EL NIDO DAY 1 – TOUR A: ISLANDS, BEACHES AND LAGOONS
El Nido Port
From the airport, we rode a van going to El Nido. We were planning to take the bus, but Cebu Pacific offered us a 600 peso van voucher, which will pick us up once we got down at the airport.
Just on the 5th hour of our road trip. Our van hit a carabao in the middle of road. The carabao crippled and the van in total wreck. Fortunately, no one got hurt in the accident, except me. The bridge of my nose hit the metal part of my bag, which got scratched and bleed. What an experience for the first day! Despite that, we saw the night sky, full of stars. It relieved us despite the unexpected event. We were told to wait for the back up van but we were all sleepy and tired. Luckily, the last trip of Cherry Bus was behind us and reached us. We rode the bus and paid 80 pesos each.
We arrived in El Nido at 2:30 am. We rode a tricycle going straight to our accommodation. We checked-in at D’ Strong Tower Inn. The staff asked us if we are going to take the tours this morning and we said, yes. She told us to register and a trike will pick us up at around 8:30AM. Payment for the tours will be paid to them including the Eco-Tourism Development Fund Fee of 200 pesos.
We happened to have just few hours of sleep. We woke up at 7 Am and ate our breakfast at a nearby carinderia called Sisig Republic. The trike arrived and brought us to the leftmost part of the beach, where our boat is waiting. We chose Tour A for our first day which visits the Small Lagoon, the Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and 7 Commandos Beach.
Small Lagoon
Our first destination for the day is the Small Lagoon located in Miniloc Island. Snorkeling and kayaking are the activities here. We rented a kayak for 300 pesos. To reach the small lagoon, we entered a small hole where we and our kayak fitted. Inside, we were surrounded by beautiful rock formations and below, amazed us of its turquoise-green waters.
Small Lagoon surrounded by beautiful rock formations
Big Lagoon
Our second destination was the Big Lagoon. We didn’t stay there but the boat toured us around it. Surrounded by rock formations and clear waters, it left us in awe. It is a breeding ground for different fishes and reptiles. According to our guide, they offer night tours, where they let tourist see the rich marine life at night.
Big Lagoon
Clear waters of Big Lagoon
Secret Lagoon
The entrance to the Secret Lagoon is a small hole on a towering limestone. It was a cave before that collapsed. It is now an area that looks like a pool surrounded by this limestone wall.
The beach near the lagoon is a paradise. Coconut Trees, white sand, and clear waters. A place to relax but we were only allowed 45 minutes to stay.
Beach near the Secret Lagoon
People fall in line to enter the Secret Lagoon
Secret Lagoon
Shimizu Island
Our boat stopped at Shimizu Island where we will also have our lunch. Shimizu Island is named after a Japanese who led an underwater exploration in a cave located in the island.He and his team died when they were trapped inside.
While we were waiting for our lunch, we were given our snorkeling gears and let us explore the waters near the sland. It is rich of marine life, different kinds of fish can be seen including Clown fish, Angel fish and even Sea Urchins. Just beware of a fish that will bite your legs. It bit me 2 times but don’t worry, it is not painful.
After swimming with the fishies, our lunch are now ready. It is a feast. From seafoods, meats to fruits. It was relaxing, eating by the beach surrounded by beautiful islands.
Lunch Time!
Shimizu Island
7 Commandos Beach
This was our last destination for our Tour A.7 Commandos beach is a beach known as a refuge for the 7 Commandos who lived here before, thus the name comes.
The place was very relaxing. If you were to be stranded in an island, this is the place to be. A place that defines the word, paradise: coconut trees, palm trees, fine white sand beach, and clear waters. After a day of activity, we just wanted to stay here and rest but unfortunately, we were only allowed for 1 hour.
A perfect match for this place
Photo taken by Caryl. 7 Commandos Beach
That concludes our Tour A. We were back in El Nido Town at 4PM. We returned to our room and wash ourselves.
In addition to our Island Hopping Activity, we explored the town. We ate street foods and looked at the establishments.
We ate our dinner at Kaptain’s Diner just in front of St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church. Restaurants in El Nido are pricey but to satisfy our cravings for some good food, we decided not to thrift ourselves. :p After our dinner, we returned to our lodging. We were tired but excited for what we will experience the next day. What else majestic are out there.
That ends our first day in El Nido! Next post is about our 2nd Day and Tour C Activities. :D
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TRAVEL DATE: JULY 2016
El Nido Day 1 – Tour A: Islands, Beaches and Lagoons EL NIDO DAY 1 - TOUR A: ISLANDS, BEACHES AND LAGOONS From the airport, we rode a van going to El Nido.
