So we arrived in Palawan Province a week ago and took a 5 hour van transfer from Puerto Princess to El Nido, where we are uploading this latest blog.
Our ‘off the grid’ experience was supposed to have started with an hour TukTuk ride to Darocotan Island – however we ended up in an air con car as another couple were also going, for the same price. Once at the beach we waded into the water and took a 15 minute boat ride to our new base for 5 days. There were only 10/15 people on the island and we stayed in a rustic hut on the beach – only 48 hours before we arrived wifi (of a sort was installed), but there was no mobile coverage, no modern amenities and electricity only available between 1600-2000 each day.
There were also two pet pigs, joined just after we arrived by a piglet – the staff have nicknamed them Wilma and Betty, so we were trying to get them to call the new addition Bambam (then they’re all named after the Flintstones).
The resort on the island (Isla Experience) is run by local families, supported by volunteers. During our 5 days our hosts were fantastic – with breakfast and dinners consumed in the communal area, with rest of the time used to snorkeling with Clown fish (Nemo’s), reading, relaxing and watching the amazing sunsets. A massive ‘thank you’ to the entire Isla team for looking after us, and spending time after dinner with all of the guests.
We were also lucky to be taken to the local village to meet families who permanently live on the island – our guide Mickey was very patient as we had to scramble over rocks to get back.
The final quarter of our time in the Philippines is due to start tomorrow when we leave El Nido/Darocotan for Coron Island, before heading to Manila and catching up with Helena’s former work colleagues.