It was a lazy Wednesday when we decided to try something new in El Nido. I have always been curious about the flyers and posters green and yellow that says El Nido Taraw via Ferrata across town. We decided to try it that afternoon. Locally known as El Nido Canopy Walk.
What does via ferrata mean? Here’s the definition from Guide Dolomoti.
The via Ferrata (Italian for “iron way”) is a mountain route equipped with steel cables, ladders, and other fixed anchors, for example wooden walkways and suspended bridges. The artificial equipment renders feasible an exposed route even to the inexperienced climber, and allows those not versed in climbing technique to hike on ledges, climb vertical walls, and reach the peaks of mountains.
Note: The locals do not actually call this place ‘El Nido Taraw via Ferrata’ or ‘via Ferrata’. It is known locally as Canopy Walk. So if you’re inquiring about this use the term ‘Canopy Walk’.
3:40 PM The walk to the Canopy Walk
From our very comfortable accommodation at Sea Cocoon Hotel, we walked to the entrance of the Canopy Walk with some sidetrips to the stores for some water and snacks.
Entrance to Canopy Walk along Rizal Street.
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3:52 PM Inquiring at their Office
They told us that the rate for the Canopy Walk is 500 Pesos/person. We paid and signed their waiver. Then their guides assisted us on wearing their harness and helmet.
3:57 PM Start of the El Nido Canopy Walk
After wearing the harness and the helmet we started the El Nido Canopy Walk.
First we had to pass by wooden bridges on a pond. I’m not sure if the trees here are mangrove trees.
There were some parts of the pond area that were slippery. Maybe because it rained and maybe due to the humidity of the place.
When we reached land again it was a climb from here.
Which reminded me of how sedentary my life has become these past few years.
The steep climb up ended when we reached these set of metal walkway and stairs.
Then it was the start of the hanging bridge.
The guide helped us attach the rope and carabiner to the rope at the top incase that the hanging bridge was too swingy.
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Then it was back to metal paths and staircases.
I took a shot of what we are missing if the metal path is not there.
I’m quite happy with the path as the limestone cliffs are really sharp. One wrong move and falling to them would result to multiple lacerations.
Once in a while we were rewarded with spectacular views.
We are nearing the top!
One last final stairs.
4:14 PM We reached the top of the El Nido Canopy Walk
17 minutes going up to the top.
Our guide instructed us that we could take off our helmets and spend time taking pictures. We asked how long and he said that we could take as long as we like.
So far the best view I have seen of El Nido Town Proper.
I wonder if it is better to see it from a much higher vantage point like the top of the Taraw Cliff Climbing.
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4:49 PM Going down
When we learned that another group was near the top we decided that it was time to stop taking pictures and making moment, and go down. Besides we’ve been there for around 35 minutes already.
We wore our helmets again and started the hike going down.
Even if the path is really helpful than maneuvering on the limestone formation, one should really take care when taking a step.
Nearing the hanging bridge.
Our guide helped us first by attaching the rope on our harness to the guide line above on the hanging bridge.
Really high!
The selfie below looks easy but throwing your arm out has an effect on swaying the hanging bridge to feel like I was about to topple over.
Back to land. I was very careful going down as some of the rocks are slippery.
Finally back on the pond area.
5:10 PM Arrived back at their office
21 minutes going down.
We entered their office again where they helped us remove the harness and the helmet.
After we tipped their office and our guide, we decided to go back out and rest for a bit at Sea Cocoon Hotel before having dinner.
A different perspective on the entrance to the El Nido Canopy Walk.
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All in all we spent 1 hour and 15 minutes from the start of the activity up to the top and then back down.
500 Pesos well spent. I would do this again with friends when I am back in El Nido.
Author’s Opinion
I knew about Taraw Cliff Climbing and the dangers that comes with climbing it. There have been several accidents and fatalities climbing the high peak, to the point that guides and travel offices in El Nido no longer allow their guests to climb it. The El Nido Canopy Walk, even though it has a lower vantage point than the Taraw Cliff Climb, still offers a spectacular view of El Nido but the climb is so much safer because of the equipments they installed.
If you are in El Nido, I would recommend trying this activity.
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