WHO doesn’t want to travel again after months of being confined at home because of the pandemic? It’s a good thing that traveling is not restricted anymore, and more flights have been reopened, including the Cebu to El Nido flight via AirSwift.
The boutique airline invited SunStar Lifestyle with some social media personalities for its “re-maiden flight” (its first flight since the pandemic).
Below are some of the things you could expect when traveling to El Nido, Palawan:
Some paperwork
Traveling nowadays requires more than just round-trip tickets. Two weeks before the trip, the AirSwift team sent us a list of the requirements. This included an approved S-Pass travel permit via submission of DOT-accredited hotel booking confirmation, VaxCert accomplished via vaxcert.doh.gov.ph or Covid-19 vaccination card, and, of course, round-trip tickets.
Upon checking in, a health declaration form through the StaySafe PH app must be presented, too.
When all of these are verified, the AirSwift passenger check-in officer hands traveling guests a kit which contains a face mask, alcohol and disinfecting wipes.
With all this said, late check-ins in this “new normal” is a big no-no.
Shorter travel times
Before, travelers from Cebu needed to either fly to Manila to get a flight to El Nido, or take a land trip for six hours from Puerto Princesa to the famed Palawan destination.
Now with AirSwift’s Cebu-El Nido route, it only takes an hour to reach El Nido.
Sustainable tourist destination
El Nido is really committed to provide leisurely, and engaging experience in a manner that has the least impact on the environment.
Even the airport shows sustainability—from its ambiance to how it is being managed. What looks like a cozy villa is actually El Nido’s terminal airport. Glass walls with a wooden frame allow guests to see the paradise waiting outside—lush greenery, powdery white sand, fresh air and beautiful skies.
The island strictly says no to single-use plastic even from the airport’s stores; drinks are stored inside bottles; straws are made from either bamboo or wheat; food items are placed in a leaf or food box.
Hotels use shampoo and liquid soap dispensers instead of small plastic bottles or sachets; treated and recycled water goes into toilet tanks.
The rooms of Angkla Beach Club and Resort, where the delegation stayed during the trip, are equipped with smart technology which automatically turns off lights, air conditioning units, among others, when no one is around. No wonder why this breathtaking paradise is dubbed “A Sustainable Tourism Destination” and “Heaven on Earth,” aside from its picturesque views.
Adventures for everyone
A vacation is not complete without some adventure. One of the activities prepared for our group was the island tour and excursion through El Nido Yachting Club.
Activities you can do on top of the island tour include kayaking in Small Lagoon on Miniloc Island, taking a dip in the Secret Lagoon, discovering the Secret Beach, relaxing at Shimizu Island, chilling on the sandbar of Snake Island, or lounging at the Seven Commandos Beach.
We stopped by El Nido Yachting Club’s private island called “Star Beach” for a by-the-beach lunch prepared by Frangipani Boutique Hotel. After the delicious lunch, we went for a dip in the cold, blue water surrounded by El Nido’s infamous rock formations, while enjoying the calm surroundings with the sound of nature as our background music.
The experience was more than just an island tour and sightseeing, it was more of getting to know El Nido, and being one with nature.
You may also go for the El Nido Canopy Walk in Taraw Cliff, one of the top tourist’s bucket lists, when visiting Palawan.
The best thing about El Nido is it limits guests who will go island hopping to avoid overcrowding, especially now that social distancing is required.
Full relaxation mode
As soon as one steps outside the airport, one is already put in a zen or do-not-disturb mode—thanks to the island’s dreamy environment.
There’s the sound of calming soft waves crashing against the shore, the smiling and friendly people, the swaying plants and palm trees, marvelous lagoons, beautiful islets, powdery white sand beaches, towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters brimming with marine life.
“Today’s activity: Just relax and enjoy,” a message from the AirSwift team which was perfect for a sunny day.
Staying in one of Angkla Beach Club and Resort’s strategically located pools, swimming in the majestic blue ocean, walking on the powdery white sand barefoot while taking in the ocean breeze while waiting for the sun to set—I wouldn’t trade these moments for anything else.
Gastronomic treat
What is traveling without food, right? On our first night in El Nido, we stopped by Seda Lio from the airport for some refreshments and a sumptuous dinner featuring Palawan’s lechon baboy and rich tinolang manok. During our whole stay at Angkla Beach Club and Resort, we were treated to a delightful and filling wide spread of Asian fusion with vegan options. Frangipani Boutique Resort prepared for us a seafood and grilled meat feast which made the whole beach experience complete. On our last night, Maremegmeg Beach Club hosted a sunset dinner—showcasing mouthwatering Filipino meals and desserts.
El Nido’s sustainable practice and cleanliness encourages its guests to practice “clean as you go,” and to be responsible tourists.
Wherever destination you are heading, always respect the culture, and follow safety protocols.
El Nido—it’s the kind of place where you’d imagine what paradise looks like and what serenity feels like. S