Midwinter inspiration: El Nido, Palawan, in pictures
El Nido: If you are reading this on a cold, dark day somewhere far from the tropics, it’s hard to believe that such sunshine and beauty awaits just a flight away. If you’ve never had a chance to visit, don’t delay! The region is becoming more and more popular, and serious consideration is being given to limiting visitor numbers to some of the area’s most beautiful and fascinating attractions. In the meantime, here are some photos (snapped on a phone, nothing fancy) to give you a taste of the wonders that await you.
“Princess Keith” – there must surely be a reason behind this very strange name for a female royal! (Unless Keith can be a girl’s name in the wilds of Palawan!)Dramatic, soaring coastlines are an unmissable feature of the area. Surprisingly, the area around El Nido doesn’t seem to have attracted the attention of rock climbers yet.Whole worlds of wonder can open up after passing through narrow gaps in the rocky shoreline.Just another day in paradise, complete with private beach.The remarkable scenery can easily overawe, but is never overwhelming.The area is home to all sorts of wildlife. The monkeys, for example, seem quite relaxed around people.Just another perfect place for a delicious barbecue lunch, enjoying the fruits of the ocean.If a painter conjured the landscapes of El Nido from their imagination, they would probably be carted off in a straight-jacket.Just yards from this beach is an abandoned convent – locals believe it is haunted by long-dead nuns!Just another stunning view of rocky, plant covered cliffs and pure azure waters.“Oh captain, my captain!” Whichever boat you hire for your El Nido adventure, you can be sure of a friendly, skilled crew to see you safely home.
