Tuesday, 06 January 2009
 
 
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El Nido PDF Print E-mail
 
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Towering Cliffs
 
El Nido is one of the nicest place in the island Philippine. There is simple living, enormous landscape & seascapes with hospitable people. Around 1:15 hr ride on a 19 seater plane, half an hour land travel to El Nido town. You can't compare the beauty of El Nido to, it's different. It is somewhat similar to the virgin islands of Camiguin you’ll need to ride a boat and wander the islands of El Nido! It is really a wonderful and magnificent and you will love the sea foods! It's very fresh!

El Nido is considered a showcase of Palawan's geology and various wildlife It is one of the most important sites for biological diversity in the country and has been stated by the Philippine government as a protected area. Conquered by towering marble cliffs that are homes to a number of tropical birds, El Nido is the source of one of the most delicious soups specially found in Chinese restaurants "the Nido Soup".
 
This soup consists mainly of the bird nests that abound in the area. Edible-nest Swiftlets (Collocalia fuciphaga) abound in El Nido. The nests of these birds are found in the crevices of the limestone cliffs and are the main ingredient of the health enhancing bird's nest or nido soup. It is these nests that gave the place its Spanish name, El Nido.
 
But El Nido is more than this. It prides itself in having the most beautiful seascapes in the province of Palawan, known as the country's last frontier. Because of its utter splendor, it has also been called the island of the gods, heaven on earth that is El Nido. El Nido is a municipality situated at the northwestern tip of the province of Palawan, Philippines.
 
It is 430 kilometers southwest of Manila, and 238 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan's capital. El Nido is bordered by the Linapacan Strait in the North, the Sulu Sea in the east, and the South China Sea in the west. It is the scenic landscape, crystal clear waters, and relative isolation that attracts and fascinates most travelers to El Nido.
 
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The 45 islands and islets and the surrounding sea present endless opportunities for adventure, nature appreciation, and even just simple amusements. El Nido's majestic limestone cliffs are estimated to be 250 million years old. They stand guard over clear waters, with 200 species of tropical fishes, more than 100 species of corals, and three species of endangered sea turtles.
 
El Nido's forests are host to more than 100 species of birds, a large number of which are endemic to Palawan. Kayaking in secret lagoons, mangrove tours, snorkeling or diving with colorful tropical fishes, hiking to the peak of an island, fishing, bird watching, exploring uninhabited islands, picnic lunches or sunbathing in a white sand beach. These are just some of the activities that can be arranged by El Nido Resorts.

Island Activity

Island Hopping is the main one, totally dedicated to the over 50 beaches in the marine reserve of Bacuit Bay. There are a number of places to hire boats including packages that include food and tour guides. Or do it yourself by walking down the beach and hiring a boat. On the other hand you can also hire kayaks, paddle boats or even go windsurfing! Fishing is also available here.

Scuba Diving is also famous, as there is a wealth of marine life and plenty of reef here. More advanced diving is also available. You can never bore of the islands, but sometimes you may hunger for something a bit different. No problem, El Nido have much more. Through the tourism office, you can book tours with the El Nido Tour Guides Association. They can take you Cliff Climbing which gives a wonderful birds-eye view. Try north of the town and you can go Cave Exploring, and also discover the Waterfalls.
 
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Weather/Sea Condition

Climate
The climate in El Nido is distinguished by two seasons: generally dry, from December to May, and wet, from June to November. April and May are typically the driest months, while the heaviest rainfall occurs around August. The Northeast wind blows from December to March, occasionally interchanging with the North wind during December to February. The Southwest wind is felt from June to October while the East wind, the mildest of all winds, blows during the months of April and May.

Surface Temperature
The average surface temperature ranges from a low of 22ºC to a high of 33ºC. The coolest temperatures are usually experienced during the month of January, while the hottest temperatures are felt in April and May.

Water Current
The current in El Nido differ from very slight to moderate depending on tidal conditions. Divers and snorkellers can swim back to the boat without difficulty since currents are usually very manageable.

Water Temperature
The average water temperature ranges from 24ºC to 26ºC during the months of December to March and 26ºC to 29ºC during the months of April to November.

Water Visibility
Water visibility ranges from 3 meters to 10 meters from December to February, 10 meters to 30 meters from March to May, and 10 meters to 15 meters from June to November. The best time for diving at El Nido is during the months of March to May, as surface conditions are good.