Life is a beach in El Nido

The day in paradise started with an argument about how to steer a kayak.  I won’t go into details but this nice card was painted by the person who felt they needed to apologise.  So it turns out that paradise isn’t always perfect all the time.  And the thrown mask and snorkel wasn’t broken. Phew. 

But this was quickly put behind us and, bags packed again, we were on our way to El Nido.  A very short journey of an hour and half, which must be a record for its brevity.  But we spent the time chatting to a nice guy Samson (see picture) and his friend Nash who were from Manila.  Samson had grown up in the US but decided to move back here even though his family remained in Miami.  (Hello Samson, hope you had a great time at Lio!  It was great to meet you both)

Our hotel Las Cabanas is on the beach with no road access so we walked like royalty behind our suitcases, passing crowded bars of over roasted, happy backpackers sprawled on rugs and bean bags sipping cocktails and beer in the afternoon sun.   

Las Cabanas also has a backpacker atmosphere with groups of young kids swinging around in hammocks, slightly scruffy, packs of dogs roaming around and a couple of red faced men accompanied by bottles of beer.  It has a slightly sleazy feel to it but we are not sure why as it is efficiently run and the location is a postcard picture perfect with the best sunset viewing spot.  The owner Hazel is very friendly and helpful and our room ‘with no view’ is basic but clean and comfortable.   Taran loves all the dogs.  Any animals here are a replacement Donny.  They sit outside our room as if already part of our crew and follow us around so Taran is delighted. 

Next to our hotel is the zipwire.  Why not!  We all walked a long dusty path up to the top and I closed my eyes and hoped the slightly laid back guys fixing our harnesses had done a good job.  Eyes open there was a spectacular view across the bay but I didn’t dare take a photo.