Palawan Escape: El Nido_Island Tour C

It's our 2^nd day tour and we are scheduled to do the tour C. I failed to wake up as early as yesterday but I still able to find time to get a coffee and pack up. We bought some chips at the nearby store before we left. The sun shines brighter than yesterday and that makes me more excited.

Day 2 of the Island Tour

I kept on asking our boatman if we can go to the Secret beach but they are not really willing to bring us there due to the season. They said it was too risky and we might not be able to get in. They said that the best time should be in the peak of the summer season.

1^st stop is the Hidden Beach

Hoping that it’s the Secret beach but it was not. Though the huge limestone cliff really captured my attention and amazed me. We changed our boat on the 2^nd day and we have a bigger boat this time. This beach is a memorable place for me because our boatman together with his colleagues really tried their best to get the boat inside but the boat was just too big that the ‘Katig’ (bamboo balance beam) cracked. It was almost broken because it hit the stone. We just convinced them that it’s ok for us to swim to get inside when they finally give up. They are just determined to get the boat inside for us. 

I guess why it was called Hidden because you won't think that there's a beach inside. 

And finally after getting through the big rocks; a white sand will welcome you . 

Inside is such a rewarding view. It was actually a good place for snorkeling and lots of nemo’s can be seen (clown fish) however, corals here are not as colorful and not as alive compare from other islands. It’s maybe because there’s lot of visitors walking in the water instead of swimming because water is not very deep unless you swam from the tight entrance towards the open sea.

I love the mini shore literally hiding inside and we saw several foreigners resting there. We took some pictures here before we left. 

Here's where we rested after a tiring snorkeling. 

And we had another group shot. :p

2^nd spot is the Matinloc Beach

This is where we took our lunch and spent more time swimming and fish feeding. We finally had a chance to swim by the shore however it was soooo hot and I really can’t stand staying for such a long period under the sun. (Arte lang!)

Just like a postcard :D

I wish I had a shot like this too!

Some still managed to Kayak under the scourging sun. 

Another fish feeding moment and feels like in an aquarium time for us. After eating, we still had time to swim and this time, the fishes went so near the shore to eat. Of course we had some biscuits and left-overs for them.  
We had a great time here, the fishes were going crazy for the food and so are we because we were trying to get a good shot here but we just can't. :) 

Best effort! 

Another attempt to fit the camera - failed!

And fishes everywhere! 

This is another memorable place because it was my first to wear a two piece swimsuit! Haha! Please forgive me but it’s an achievement for me and I am not very brave wearing it but I finally did it. :D

And we owned the place!
Kiber na sa knila nasa El Nido kami eh! 

3^rd spot Matinloc Shrine

From the mini port, the picturesque view and the crystal blue water attracted us. It was really mad hot sunny day and my hot tempered head (it’s normal during the hot weather) is now active that’s why I am quite not in the mood already. However, who will get heated of this view?! Sarap din mag take ng picture pag sobrang init. 

Here's the mini port. 

From the mini port, you'll need to go up here to see the Shrine.

And just a few steps, you'll see the Gazebo

Matinloc Shrine also has a building used to be a retreat house. The Gazebo which is the first thing that will catch your attention is the location for prayer. Though it was already abandoned, tourists stop by and pray. An image of Mama Mary is situated in the middle.

A cross and a Mama Mary statue in the middle. 

On the right side is like a tunnel going to a mini photo museum. You'll discover here the history and events how the shrine was created and the miracle happened here. 

Here is the closer picture of Mama Mary, the retreat house, and the photo museum. 

The story inside the mini museum is inspiring. And also you'll see a cross upon climbing to the rocks, also located at the right side of the island. The cross is placed on the peak of the cliff. I didn't dare to climb to the peak and just managed appreciating the view. 

From the bottom of the collage are the tomb, the image of Jesus at the back
and the 2 guys posing at the peak. 

And also a beautiful beach at the back part of the shrine that's very captivating. 

The view even if your not on the peak is such a wonderful site, I guess this is the highlight of this trip. Seeing a great view like this is such a rewarding experience. 

This is what you'll get upon climbing the rocks 

That's why we can't stop taking pictures like this. :D 

4^th spot Cadlao Island

This is the last spot and where we spend the last hours of our 2nd day of Island Tour. The island is simple, plain but still beautiful. We saw a couple and a guy (all foreigners) on their kayak and they went to this island to rest and then made their way back to the open sea. We all felt sad because we will leave the island tomorrow. Some of us manage to continue snorkeling but I decided to find a shade and just appreciate the view. Some of the girls joined me after a while until our guides and boatmen told that we are ready to go. 

The Cadlao Island

Another awesome view

Taken from the other side

Before we left.

And that's how we end our day 2. It's actually quite short for me and we haven't able to maximize exploring other islands. Maybe on the next trip I guess, I also still wanted to see the Secret beach too. However, given that we still missed some, the experience is still one of the best. Palawan is indeed a great place to visit. El Nido is such a paradise for a beach and nature lover. And as long as we maintain being a responsible traveler, each of us can treasure every place and save it for the coming future travelers.

Till I see you again El Nido! 

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“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” 

~ Martin Buber

More of our Palawan Escape: Puerto Princesa - El Nido 3 Days/4 Nights Itinerary, Puerto Princesa Underground River, Tour A on the 1st day of El Nido Island Hopping, Tour C on the 2nd day of El Nido Island Hopping.

Palawan Escape: El Nido_Island Tour A

First day of the tour is Tour A; I woke up early and then force the snoring fat bellied creature besides me to wake up too. :) I am full of energy to get ready because I want to feel the foggy morning of El Nido. We saw few guests that were already done with their morning coffee and we did the same. We sit for a while in silence, not talking, just facing the view and waiting for others to wake up. 

How I love this morning!

The people in El Nido seems very laid back too. They are not in a hurry (In which I wish we leave earlier to cover more places) and just taking their time packing our lunch while busy preparing our breakfast. We also rented a kayak in which they recommended and we are very thankful we did.

On our way to our first stop. 

So here’s how it’s done; they modified some places in which they feel are not very safe to go and some are not available now since its already a private beach (I forgot the name of those island though). Not a very hot weather to start for us but I was happy that way.

1st stop: Big Lagoon (Part of Miniloc Islands)

A great big start to awe us, I do not know what to expect aside from some pictures I saw in the internet and TV’s but the nature just did this awesome view on its own. I just stayed quiet most of the time (After taking pictures) and appreciate God’s love of giving us a good view. We stayed at the back of the boat mostly because I hate the wires blocking my view.

The Big Lagoon

Loving El Nido already...

Rocky formation on its finest :D

Water is so dark and creepy actually     

Limestone cliffs 

                                                                   

It's just a quick tour in Big Lagoon and swimming here is not really recommendable. You can also explore it by Kayak but I am not really that brave to do that. 

 2^nd stop: Simizu Beach

This is located in the South of Miniloc Islands. It has its sparkling white sand (of course) and colorful marine life underneath that is a good snorkeling site. It’s also another spot for camping that will provide you a very private feel. You'll get to see this private  beach along. 

A private beach along the way - I forgot the name

I wish to get to see those closer

And the Simizu Beach is here. 

And a group was already getting ready for camping. 

Feels like your own.

Simizu Island was named after the Japanese diver who died while exploring the underwater cave.

We snorkeled with the waves (that is not really a good timing for us) and managed to get to see wonderful creatures below. We had a rough time here because waves are getting bigger and was pushing us away far from the boat. You need to get a good hold to the rope or else you will not be able to fight back and be pulled to the side and hitting the big rocks near by is a possibility.

Here’s some underwater shots:

Even the current was dragging us far - the fishes are still going  crazy eating our  biscuits

And our guide easily spotted a Nemo and get a shot

They are just everywhere

And want a close up too. :)

3^rd stop: Entalola Beach

Here’s where we had a chance to Kayak and where we had our buffet style lunch. The place seems crafted for the visitors to get a good place to eat. We had a quick dip to the water to freshen up, did experience the Kayak for the first time and then surprised how our guides and boatman did well in preparing our food. Of course we are very satisfied with the food they prepared for us. 

Jumpshot before lunchtime!

And it goes like this!

And still in action while eating - Agree Jay?!

Credits to Sol for the pics (Entalola)

4th Stop: Small Lagoon (still part of Miniloc Islands)

This is my favorite place of all! It was very enchanting to see, the view, the corals, the rock formations are seems like positioned for admiration. You’ll blame yourself exploiting or ruining this place because of its captivating look. 

On our way...

Exploring inside the Small Lagoon.

That's why its better for you to get a kayak so you can explore around easily.

And have fun!

Credits to Sol for the pics (Small Lagoon)

I am also overwhelmed of the creatures underneath. It seemed so close that I was afraid snorkeling here because I do not want to touch the coral and get hit. The fishes and marine life below seems very at peace. They do not mind us and I saw different group of fishes large and small groups, big and unusual look that took my breath away. Unfortunately my underwater camera was out of battery already. Too bad, but then my eyes can prove you that visiting Small Lagoon should be on your list.

Last stop: Helicopter Island (supposed to be on Tour C)

They said it's supposed to be part of the Tour C, it was one of the islands we were facing from the resort. It's a relax time for us here and a chance to swim by the shore. 

Taken at the resort. - Named 'Helicopter' because of its shape.  (The one in the middle)

The sand stretch of the Helicopter Island

You can also practice your snorkeling skills...

So I did! 

And have a swim plus a cam shot!

All appreciation and wonder; of course what could I say but it’s true. I guess this is why El Nido is such a popular place to visit. Look how beautiful our place can be. It helped me realized more that traveling leads us also to be more aware in taking care of our environment and be thankful to be blessed with this kind of beauty and experience.

Let’s not just appreciate and take advantage of it. A small act of kindness to our nature is a big help. Yes, again, El Nido is such a wonderful place to see. How about diving next time?! Agree?!

Next post is our 2nd day of island tour.

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“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land, there is no other life but this.” 

~ Henry David Thoreau (American Essayist, Poet and Philosopher, 1817-1862)