Climbing Taraw Cliff, El Nido

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 Cliff, El Nido Bay and Cadlao Island

“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.”

My guide, a former balinsasayaw nest hunter

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.

Traipsing dangerous sharp rocks on the way up

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.

View of El Nido bay from the mid-part of the hike

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!

The lush El Nido forest is one of the sights that will stun the visitor

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.

Double shaka hand sign. Stoked on top

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.