El Nido is one of the most enchanting places in the whole world.

The town and its clusters of islands, off the northern tip of Palawan are surrounded by brilliant, turquoise waters contrasted by dramatic, towering limestone cliffs. Pristine beaches with soft, powdery sand line long stretches of the coastline and can be found tucked in coves between lush cliff formations. It is a true tropical paradise, largely untouched by any sort of major development, with conservation practices enforced by officials and local residents.

But, before you eagerly pack your bags and hop on that plane, there are 8 Essential Things you absolutely Nido know before you go.

1. Internet

Want to post that super awesome photo of your island-hopping tour to the ‘gram? Well, you might find yourself having to wait until after your trip to do so. Internet in El Nido is SLOW. Painfully slow. In most cases, you will not have any service at all. Restaurants and cafes didn’t seem to keen to pass out their WiFi passwords, and, rightfully so. Most of them appeared to be using a prepaid internet SIM card, which I can only imagine is probably expensive and tedious to top-up. Hey, it’s nice to unplug sometimes! Take a moment to really appreciate where you are and all of the island’s jaw-dropping scenery!

2. Getting Sick

Needing to run to the toilet every five minutes during your magical time in El Nido is the least magical thing you could ever imagine. Believe me. I was under the dreaded spell of traveller’s sickness for a whole TWO days, and it was definitely far from charming.

Don’t Get Sick Like Me:

• Brush your teeth with bottled water.
• Make sure that restaurants use filtered water to wash their produce and cutlery.
• Avoid drinks with ice, unless you are certain that the ice comes from filtered water.
• Shower singers! Close your mouths so that you don’t accidentally swallow water.
• Be cautious with street food and lunches prepared on the boats of your island-hopping tours.

There is NO hospital in El Nido. So, always be careful and don’t break your leg! Or else, you’ll have to be airlifted by a military helicopter to Puerto Princesa, a 5 hour drive from El Nido. Now, that would be quite the call home to Mom and Dad.

For minor medical issues, there are a few pharmacies and a small clinic in town. They are limited, so bring any medicine you may need from home, just to be on the safe side!

3. Plumbing

You’re lucky if your accommodation has a hot shower with enough water pressure to completely rinse the shampoo out of your hair. In all three different accommodations I stayed at, I had to awkwardly use a bucket and dump pails of cold water onto my shivering body. Alright, I’m being dramatic! But, I will say maneuvering a pail in one hand, while trying to shave your legs with the other is an incredibly difficult task.

4. Transportation

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to ride a roller coaster for 5 hours straight? Hop into a van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido to experience the stomach-turning drive for yourself! The drive from the Puerto Princesa airport to El Nido is bumpy, winding, and long. You, along with 14 others are sardined into a van, driven by a retired Mario Kart racer. But hey, the price can’t be beat for 500₱ ($12 CAD). If you’re not too keen on making this drive, you can avoid it by flying directly into El Nido from Manila or Cebu.

Once in El Nido, transportation is easy and cheap. Tricycles are a unique take on a rickshaw. A covered motorcycle and sidecar are welded together, made to look like a tiny car from the front and back, with a windshield, a “trunk” for your baggage, and enough seating to fit an entire family. These will take you anywhere you need to go within the town for a mere 50₱ ($1.25 CAD).

5. ATMs

There are only 3 ATMs in El Nido, which often experience long lines and sometimes run out of money. Bring enough with you and a little extra, just in case!

6. Power Outages

Each day you’re there, you can be sure to expect a power outage. Don’t worry, they’re usually pretty minor, lasting anywhere from about 10 seconds to 30 minutes. Sometimes though, you might find yourself bumping around in the dark of your Airbnb for a few hours, an excellent way to test your night vision skills and practice retrieving items in total darkness.

7. Accommodations

El Nido is not the place to test your luck with last-minute accommodation bookings. During high season, most places are booked up well in advance, as there are limited (but growing) choices of where to stay. Hotels, pensions, hostels and Airbnbs (click to get $50 CAD off your first stay) are available, so make sure to take a look at and compare all of these options when making your booking.

8. It’s The Most Beautiful Place You Will Ever Visit

After travelling through 26 countries across 4 continents, El Nido is by far the most spectacular and visually striking place I have ever visited. Having only spent 6 days there, I barely scratched the surface of all of its wonderfully stunning sites to see, and, I’m already itching to go back. See you again soon, magical El Nido!

Have you been to El Nido? What are some things you wish you knew before your visit?

The post 8 Essential Things To Know Before Travelling To El Nido appeared first on A Broader Tale.