On our third day, we are free to explore the place (El Nido) anywhere and separate from the group. It was intentionally decided that there should be a spare day as free time so everyone has the time to go any places they like or if they want to scout for any 'pasalubong' items they want to bring home.
My friend and I decided to visit some of the beaches nearby in the afternoon. We arranged a Van, it cost P2,500 for a day rental. There are other options like a Tricycle that cost P1.500 for a maximum of three passengers (although you can small-talk the driver for a 4-pax) or if you are the adventurous type you can rent a Single Motorcycle or Scooter for P500/day.
The single motorcycle drive was first suggested by my friend but I vehemently declined the idea. I said I would rather pay for the Van rentals than ride a motorcycle/scooter. Lol.
Almost seven in the morning when we decided to go for a morning coffee at the nearest pub near the shore. By the way, food in El Nido is excruciatingly expensive, especially for drinks like coffee. The 3-in-1 coffee costs P100 while a brewed one is P120. Iced blends that cost only P185 in Starbucks, Tim Hortons, or Coffee Bean are P390. But then again - hell, we're on vacation. Lol. El Nido is paradise. The early morning stroll at the shore is breathtaking. Fine sands, clear water, blue sky, a lullaby of the splashing waves, and course the majestic sunrise.
We spent a few more minutes sipping our hot brewed coffee, watching the serene water while sunrise was at its peak.
By noon, we headed to the nearest beach. Located 17 kilometers north of the El Nido town proper is Nacpan Beach. It's the longest beach area in El Nido of a 4-km strip of powdery paradise haven with its breathtaking pristine cream-colored sand, crystal clear turquoise water, lined with coconut trees, and known for its beautiful sunset. It is one-half of the famous Twin Beach, the other being Calitang Beach. It ranked 18th at the Trip Advisor's Traveler's Choice Awards 2021 for the Top 25 Beaches in the Continent.
We rented a hut for P500, so we have a place to chill and have our belongings put in one place. Foreigners are everywhere, in fact, they occupy half of the visitors.
Aside from swimming, there are also ATV Car you can rent, I'm not sure how much it cost. We haven't tried it. Driving is not my thing. Lol.
And there are Banana boats too which I don't think is fun enough. The boat pulling the banana boat is just an ordinary motor boat, not a speed boat and it's too slow, some of the riders have to jump on their seats just to fake the adrenaline. Lol
Fun fact, you can see the famous Manny Pacquiao Island when you are in Nacpan Beach. Clue, it's in the center.
By five in the afternoon, we decided to transfer to the nearest Lio Beach and wait for sundown. While Lio Beach is not the best place for sunset in El Nido (I heard, Las Cabanas has the perfect sunrise in El Nido), still sunset in Lio is amazing.
Perhaps my favorite beach in El Nido. Lio Beach is about a 15-minute drive from the center of El Nido town. It is a 4km stretch of beachfront, a perfect haven if you’re looking for a little more quiet, you can keep walking beyond the main beach area. There are beach chairs around for sunbathing, you can also go trail hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and biking. At the approach of the beach area are trees. Lovely trees, with benches, seesaws, and swings just like in a park. If you love photography, Lio is for you.
Unlike other beaches, Lio Beach has an airport terminal and swooshing of low-flying airplanes (AirSwift) is an added attraction. There's also a long jetty where private boats can dock or pick up a passenger.
Lio is also home to turtles and hatching is one of its best attractions. Sadly, we haven't experienced that when we visited, we got there almost night time.
Lio Beach by the way is managed by The Ayala Group. So expect an even more developed beach in the future.
One for the book. Another day was well spent.
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