The Island Explorer

It seems weird that after writing this series from El Nido, I am now leaning towards it as my favorite in Palawan. I always said to myself that Coron is better. Now, with all of these reminiscing, I just want to go back to El Nido and explore more of it.

So my El Nido adventure continues after staying 2 nights in Lagen. I knew about El Nido's new resort, Pangulasian Island. However, Pangulasian was more expensive and having 4 people in the trip will definitely hurt our budget.

And I'm back. Yes, if you thought the Island Explorer has retired, well, I just forgot to write. But so far, since my last post, which was already a year delayed, I haven been traveling twice a month. Imagine all the backlog! So, moving on, I will be revisiting some experiences that needed to be posted. Let's begin where I took off. Currently the number 1 island in the world according to Travel + Leisure, Palawan is still a vast and long treasure cove filled with underrated beauty featuring nature's best. Palawan has everything I assume. From the sparkling islands of the North to the wild mountains of the South, and more and more islands in between. I am very ashamed to say that I have only touched the tip of Palawan's iceberg. I have only been to Puerto Princesa, Coron and El Nido. What a shame indeed. But these are the basics, so let's check out another resort that have of course, made headlines for the past 20 years in the island. For years, it has been THE...

Coron rests as one of my most favorite places in the Philippines. I still consider it to be very different from El Nido, even though most people think they are the same. El Nido may win in rock formations and beautiful lagoons but Coron wins in island escapes. 

After Mongolia, I had a short visit in Shanghai, which excited me more than the nomad country. It's been 4 years since I visited Shanghai, so this trip I knew must be memorable. And even though it was a 4 day trip only, I decided to change accommodations every night! My first hotel was one of my most anticipated ones, considering it was a member of the Design Hotels group . Also, it was owned by Singapore's famous hotelier, Loh Lik Peng , who conceived New Majestic. Recipient of a T+L Design Award and landing in the Conde Naste Hot List, this hotel is surely making waves. The Waterhouse at South Bund looks nothing like any hotel you've been to. Upon seeing the building's facade, you'll know you're in for a treat. My luggage as left behind in Seoul as I dashed to my connection there. Hence, I arrived in the hotel with only my hand carry. The hotel noticed my lone bag, and intuitively asked if I had lost my luggage. I explained what happened and th...

Finally, one dream has come true. This June 14 to 17, I will be personally leading a tour in my most favorite destination in the Philippines - Surigao del Sur.  If you have read my blog entries on Siargao and Surigao, you will see why this destination is truly something that should be in your bucket list. And, to make it extra special, I will be with renowned travel photographer George Tapan who will guide us in capturing every angle of Surigao's hidden beauty.  This tour includes photography sessions with George Tapan and tours to Sohoton Caves and Jellyfish Lake. It costs only P26,000 per pax for 4D/3N. The price is inclusive of full board and water cottage accommodations (triple sharing) in Club Tara, roundtrip airport transfers from Surigao airport. Airfare not included, but can be arranged by iTravelerAsia, my newest travel agency. All taxes and other surcharges are already included. Airfare to Surigao airport can be costly though at around P6,00...

In every trip I take, I always make sure I visit a high calibre restaurant, whether it be one of the top restaurants in the region or a Michelin starred one. For this trip to Bali, I finally secured seats to the elusive Mozaic.