We left early at around 6 AM going back to Puerto Princesa, I said to myself I would go back in El Nido. Again the ride took 5 hours, but it didn't matter as we were just sleeping all the way. And looking at the city, it is indeed one of the cleaner cities in the Philippines... and I just love the laid back setting of the country, with tricycles as the main mode of transportation. We didn't have so much itinerary for the day as our intent is to just watch and see the city, we were pretty much tired.
We decided to check out Baker's Hill for our pasalubong stuff. We've heard there are a lot of food goodies over there. I thought it was just some bakery on top of a hill...it turned out like a mini-family park with restaurants,play grounds, and gardens.
The petals that were neatly arranged in a stoup. Pretty creative indeed!
A wooden pathway leading to numerous gardens that have different themes.
The cactus as one of its garden themes.
After all the pasalubongs were bought, its time to check the nightlife. We decided to dine at Kinabuchs Grill and Bar. Food was great, not that expensive though.
We stayed at Manny's Guest House. The atmosphere is very homey as the owner of the house converted their 2nd-storey floor into an inn. It is truly a haven for back-packers as the room rates are very affordable. Since we were just looking for a place to stay,and its just an overnight stay for us in Puerto Princesa, a homey accommodation would just do.
Let me see the health of my finances for the day:
Day 5
|
Sunday
|
484
|
Bus Ride
|
126
|
Lunch
|
230
|
Pasalubong
|
200
|
dinner
|
184
|
overa-all transpo
|
55
|
drinks
|
1279
|
Total
|
My budget as I went back to Cebu:
Day 6
|
Monday
|
40
|
Terminal Fee
|
27
|
Tricycle
|
100
|
Taxi
|
167
|
Total
|
For the over-all expense of my trip:
1046
|
Day 1
|
2551
|
Day 2
|
1080
|
Day 3
|
992
|
Day 4
|
1279
|
Day 5
|
167
|
Day 6
|
7115
|
Total
|
Our target budget was at Php 7,000 yet I exceeded a couple of bucks. Well, that's fine, its still near the budget, and besides we're on vacation so I guess a handy extra would do.
Third day, last day! I'm glad that the weather cooperated on our last day. This time we decided for Tour B at Php 800 with lunch. We want to maximize and enjoy our last stay in El Nido. Tour B is sometimes labeled as the cave tour since we would be exploring a couple of caves for the day.
First stop: Pangulashian Island
This is a privately owned island and is off-limits to non-guests. Boats are just to dock a few meters from the shore as the island is also one of the snorkeling sites. According to our tour guide, accommodation in the island ranges from around $500/night..waaah..gulp, gulp, gulp...
Another fish feeding session, and again, fishes were bigger than the usual, and they're always "greedy". A lot more colorful fishes this time.
Second Stop: Snake Island
The name was coined from a snake-like formation of the sand-bar from an aerial view. During low tide, the sand bar is visible connecting to the other island. The view was really awesome. Our tour guide was also busy preparing our lunch so we had time yet to stroll the perimeter.
The water is perfectly clean. During that time though, it was high tide and we really wanted to get across the other side, but nah, we prefer to just swim as our guide might call us for our lunch. We were starved then after hiking a few meters just to get an aerial shot for the snake-like sand bar.
On the other side was also the other islands that we were yet to explore. I can say that this is truly a paradise. The limestone formations were truly awesome. Seems like I visited other Asian countries. Well, its more fun in the Philippines..hihihi
Third Stop: Cudugnon Cave
Another one of those series wherein you have to crawl to get inside the cave.
It's just a sight to see inside, nothing that much. A few picture takings inside the cave and that's just it.
And a little bit of snorkeling again within the cave's vicinity.
Fourth Stop: Cathedral Cave
The high cathedral-like ceiling best describes the site. Its just for sight-seeing though as the water is deep and the boat could not fit in its entrance.
Just for picture-taking though :)
Last Stop: Pinagbuyutan Island
Sadly, this would be the last stop for the whole El Nido trip. The whole stretch of white sand can be seen from afar. The sand sinks in your feet. One thing about the beach though is that its a little bit rocky when the tide goes low. But still, a great view, a great beach.
Footprints..yea, our first steps here..
Capping the night, we chilled at SeaSlug as it is near our resort...I wonder why we didn't notice the place during our first nights here.. just a doze of beer since we have to leave early the next morning.
For the last stay in El Nido, let me see how much came out from my pocket:
|
Day 3
|
Saturday
|
|
800
|
Tour B
|
|
53
|
Breakfast
|
|
69
|
Dinner
|
|
20
|
water
|
|
50
|
beer
|
|
992
|
Total
|
