A hidden paradise in Cebu

Finding a weekend getaway is more tedious and time-consuming. Staying in a city with a hodgepodge of hotels, resorts, restaurants, museums and other worthy locations is a traveler's dilemma. 

Before forgetting, the city is always magnet for urban dwellers but have been a pain in the ass for its untidy surroundings and uncool physique.

As a resident, jumping off to Talisay City and tracking social media posts and selfies, i am fascinated by Hazienda Milan. Alta Vista is nearer but trying to open a new travel menu is another wonderful experience. (I've been to Alta Vista personally for another school documentation)

You may have been to Villa Teresita or Aqua Cainta; likay likay beach and many others---Talisay remains loud and proud of its local businessmen wanting to make natural investments in the form of Resorts and subdivisions. This isn't a one day creation plotted versus a consistency that Talisay City kept up with. 

It is basically a clubhouse for Hazienda Milan owned by the Villars. House owners get free entrance whilst outsiders pay 230 pesos per person. There's another clubhouse for Camella Homes but has deteriorated aesthetically throughout the years. 

Business requires beautiful maintenance charges which the latter failed to comply. The vastness of time led to deterioration and rust; what was once lovely became a tadpole's haven. 

Exclusivity and a fresher level of air can be felt in this place. It is above sea level for sure and is farther from JETTI Gasoline Station. It is a private pool and shade. As simple as you see in photos. A short drive is what it all takes. 

Expense-wise, i paid a total of 560.00 which includes entrance to Hacienda Milan Guard house of 30 pesos per person and another 100 pesos if you're using a car. Upon entry to the clubhouse itself, it will be another 200 pesos per person. Expensive for first timers but checking the brighter side of this trip, the distance can be a relief. 

Distance can make the heart go fonder; fonder in the naive sense of starting back to zero. Going to the basics of why we ever have to go to 

Most of those taking a dip were actual homeowners of Hacienda Milan. It proved how advantageous it was for them to roll over anytime they want to. As a cebu city boy, traveling this far and paying a total of 280 per person can be halfway disappointing. On another side of the silver coin, it can still be worth the drive and dip. 

El Nido by Night

El Nido at night is at the tip of the iceberg compared to the crowd in Boracay. Here are some galleries that you can check for yourself. 

The photo above caught my attention, actually. Just like how Miagao, Iloilo (I have a separate post about Iloilo by the way) maintains its native beliefs and cultures and religiously observes the ordinance to close ALL its stores at 6PM, the same goes to El Nido. Most of the convenience stores close early like one crepe shop near our inn by which we had it originally marked to have a taste of their desserts. Most shops close around 10:00 PM or 10:30. 

Sadly, we were craving for Magnum (Day 2) Ice Cream and this zone was a NESTLE-advocate (I have an actual post with nestle products). We ransacked every single open store and went as far as the church to take a peek. Too bad, we just pacified our sugar rush and went for a couple of beers around Pukka Bar. 

The picture above was at Big Mama's and the prices ranged from 150 to 200 pesos per meal. It's way above the borderline of 60 to 80 pesos per meal in normal areas. I assure you albeit that the meals are cooked well and are deliciously prepared amidst occasional showers (it was June) which urged us to go back inside. With this in mind, traveling to El Nido would have been better around April or May. 

Going back to Pukka Bar which I've almost forgot to mention, we saw celebrities like Andrew Wolf alongside his two other buddies.  

The first day at Pukka bar was not too crowded compared to the second night when we checked the place out. The lights and the upbeat music attracted more people to draw near the place. There are also a couple of bars near the beach but not as artsy as Pukka Bar. 

I loved the low-lying tables near the beach and the dancing folks who wanted to have a good time in El Nido. It gives me this impression to how tourists enjoy dancing near the beach with upbeat music at the background. 

If you want to dance with reggae genre beats, this place is a good haven for you. 

Before ending this, thank you for reading my post. 

Please don't forget to share this post to your friends who want to have on overview of what's in store for them and the amazing night life in El Nido, Palawan. 

PS: Welcome to the Philippines. 

Don't forget to share once again and put in your comments. 

Maldives of the Philippines: El Nido, Palawan.

This island is also known as Dilumacad Island which stands beautifully in Bacuit Bay. The last pit stop before going back to reality; A winning toast for Package C. 

Why is it a winning toast? See the gallery below. 

As people named it Helicopter Island, there seem to be requisite propellers which are missing until now. Nonetheless, if you have barely 24 hours to live, you might want to spend it here with the gentle waters reminding you of this spanish line: La vida es bella. 

The mystery covering this island is said to be mystical with nature goddesses sprinkling the island with calm waters and gentle sea breezes. 

Travelers have oftentimes misjudged photos and eventually took in group photos with overcrowded destinations. This serene haven is not overcrowded and the number of words I have aren't enough to paint this entire travel. Backpackers alike seem to stay longer--meditate, pray and take a deep breath before fighting the next rounds in the real world (Yes, this sucks a big time). 

As you can read in my previous posts, I have a listing of things you need to bring. One of these is the DOME PRO which gives you two perspectives in one shot: the air and the water. Two basic elements which can add beauty and charisma. The underworld with flourishing flora and fauna and the white painted skies. It truly is beautiful. 

It's never the destination that matters; it's the journey itself. Having fun photos while you are seated can be one great way to kill boredom and to sneeze out the cold sea breeze. (it was really cold honestly). 

Though some travels can be fought alone, this one isn't. Being with acquaintances which have turned out to be great company was the greatest realization I've ever made. Once again, do not forget to bring blankets to warm you up. 

Amenities? They sell ice cream here. Only Nestle products are sold in El Nido. 

The Maldives of the Philippines blossoms with the fine sand beaches which stretch enormously until you find the melancholic orange skies above you.

 The irregularities remain subtly lovely and the serenity clothing the place is priceless. Unlike other beaches, this is not overrated. I mean this in a holistic way as crowds are not as intimidating in overrated ones.

Basically, the pictures tell the truth. Nothing is concealed, and the truth of how this Helicopter on land can take us to greater heights is enough vessel for travelers. If you really wish to spend the best summer, try it here.

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