Dust & Drums: A Chaotic Trip to Palawan
okay, so, i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. palawan. seriously? i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 34.68 feels like 34.68, and the pressure’s sitting at 1008 - feels like someone’s gently squeezing my eyeballs. humidity’s at 64, which is basically a damp hug. the air smells like saltwater and something vaguely floral, like someone’s grandma’s closet.
I landed at Puerto Princesa airport, and honestly, the whole place felt like a slightly frantic movie set. everyone’s hustling, but with this weird, relaxed energy. i grabbed a tricycle - seriously, they’re everywhere - and headed to El Nido. the drive was…an experience. think winding roads, roadside stalls selling questionable fruit, and a guy playing a ukulele who looked like he hadn’t slept in a week.
El Nido itself? breathtaking, obviously. but also, a little overwhelming. tons of tourists, a million Instagrammers, and enough smoothie bowls to fuel a small army. i found a little guesthouse tucked away on a side street - ‘Casa de las Olas’ - it was run by a guy named Miguel who mostly communicated through shrugs and smiles. he told me someone told him the best way to see the islands was by renting a kayak and just…going. which, you know, i did.
Spent the next few days island hopping. the limestone cliffs are insane, like, seriously, they look like they were sculpted by a giant, bored god. we snorkeled in crystal-clear water, swam with turtles (tiny ones!), and ate way too much grilled seafood. i even tried to learn how to paddleboard - let’s just say i spent more time in the water than on it.
Speaking of food, i had this incredible adobo from a little warung near the beach. someone told me it was the best in Palawan, and honestly, they weren’t wrong. it was salty, spicy, and just…perfect. i also discovered a place called ‘The Rusty Anchor’ - Yelp gave it 4.5 stars, but it felt more like a dive bar with a surprisingly good selection of local beers.
Here’s the gear list, because i’m apparently obsessed with lists:
Hiking boots: (obviously) - they’re a mess, but they worked.
*Dry bag: essential for keeping your phone alive.
*Sunscreen: SPF 50, don’t be a hero.
*Headlamp: for exploring caves (which we did, naturally).
*A ridiculously oversized hat: for maximum shade.
*A notebook and pen:* because i need to document this chaos.
I overheard gossip at the bar about a hidden waterfall, accessible only by a treacherous jungle trail. someone warned me it’s guarded by a grumpy old fisherman named Benigno. i’m adding that to the list.
I also stumbled upon this amazing little shop selling handwoven textiles. the owner, a woman named Elena, was telling me that if you get bored, Coron is just a short drive away, and it’s supposedly even more stunning. i’m already planning my return trip.
Seriously, the sunsets here are unreal. like, postcard-worthy. i took a bunch of photos, but honestly, they don’t even come close to capturing the feeling.
I spent an afternoon just wandering around the town square, watching the locals go about their day. it’s a completely different pace of life than what i’m used to. it’s… calming, in a weird way.
And then there’s the rain. it comes and goes without warning, usually in the middle of the afternoon. it’s not a torrential downpour, just a gentle drizzle that makes everything feel a little bit…romantic.
I’m heading to Busuanga tomorrow. TripAdvisor says there’s a great snorkeling spot called ‘Secret Beach.’ i’m cautiously optimistic.
Okay, gotta go. my battery’s dying, and i think i just saw a gecko staring at me. palawan, you’re a trip.
TripAdvisor Palawan
Yelp El Nido Restaurants
Local Palawan Forum
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