The Nest that is El Nido
El Nido is a place that abounds with cliffs where swiftlets, locally called balinsasayaw, make their nests. That is why the place is called El Nido or "the nest."
Contrary to most birds that make their nests out of twigs, dead leaves and grass, straw or feathers, the balinsasayaw makes its nest out of its own spit. Their saliva hardens when exposed to air. These nests are then harvested by locals and sold to restaurants and other businesses engaged in the food industry. A kilogram of this hardened saliva can fetch a very dear amount.
The expensiveness of this culinary ingredient is due, not because of its taste, but primarily because of the hazards faced by the harvesters. They have to use bamboo ladders or wooden scaffolds to reach heights where these nests are located. Add to that the fact that harvesters have to guard these treasures from thieves as well as the loneliness and boredom that come along with doing the job.
When the bird's nest does become soup, it becomes more expensive because of the effort involved in separating the bird's hardened saliva from inedible objects like feathers and tiny sprigs. Patrons of the soup swear to its aphrodisiac properties. More than that, they are convinced that it improves one's immune system and strengthens the lungs. These beliefs may be due to the nest's protein, carbohydrate, mineral and fiber contents.
Contrary to most birds that make their nests out of twigs, dead leaves and grass, straw or feathers, the balinsasayaw makes its nest out of its own spit. Their saliva hardens when exposed to air. These nests are then harvested by locals and sold to restaurants and other businesses engaged in the food industry. A kilogram of this hardened saliva can fetch a very dear amount.
The expensiveness of this culinary ingredient is due, not because of its taste, but primarily because of the hazards faced by the harvesters. They have to use bamboo ladders or wooden scaffolds to reach heights where these nests are located. Add to that the fact that harvesters have to guard these treasures from thieves as well as the loneliness and boredom that come along with doing the job.
When the bird's nest does become soup, it becomes more expensive because of the effort involved in separating the bird's hardened saliva from inedible objects like feathers and tiny sprigs. Patrons of the soup swear to its aphrodisiac properties. More than that, they are convinced that it improves one's immune system and strengthens the lungs. These beliefs may be due to the nest's protein, carbohydrate, mineral and fiber contents.
The Islands of El Nido
The municipality of El Nido -- nestled on Bacuit Bay -- consists of 45 islands and islets and 50 beaches. How's that for sunbathing, frolicking or building sand castles? Notable among these islands are: Cadlao, Dilumacad (a.k.a. Helicopter Island), Lagen, Matinloc, Miniloc and Snake Island -- officially called Vigan Island. Vigan/Snake Island got its moniker from a sandbar which emerges during low tide. This sandbar snakes its way for several meters, allowing people to traverse from one island to another islet.
Cadlao Island may well be a birdwatcher's destination. It accommodates Makaamo, a saltwater lagoon, that is fringed with mangroves where birds socialize and roost at sunset. Aside from birdwatching, you can just laze around in any of its beaches. Lagen Island is also a birdwatcher's delight. It houses a forest that hosts a diversity of Palawan's native birds. Birdwatchers can see these birds preening or patrolling their surroundings. It also hosts Leta-Leta Cave where neolithic inhabitants buried their dead; from the site, several artifacts were unearthed.
If you decide to take part in an island-hopping trip, Helicopter/Dilumacad Island is a great place to stay for a meal. Picnicking, though, is not your only activity. If you're up to it, explore the northern face of the island, including the underwater tunnel.
Cadlao Island may well be a birdwatcher's destination. It accommodates Makaamo, a saltwater lagoon, that is fringed with mangroves where birds socialize and roost at sunset. Aside from birdwatching, you can just laze around in any of its beaches. Lagen Island is also a birdwatcher's delight. It houses a forest that hosts a diversity of Palawan's native birds. Birdwatchers can see these birds preening or patrolling their surroundings. It also hosts Leta-Leta Cave where neolithic inhabitants buried their dead; from the site, several artifacts were unearthed.
If you decide to take part in an island-hopping trip, Helicopter/Dilumacad Island is a great place to stay for a meal. Picnicking, though, is not your only activity. If you're up to it, explore the northern face of the island, including the underwater tunnel.
Adventurers and diving enthusiasts might be inclined to visit Matinloc Island. It has a secret beach which is only accessible if you go through a crevice under the water's surface. If the experience is too scary for you, you can opt for a beach which isn't hidden but on the same island. Meanwhile, there's Miniloc Island where you can spot a number of tourists on kayaks. They explore the island (on kayak) and its waters -- including the Big and Small Lagoons -- with some swimming and snorkeling thrown in. Apart from the lagoons, Miniloc Island also showcases a few dive sites found on opposite sides of the island.
Other islands with great beaches and backdrops are: Pangulasian, Shimizu, and Entalula. With a myriad of choices, activities also vary. You can flip dive, rock climb, spelunk, scuba dive, snorkel, kayak, cruise, stargaze, windsurf, rapel, hike or sail.
Other islands with great beaches and backdrops are: Pangulasian, Shimizu, and Entalula. With a myriad of choices, activities also vary. You can flip dive, rock climb, spelunk, scuba dive, snorkel, kayak, cruise, stargaze, windsurf, rapel, hike or sail.