I guess I have 1,000+ things to experience yet. Having stepped on all the 80 provinces of the Philippines is no joke and as I continue to travel and read travel blogs, I keep on adding on my list of things I want to do or experience.
One of them, climb Taraw Cliff in El Nido.
“Taraw” is a Cuyunon (Palawan’s dialect) word for mountains. These “taraws” you see in El Nido are actually limestone karst, inside those you find the ingredient or the most expensive food in the world- Nido Soup or locally known as “Balinsasayaw.”
Anyway, let’s go to the main business.
I hired a local guide when I arrived at El Nido. I have been itching to be on top of that taraw for the longest time and finally I will be doing it. We started ascent at 3:00pm and arrived exactly 4pm on the top after navigating the steep rocks by holding on to small crevices of the stones. I was just wearing a flipflops so it was hard for me to step on pointed rocks. Adding to the discomfort when I began to feel the mosquitoes feasting on my blood right at the start.
I know in myself that I can do it, that I’m fit for the climb but I said it alot of times during the hike that this is not for everyone. Its very dangerous and must be done with a knowledgable local guide.
My mantra “the most tiring is the most satisfying” keeps running on my head as we traipse the steep rocks to the top. After an hour, I planted my butt on the sharp rock and smiled at the spectacular view on the east. I did it!
My smile from ear to ear with my signature “shaka handsign” on both hands. I didn’t waste any time to take photos. The El Nido bay, the boats docking to shore after island hopping the whole day, the sun slowly setting on the west, the lush green forest on my south, the Cadlao island and the town center. I even saw Nacpan beach on the horizon.
The wind blowing on my face while my knees are trembling a little. I took a deep breath and for some minutes I just sat their (my butt still planted on the shard rocks) breathing slowly, watching El Nido from the peak of Taraw Cliff. I love it on top, who doesn’t?
After a good 30-minute, I decided to tarry down. Going down is harder than going up. A wrong step means danger or could even spell death. Slippery and punishing to the knees. After about an hour again, we arrived from where we started.
Whew! What an experience! Glad I survived!
Getting your tour guide:
Please contact Karen: 0906-443-2488. She is a friend who can arrange for a tour guide. One tour guide can accommodate 2-3 climbers. How much? Php500/climb
How to go to EL NIDO?
El Nido can be reached by taking a 6-hour van or bus from Puerto Princesa City. For more info, you can read my previous guide: Puerto Princesa City to El Nido Travel Guide
Cebu Pacific Air flies to Puerto Princesa City from Manila, Cebu, Davao and Iloilo. For bookings and inquiries, go to www.cebupacificair.com or call (02)7020-888. The latest seat sales and promos can be found on Cebu Pacific Air’s official Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) and Facebook pages (/cebupacificair).
I just tried their Davao-Puerto Princesa route (DVO-PPS) and we arrived 15 minutes ahead of schedule yesterday (January 19). Now getting around the country is much more easier with Cebu Pacific.

One hell of an experience tong pag-akyat sa Taraw Cliff. Madali lang ung pag-akyat pero don ako sa pababa nadulas.
I.WANT.THIS.
I just don’t know if they’ll allow me to climb! Haha parang fulfilling lang makaakyat jan!
Astig! naka-tsinelas ka lang to the summit. Naka-sandal naman ako hehe!
Lots of bugs nga out there, kaya di lang sunblock, pati inset repellent isinabay ko na.
sakit nga sa paa, wrong move yung tsinelas
Wow. ..i’ve been to el nido last jan.27, 2013.
Maybe next time i’ll try this TARAW.
This is amazing James. I know I can’t do this so this scenes I saw here is just a breather to a dream too. I wished I can see this (kahit nasa baba lang ako) when I get myself to El Nido too 🙂
hope you gte to see el nido bosing docwends
Exciting adventure you had there! I will definitely do that too! Cheers!
ikaw pa, mahilig ka din sa mga akyatan eh. enjoy the sight there missy
El Nido trip won’t be complete without climbing Taraw Cliffs. I went here during my birthday and concluded my trip by climbing Taraw. After 2 attempts (because we could not pass the first route, went back down and tried another route), I reached the peak with shaking limbs and lots of mosquito bites (which i didn’t mind, because I’d rather think of how to get down alive) LOL.
nice to now that you went to taraw too. belated happy bday john
whoooaaaaa, i never dared climbing that cliff, despite a guide prodding me doing it. ang pala hirap talaga!
How long would the climb take? we already have a planned trip sometime in August and I really want to do this.
Thank yoU!
2 hours up, 2 hours down or faster depending on your sense of balance
I was there last monday (dec.2) with 2 other friends. 🙂
kakayanin kaya ng bata na akyatin ito? 12 years old”?
Thanks , I have just been looking for information about
this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I’ve found out till now.
However, what about the bottom line? Are you positive concerning the supply?