01.23.24
The Philippines: Finale
We’re on to Vietnam after 30 days on Palawan, and overall we give it a thumbs up. After our less than impressive start in Puerto Princessa (for two weeks), El Nido wowed us with the beauty of some nice beaches, some decent meals, and townspeople that made us actually feel welcome. THE thing to do there—and a few other places—includes island hopping, and El Nido has it down to a science. They offer packages A-D, all priced the same, so there is no undercutting, and everyone pretty much offers the same experience. Granted, luck is involved, including weather (which was good), lunch (ditto), and the unpredictable winds and waters.
Our “A” tour was pretty awesome except for some high winds which made the water rough, and I stupidly got my phone so wet it quit on me, one pixel at a time. A common thing from what I saw at the phone repair store! One beach, Nacpan, was a 30 minute ride north of town, and it was one of the nicest I have EVER seen. Wide, sandy beaches, just enough swell to make it challenging, but not dangerous; half a dozen islands off the coast, no rocks, vendors selling food & brew, plus available shade. I liked it so much that I talked Kat into a return trip through 15 minutes of SEVERELY rutted roads the next day! But, once again, she rocked the challenge. We enjoyed El Nido so much we stayed two extra days and cut our next spot, Port Barton, short by the same.
Port Barton was a really small town, just a few streets, but actually better than I expected. Good food options, and we stayed at probably one of the most primitive places ever! A bungalow with no AC, minimal wifi and water pressure, but run by the nicest people. Overall the locals there, along with our El Nido experience, overcame my initial criticism of the entire country.Sorry…
Now it’s on to Vietnam for 38 days, all in the south, mostly on yet another island, Phu Quot. This will be our first non-island since September, and from there, Malaysia
