Second day came and we were all ready for more El Nido!

We got into The Fast and Furious a little earlier than yesterday. This time, we were the only group in the tour.

We meet again, Fast and Furious

First stop, Matinloc Shrine.

Matinloc Shrine

Matinloc Shrine

When we got down the boat, we were led up the ragged cliff. The steps were very narrow and rocks were really spiky so we had to be extra careful.  And man, the view from the top was very rewarding.

Don't you dare make a wrong step

Or you won't be able to enjoy this gorgeous view

The rocks are extra spikey

My stupid finger got in the way of my photosphere

When we got down,  out guide began to tell us the story behind the island of Matinloc. He told us that the island belonged to a local who married a german. From above the island, you can see a heart-shaped portion of the island, which was why they built their mansion there. It was never really clear why it was later abandoned. We didn't get to roam around the mansion more because we spent our time making jump shots by the dock.

Jump shots, baby!

Photosphere shot from the dock

Our next destination was the Secret Beach.

Secret Beach

The Secret Beach

According to our knowledgeable tour guide, this was the beach that inspired Alex Garland to write his novel, The Beach. Which in turn inspired the film adaptation with the same name starring Leonardo Dicaprio. Well, no wonder! The beach was beautiful! I especially loved the entrance to the beach. That part of the beach is really deep and the way the light pierces into the water and reflects the corals underneath is just amazing. I wanted to linger there but a lot of people were passing through and the waves were also quite strong so floating around wasn't really a good idea.

That there's the entrance to the beach

This is what you see underneath when you swim through the entrance. Preeeetty

Them rocks are huge

The powerpuff girls at your service

The beach itself was excellent. It had the same feel as the Secret Lagoon, but I like the Secret Beach better. The water is shallow but you can snorkel around because there are fishies!

You can do some snorkeling

It's very shallow so you have to be careful

When you're trying to get an underwater shot but everyone's legs are in it

Time to head back

When everyone got back to the boat, we headed to Matinloc Cove. 

Matinloc Cove

Matinloc Cove

This was also where we had lunch. While waiting for lunch, we were free to do some snorkeling. I have never seen a reef as big as Matinloc's before! There was just so many corals and fish. My companions were already chilling by the boat but I just had to check out everything. I did not get a Lasik surgery to explore just half of what could be explored.

Corals. Corals, everywhere.

On your left, a reef bursting with corals. On your right, a void made out of the most beautiful shades of blue

White coral!

Pompom coral!

Clownfish coral! I mean... an anemone

Firey coral!

A lump-of-clay-looking coral

While taking a break from diving, I dropped my friend's underwater camera.  I have never been so thankful for my 7 years of hellish swimming training. I swam after that expensive camera for dear life. Thank goodness the corals caught it.

I tied the camera strap to my wrist after that and continued exploring

I scoured every nook and cranny of that reef

I was done with most of it when our boat guides called us for lunch

Having lunch at the beach is such an experience

The next stop was the Hidden Beach. 

Hidden Beach

The Hidden Beach

What I loved it is that the place was sprawling with anemone and clownfish! A couple of friends and I touched the anemone and it sort of had a sticky feeling to it. It was as if we were mildy grounded or something. During that time, the water was only ankle deep so we could look at the anemone and fish so closely. When we got over the cute clownfishies we were led through a different path back to the boat. It was a cave-ish path. When we were out, our tour guide pointed out an old Balinsasayaw nest. The dry white stuff over it was the bird's spit that locals collect for a delicacy called El Nido soup.

There I am at the back looking for anemones and clownfish

They're so cute!

My friend worked so hard for this shot. Clap clap

The way back

We then rode to our next destination, the Star Beach.

Star Beach

Star beach

I loved snorkeling there! The reefs were abundant! And like, really, really abundant! The fishes are plenty. I wasn't holding the camera this time so I spent the time enjoying all the sights. I loved every bit of it! I had to be careful not to get any water in my snorkeling gear because there was nothing to stand on. And even if there was, there's a 99% chance you'll lose your balance and get cut by the corals. 

Fish feeding is prohibited in El Nido because the it makes the fish lazy, causing an imbalance in the ecosystem.

Not the fish from this reef though. All of them are frantically feeding themselves

Do you see those corals? Step on them and you're foot's a goner.

LOL JK. You'd probably just get deep cuts and bleed like crazy

Because that's what happened to my right butt cheek and left knee :|

Besides, you're not supposed to step on corals. That's a big no-no.

The Kadlao Lagoon, the next place on our tour, was a lovely lagoon that you had to swim very far for.

Kadlao Lagoon

Kadlao Lagoon

The boat won't be able to get you to the lagoon itself because of the shallow water. We got down and started swimming towards it. It took longer than expected. I was swimming for a while and I still wasn't there. The fact that the water was getting shallower and there were stuff beneath that I can't really discern made the trip a cautious one. When we finally got there, the lagoon was emerald green. The water was clear and at the bottom there was nothing but sand, which made it easier to walk or swim around. I floated on my back to bask in beauty of the lagoon. And then it was cut short by our tour guide. We need to head back. And the trip back was just as excruciating.

That green water over there is the lagoon

We forgot to bring the camera to the lagoon so our companions who didn't go took the opportunity to take photos of themselves

It was raining a bit when we arrived at the Bucal Beach. 

Bucal Beach

It was the least of my favourites. The sand underwater was not exactly clean. And we spotted some urchins here and there so we didn't stray far from the boat. I was floating around when I saw a hole surrounded by small pebbles (it looked like a well) and guarded by a single small fish. I was looking at it and suddenly, a wild mantis shrimp appeared! It threw out a pebble then went back in then went back out then threw a pebble again and it went on and on. I got so excited that I called some friends and showed it to them.

The next stop was a beach that is a personal favourite of our tour guide. 

Kuya Tour Guide's personal favourite beach

According to him, since the beach is opposite the open sea, getting there becomes a bit of a challenge because of the waves. But on the rare occasion that the waves are tame, they take advantage and go there even if it is not included in the itinerary. I am glad that the waves are on our side that day because that beach was glorious. None of us unfortunately know the name of that beautiful beach so we shall therefore call it Kuya Tour Guide's Personal Favourite Beach. If you do know the name however, I would be grateful to hear from you.

Pretty

And that ended Tour C and D. The day wasn't over yet though. We got back to El Nido Town Proper and got ready for our overnight camp at Papaya Beach. Earlier, Tay Miloy offered to prepare our dinner for us. So we gave them the money and they took care of the rest. Around 7PM, we were back at the docks. We all got in the Fast and Furious and headed straight to Papaya Beach.

Papaya beach

When we arrived, our boat guides prepared our dinner while some of us prepared the tents (rented from Tay Miloy). After dinner, the boat guides went to collect wood for the bonfire. We then enjoyed toasted marshmallows while exchanging stories under the stars. LOL JK. THEY enjoyed toasted marshmallows while exchanging stories under the stars. I unfortunately fell asleep.

And that was Day 2.



El Nido Day 1 : Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu, Snake Island, Kudugnon Cave, Seven Commando, Pinagbuyutan, Habibi Restaurant
El Nido Day 3 : Papaya Beach, Art Cafe, Twin Beach, Marimeg Beach
El Nido : 5D4N Travel Expenses

Photo credits: Rem Calumba, Joy Sabal, Troy

Last July, the friends and I were lucky enough to visit one of the most beautiful tourist spots in the Philippines, El Nido. We booked the flight months before the scheduled trip. The weeks went by so quickly and one day, we found ourselves in the airport, then in Puerto Princesa, then, finally, in the municipality of El Nido.

Tay Miloy's Inn

The trip took 2-3 hours from Manila to Puerto Princesa and then 5-6 hours from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. We got there before sun down despite the breaks our van driver kept taking. We then took a tricycle from Eulen Joy Terminal to Tay Miloy's Inn.

Tay Miloy's Inn

Tay Miloy's is a small inn located within the town proper of El Nido. It's a short walk away from the port, restaurants, markets, and shops. The rooms are very small and modest but what it lacks in extravagance, it gains in very good location and accommodating staff. Well, most of them anyway.

The view from outside Tay Miloy's

After freshening up, we head straight to the Seaslug Restaurant for a hearty dinner.

Seaslug Restaurant

Seaslug restaurant

The place was packed with people. We would have liked to be seated in the beachfront but the seats were full so we had to place ourselves inside. 

Right in the middle of the shack

Our orders took a while. Most of us have already done away with the fruit shakes and the food still didn't came. It turns out that they cooked everyone's orders first before serving them all at the same time. No wonder it took so long.

We had some crocodile sisig

Their shrimp gambas is heaven!

Once the food was gone and the bill was paid, we went back to Tay Miloy's to get a good night's rest for the next day's activities.

We woke up at 6 and were at the port around 8:30 in the morning. When our tour guide finally arrived, we were ushered to the boat. We had two other groups with us and the reason we waited for a while was because one of the groups had a late breakfast.

Finally boarding The Fast and Furious

Our boat took off and our guides introduced themselves and discussed a few ground rules. 

Bye for now, town proper!

The friendly boat guides who knows a lot. And jokes a lot too.

We rode to our first destination, the Small Lagoon.

Small Lagoon

The entrance to the lagoon

We rented a kayak but you can opt to just swim around. Just remember to get out of the way because maneuvering the kayak is going to give people arm cramps.

The limestones are crazy pretty

I'm not a fan of kayaking but this is waaay better than swimming/ walking through all those rocks and corals

Mind your head. The entrance looks reeeeally tiny from afar but it turns out it was possible to get through it with a kayak

After drinking in all the beauty of the Small Lagoon, we moved to another lagoon, creatively named the Big Lagoon.

Big Lagoon

I confirm that it is indeed bigger than the Small Lagoon

The boat dropped us by the opening and we all walked towards the Lagoon. The water is really shallow but I would have preferred the water to at least be waist-deep so that I could swim all the way rather than walk because it feels like it took forever to get there.

All them boats are parked by the opening of the lagoon

We-we-welcome to the lagoon!

Time to drag your feet towards the lagoon

Did I mention how pretty the limestones are?

I wish I made a 360 video because the lagoon is really beautiful and our photos don't do it justice

After the Small Lagoon and the Big Lagoon, we headed to another lagoon, the Medium Lagoon!

Nope. That was a bad joke, sorry. The Secret lagoon was where we went next.

Secret Lagoon

It's so secrety

We got down the boat and we had to walk to the small opening to the lagoon

We had to walk over this and it is such a nightmare. It was so slippery and most of us were getting their legs cut open from the rocks slash dead corals.

This is the entrance and exit to the lagoon

The view from the inside

Surrounded by pretty rocks

There wasn't much in the Secret Lagoon so I just took a couple of photos and headed out for some panorama shots at the beach. The panoramas are garbage though so I won't be posting any. Have some other photos instead.

The beach where we had lunch

Our tour guides slash chefs preparing our lunch while we take a bajillion photos

The view behind the beach. We saw a monkey!

The beach

And then, finally, lunch!

And no one went home hungry that day

Also, there are two dogs there that will literally beg for your love. Look at how he is tapping my leg for some sugar

And once the bellies were filled, we rested a bit and headed to the next destination that was a snorkeling spot called Shimizu.

Shimizu

Shimizu

If you've read my post about my Puerto Princesa trip, you would know that I couldn't enjoy the snorkeling at Honda Bay because of the life vest that we were required to wear. In El Nido, however, the life vests weren't mandatory. I could dive deep until the corals were a few feet from my face! 

I've seen healthier and more colorful reefs though

I was going to rest by that rock then I realized it was actually a big coral then I saw some bluish pearls in it and I got really excited about it. I didn't take it though!

The reef was enormous! And so many fishies too!

I dived and dived until my lungs couldn't take it

Look at that brownish, greyish, yellowish corals

The best part of all this is that I could see all the corals and fishes so clearly because I had a good 20/10 vision! Going through a Lasik procedure was one of the best decisions I made in my life.

Snake Island, our next destination, is a sand bar that looks like a snake or an S to be more accurate. 

Snake Island

Snake Island

On our way to the top of the hill to see the snakeyness of the island

Yes, I see it. So snakey indeed.

On the other side of the hill, there is this great view.

We got down and strolled a bit on the sand bar. Which you cannot see in this photo

Next is the Kudugnon Cave. 

Kudugnon Cave

Just a wee bit exploring and fact-learning in a cave that smells strongly of bat crap. Although, there were no bats to be seen.

Making a bee line to the cave

You have to make like an action star and roll to get in

No bats? Yep, no bats.

Our guide was saying something about how people used to live here

The next destination was Seven Commando. 

Seven Commando

Man, did it feel good to laze around at the end of the day. I wish we could've stayed a bit longer. We only stayed a couple of minutes because it was growing late and we need to get to the last destination of the tour package right away.

I... have no photos. Darn.

We then went to another snorkeling spot. I think it's called Pinagbuyutan.

Pinagbuyutan

Snorkeling time once again

That is not a good thing to step on

Look at that fish

I felt like stepping on these things. Good thing I didn't.

And that ends the Island hopping tour of Day 1! We were brought back to the port. We walked back to Tay Miloy's and got ready for dinner. We had dinner at Habibi Restaurant. 

Habibi Restaurant

I am in love with their seafood carbonara. This wasn't my order though.

They've got bottles of wine

Day 1 concluded. On to day two!



El Nido Day 2 : Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Matinloc Cove, Hidden Beach, Star Beach, Kadlao Lagoon, Bucal Beach, Papaya Beach
El Nido Day 3 : Papaya Beach, Twin Beach, Marimeg Beach
El Nido : 5D4N Travel Expenses

Photo credits: Rem Calumba, Joy Sabal, Troy Babaran