2019 Breathtaking El Nido and Paradise Port Barton

After three years, I'm back in one of my top three destinations in the Philippines. My fifth time to visit El Nido and second time to visit Port Barton and the excitement never withered.

Hadefe Travels and Tours has always been my long time partner in my series of travels in Puerto Princesa (PPC) Coron and El Nido. They are simply superb and Sir Hanny is simply one of the best friends one could have and keep.

Hadefe - 0920 952 3280, 0920 600 5979, 048 723 1909

There are numerous flights going to PPC and there is a direct flight to El Nido using Air Swift. But I  still opted using Air Asia. I got use to passing to PPC and seeing Sir Hanny before going to El Nido. Seeing PPC completes the journey.

With the kind assistance of Sir Hanny, I was transported from PPC to El Nido.

PPC to El Nido -P500 (5 hours) vice-versa

El Nido to Port Barton - P500 (3-4 hours) vice-versa

Port Barton to PPC - P300 (3 hours)

I arrived past 4 pm and strolled at the beach and enjoyed the view.

Weather was not that good but there was still sunset.

DAY 2
TOUR A
P1,200-1,400

EL NIDO offers a variety of tours. But Tours A, B, C, and D are the common island hopping tours.

I chose Tours A and C. And for that day, it was Tour A.

BIG LAGOON was the first destination.

Before there was Small Lagoon but right now you have to choose between the small and the big lagoon. After the Big Lagoon, we went to the Simizu Island for snorkeling. 

Then, we went to Intalula Island East and West.

We took our delicious lunch at Intalula.

Last stop was the Papaya Island.

Going back, I witnessed one of the breathtaking sunsets El Nido can offer.

DAY 3

TOUR C

P1,200

We started the tour at Helicopter Island.

Then went to Hidden Beach.

The foreigners love this part of the tour.

We took our lunch at Talisay Island.

Last stop was supposed to be Secret Beach.

But we still went to another snorkeling area and Pasandigan Island.

DAY 4
NACPAN BEACH

I stayed at Hadefe Resort. It has the best view in town and the most accommodating staff. The rooms were great and cozy!

You can simply enjoy and relax at Hadefe Resort and all your tour needs will be provided by them.

Early morning, I rented a motorbike for P500 and went to Nacpan Beach (about 22 kilometers or roughly 30-40 minute ride).

After Nacpan, I bid goodbye to the staff and  boarded a  van to Port Barton. Fare was P500 and the ride toom me more than 3 hours.

My accommodation was at the White Hauz (BJ 0906 356 7610).

They have the dormitory room for P350. The fan room for P800-900. And the aircon room for P1,200-P1,500.

Then the day ended.

DAY 5
TOUR A
Boat rental c/o Michael - 09758580078, 09469641456

All other needs
Van rental, tours, etc
Macky - 0935 036 7676, 0946 964 1456

We started the tour at Twin Reef. Fee for one person is P1,200. 

Second stop was the German Island and the Turtle Spot.

Then, we took our lunch at Pena Plata Island.

One of the sites for your lunch and snorkeling.

One of the things that Port Barton has is the turtle watching tour.

Then we went to Exotic Island.

Maxima Island

Then, the last two stops were the Fantastic Reef and the Sandbar.

Finally, another mesmerizing sunset in Palawan.

MY SINCEREST and HEARTFELT GRATITUDE

My longtime friend Sir Hanny Enor.

Owner - Hadefe

0920 952 3280, 0920 600 5979, 048 723 1909

A friend to keep Macky Tinebro

0935 036 7676, 0946 964 1456

Boat rental

Michael Perez or Cael

0975 858 0078, 0946 964 1456

And my new friend BJ of White Hauz 

0906 356 7610

SALAMAT PO 😃

Mayad Cafe, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Every year I make it a point either to go to Palawan, Cebu or Batanes.

But this year's travel is quite different since this will be the only time I will be going to Palawan without dropping by in one of my favorite destinations in the Philippines and that is El Nido. 

And where did I go in Palawan? Port Barton, Long Beach, and Balabac and I made a quick and unforgettable stop at one of the best (if not the best!) coffee shops in Puerto Princesa - Mayad Cafe.  

In the middle of Puerto Princesa City, lies a coffee shop that is becoming one of the favorite destinations not only of the locals but also of the tourists in Puerto Princesa. It has made a name for itself and its popularity is continuously and unceasingly growing.

Mayad Cafe is very accessible and easy to find since it is situated near the City Coliseum in the heart of the city of Puerto Princesa.

From my trip in Port Barton, my van ride back to Puerto Princesa dropped me at the City Colisem and I had no difficulty finding the place. 

Upon entering the cafe, I was greeted with smiles from the staff and I easily felt the warmth, coziness and  relaxed ambiance of the cafe.

The best time to visit the place is at night when you can enjoy the serenity of the place while sipping either the hot or cold drinks Mayad Cafe offers to its customers.

Unfortunately, my schedule was very tight and I was not given the luxury of time to revisit the place at night since I had a van to ride to Balabac, Palawan slated that day.

from Mayad Cafe photos

You simply have to try their best sellers or crowd favorite of  Java Chip Frappe and Mayad Brew.

Brazo de Mercedes

They have a wide range of choices of pastries and cakes such as Choco Moist Cake, Calamansi Bars, Red Velvet Cup Cake, Baby Cheese Cake, and Brazo de Mercedes.

The Brazo de Mercedes and Baby Cheese Cake are among the crowd's favorite.

Baby Cheese Cake

Red Velvet Cup Cake

Tiramisu Cake

But the number one seller is the Tiramisu Cake!

And what did I order that day? Chicken Cajun, a slice of Tiramizu Cake, and Mayad Brew.

I almost forgot that I have a van to catch to Balabac while eating what I ordered. 

The food served was simply superb and very affordable!

from Mayad Cafe photos

My only regret that day was that I was not given the chance to see the cafe at night.
But I will definitely come back and I crave for more.

Mayad Cafe in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
A must-visit place while in Palawan!

Top 5 Island Destinations for Island Hopping!

The Philippines is blessed with islands and islets and that is the reason why one of the adventures tourists love doing in the Philippines is island hopping!

Having traveled almost all the provinces in the Philippines (4 more remains to be explored), I am sharing my pick on the top 5 island destinations for island hopping.

1. El Nido, Palawan (Luzon)

Big Lagoon

El Nido has always been my favorite. It is a protected marine reserve. It has the Snake Island, Small Lagoon, Helicopter island, White sandbars, and the Big Lagoon. The water is so crystal-clear, it is best for snorkeling and scuba diving. Simlpy amazing!

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/el-nido-adventure-of-lifetime.html

2. Coron, Palawan (Luzon)

Kayangan Lake

Coron offers the variety of nature tripping experience you will simply love and adore. It has the Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Banol Beach, Twin Lagoons, and the Skeleton Shipwreck. You can also go to Malcapuya Island.

Related link -http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/enchanting-coron.html

3. Caramoan, Bicol (Luzon)

The Survivor series was shot in these islands. That's all!

4. Siargao, Surigao Del Norte (Mindanao)

Guyam Island

Aside from Siargao Island itself, you can explore namely - Dako Island, Guyam Island and Naked Island. And even go farther to Bucas Grande Island.

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/siargao-surfing-capital-of-philippines.html

5. Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan (Luzon)

Snake Island

Honda Bay is the nearest island hopping tour in Palawan. It has various islands to go to and all the islands have white-sand beaches.

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/puerto-princesa-travel-and-itinerary.html