El Nido, Palawan 2016 (Part 3)

So for El Nido, there are 5 tour packages you can choose from.

1. Tour A
2. Tour B
3. Tour C
4. Tour D
5. Inland Tour

We scouted and researched for the best and most affordable organizer. So you don't have to.
Contact: Biboy Catalan Panes Villawala (Click to be redirected to his Facebook account)

Typical rates in El Nido                       His Rate
Tour A 1200/pax                                    800/pax
Tour B 1400/pax                                    800/pax
Tour C 1600/pax                                    1000/pax
Tour D 1200/pax                                    800/pax

The above mentioned tour rates includes the environmental fee (if combo) and buffet lunch.

As for the inland tour, you can rent a motorbike for (2) for 400 PHP (whole day). Entrance to Nacpan Beach is 50 PHP per head and you can make a side trip to the falls, just be ready for a 30-45 mins hike.


See below our photos:

As for PPS-El Nido transfers, if you ever you get left behind by the Bus like what happened to us, or you're traveling in group/s.

Contact: Rolly 0919 951 4705 (Van transfers)
He'll give you the lowest rate. Just tell him you were referred by Chico and Jown from Citrus.

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El Nido, Palawan 2016 (Part 2)

We arrived in El Nido at 2:00AM. It was a smooth 5 hours land travel from PPS. I read before that if you travel during day time, it's better to take a Van because there are a lot of stops if you take the bus. But if you're taking the last bus, we only stopped twice for a restroom break. Only a handful of passengers, and more space for you to stretch your legs.

• Booked through Agoda - Swifltets Inn from November 20-24, 5 days and 4 nights for (2) two pax : 6,829.32 PHP (Inclusive of Tax & Daily Breakfast)

• Tricycle fare from Terminal to Swiftlets: 50 PHP

✔ Queen size bed, 

✔ Wi-fi connection, 

✔ Hot/cold shower, 

✔ Plated breakfast and 

✔ They also offer tours.

No need to take a tricycle going to the port and restaurant area. It's a quick 3-5 mins walk from the hotel. Should you still want to take one, it's 50 PHP per ride.

Now where to eat? 

There are a lot of choices, but these two are our favorite.

• El Nido Boutique & Artcafe

• Mezzanine El Nido

Running out of cash? The only ATM machine (BPI) is located at Real Street, Bgy Buena Suerte, El Nido.

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El Nido, Palawan 2016 (Part 1)

Are you ready to explore the rich biodiversity of Palawan, Philippines? 

Whether you’re a first-timer or a frequent visitor, a leisure traveler or a budget explorer, now is the time to visit the “last ecological frontier,” named by National Geographic Traveler.

The Palawan Biosphere Reserve is a cluster of islands composed of one long main island and smaller groups of islands around it.

There are 24 Municipalities in Palawan, the top 3 destinations are:

• Puerto Princesa
• Coron 
• El Nido (Bacuit)

They say it's expensive to go to El Nido. I say, it is if you did not prepare and allocated budget prior flying. I have been reading blogs and getting tips from people who shares their travel itinerary. And I'm hoping this will be helpful for you too.

Here's our whole El Nido, Palawan itinerary and breakdown of expenses for those who wish to experience paradise.

• Airfare via AirAsia total cost for (2) two pax: 2,475.68 PHP (Round trip + Inclusive of Tax + Credit Card Booking Fee)

• Cherry bus going to PPS for (2) two pax: 960 PHP (Aircon) You can book in advance - click HERE

Because our travel is both business and pleasure, we had a meeting at Puerto Princesa first before heading to El Nido. We took the 9:00 PM bus schedule and slept our way to paradise.

• We booked through Agoda last minute and left our bags at Blessie's Bed & Breakfast, PPS: 1,278 PHP (Inclusive of Tax and got 122 AirAsia BIG points)

• Tricycle fare from Airport to Blessie's: 100 PHP

Blessie's Bed & Breakfast is few steps away from San Jose Terminal. Booking a room is optional. You can just ride a bus or van going to El Nido right away or take a city tour at PPS. Once you step out of the airport, there are already vans waiting, btw.

I suggest that you prepare cash before heading to El Nido. They only have (1) one ATM in the island. What would happen if it run out of cash or system error, right?

As for money exchange, they have a lot. I don't know the exchange rate, but it's safe to prepare cash before traveling. Keep it in different purse, always. Better be safe than sorry.

• Tricycle fare from Blessie's to Robinson's: 20 PHP

If possible, buy bottled water, crackers, chips, bread or cup noodles. The gap of prices from PPS and El Nido is quite surprising. 

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NOCHE - Dine in the Dark Manila

Prepare to rediscover your senses; 
Prepare to make unforgettable memories; 
Prepare for Manila's most unique dining experience yet.

Noche - Dine in the Dark Manila is the first and only restaurant that not only has its patrons dine in total darkness but also, are served by visually impaired staff. This unique dining experience opens every Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays on two dinner services - 6:00 PM & 8:00 PM.

They have (3) three courses to choose from:

Spend some quality time with your love one. Go on  an adventure and make things interesting. My hubby surprised me one weekend, and t'was one of the memorable dinner we had to date. Our phones and anything that emits lights were surrendered before entering. All the mystery and darkness...

We did it! And you should too.

Cuisine: 
Asian Fusion

Location:

Berjaya Hotel Makati, 7835 Makati Avenue Corner Eduque Street

Makati, Philippines

Contact:

0977 407 3226

Website:

www.dineinthedarkmanila.com/

Facebook Page:
www.facebook.com/pg/dineinthedarkmanila

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Zpan Teppanyaki - Tagaytay

Japan is closer than you think? Well, food that is! Zpan Teppanyaki is a newly opened Izakaya 居酒屋 style restaurant in Tagaytay.

An izakaya is a type of Japanese drinking establishment. The food is usually more important than in other types of drinking establishments in Japan such as bars and snack bars. They are popular, casual and relatively cheap. The name izakaya is a compound word consisting of “ i” (to stay) and “sakaya” (sake shop). 

Source: http://www.nicjapanese.com/english/e-cul-izakaya.html

Source: Zpan Teppanyaki Facebook Page

I had a photo shoot in the morning and decided to meet up with friends nearby. Before driving back to Manila, they told us to drop by at Zpan to have dinner. WE WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED. If you've been to Japan and misses the food or been wanting to try authentic Japanese food, this place is highly recommend.

The owner is a Japanese National who decided to put up a business in the Philippines. If my memory serves me right, they just opened last August. The Chef is really nice and can speak fluent Filipino too. --- No need to worry about digging up your anime for Japanese references lol

How's my food? AWESOME! I had okonomiyaki お好み焼き and onigiri お結び. While hubby had ramen ラーメン and yakitori 焼き鳥.

Value for money? YES! No need to bleed your pockets to oblivion. Just like their tagline  "Experience and taste Japanese Cuisine at Affordable prices!"

Address:
Unit C-312 Prime Residences City Land, 4120 Tagaytay City, Philippines

Hours:
Mon:             11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Wed-Thu:     11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri:                     11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sat-Sun:                8:00 am - 11:00 pm

Contact Number:
(046) 423 2631

Official Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/zpanteppanyaki/

Will definitely be back!  (★^O^★)

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