As I think of my trip to Palawan, it is like a beautiful dream I never wanted to leave. The moment I stepped off the airplane in Puerto Princesa, I was enveloped by the warm tropical breeze and soft smell of the ocean in the air. I had seen pictures of Palawan but standing there surrounded by turquoise oceans and beautiful green foliage, I realized pictures don’t compare to what is in front of me.
Experiencing the Beauty of El Nido
I finally arrived at El Nido, which had been referenced as heaven on earth. As our van cruised through the narrow and winding mountains, the sea began to sparkle off in the distance, teasing me about what we were about to discover. The town of El Nido is small but vibrant with colorful boats stretched along the shore and travelers from all over the world sharing stories and sipping on cold mango shakes in the café near the beach.
The island-hopping tour was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip. The small wooden boat sailed through the clear blue ocean, stopping at one after another at little pieces of paradise. The Big Lagoon left me speechless; the steep limestone cliffs reflected so perfectly on the tranquil water surface that it looked as if nature herself had crafted a mirror out of earth. At Secret Lagoon, we crawled through a small rock opening until we emerged into a hidden lagoon surrounded by cliffs. it truly felt like finding a secret place.
Each island had its own character. But what I loved the most was the sense of peace I felt in every moment. I remember thinking how rare it was to feel alive and calm at the same time while floating on my back in the middle of the ocean with the sound of the waves gently ebbing in and out of my ears.
The Soul of Palawan
Palawan was more than just its beaches and lagoons; it was about its people. The locals were some of the nicest people I have known always smiling, always willing to help. One evening, I joined a small group of locals as they cooked fresh fish and seafood over a use of fire on the beach.
They requested I join them for dinner, and experiencing grilled fish, rice, and conversation was delightful for the connection it gave me.
The food was simple but great grilled squid, adobo, and, of course, the sweetest mangoes I had ever tasted. Every bite had captured the essence of the island, fresh, raw and alive.
A Sunrise to Remember
My last morning, I got up early and went to the beach for the sunrise. The sky was distinguished into a dignified pink to gold as the first ray of life hit the water. It felt peaceful, mellow, and uncomplicated with only the sound of soft waves coming ashore. It was in that moment, as I stood and gazed out that I thought, “Palawan has transformed me at the core.” It reminded me that happiness is not a comfortable, convenient plan for life, but it lies in silence; sometimes, with good breath, reminding you of a necessity, Mother Nature.
Leaving Palawan was harder than I expected. Like many do on their journey home, after takeoff, I looked down to the island once again, and promised to return. Not all destinations are a geography; some feelings are with you for a lifetime.