Early Morning at Nacpan-Calitang, December, 2015.

"i just mentioned the ??? word!"

23rd, February 2016

For some people, a journey to another place is a deeply personal thing.

It may seem trivial and nonsense for others, but for some people,

It is where they heal the scars in their minds,

It is where they deal with their personal demons,

It is where they cleanse their souls.

I was accustomed to seeing half empty bus stations and busy ports.

I enjoyed the long rides and I do not mind the vacant seats or the strangers who come and go.

I enjoyed the tranquility of the ocean because for me, there are few places as peaceful as the sea.

I enjoyed hearing the waves and feeling the cold sea wind on my face.

I walked alone and felt the solitude without sadness.

I felt the sands on my feet, the cold waters and the salty air.

I felt the heat of the sun and appreciated the shades provided by the trees.

I have loved the smell of the leaves and the wet earth.

I watched the beautiful sunsets and thanked whoever or whatever it is that we hold holy for the passing of another day.

I listened to the silence of the evenings, the solemnity of finally going to rest knowing it was not the end of another day but the preparations for a new one.

I waited for the sun to rise and marveled at the burst of a new light and a new hope in the vast sky.

I have read the poetry of life written in the stones and rocks, mountains and grasslands,

I have seen its words beneath the ocean and in the vastness of the blue sky, reflected on the waters and carved in limestone walls.

Well, now, I do not want you to be a part of my journey…

Because, long after the journey has ended,

Long after, the bags were unpacked.

The thoughts of you will continue to haunt me endlessly and on my next journey.

I would feel the emptiness of a vacant seat and resent the strangers that would seat beside me.

The long rides will be filled with boredom.

The vast ocean will be an empty space of silence and longing.

The coldness will torture me and will make me beg for the warmth of another soul.

The evenings will be filled with silence, numbing silence.

I will see your face in the reflections on the waters and on limestone walls, throughout the vastness of sea and sky.

The memories of you would fill my solitude with sadness.

So, no, you can never be a part of it.

Caalan Beach, El Nido, Palawan

I met Greg and Sarah from England near Hippocamp. They asked me if there was a good place at the farthest end. I told them that where I was standing at that time was the farthest I have reached. I asked if I could join them and we decided to check if there was anything nice at the edge of Caalan. It was a bit difficult to reach and the path going there was kinda tricky. Well, we all agreed that it was worth the long trek. The beach was secluded. Clear waters. I said goodbye to Greg and Sarah after an hour and half to get back to town. Well, the trek back was a bit...interesting.

This tree somehow serves as a marker for the end of the main dirt path in Caalan, and the start of the trek on the beach and some narrow footpaths along rock formations. 

Nacpan and Calitang

Calitang Beach, Nacpan Calitang, El Nido, Palawan

Nacpan And Calitang Twin Beach, El Nido, Palawan.

The Twin Beach of Nacpan and Calitang in El Nido is fast becoming a popular destination for those who are touring El Nido, Palawan. However, it seems that it is quite expensive to go there. Tricycle drivers can take you there for P1000.00 and stay there for a few hours or half day. Unfortunately you will not enjoy the place if you will stay there for an hour or two. Most people who have been there have not seen the beautiful sunset. There are 3 ways to view the sunset there. First, is at Calitang Beach, second, is at Nacpan Beach and the third, which for me is the best is if you are going to climb the hill on the island between Nacpan and Calitang. There is actually another way to stay in Nacpan and Calitang for one night. You can take the jeep that goes to Sitio Bucana once a day. It leaves the terminal between 8am to 10am. If you want to seat inside the jeep you have to be there at 8am. If you want a little adventure you can ride "Toploading"! Fare is P50.00. For me, the best place to stay is at Dandals Bay View (+639057912419). There are other accommodations in Nacpan and Calitang ( http://www.ironwulf.net/…/el-nido-stay-nacpan-calitang-tw…/… ) Mr. Ronilo Dandal can arrange for a tricycle to bring you to Dandals, fare is negotioable. The same tricycle leaves at 730am going to El Nido town proper. You can pay P100.00.  Dandal Bay View rooms starts at P500.00 and their rooms are big with it's own toilet and shower. They have budget meals for P100.00. There are restaurants at Nacpan but the meal(fish) is at P150.00. It is better than taking the tricycle and pay P1000.00 and staying at Nacpan for a few hours. An overnight stay is cheaper and you get to spend more time and see the sunset.