EL NIDO, PALAWAN

Island Hopping Tours are the main points of interest in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines.

Tour A: Seven Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon. Tour B: Snake Island, Ellis Island, Malapacao Island, Entalula Beach, Cudugnon Caves. Tour C: Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Star Beach and Hidden Beach. Plus, Nacpan Beach and Corong-corong. 

EL NIDO
El Nido has a small laid-back town center sheltered by towering limestone cliffs with a crescent bay beach. It has some of the most insanely beautiful island beaches. Dotted with 45 of these unspoiled islands, waiting to be explored.

It took us an hour and 15 minutes flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa, the gateway to El Nido. And from Puerto Princesa airport to El Nido, it took 5 hours in a van. A bus can be cheaper but takes a bit longer, up to 8 hours.

The town center itself is very small; it can be explored by foot. Lots of hotels, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops and local eateries. Night life is pretty alive along the crescent bay beach.

Seaside restaurants along the crescent bay.

Town at night.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Skyline

Island Front Cottages, 2014
Location: Corong-corong
Rates: 3,500/night/3person
Queen bed + extra bed. Hot shower, cable, wifi. Ocean view terrace.

This beachfront cottage inn is rustic. Perfectly sits a few steps off the shore. An indoor garden plus an exceptional view of the seascape right at your own private terrace. Each room is uniquely adorned with charming colorful warm-colored linens. The sunset-view dinner in the dining patio was just awesome.

ISLAND HOPPING

Tour A 
P1,200/pax (rates may change at anytime)
-Seven Commando Beach
-Shimizu Island
-Secret Lagoon
-Big Lagoon
-Small Lagoon

Seven Commando Beach
Named after the 7 remaining Japanese commandos who lived in the island after World War II. The island has a long white sandy beach lined with coconut trees.

Seven Commando Beach
This is usually the last stop of the tour. But our guide opted to go here first since there’s only one boat parked at that time. Fewer crowds was the idea.

Shimizu Island
Named after a Japanese scuba diver who found a paradise underwater around that island which later got drowned.

Shimizu Island

This is where we stopped for lunch, like everyone else. Our guides prepared a sumptuous meal as we snorkeled in the nearby coral reef. Lunch includes:
· crabs
· shrimps
· squids
· fish (talakitok)
· pork chops
· cucumber salad
· eggplant salad
· rice
· fruits: banana, watermelon, mango

I also saw many giant lizards at the back of the toilet. Hiding there waiting for the tourists to leave for the food scraps left behind.

Secret Lagoon
A tiny circular lagoon enclosed by towering limestone rocks with an open sky. A massive caldera that was once a cave, which collapsed and now is surrounded by cliffs. In the middle is a lagoon. The small opening is not readily visible. It's the reason why it’s called ‘Secret Lagoon’.

Big Lagoon

More like a long lagoon bordered by two towering limestones. You can jump off your boat if it happened to be parked by the entrance of the lagoon and walk your way at least by mid part where water begins to get deep. You may continue to swim further if you choose to. Otherwise you can rent a canoe and paddle your way around. Stunning view all around.

Small Lagoon
It is part of the Miniloc Island cove. There is a very narrow passage opening in which a kayak can fit through one at a time. Inside is a surprisingly beautiful tranquil turquoise-green water.

Tour B 
P1,200/pax (rates may change at anytime)
-(PENDING ENTRY)

Tour C 
P1,200/pax (rates may change at anytime)
-(PENDING ENTRY)

NACPAN BEACH
(PENDING ENTRY)

CORONG-CORONG
(PENDING ENTRY)

EXPENSES (rates may change at anytime)

-Airfare (Cebu Pacific) - P2,610 round trip
-Land Transpo - P500 PP-El Nido

-Accommodation - P320/night
-Island Hopping - P1,200/pax
-Food - P150/day (average daily)