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EL Nido

          Situated in Bacuit Bay in the northern tip of the Palawan island, El Nido takes pride for its 45 islands and islets, towering limestone cliffs, pristine white sand beaches and a diverse marine ecosystem. The unspoiled beauty of El Nido is truly unrivaled that many refer to this paradise as “Heaven on Earth”.

Palawan-3          Take a plunge and its crystal clear water will reveal an abundant marine wildlife. From the colorful fishes and other aquatic creatures to the vast garden of corals blanketing the sea floor, El Nido is on the list of favorite dive spots in the country.

Island Hopping Tours

          El Nido is commonly explored through island hopping. Tagged as Tours A, B, C and D, each tour includes 5 islands which are strategically grouped according to their geographical locations. Each island has something unique to offer its guests so make sure to take with you an underwater camera, snorkeling gears and kayak and be ready to disappear into the magical marine reserve.

Tour A: 7 Commandos Beach, Simizu Island, Secret Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon

Small Lagoon

          Highlights of this tour are the Small and Big Lagoons. The tranquil turquoise-green water embraced by orchid-lined limestone walls makes these lagoons perfect for kayaking.  Another favorite is the Secret Lagoon where one has to pass through a tiny hole in order to get in. Simizu Island on the other hand is ideal for picnic beach lunches and snorkeling.

Tour B: Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Pinagbuyutan Island, Entalula Island

          Vigan Island, which later on became popularly known as Snake Island is the highlight of Tour B. The island got its nickname due to the long stretch of an S-shaped sandbar resembling that of a snake.

Tour C: Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Star Beach, Hidden Beach

View from Matinloc Shrine

          Guests’ favorite and mine as well from this tour is the Matinloc Shrine. Tourists flock here for a wonderful view atop a limestone  cliff. Depending on the weather, tide level and water current, Secret Beach on the other hand can be a bit of a challenge. Surrounded by steep rock walls, tourists might have to swim underwater through a narrow crevice to reach the beautiful pocket of white sand beach.

Tour D: Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Bukal Island, Ipil Beach, Nat-Nat Beach

          Surrounded by coconut trees, Paradise Island is a favorite place for picnics. Dive spots are also located in the western and southern parts of the island. Right off the coast is a nice swimming spot for beginners.

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

  • Tours start around 8:00 AM and usually last until around 5:00 PM.
  • Each tour is differently and separately priced.  As of this writing, tour rates start at Php1,200. Tour combinations are no longer allowed by the municipal government.
  • Tours are inclusive of lunch. Some agencies provide snorkeling gears and towels for free. Please coordinate with them about this and other island hopping needs such as flippers, kayak and underwater camera rentals.
  • The Php200.00 Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) is exclusive of the tour rates. Contact your tour provider for details.

Land Tours

           El Nido land tours are as memorable as the island hopping tours. Depending on your agency, this may  include Taraw Cliff, Makinit Hotsping, Nagkalit-kalit Waterfall and Maremegmeg Beach. But the personal favorite and perhaps the most well-loved in-land tour of all is the visit to Nacpan and Calitang Twin Beaches.

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Panoramic view of Nacpan and Calitang Twin Beaches

          Located approximately an hour away from El Nido town proper, Nacpan and Calitang twin beaches are the perfect getaway to bask in your own paradise and leave the world behind.

          Best way to reach this piece of paradise is by a tricycle which can accommodate 4 pax or by a van which is good for 12 pax. Standard rates are Php1,500 and Php3,000 respectively. Roads heading here can be really muddy especially during off-peak (wet) season but it is worth the rough ride.

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          On the way to the beach, make sure to drop by Kyla’s Cocina. Ask them to prepare your food while you are enjoying the beach. Once at the beach, do not fail to climb up the hill to get a spectacular view of the place.

     Although accommodations are available here,  Nacpan and Calitang tour is preferred as a day trip only. Tourists choose to stay in El Nido town proper where access to restaurants is easy.

A Few More Reminders on Touring El Nido

          From Puerto Princesa town proper, you can reach El Nido by bus or van that will take 5-7 hours of travel. But before leaving Puerto Princesa, be sure to take with you enough cash as there are no ATMs in El Nido. And unless you are staying in  a high-end hotel, credit cards are of little use as well. Electricity runs only from 2:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Best to check with your accommodation if they have generator.

Missed the first part? Click here [Part I: Puerto Princesa]

Click here for more [Part III: Where to’s … ?]