The Destination
The first time I watched Music Travel Love's cover of "That's the Way It Is" featuring Bugoy Drilon, I wasn't just hearing the song—I was transported. The video opens on a scene so serene it feels staged: a couple on a pristine beach, the water a shade of turquoise that doesn't look real, and behind them, limestone cliffs rising like ancient guardians. This isn't a CGI backdrop or a soundstage. This is El Nido, Palawan, in the Philippines—a place that has earned its reputation as one of the most beautiful islands on Earth.
What makes this spot special right now is its relative accessibility compared to a decade ago. El Nido has evolved from a backpacker's secret to a mainstream destination, but it hasn't lost its soul. The town itself is a chaotic jumble of tricycles, hostels, and sari-sari stores, but just minutes offshore, you find lagoons so quiet you can hear your own heartbeat. The music video captures that contrast perfectly: the raw emotion of the song against the raw beauty of nature. It's a reminder that some places still exist where the only soundtrack is the waves and the wind.
Getting There & Getting Around
Getting to El Nido requires a bit of planning, but it's not the ordeal it once was. The most direct route is a flight from Manila to El Nido's Lio Airport—AirSWIFT operates daily flights, and the 70-minute journey costs around $100–$150 one-way. If you're on a tighter budget, you can fly to Puerto Princesa (the capital of Palawan) and take a 5-6 hour van ride to El Nido for about $15–$20. The van ride is bumpy and winding, but it's a rite of passage and gives you a glimpse of rural Philippine life.
Once you're in El Nido, getting around is easy. Tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) are the main mode of transport within town, costing about $1–$2 per ride. To explore the islands, you'll need to join a boat tour—there are four main tours (A, B, C, and D), each visiting different lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling spots. Tour A includes the famous Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, while Tour C covers the stunning Hidden Beach and Matinloc Shrine. Prices range from $25–$40 per person, including lunch and snorkeling gear. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is dry and the seas are calm. Avoid the rainy season (June to October) when many tours are canceled due to rough waters.
The Experience
The filming location for "That's the Way It Is" is likely one of the many secluded beaches in El Nido. The video shows a stretch of white sand with limestone karsts in the background—this could be Las Cabanas Beach, which is famous for its sunset views, or a quieter spot like Duli Beach, which is less crowded and has stronger waves. But the real magic of El Nido isn't just the beaches; it's the lagoons. The Big Lagoon is a must-see, with emerald water surrounded by towering cliffs. You can kayak through it for around $10, and the experience is almost spiritual—the echo of your paddle against the rock walls is the only sound.
What surprised me most was the food. I expected simple island fare, but El Nido has a surprisingly vibrant culinary scene. For a splurge, try Trattoria Altrove for wood-fired pizza (a welcome break from rice and seafood). For budget eats, head to the public market where you can buy fresh fish and have it grilled for a few dollars. The locals will tell you to try "tamilok" (woodworm) if you're adventurous—it's served with vinegar and tastes like a salty, chewy oyster. I passed, but my travel buddy swore by it.
Hidden gems include the Nacpan Beach, a 4-kilometer stretch of golden sand that's less crowded than the main beaches. It's about 30 minutes from town by tricycle ($10 round trip). Another spot is the Taraw Cliff, a challenging hike that rewards you with a 360-degree view of El Nido Bay. It's not for the faint-hearted—you'll be scrambling over sharp limestone—but the sunrise view is worth every scratch.
Costs & Budget
El Nido can fit almost any budget. Here's a realistic breakdown:
**Budget traveler ($30–$50/day):** Stay in a dorm bed at a hostel like Spin Designer Hostel ($10–$15/night). Eat at local eateries (carinderias) for $2–$3 per meal. Join the standard island tours ($25–$30). Bring your own snorkel gear to save rental fees.
**Mid-range traveler ($80–$120/day):** Get a private room in a guesthouse or boutique hotel like Cuna Hotel ($40–$60/night). Eat at sit-down restaurants like Artcafe ($10–$15 per meal). Hire a private boat tour for $80–$100 (split with friends) for a more personalized experience.
**Splurge traveler ($200+/day):** Stay at a luxury resort like El Nido Resorts (Miniloc or Lagen Island) starting at $300/night. These resorts are on their own islands, with all-inclusive meals and exclusive access to lagoons. You can also charter a yacht for a day trip ($500+).
Hidden fees to watch out for: environmental fee ($3) payable at the town hall, and a terminal fee at the airport ($2). Most tour prices include lunch, but drinks and snacks are extra. Always bring cash—ATMs are unreliable and run out of money frequently.
For Travel Creators
If you're a creator looking to capture El Nido's beauty on camera, here's the playbook. The golden hour (just after sunrise and before sunset) is non-negotiable. The light hits the limestone cliffs and turns the water into liquid gold. The video's romantic vibe comes from that soft, warm light—shoot during these times for the best results.
Best spots for footage: The Big Lagoon is stunning but crowded by 9 AM. Go early (7 AM) or book a private tour to avoid the masses. For a unique angle, use a drone (with proper permits—you need to register with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and pay a small fee). The aerial shots of the lagoons are breathtaking. For static shots, the beach at Lio Tourism Estate is perfect—it's less crowded and has a beautiful pier.
Lighting considerations: The midday sun is harsh and creates strong shadows. Use a reflector or shoot in the shade of the cliffs. If you're filming a music video like Music Travel Love, consider using a shallow depth of field to blur the background and focus on the talent. The natural bokeh from the leaves and water adds a dreamy quality.
Local permissions: Most beaches are public, but some resorts restrict filming. Always ask before setting up. If you're creating commercial content, you might need a mayor's permit—check with the local tourism office. The locals are generally friendly and happy to be in your video, but always ask for consent.
Storytelling angles: Instead of just showing the beauty, tell a story. The video works because it pairs the song's message of hope with the tranquility of the location. You can do the same—show the journey, the struggle to get there, the reward of the view. Interview locals about their connection to the place. It adds depth beyond the typical travel vlog.
Should You Go?
Absolutely. El Nido is a destination that lives up to the hype. It's perfect for solo travelers looking for adventure—join a group tour and you'll make friends instantly. Families will love the calm lagoons and kid-friendly beaches. Couples will find it incredibly romantic (just ask the couple in the music video). Backpackers can stretch their budget here, and luxury seekers have world-class resorts.
But it's not for everyone. If you hate crowds, avoid the peak season (December to February) and skip the main tours—go to the less-visited beaches instead. If you're looking for nightlife, El Nido is quiet after 10 PM; head to Boracay or Siargao for parties. And if you're not comfortable with rustic conditions (power outages, limited Wi-Fi), stay at a resort that has generators and satellite internet.
For creators, this is a goldmine. The natural beauty is so overwhelming that even a smartphone can capture stunning footage. But the real magic is in the details—the way the light filters through the leaves, the sound of the waves, the smile of a local fisherman. Music Travel Love understood that. They didn't just film a pretty place; they captured a feeling. And that's what makes "That's the Way It Is" more than a cover—it's an invitation to experience a slice of paradise.
