El Nido Under the Sun (and Away)

February 28, 2025

What brings you back to the same place? What makes a place worth going back to?

I keep going back to Boracay for the undeniable world-class beach; to Baguio City for its walkability in crisp air; to Sagada for its climate and the perfectly matching coffee; to Baler for the mystery in its sleepiness and gloom; to El Nido for its bustling life at night but also, just like any beach destination, the spectacle of nature that appears best under the sun.

El Nido shines best under the pressure of the glaring Philippine sun. The iconic limestone cliffs do most of the job for me, whether up close during island tours or afar from your seat at TownSquare. Imposing leviathans standing quietly over the horizon. Lagoon kayaking, one of the best activities in town, is possible only in good weather, as is Maremegmeg’s sunset viewing. The vibrance of the nightlife on Calle Hama is on max under starry skies; otherwise, it's a true bummer for barhopping with all the sandy puddles and mud.

The second time I went to El Nido, it rained for the most part. In such instances, we as tourists should never falter, particularly where its in-demand island tours are susceptible to bad weather conditions. I went ahead and devoted half a day to Nacpan Beach, in hopes of a sunset sesh. Arrived at clouds flocking over the horizon. It rained until the forecasted sundown, coast on high tide and rolling waves. Lio Beach was also overcast, but good news to surfers.

Introducing the newest addition to our unisex t-shirt catalogue in more superior soft material and youthful fit (versus our first releases): OFF THE GRID (only available in coral).
Available now on Shopee and sankaoutdoor.com.

Braved another day for the famous sunset spot in town, Maremegmeg Beach. It poured all afternoon. I went back the next day only to face the same circumstances, but, as I just said, I had to make the most out of the opportunity to be on a beach. Shut my stuff in the dry bag (a must-have, by the way) and dipped in the rolling water. I watched the cliffs turn into kaijus, lurking behind the mist.

Swimming hit different in the rain, mind you; the warmth beneath against the blowing wind was a familiar scene from childhood.

I got lucky, the sun was out on the day of my island tour. Cadlao Lagoon was glorious in the sun; sluggish, thus friendly to our paddles and kayaks. And a few nights of uninterrupted barhopping with little to no rain.

Another addition to our unisex t-shirt catalogue in more superior soft material and youthful fit (versus our first releases): UNDER THE SUN (only available in white).
Available now on sankaoutdoor.com and Shopee.

Sanka’s RIDGE TO REEF Beach Towel

The town for sure is at its best when everything’s glowing under the sun, but it’s the new sights and quirks you see otherwise that, for me, make El Nido not only an all-year-round destination but worth going back to.