Photos from El Nido, Palawan

Cross posted from Travelkage.blogspot.com

Intro taken from my El Nido article published in the Philippines Yearbook 2008: Travel Issue. Photos are from my latest vacation there (June 2011).

If Palawan is the Philippines' "Last Frontier" then its town of El Nido is the vanguard of the frontier's borders. Flora and fauna are a premium draw here as there are only five islands where development for tourism purposes is allowed.

Majestic marble cliffs stand guard over sandy shores and glassy waters. Small villages co-exist a mere boat ride away from some of the most luxurious resorts in the area. There are lagoons filled with emerald depths and endless discoveries. Explore age-old caves and learn their whispered secrets. Or simply be on the look out for the multitude of wildlife both common and rare that make their homes on this enchanted place. There are 16 endemic and 10 threatened species of birds, 6 types of marine mammals endemic, and four species of endangered turtles that call the waters and forests of El Nido home.

Celebrated author Alex Garland is said to have drawn inspiration for his bestseller "The Beach" from his stay at El Nido's Bacuit Bay. One visit to this marine reserve and you will understand why.

My brother swims with the resident Jacks that come for breakfast at Miniloc.

Kayaking the Small Lagoon

Snorkeling Cove 2.5 off Lagen Island. (I dove down and hung on to a rock - not a coral - for this snapshot)

Sunset from Lagen Island.

Join the Fight to save our seas

*gets on sparkly pink soapbox*

June 8 is World Oceans Day as well as Blog Action Day. The upshot of which is this:

If you would like to bring awareness to the plight of our marine ecosystems or find a way to help/volunteer/pass legislation/create noise/fight the good fight then please head to the Save Philippine Seas group page on Facebook and join up.

On Twitter, search the hashtag #reefwatchph to keep updated on what's been going on the last few weeks.

*gets off sparkly pink soapbox*

And now I leave you with some photos taken on various dives and snorkeling trips in the country.


Coron, Palawan













Panglao, Bohol














Panglao, Bohol












One of thousands of stingless jellyfish in Suhoton Cove just off Siargao Island.












Butanding, Donsol.

Good Eats: Sustainably Farmed Fish List

Before I begin, I have to warn you all that this is a little nerdy but not really that much fun. What with the reports on the illegal collection of reef fish and coral, I felt it behooved me to remind everyone that pelagic fish are just as important to the ecosystem as the pretty fish that make it to Disney/Pixar films.

It's always important to know where your food comes from. Just because an item is on your favorite restaurant's menu or in your local grocery's freezer doesn't mean it's sustainably farmed or environmentally safe.

Here's a list and a few links to help you get started.