El Nido, Palawan is a very small and simple town. With limestone walls everywhere, it was like a hidden paradise that only the most eager adventurers would find. Jeff and I went to El Nido last August 21. We booked our flights with Airphil Express (now PAL Express) last January 2013 which I think only costs about P4000 or so, two way, for the two of us. Great deal, yeah?

We stayed in Barangay Buena Suerte, which literally means 'good luck' in Spanish. El Nido, on the other hand, is a Spanish term which translates to 'the nest'. I am guessing it got it's name from the local bird, balinsasayaw, that builds its nests in the caves. The balinsasayaw nest is the main ingredient of the famous Nido Soup.  We really had a 'good luck in the nest' because when we left Manila in August 21, the monsoon rains were still so bad that so many flights were cancelled. Our plane was the last flight out of Manila. It was also gloomy on the day that we arrived, but it cleared up on the next two days. It was so hot that we got sunburned! 

Barangay Buena Suerte taken from the boat.

I've always loved the beach. The smell of salty water and the roughness of the sand under my feet are things that I'd kill to have every single day. Okay, no, not kill. Haha! In highschool, we studied about about geography and I was amazed on how beautiful El Nido and Tubbataha Reef. I then promised myself that I will one day see El Nido. I did. 

We left the house around 10AM, stopped over at Tootsie's Tagaytay for lunch, before arriving in Hamilo Coast around 4PM. Man, this place is so far! I think it's the farthest among all the coves in Nasugbu. They have three coves -- Pico de Loro, Santelmo, and Etayo. Hamilo Coast is a leisure resort developed by SM Land. Jeff and I are not really a fan of SM, just like a lot of people out there because they promote heavy traffic everywhere, but I must say that they did a good job in this place. Hamilo is also exclusive for members only. So if you want to go there but you are not a member, make sure you know someone who has a unit there or a member. I'm not sure if they will sponsor you or anything, but what I'm sure of is you need to pay. Hehe. Also, I believe some of the people who own a unit there have their units leased out for about P11,000 a night. 

When we arrived, we were directed to the hotel, Pico Sands to check in. We shared a room with my in laws, which was okay because there were two queen sized beds in the room. Here are some photos that I took. 

We've stayed in so many hotels but sometimes, we get too surprised that they don't even have toothbrushes for their guests. As much as I love Moon Garden in Tagaytay, it is a bit disappointing that they don't have toothbrush. Another one that doesn't have a complete set of toiletries is Forest House in Baguio. So I've learned my lesson and always make sure that we have everything we need. 

Here's our stash: