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waiting so much to get there in jan. I've read some mixed things about the amount of tourists there, what's your view on that? too many? i'd imagine it's not the same kind of tourism than in Thailand for example (meaning families, older people etc) due to the fact that it's harder to get there and infrastructure is what it is, or?
Yep, it was mostly young European couples and groups. It certainly seems that the harder a place is to get to, the younger the crowd and the more pristine and untouched the locations are. Case in point, here is one of the islands in El Nido that could only be accessed via an island hopping tour:
Soft sand, soft waves, good snorkeling, and very peaceful as there was no development on the island except for a little sari-sari store where you could buy beer/snacks.
But, as crazy as this sounds, I wasn't too impressed with El Nido, in general. It's nice, but I've traveled around quite a bit in the Philippines and I think there are much better alternatives. Bantayan (island north of Cebu) has the best beach I've ever been to. Sohoton Cove (near Siargao and Surigao) blew my mind with its epic scenery and stingless jellyfish. Puerto Galera for a good combination of beaches, girls, mountains, diving, and island hopping. Boracay for beaches, watersports, good food, and partying.