To the far north of Palawan island, El Nido is famous for its black rock cliffs where the nests of salanganes, a kind of sea lark, are harvested and eaten as a delicacy. This village opens its doors onto the magnificent Bacuit archipelago, a drawcard for marine adventurers. Among the most beautiful spots for snorkelling in the Philippines are the deep blue lagoons from which vast, steep rocks rise. Postcard-perfect beaches and deserted bays ring the island.