Palawan: The Fulfillment of the (Travel) Dream

You know when you have this dream destination that you obviously can’t stop thinking about? 

You would always check photos of it online and tell yourself, “I will go there one day!” The thing is, you don’t know when because financially, you can’t afford it or at least, think you can’t. But I tell you, it’s just a matter of setting a goal and finding a way to make things happen. And as the saying goes, “If you can’t find a way, create one.”

Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do in Palawan.

I had been dreaming of going to Palawan ever since I was a kid. You might be asking, of all the other places, why Palawan? The main reason? It’s serene and exceptional beauty. As someone who loves the water and anything nature, I believe Palawan is the happiest place on Earth. It wouldn’t be named the Best Island in the World by Condé Nast Traveler for nothing, anyway.

I was not planning to go to Palawan anytime soon, but one day, an unbelievable opportunity came! I was asked if I could go to Palawan for work. Deep inside, my heart was jumping because of excitement and so much happiness! So, without any hesitation, I went ahead and grabbed the opportunity. Nights before the trip, I had a hard time sleeping. That was how excited I was. I couldn’t wait for the day I would ride the plane to go the place I had only seen in my dreams. Some might think I’m crazy, but that’s just how traveling is to me. I am crazily in love with it.

When work duties were done, I went my way and spent a few days in what they call “Paradise within a Paradise” that is El Nido. When I started exploring its beauty, it took quite a while for me to take in the fact that I was living the dream. There is no perfect word to describe how I felt the moment I stepped on the pristine white sands, gazed at the mesmerizing limestone cliffs, and swam my way through crystal clear waters. It was during those moments when I unconsciously stopped thinking and started living. I never complained nor felt that something was missing inside me. That was when I knew I was truly happy.

Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do in El Nido.

When we were coming back to the mainland from my last island tour, and while I was sitting on the front part of the boat (P.S. the best way to take in and gaze at the beauty around you), two rainbows bid us goodbye. I was in awe. Happy tears suddenly came flowing from my eyes. I couldn’t help but think about how lucky I was to deserve to be in a place where my heart is at its happiest state, free from the chaos of the world.

Genesis 9:16: Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.

I came to realize that I was happy and sad at the same time. Yes, I was happy for what was once my dream became a reality. I was sad because I did not want to leave. Like lighting, sadness struck me. It was my last night in El Nido. As I watched the stars that night, I felt like something inside me was tearing apart. That’s how I feel every time I leave a place that made so much impact to me. I want to be a part of it, but the only thing I can do is leave a part of me.

There is so much beauty that this world holds. If you’ve been dreaming of going somewhere, go ahead. Despite all the uncertainties in life, hold on to what you are certain of- that you have the power to choose where you want to go and who you want to be. We are capable of doing great things, but most of the time, we never realize it because we stay stuck at one place we’d like to call home. We fill our minds with worries that tend to overcome our heart’s desires. However, nothing good comes out of suppressing the inner voice that keeps on telling you just to go. Hence, go. Go somewhere far away and fulfill the dream.

About the Writer

Rachael Nathanielsz, an adventurous soul who loves to travel on her own. Vowed never to quit trying new things, never miss seeing beautiful places, and never fail meeting diverse people. She wants to keep exploring, learning, and risking. Why? Life is just too short to say no to the beautiful (and sometimes, scary) things.

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