El Nido: Philippines' Last Frontier (Part 2)

Day 2: 28 November 2015

This is our second day of our island hopping tour. Again, we woke up for our daily breakfast by the beach. This time, we did not booked our tour with Mark because we realized that he got most of the payment during our first day of tour which was not right because the crew of Kuya Robert did most of the job.

We went straight to Brgy. Corong-Corong by contacting Kuya Robert directly. As we have agreed yesterday, we have arrived by 8:30 AM and hopped on the boat once seeing our boatmen. Then, our second and last island hopping your started!

1st Stop: Helicopter Island

The island got its name from its shape. Well, this one's pretty obvious because from afar, you will already notice it. Some say that it also looks like a upper half part of a fish too. Haha. The waves were VERY STRONG by the time that we have arrived that we need to dock far from the shore. It's far that we needed to swim like for 7 to 10 meters with the waves. Whew!

Stepping on the sand and taking a 360-degree view of the island, I'm in awe. This is one of the best islands of Tour C. Being a diving spot, too bad that we were advised not to snorkel because of the strong waves. So, we just enjoyed running and playing at the beautiful shore.


2nd "supposed to be" Stop: Secret Beach

Due to the strong waves splashing at the entrance of the beach, we did not continue stopping here. There were plenty sharp limestone formations before you can go inside and the waves made it so dangerous. So, we just got a glimpse of the beach from the outside. It was gorgeous. Imagine a secluded beach covered by tall limestone formations with waves splashing to the rocks.

3rd Stop: Matinloc Shrine

Since the start of the trip, this part intrigue me. Why was it called Matinloc Shrine? Matinlo meaning beautiful in Cuyunin (native language) because the island was indeed beautiful. As we docked at the side of Matinloc Island, we were greeted by an abandoned port. Well, it's not just the port that was abandoned, but there's also a large house and a shrine beside it. According to Kuya Abner, this area was guarded before because of the the hidden treasures scattered around. No locals are allowed in this island too. There are many stories on why this place was abandoned. Some say that the owners changed their religions or they have already taken all the treasures in the place.

When we entered the house and it was a mess! Doors are no where to be found. Flooring and walls were a disaster. Because this house was built beautifully, the people started to get items from or even materials since it was abandoned. Sad truth.

To get a picturesque view of the nearby islands, we climbed a cliff following the steps above the mini museum. I was not contented with the normal level of the cliff and so Kuya Abner told us that we can still climb even higher but beware, the rocks are VERY sharp so climb at your own risk. The risk did not disappointed me because the view was breathtaking. I saw how the waters changed colors on some parts of the sea and the island and rock formations nearby.


4th Stop: Star Island

This is the island just across Matinloc Island which is a private property exclusive for the participants of the Tao Expedition. To get to the island, you need to either dock at the old port or sail around at the other opening of the island because it's actually covered by big limestone formations.

While we were enjoying the island on our own, our boatmen have turned into masterchefs again. Of course, island hopping is not complete without our lunch. See what they did!

We are so lucky to have visited and spent time on this island because its very beautiful and it struck is so much! See the photos below and you'll understand why.

Way in.

5th Stop: Talisay Beach/Tapiutan Island

Supposed to be our last stop was the Talisay Beach. Small and peaceful beach but fun to do snorkeling here. Beware of sea urchins though. Be sure to just swim and not set your foot on corals. We have also seen monitors lizards hanging out behind the trees. Maybe they are one of the guardians of the island. Haha.


6th Stop: Cadlao Island (part of Tour D)

Floating on my back on the water and looking at the sky, it felt so peaceful. Ending the tour with this island was just relaxing. The water was so calm and we all took a swim. Again, be careful of sea urchins below!

Cadlao meaning smile or laugh in local dialect. If you get to check Cadlao Island from an aerial view or just the maps, you will see its shape that looks like it is smiling on you.

El Nido: Philippines' Last Frontier (Part 1)

Day 1: 27 November 2015

We woke up around 6:30 AM to have our breakfast by the beach. Breakfast meals are served by the tables outside their "cafe". This is a place where you can enjoy the early morning breeze and a view of the beach. The shore was full of boats used for tours.

Going back to our breakfast, the resort offers various options for their meals. From Filipino breakfast - Tocilog, Hotsilog, Baconsilog, etc. to Continental breakfast. You can also choose from hot chocolate (Milo) or coffee as your hot drink. I can say that the meal was pretty heavy which is enough to keep me going until lunch time.

Breakfast by the beach

BACONsilog!

By 8:00 AM, Mark, the one who arranged our tour arrived at the resort. I thought that we will be coming with us with our island hopping activity but it appeared to be that he just contacted an owner of a tourist boat to handle us. Thinking that we are boarding by the beach in front of our resort, Mark told us that we will be riding a tricycle to go to the other beach. This happened to be in Brgy. Corong-Corong. The tricycle ride cost 50php for 3 persons since the driver said that they were hailed from the terminal. But usually, it was said that tricycle rides would only be for 10php per person. Anyway, we walked on a small street with a sign of La Piage (if I remembered it right). On our way to the beach, I noticed a lot of constructions on-going. So guys, it's better to visit El Nido as soon as possible before it can become too commercialized.

To the beach 

The street led us to the beach in less that 5 minutes from the main road. The beach were also has plenty of boats parked used for either fishing or for tourists. Compared to the beach in front of our resort, this one's more peaceful and quiet. Less people are here since this is kind of far from the center of the town. Right there, Mark called one of the boat owners who's name was Robert. After a few minutes, we hopped on the boat. Kuya Robert was accompanied by Kuya Abner who did almost all the talking about the islands.

Beach in Brgy. Corong-Corong

You can rent some snorkels for 200php each but tell them before you start the tour because they are not available in the islands. We left the shore before 9:00 AM having us so stoked to explore El Nido.


1st Stop: Seven Commandos

Our boat fighting against the waves

As per Kuya Abner, the name came from the 7 commandos who actually lived on the island. Their names were found carved on one of the stones. The beach in this island was so beautiful. With white sands and crystal clear waters - this was a great start for our tour.


2nd Stop: Small Lagoon

The end of the Small Lagoon

It was just a few minutes away from 7 Commandos. Our boat needed to stop at the entrance of the lagoon because we need to pass by a small passage. You can either swim or kayak your way inside the lagoon. Kayaks can be rented for 300php and it can fit 2 persons. So we rented 3 kayaks for our group. It was so calm inside the lagoon where the waters are not that deep.

3rd Stop: Big Lagoon

This was one of my favorite part of Tour A. Everything's more peaceful out here. Our boat went all through the lagoon's end. We were the only one's in the place because everyone's were just at the rear part. Kuya Robert and Kuya Abner stopped the boat's engine and they started to prepare our lunch.

At the back of the boat, they started to prepare our lunch.

This surprised us. We did not expect that they will be "cooking" our lunch at the back of the boat. Haha! Cool! While waiting for our food, we enjoyed swimming around the lagoon.

Nash, enjoying the fresh air in the lagoon

We noticed that there was floating platform on one side of the lagoon. Kuya Abner said that it is used for some events that are held here, like weddings especially. Very intimate indeed.

Bon appetit!

Our lunch, as you can see from above's picture, was grilled pork liempo and fresh fish. All I can say is, "Ahh! This is life!". We also had fresh fruits like banana and pineapple for dessert. It was a very fulfilling meal for all of us.

View from the Big Lagoon going out the the open sea

We finished eating by 1:00pm and after resting a bit, we continued our tour towards the Secret Lagoon.


4th Stop: Secret Lagoon

We docked the boat on the beach near the lagoon. This time, the area's pretty jam-packed with a lot of people waiting on one line to go inside the Secret Lagoon. It takes time to go inside because the hole can only fit one person at a time. Be careful when you go into the small hole for the rocks are sharp and watch your head!

One by one as we enter the hole

"The Hole"

Inside the lagoon, you can enjoy the calmness of the waters. Kuya Abner was so kind that he climbed up the rocks to take a picture of us from above. Nice!

Shot taken by Kuya Abner from the above the rocks

Walking back to our boat

5th Stop: Shimizu Island

Beautiful beach of Shimizu Island

Does the name intrigues you? Well, it made me wonder too. It got its name from a Japanese diver who died from exploring a cave on the island. This is the last part of our island hopping for the day and I can say the we saved the best for last. We went snorkeling near the beach and the beauty under water was amazing. There were a feast of fishes and corals to lay your eyes upon.

Here, I share to you guys some of the shots a grabbed from my videos underwater.

A school of fish feeding on from coral to coral

You know them!

For the beginners, be careful not to go far from the shore because the waves can sometimes be strong and you might be carried somewhere that you should not be.

We finished today's tour around 3:00 PM and was able to get back to town by 4:00 PM. Again, we rode 2 tricycles for the 6 of us for 50php per ride. It had been a long but fun day exploring some of the islands of El Nido and so we rested for a few hours before we went our for dinner.

Taking A Few Steps Towards El Nido

View from Marina Garden Beachfront Inn

Day 0 - 26 November 2015

So it begins. Our long wait was over. Rewind to June 2015 - we have booked our round trip ticket to Puerto Princesa for 2,011php per person. I know this is beyond cheap but then, not bad for a round trip fare. We were a group of 6 people, particularly my office mates.

Our flight was at 10:00 AM, 26 November 2015. According to blogs, November is the start of the peak season in El Nido. Expecting fully-booked accommodations, we have checked several resorts and inns in the island and Marina Garden Beachfront Inn. We booked 2 standard rooms with aircon directly with them for 3,250php per night. This includes 1 double bed and 1 single bed with a bathroom and complimentary daily breakfast for each person.

As expected, we had a delayed flight with Cebu Pacific. We arrived at Puerto Princesa around 12:00 noon. Just outside the airport, we were welcomed by Kuya Rey, the driver of the van transport that was referred to us by our office mate. But I DO NOT recommend him because we sought help from him on getting tours arranged for us and it did not went well. Anyway, we stopped by Robinson's Mall to have our lunch and buy some groceries since there is a limited supply in El Nido. I suggest that you buy your stuffs in the city especially if your have a private transportation because some items can be present in the island but it can be expensive.

After eating, we started our 5-6 hour trip towards El Nido. The road was like leading to Baguio -full of zigzags and some sharp curves. I tell you now, those people who have weak stomachs must bring their anti-"biyahilo" medicines and some handy plastics just in case. On our trip, we had two stopovers where you can pee and buy something to eat.

Sunset in Taytay, one of Palawan's municipality

We have arrived in El Nido after 6 hours. We went off the van just near our resort since the road was quite small for plenty of vehicles. Also, it's better to walk around to be familiarized with what's around. Well, the town center was small enough that you can walk and explore around. It has a lot of accommodations and food establishments scattered everywhere. It felt like I was walking in Boracay's main road it's just that El Nido had a lot of side streets and it's more peaceful.

Marina Garden Beachfront Inn was located in front of the PNP station so you have the assurance of additional security during your stay. Check-in was smooth and the resort staff were very friendly. We dropped our bags and rested for a few minutes before having dinner. The room was very good and had a home-like feel. I say that you won't expect that the rooms are good unless you see it in the inside.

Gateway to the beach

The resort has a lot of rooms to offer with it's not-so-big property. You can check their website at http://www.mgelnido.com for more information.

Flat screen TV with cable

We decided to buy pork barbecue and isaws for our dinner at a nearby eatery. They several selections for grilled food that are only 10php per stick. My dinner was only 50php for 3 barbecues and 2 cups of rice. Awesome, yeah? Happy tummy plus happy pocket!

We dozed off to sleep early this night for we'll be meeting Mark, our contact for our tours, as early as 8am. So good night for now!