Buena Suerte, or "Good Luck" in Spanish, is one of the barangays in the quiet town of El Nido. Do you want to know why this paradise is a nice lucky charm in El Nido? Come as I explore this small yet breathtaking place in Palawan.
The Attractions Adjoining the Buena Suerte
Buena Suerte, one of the four Población barangays, sits on the western section of the town proper, occupying the areas from the famous limestone and marble cliffs called taraw that act as a backdrop and run from the southern to its westernmost sections, the Lapus-Lapus Trail that leads to the beaches of Ipil Point and Siete Commando opposite the surrounding mountain walls, and to the St. Francis of Assissi Parish Church that serves as the main office of the Parish of El Nido.
It is bordered by Masagana on the east and Maligaya on the southeast. A creek, draining from Maligaya, transverses in the south and to the sea in the northwest.
Off the coast of Buena Suerte lies Cadlao Island, the largest among the 45 islands in the Bacuit Bay. Its highest peak towers up to 640 meters above sea level, and is considered as El Nido's tallest mountain. The island has several pockets of white sand beaches, hidden lagoons and nature trails that lead to lush tropical rainforest. One of these nature trails leads to the charming saltwater Makaamo Lagoon, which is surrounded by mangroves that attract a proliferation of birds. Sabang Beach, one of its many beaches, was one of the settings for the Scandinavian show Robinson Expedisjonen, the predecessor to Survivor.
More of Buena Suerte
- Livelihood
Being a coastal area, the main livelihood in this place is fishing and tourism. Seafood is a local specialty; in fact, many fishes are exported to Manila, and to other Southeast Asian countries. Commercial and tourist establishments also abound the area. Bay View Inn (also known as El Nido Sands Inn), the oldest tourist inn, can be found here.
- Religion
Buena Suerte is predominantly Catholic as the rest of El Nido, although there are sizable numbers of people who constitute other Christian denominations, such as Baptist and Iglesia ni Cristo, among others.
How to get there
From Manila to El Nido
From Manila, you can take a plane going straight to El Nido by Island Transvoyager (ITI) that can be found at Soriano Aviation Terminal on Andrews Avenue in Pasay City. It cost around 6,000-6,500php, one way, with 1-2 hours travel time. South East Asian Airlines (SEAir) has also a route from Manila to El Nido that can be found at the second floor of the Doña Concepcion Building on Arnaiz Avenue in Makati City. The fare is approximately 4,400php one way with 1-2 hours travel time.
From Manila – Puerto Princessa – El Nido
Philippine Airlines, PAL Express (formerly Air Philippines), Cebu Pacific, and Zest Air are travelling from Manila to Puerto Princessa (capital of Palawan). From Puerto Princessa, you can take a bus with an 8-hour ride over very bumpy roads or you can ride in air-conditioned vans which is 2-hour shorter trip than on a bus but more expensive.