So, you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, powdery white sands, and the ultimate island paradise? Well, buckle up, because Ms. Chae Won Cha’s recent Facebook post about the real Palawan tour experience is here to give you a much-needed reality check.
Ms. Chae Won Cha’s on her Facebook post last July 4, recounted the following:
‘5 things you should know before you book a trip to Palawan.
From Puerto Princesa, going to El Nido
1. You should know that the travel time from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is 5–6 hours, depending on the speed of your driver.
Our plane arrived at around 3 p.m. in Puerto Princesa, and we traveled directly to El Nido.
2. The way to El Nido from Puerto Princesa is a freaking mountainous road. The reason why it takes 5–6 hours to travel. We never got a chance to take a photo on our way because it was already dark, but we felt that our van was on top of the mountain because of the ear barotrauma. No streetlights along the way; just the headlights of the vehicle gave us hope to see what’s ahead of us.
3. You cannot find fast food chains anywhere in El Nido. I just saw only 1 McDonald’s outlet when we were near our accommodations.
4. There are no 7-11 in both Puerto Princesa and El Nido. According to some folks, the most well-known convenience store in the area is Mercury Drug.
5. Food delivery is not 24/7 in service. On our last night in Puerto Princesa, we almost didn’t have the energy to dine out, so we decided to have food delivered at almost 7 p.m., but sad to say, there were no available grab-and-drops. I don’t think there is also a food panda in the area’
There are truths to what Ms. Chae Won Cha is saying and we have to admit with humility. Definitely, there are no 7-11 in both Puerto Princesa and El Nido.
And so hey, this is our version the Chae Won Cha fashion modified, of the five brutally honest truths about traveling from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, and why you should embrace them for a better experience—and make room for the next brave tourist.
1. The 5-6 Hour Journey: A Scenic Route, They Said…
You think a little drive through paradise sounds delightful? Think again. The trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is a solid 5-6 hours of your life. Yes, you heard that right. Arriving in Puerto Princesa at 3 p.m.? Prepare for a thrilling, ear-popping, mountainous road trip that seems to last an eternity. Forget Instagrammable photos en route; it’ll be dark, and your van’s headlights will be your only hope. So, why not use this time to bond with your travel companions? After all, nothing brings people closer than shared discomfort.
2. Mountainous Roads: Roller Coaster of Emotions
Oh, the joys of mountain roads! Ear barotrauma? Check. Hairpin bends? Check. Streetlights? Nope, well a few, very few. Mostly what you will see is just the warm, comforting glow of your vehicle’s headlights piercing through the inky darkness. It’s like a horror movie, but with better scenery (not that you’ll see any of it). Embrace the adventure and let the adrenaline rush remind you that you’re truly alive.
3. Fast Food Famine
Fancy a quick bite at McDonald’s? Good luck. El Nido has precisely one McDonald’s outlet near your accommodations. Yes, just one. Forget the usual fast-food comforts; this is your chance to explore the local cuisine. Who needs a Big Mac when you can have fresh seafood and authentic Filipino dishes? Consider it a culinary adventure!
4. Convenience Store Conundrum
Think you’ll pop into a 7-11 for a midnight snack? Think again. Puerto Princesa and El Nido have their own unique charm—and it doesn’t include the convenience of 24/7 stores. The most well-known convenience store here is Mercury Drug. It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and live like a local. After all, isn’t that what traveling is all about?
5. Delivery Dreams Dashed
Feeling too tired to dine out? Want to order in? Well, there are food delivery service in Puerto Princesa, but you have to try harder. With internet connection that is usually choppy, it will require patience in ordering, otherwise, you have to go out and explore. It’s the perfect excuse to muster up the energy to explore the local dining scene. Who knows, you might stumble upon a hidden gem!
The Learning Moment: Positivity and Preparedness
Let’s take Chae Won Cha’s candid post as a learning moment. Instead of griping about the inconveniences, why not prepare and embrace the adventure? Here are a few tips to enhance your Palawan experience:
- Plan Your Journey: Schedule your trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido during daylight hours. You’ll appreciate the scenery and reduce the risk of ear barotrauma.
- Pack Snacks: Bring some comfort snacks for the journey and late-night cravings. It’s always better to be prepared.
- Explore Local Cuisine: Step out of your fast-food comfort zone and dive into the local food scene. It’s a culinary adventure waiting to be explored.
- Embrace the Challenge: Remember, travel is about experiences—both good and bad. Embrace the challenges and turn them into memorable stories.
So, let’s be positive and pave the way for future tourists to have an even better experience. After all, the beauty of Palawan lies not just in its breathtaking landscapes but also in its unique, albeit sometimes challenging, travel experiences. Happy traveling!
My first trip to Palawan was 1991, the high way north was still a dirt road. El Nido was not yet discovered. Spent most of my time in Taytay. My wife and I had r 1yr old son with us. We’ve returned every year since and it keeps getting better and better, the Puerto boardwalk is growing all the time.