good thing that the beach is inhabited, and I befriended the caretakers and asked for a container so I can bring some water to Ipil beach. It was a tiring swim but luckily I found a water source. Thanks to Dindo and Christopher for the container and water. I really don’t know what do if there is no water there.
Anyway, have you ever experience the time while you are traveling that you are not aware of the date anymore, even the time? This happened to me in El Nido. All I know is that it is Saturday and the banca will fetch me the other day. Time doesn’t fly that fast when all you do is stare and stare and stare more (to stare more you can check the 360-degree view of Ipil beach video)…
The Stare (and some reflections)
I placed my sarong on the beach and used my inflatable pillow and took a nap. I love the feeling of “not doing something.” But I’m getting bored. I looked at the sun and it was beginning its descent. White clouds begin to change to golden white because of the sun’s rays. As I said, I’m getting bored- I’ve got nothing to do– or maybe because I have accustomed myself of doing something?
I think that the “BUSY” world expects us to “DO SOMETHING,” requires us to use time and make us work. And so somehow we begin to feel unworthy or useless if we stop doing something. Don’t get me wrong, I dont say that we stop working and just stare forever. What I’m saying is that we have been dictated since birth to do/accomplish something.
After 9 months, we are expected to get out of our mom’s tummy. After 2 weeks, we are expected to open our eyes, we need to cry so we can eat (drink milk), at age 1 we are expected to walk and begin to talk and so on…. All these things we need to do- and so somehow we don’t have a choice growing up but to follow the norm, the “pattern.” (Watch Big Daddy starring Adam Sandler if you want to understand)
It is like the waves- they have no choice but to be blown by the wind or follow the movement of the sea. Are these things born out of design and natural order? Do we have a CHOICE or do we just follow because we are already accustomed to?
The beach has a different effect on me, I reflect, I think, its nirvana.
Bittersweet Feeling (and some questions on why Filipinos don’t travel)
More than a dozen boats have passed and I’m a bit surprised that I have never seen a single Filipino on board, well, except for the bankeros and their assistant. I asks, “Why is it that Filipinos are still foreigners in their own country?” Is HongKong Disneyland better than Palawan? Is the KL Twin Towers more exciting than Chocolate Hills and that cute Tarsier? Is Bali better than Boracay?
It is a bittersweet feeling- happy to see Westerners brave thousand miles just to see and experience the island. Sad because my countrymen are either busy working or just doesn’t care to travel. Again I ask, “Are Filipinos contented to wait on tables, create tours, drive foreigners and serve them?“ There is nothing wrong with that but if it is like forever, I think one should think twice.
The questions above are products of my extended staring. Love the sunset here!
My Tweets:
I hope there’s “Another Day in Paradise” as background music while I wait for the dimming of the natural light. Will eat dinner then build fire.
Before sleeping: “My roof is the sky, my floor the sand, my walls the trees, my light the stars, my music the insects’ noise, my bed the hammock. Wish I’m not alone.”
Conclusion: I just swam and stared the second day in Ipil beach, El Nido. Kinda boring if you are alone (read my 2nd tweet again). The next post is exciting as I will share some moments I had when I visited a diminishing tribe of Batac. Until the next post. 🙂
After 2 years of day-dreaming of going to El Nido, JourneyingJames finally set foot and made mark.
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
swim to the next island for 30 minutes? hyperventilation will kill me! kudos to you james 🙂
yeah, thats was just one way. remember, i have to go back 🙂
it was cold too.haha that’s adventure!
“Sad because my countrymen are either busy working or just doesn’t care to travel. Again I ask, “Are Filipinos contented to wait on tables, create tours, drive foreigners and serve them?“” – Many probably think that you need lots of money to go around the country. But you’re the living proof that the Filipino can do it. Teka JRS Express yata yun. Anyhoo, others are also probably content living in the same place for the rest of their lives, as with their jobs.
there’s nothing wrong naman siguro if they are content on living in the same place diba or to stay in theor jobs so they get millionaires. but still, ignorance is BORING! haha
if there is no sense of wonder, awe and appreciation of the outside world, its BORING.
thanks ced!
That’s one heck of a swim! 30 minutes, pupulikatin na ko nun malamang!
Why Filipinos don’t travel, siguro lack of education as to what our country has to offer. Sadly, madalas nakatingin sa kabilang ibayo ang mga kababayan natin..
sad indeed! again, ignorance is boring! i hope our teachers teach younger filipinos the importance of traveling. which reminds me to include that in my lesson later. haha
haha… swim and swim.. and stare and stare… James, pwede ka na pala sumali sa Aquathlon ah…
Alam mo kung ba’t ka nabo-bored? ayaw mo kasi akong isama eh!
Alam mo kung bakit “Filipinos don’t travel?” ayaw mo kasi akong isama eh!
lol!
tara pedz! next week punta ako catanduanes. come with me, let’s swim, surf, stare and run in virac. let’s go na?!
did it meet your expectations? or sakto lang? i read Puerto Priinsesa is still the best beach youve seen, tama?
Is HongKong Disneyland better than Palawan? – magkalevel? haha
well to answer your question – YES! ^-^
puerto has the best beach since i can stay with the locals in pandan island. puka beach in boracay is good too. problem with el nido was that i got bored, maybe because i’m so limited to move around and explore. budget is the main problem, i haven’t tried island hopping evenif its just P500. asar noh, im so poor! haha still, i can say i have been to el nido and i have experience sleeping on the beach which others can’t.
about disneyland, i think its incomparable.haha and it depends sa tinanong, kung kids ang sasagot syempre mickey mouse parin yan. kung adventurous like me, hands down, palawan.
I’ve been following your journey in El Nido as I really enjoyed my tour there. I remember the last time I’m in Ipil there were a couple who’s also camping there and building a fire.
And I find your observation true ang konti lng ng Filipinos na nag tr travel backpacking, even outside the country.
Will keep watch on the next installments on your shoestring adventure. Happy 2011 James!
wow, thats quite a complement bosing ferdz!
about the couple, are they foreigners? i wish i can do that too, with someone special..hahaha
thanks bosing! happy new year!
bigatin yung mga reflections mo ah. parang makapag isip yata ako ng ganyan pag ako lang din mag-isa, kaya ayokong mag travel mag-isa. hehehe. pero it will really be an adventure if i will do it.
game, travel ng mag-isa… pero warning, boring sa umpisa. what i do is talk to locals. problem is the beach is inhabited
I am officially declaring myself a fan. I love your blog.
you just made my day! thanks jojo!
Hey James, I enjoyed reading this post. I also found it quite though-provoking in certain parts–I hope you won’t mind if I share some ideas.
It was about a year ago when I last visited Busuanga/Coron (and my second time in Palawan), and I made a similar observation regarding Filipinos and traveling within the country. I stayed with a friend at the SeaDive Resort and felt a bit funny that–at times–I would be the only Filipino around. However, it’s also fair to consider that the hotel catered more to foreign tourists than local travelers in more ways than one. Furthermore, I think that December-February is a popular time among foreigners to travel to the PH because most of them would be ditching the winter in their own countries; whereas most Filipinos would tend to go around shopping for presents, chilling out at traditional family reunions in their respective hometowns, etc. etc. Not exactly beach-season for us, to be brief.
My better theory would be an insight as to the point of traveling itself. To be fair, I generally think Filipinos are well-traveled within their own country. There are constraints (time away from work, family, traffic and public transpo problems, budget and rising cost of fuel/fares, etc.), but rarely do I come across fellow Filipinos who have not, say, visited another major island [group] aside from that of his/her birthplace or residence. I think however that it would be better to ask why people [have to] travel? What is the point of traveling?
There are so many beautiful places in the Philippines, many of us are lucky to be surrounded each day by such beauty and it doesn’t really surprise me to see how we can sometimes be blind to it already. I am not as well traveled as I’d like to be, but I have learned from where I have gone to, so far. I have learned that traveling mean to open your eyes to other ways, possibilities and the idiosyncracies of human life. Perhaps by doing so we can learn to appreciate our own lives & culture even more, to realize solutions to problems and to throw off as much as we can of our own biases and prejudices.
Happy new year, btw 🙂
hi ruby, thanks for taking time to respond. i like your observation, very well said.
btw, you said “I am not as well traveled as I’d like to be” -may i know why?
i love this: “I have learned that traveling mean to open your eyes to other ways, possibilities and the idiosyncracies of human life.”
we “have to” travel to learn and appreciate our country more. if i may add what National Geographic is always saying, “Ignorance is boring.” people who are stuck in their places miss lotsa opportunities in learning- that’s boring right?
Hey, thanks for responding.
What I meant by “I am not as well traveled as I’d like to be” was that there had been opportunities to travel in the past that I have turned down because of and for other things (i.e., studies, work, family affairs, physical rest, etc. To be fair some of them had been important). But still there is a bit of regret that it’s only lately that I’ve started grabbing almost every chance I get to travel; like whenever I have break from work that’s long enough and when I have money to spare. I am lucky to have been able to travel to some places in the PH and to a few other countries. Most of the ones I took overseas though, had been work related, a bit stressful and not at all that significant in terms of traveling–with the exception of the last holidays where I got to visit Melbourne (and that was quite enjoyable).
I am not so well traveled, I think, because I have yet yo see a lot of notable places here, such as those you have written about here in your blog. Good thing, I have been changing that, and I’ve been encouraging my friends and family to do the same when they can. I post photos online that I take of the places I go to and share them with everyone in the world; I’ve pretty much convinced a lot of people (Filipinos and other nationalities) that these places are worth experiencing.
Btw, my boyfriend and I have plans of going to Puerto Princesa and El Nido this April, and I thought of asking you for your email and getting some tips on how to get around, affordable accommodations, places to eat (as in yung pagkain talaga doon at hindi yung hotel food, hehe)–you’re the perfect person to ask because you aren’t much for tourist traps 😉
Maybe we’ll see you there this summer 🙂 Thanks!!
grabe ka talaga james!!! idol! hehe.
You’ve so many things to ponder when you’re traveling solo and I can relate with the whole ‘staring’ into the seascape. Thoughts would just pop up because that’s what you can do when you’re away from the things that keep you busy in the normal environment.
Most of us can’t appreciate the beauty of our own natural wonders unless we see other places that we can compare them to. Just like during my recent trip to HK and KL, I’ve come to love the Philippines even more because of how rich we are. That’s why I can’t help but feel proud to because we have something that others don’t.
I think it’s good to get slapped in the face once in a while about our beautiful spots to remind us that we are truly blessed.
Nice read james!
thanks ed! slap them all in the face!haha and slap them hard. LOL
other countries are beautiful too but as i said in the earlier posts, we have become so accustomed to some of the spots here in the Philippines that we forget to be amazed at the simple beauty of our country. let me slap my face too at that. hahaha
So great i have found this blog!
First, will be doing my first solo trip to El Nido in two weeks time. Like you, i have been dreaming about this place for a long time already. Its just a year ago that i learned travelling there could be that cheap because i was thinking only about Lagen resort.
Second, im really planning to stay in one of the islands like you did. But i dont know how i could fit all i want to do in 3 days trip. I have to be contented for the island hopping this time. I know i will be back.
Third, its really informative and helpful.
Good to read some qoutes from Tuesdays with Morrie. One of my favorite books, very inspiring.
Nice reflections, really true about life. You made my hair raised.
Really a pleasure to read and follow your blogs. Keep it up.
Hit me if are heading to Davao.
hi taz, just let me know if you need more informations. about the island hopping tour in el nido i suggest you do tour c.
if you are staying in el nido for 3 days, you can do some beach camping. choose 7 commando if you will.
glad to know that this post helped you.
see you when i visit davao this june 🙂 i’ll email you
you got bored in El Nido? well, cguro kase sometimes kapag maxado na tayo madameng beach na napuntahan magsasawa ka din or maybe dahil nga may nagkupkop sayo sa ibang beach/isla kaya mas nagustuhan mu yung isla na iyon. madalas tlga it’s the warmth of the locals that really makes the place special.
I wish to go back to El nido this year, nabura kse mga raw pix ko last time. toinks!
Happy travels James! na mi-miss ko bisitahin blog mu pati blog ni Gay, ang bagal kase mag-upload pag umaga, dame nyo ata post. or baka bulok lng pc ko. hehe
Cheers!
Gael
yes gael, you’re correct! na-bore na ako. yah, ngaun ko lang narealize yang mga sinabi mo. haha still, everyone should experience el nido or palawan to fully enjoy the Philippines. Palawan is there to be visited and enjoyed. i really would like to go back this time do island-hopping na. lets?
You’re a brave man bro! Your posts made me want to travel more. Keep it up!
“Carry me to the shoreline
Bury me in the sand
Walk me across the water
And maybe you’ll understand…..”
From Dream Theater’s “Hollow Years”
thanks earl! let’s travel more. wander and wonder! walk and be amazed sa beauty ng pilipinas. 🙂
saan ang next destination?
just came back from running in the cebu marathon (5K only…hehehe) and exploring old churches in south cebu. hopefully next month, iloilo, guimaras and antique.i’ll be using your posts on these places as my guide.
congrats for running 5K, i want to run in cebu too!
how was the visita iglesia sa cebu?
hope it will help you.
No probs! Will be glad to show you around or have some drinks.
7 commando noted. Hope i can make it.
Any reliable tour operator you can recommend? Backpackers accomodation under 300 at El Nido and PP?
that would be great! i look forward to that.
contact Rogie: 0927-398-2175, tell him i gave you his number (mention that im the one who asked how much is the tour if i waould stay in the island).
try LUALHATI COTTAGES, 300 kapag off season. usually near Corong-corong may ganyan. i saw some rooms good for 2, mga 500pesos.
I see where boredom has set in – being alone is a sublimely beautiful island has its blessings and of course limitations. Kung si Tom Hanks nga in “Cast Away” couldn’t help but find a friend in “Wilson”, a ball of all things.
buti nalang 2 nights lng..haha imagine staying there for weeks? hmmmm…. mas okay ang el nido for honeymooners and barkadas
I guess this is one of those trips where a “special someone” would make the most boring place interesting just “because” (especially in a paradise as beautiful as El Nido). But I admire your courage camping alone on a deserted beach and swimming for 30 minutes! Astig ka dude!
can’t agree more claire! papunta 30 minutes, pabalik ganun din with 1.5liters of water pa. i improvised the plastic bag as swimming cap. want to do it again.haha
Honestly, I liked what you write about a lot haha, really makes sense and it’s something I can apply my life too. Quite sad not everybody knows about this but I’m sure sooner or later they’ll find out keke.
thanks!
May iba pa po kayong option maliban sa resort nila Grace Armada na yan. May camping area po sa harap ng isla kung saan mas malamig at may mga cottage din. Nakapunta na ba kayo ng Anawangin or Nagsasa cove? Parang ganun din ang style. Mahangin din at mas maganda ang Magalawa Island hindi naman sa nagyayabang…
Kung gusto niyo pong i-try na pumunta tawagan niyo po ako sa Manila at tutulungan ko po kayong magcoordinate sa caretaker na isla na uncle ko din na si Uncle Mulo. Ito po yung landline number ko sa Maynila (02)983 0432 or sun number 09222688111 or smart number 09093414621 hanapin niyo lang po si Raymond (ako po yun). Ang number po ni uncle Mulo ko sa Magalawa ay (smart) +639294670505.
Ito po ang presyuhan doon sa campsite :
Boatpick up (2 way)
— 100/pax-kung galing luan
— 200/pax-kung galing masinloc
Entrance fee 100\pax overnight,
Cottage 1000\night (kasya 6pax)
bonfires permitted for a small fee.
Meals available at 70/meal/pax (set 4meals and 5pax up only)
Kasama na po sa entrance fee ang paggamit ng cr at maintenance ng lugar. Ingat lang po na huwag magkalat masyado kasi po maliit lang po na isla yun at mahirap kung magka garbage-problem. You will be spending about 300 or less for food siguro. Maraming nabibilhan ng pagkain sa loob ng island. Puwede rin po kayong magpaluto for a small fee. No available rental of snorkel/mask/fins dun for now so its a good idea to invest on a good set nalang. Wala pa rin po available na rental ng tent pero malapit na po. Mag inquire nalang po kayo kung may available na pagtawag ninyo. Kung magdadala po kayo ng sarili ninyong tent ay libre na po ang puwesto kasi po kasama na po sa entrance fee yun kaya entrance fee nalang at boatride nalang ang babayaran ninyo.
Ang puwesto na kung san nakatayo ang resort nila grace armada ay may problema kasi lumalabas na nagsquat lang sila dun.Dahil dito tuwing pumupunta ang may ari ng isla na si madam L.Ruiz ay pinapasara nila pang samantala ang resort nila Grace Armada. Dahil dito ay kailangan mag ingat kayo lalo na kung hinihingan kayo ng deposit ni Grace Armada. Kung magkabulilyaso tulad ng nabanggit ko ay hindi niyo na makukuha ang deposit niyo.
Basta tawag lang po kayo sakin o sa caretaker na si mang mulo.
Kung gusto niyo po makita yung beach namin pls visit my blog.
http://angislako.blogspot.com/2011/05/magalawa-island.html
ano bang beach ang may pinakamaputing sand and the finest sa coron or el nido?
the same lang yan 🙂 but for scenery i would go for el nido. kung sa mas madaming magagawa, coron
i find your blog very interesting, a great guide, esp for solo traveler, & what’s great about it… is that… i came to realize that i can go to palawan & stay for atleast 4days… not worrying about the pricey hotels. you know what i mean^_^ as much as possible tipid tayo, right?
<<—-an avid reader of your blog & gael as well^_^
Hope you can still help me, because i'm planning my trip on last week of sept., sana lang hindi bumagyo hehehe…
keep on doing what you love & enjoy travelling^_^
thank you so much gie! this kind of comment inspire us travel bloggers to continue what we are doing. enjoy Palawan. just make your IT and send it to me, then i’ll try to make suggestions. i consider palawan is my second home. 🙂
Nice! Hope I can visit El Nido in my trip. I heard so many beautiful things about that place 🙂
Philippine Travel Blog
El Nido is such a beautiful place and an exceptional destination in our country. This is one of the places in our country that we can always be proud of and I won’t be surprise to the success of this post – because the story you shared here made your readers realize that Pinas is beautiful enough to be a destination of choice of not just the foreigners but fellow Pinoy a1s well.
saya ng adventure mo! mala-Cast-away..hehe..
i have lotsa kwento pa regarding dyan, di ko nga lang kasi na-video tinamad ako mag shoot. haha
Ive always wondered how it feels to camp in an island all by yourself. i realized this year i want to be a backpacker so im putting up a travel itinerary for next year and im absolutely gonna try what you did in Palawan. i cant swim that far though so im not gonna forget to bring lots of water haha. thanks james for this very insightful post. i admire your eccentricty.
i really hope you try camping in palawan. yes, bring lots of water.
eccentric huh? thanks for the nice adjective carm!
Hey,
Nice blog! 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
ANG ASTIG!!! Your travel lifestyle’s quite amazing..it takes a lot of courage and passion to do what you do..
i would love to travel as often as i could but at times hindered by the fact that i don’t have the means (financial..what else?haha) to go for it; with the notion that traveling equates to splurging lotsa money,hence, a privilege for just a few well-off individuals..
..until..i read your blogs.. you’ve lived it so can we (i’m doing a little pep talk here for myself hehe) thanks for stirring my love for travel and adventure! And i’m really hoping to read more from you.. fri sjel 🙂
Hey man, I’m hitting up el nido next week and I was searching for camping in el nido and your site popped up. I’ve actually read some of your posts regarding surfing(cheers). I was wondering if its possible to camp in some beaches in el nido town proper or any place that I can pitch a tent? I’m kinda on a tight budget 🙂