Few sceneries have the almost mythical beauty of the El Nido archipelago. Leaving the frenzy of Manila and its cacophony of noises, you are suddenly transported to a world of stone and silence, whose splendour is staggering. Wherever you set your sights on, limestone islands raise their high and enigmatic silhouettes over the sea. The rocks take surreal forms, evoking a world of magicians, ogres and fantastic creatures.
Lagoons of crystal-clear turquoise and emerald waters hide beneath the stone depths. During the rainy season, from the months of May to the end of August, it does rain, but rarely for days on end. As soon as the sun shines, the drying cliffs take on astonishing shades of color, from very pale gray to black.
Some time in the 16th Century the Cuyonos tribe settled the from the Cuyo islands. According to the legend, the chief of the Cuyonos, Datu Magbanua, in an attempt to expand his influence, sent out 3 of his deputies to settle northern Palawan. Chief Cabongan settled the Taytay area, from whence the Cuyonos eventually settled El Nido.
The Spanish first settled in the present town of El Nido, and Oton (Mabini) in the 1880’s. The first Spanish families were Canovas, Vasquez, Rios and Rey. In 1896-1900 the Cabezas de Barangay were Luis and Mariano Castro. The centre of population at that time was Cabigsing, then known as Inventario. Chinese families moved into the area at the same time, first settling in Langeblangeban. The first Chinese settlers were named Lim Chin, Liao, Edsan