EL NIDO, PALAWAN

It was last year. 2013.


Best time to go there? Summer. April-June.

To get there take any airline that offers seat sale...in our case we got...

But I think it's now Air Asia Zest...maybe. You can also get Cebu Pacific deals =)

From Manila the drop off is in Puerto Princesa Palawan and from Puerto Princesa it will take you to ride a van for 6 hours (take note: lots of rough road ahead, shorts stops for a quick pee will be given but as far as I could remember we only had 1 stop).

Place where we stayed? Thanks to tripadvisor for we have found----IPIL Travelodge. 

http://ipilsuites.com/elnido.html

Price ranges from 2500-4300 not bad especially if you're sharing room with friends, in our case we were 3 girls inside the room so we payed around 3000. Don't worry breakfast and wifi is included.

View from outside

Dining area

Sumptuous breakfast..excellent service...plus a talking parrot =) 

What I also liked from the Ipil Travelodge is that they arranged everything from airport pickup to airport drop off.  We didn't worry where to hire vans or what bus to take. But for tourists, if you're up for an adventure, it will probably take you time.

On the quick stop, they didn't serve good food anyway--so I suggest you bring your own snacks...I'm very sensitive in eating from other places or the food they serve. No offense, but I really have a sensitive stomach. x_x

We've met and made new friends on the way to El Nido

Trips can be arranged at the Front Desk and all the staff are friendly. Try to arrange a day earlier or as soon as you arrive.  But don't worry if the trips are fully booked try your luck outside and join some other group of travellers/tourist as well.

The boats can occupy at least 12 people. So you got to share the payment.  Trips vary from A to D. Trip A and C are the best.  If you're just there for a limited time try to get that trip.  If you're staying for a week. Then get the trips everyday if you want (be sure to bring a lot of sunblock).  In each trip package, let's say Trip A includes 9 beaches that you'll visit.  If you try to combine 2 package trip (trip A ans trip C), then they'll just choose the BEST OF THE BEST beaches (in total of 12-15) for one whole day. But as I've said if you're not in a hurry to explore, try getting the trips each day.

So we got the Trip A and C package.  It includes the tour guide, snorkle, food and they will also let you borrow the canoe.

By the way...our tour guide...RICHARD...their tour guides are well-trained =)

We love and miss u richard!

Off we go! so some of the people we've met along went on to tour with us

our view inside our room...look closely it's limestone everywhere =) 

We went early around 8am and Richard was already waiting for us.  So right after our breakfast...off we go!

this are the trips I've been talking about

Blue Lagoon

way to hidden beach

 lots of snorkeling around 

Matinloc Island

I paddle up to our resting place to have lunch

Grilled everywhere...fresh fruits...different variety of fish

dogs are everywhere and very friendly (while waiting for our food)

it was really hard to get inside
you have to pass a small hole 

we went fora small underground cave tour 
and the cave was actually and not much to see

the so called snake island just because of the s formation of the walkway(sand)

another group of dogs we have encountered who gave us a warm welcome 

as soon as we stepped on this snake island

one view from top really steep rock formation

We tried to spend the last of our day tour in Nacpan Beach.  There was no one there, and only peace and tranquility from a day's tour.  The way up was dangerous nothing to hold to. This beach is just an ordinary beach..not compared to the white sands we've been in El Nido itself but then the atmosphere and calmness is what matters. 

Nacpan beach

Until next time,

xoxo

SassyEaRth

Shanghai a two-day visit

Shanghai  Jan 17-19, 2013

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Chinese New Year is coming by the last week of January and sad as we weren't able to go there by that time but at least we've had a taste of what Shanghai City offers.

The actual business trip and a short vacation trip was all worth it. Nevertheless, in this city I would really like to come back for another visit probably explore all the shortcuts and sideway trips that I wasn't able to make due to the short time that we have.

Tips:

*Google and Tripadvisor is the best company you'll have to explore and check the nicest places that you could go through.

*As soon as you landed in the airport, get a map. Most of the people don't speak in English unless they were in the service area of work.  So, do ask airline staff, vendors (though they would try to sell something to you first rather than helping  or giving information about what you want to know), students (they know how to understand and speak in English)

*Better rent a car, but be sure to ask for someone who could speak in English

*People are not very hospitable but they are not bad either.  I guess it's just a custom, but some are very friendly as well.   Maybe they were just cautious of who to talk to...but I don't look like a thief or someone bad...hahahhaha  =)

*Try to change money in a bank like Bank of China because some money can be fake if you try in an exchange center. One chinese girl in the bank wants to exchange currency and her money was not accepted because it is fake. (uh-oh)

* Chinese people seems like their angry when they're talking but they're not...it's just their way to talk--they are friendly if your are humble and friendly too. =_=

So here's our picture (just a little bit) of what Shanghai is all about:

Arrival at the airport (we were even called by the officer to stop taking pictures..

* I like their travel guide maps it's easy to use and easy to locate. Try to get the ones with pictures of famous places to go.

My Guide with cool cute pics of places to go to

Shanghai at night (as seen on 259 floor or the TV Tower)

Amazing view from top

Whew! Courage...  x_x

Orient Pearl TV Tower

Financial Tower (too bad we weren't able to go to the topmost to see the view)

*Shop at Yuyuan Garden it's way cheaper and in Nanjing Road (as they say is the best place to shop--it costs a lot)...but if you go along in this road better try to go to side streets as they sell cheaper things/garments/shoes best for souvenir or gifts for your friends

Old Shanghai Street full or bargains =) 

*Try to BARGAIN...BARGAIN...A LOT! you'll see the magic! but be sure that you'll really buy then otherwise you'll receive Chinese curses.

Old Street Shanghai (good place to shop)

Stop over! =)

I'm at Ningbo, China

*I love their foods...try going to a nice restaurant..it's spicy, fresh and so palatable...so good. I'm not a fan of Chinese food but now I must say I am a little bit..

hmmmm place to eat? where at?

Year of the Horse it is INDEED!

Shanghai Museum (4 floors whew!) good workout though. =) 

I actually want to wear one..but will it fit? hahahaha =)

that's just some of the pics in the museum...flash is not allowed at all 

Travel Guide 

Just some of the scenes at Yuyuan Gardens

So that's our trip. I wasn't able to visit a lot since I have only a day to spare but you'll never know...I'll be back..soon...

Questions? 

Just explore Shanghai. 

xoxo

wildrainfirefly