Voted as the best island in the world in 2014, Palawan is not only home to one of the new seven natural wonders of the world but also a haven for island hoppingΒ aficionados. When the Philippines was showeredΒ with beautiful islands, white sand beaches and spectacular sceneries, I think Palawan grabbed them the most – particularly in El Nido.
I have been to a bunch of island hopping trips already which offersΒ pretty much the same. You go check out white sand beaches, snorkeling and swimming. But island hopping in El Nido will definitely give you an awesome experience that will surely take your adventure to the next level.
El Nido Island Hopping
El Nido is situated in the nothernmost tipΒ of mainland Palawan. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights so youΒ need to flyΒ to Puerto Princesa and take a 5-hour van ride to reach El Nido. I’d suggest you arrange your trip with a travel agent for a hassle-free tour. I’ll be breaking downΒ our Palawan tour package by Hadefe Travel and Tourson a separate post soon.
There are 4 island hopping tours (A, B, C and D) to choose and the most recommended are A and C which we did . Check out this map below for a picture of the tours.
I’ll be sharing to you our experience for the Tour A lastΒ May (peak season). During the trip the boatman may change the order of the islands to visit to avoid congestion on an island. Here are the places we checked out:
- Simizu Island
- Entalula Island
- Big Lagoon
- Small Lagoon
- Papaya BeachΒ (instead of Seven Commando)
It was a fine day for an awesome adventure. I’d like to warn you that the following photos are tempting, will make you want to jump in and fly to El Nido asap. Ready? Let’s roll! π
Simizu Island
Our first stop, Simizu Island, was named after a Japanese diver who fell in love with its marine life but unfortunately died in an underwater tunnel in this island. That being said, you’ll know that this island is one of the beautiful snorkeling sites of the tour. Upon seeing the turquoise waters, every one was excited to jump in.
Immediately we grabbed our snorkeling gears and plunged into the crystal clear waters (an understatement and overused word to describe the islands in El Nido). π
From the mesmerizing limestone cliffs above to the diversity of the corals below, it was a perfectΒ welcome for us. Most of us were still adjusting with their life jackets and snorkeling gears but I wasted no time to explore the beauty beneath.
ResearchΒ say that watching fishes in an aquarium is a proven stress buster and I totally agree. This time I am swimming with them in this vast natural aquarium.Β If only I could hold my breath for a minute or five, it would be really awesome to meet these marine species up close.
Entalula Island
Our next stop should have been the Secret Lagoon but the tide was high at that time. This lagoon can only be safely accessed, through a small hole fit for a person only, when the tide is low. Since we started a bit late in the morning already, we had to take our lunch on our second stop in Entalula Island.
What amazes me is that out of these big rocky islands sprouting all over Bacuit archipelago, you will find a spot with a white sand beach. This gives the boats more options where to dock and prepare forΒ lunch. They started to grill someΒ seafood and slice fresh fruits while you enjoy the island life.
While waiting for lunch, we took photosΒ of the beautiful horizon as seen from the island. It was just picture perfect. Haaaay, how I wish this place is just around the corner.
And finally, the boatman called “lunch is ready!!” while I was swimming and the picture of the food preparation flashed into my mind. I ran to get my camera but I was too late as the hunger gamesΒ has begun.Β I had to applaud their effort and the food presentation that will surely boost your appetite. Good job kuyas! π
If you are a beach bum, you know that it’s always fun to eat by the beach as your metabolism seems to workΒ hard as well. I personally loved the grilled fish as you can really taste how fresh they are and the fruits that complements the feast. It was the best lunch out by the beach ever! π
Big Lagoon
Honestly I felt sleepy and just wanted to lay down after the delicious lunch that we had. Good thing our next destination doesn’t need much of an action. It was a slow and lovely cruise at the Big LagoonΒ that seems likeΒ a highway of white sand seabed bound by limestone walls. The result is a balance of glimmering waters and rugged stone backdrop perfect for a profile picture.
Upon reaching the lagoon inside, the boat will circle around and stay for 5-10 minutes. They say we could have stayed longer in the off-seasonΒ where there are fewer tourists.Β I think the boatmen are well oriented and disciplined on keeping the spacing of their boats and that’s great.
It was a struggle and pressure to take selfies when you are 15 people on the boat with a limited time only. Well in fact this has been an iconic scene for El Nido island hopping so everyone dare not miss this opportunity. Everybody got their chance and took their turn in the front end of the boat and I believeΒ 5 of my friends changed their profile pictures that day. π
Small Lagoon
This one is probably my favorite. An enchanting landscape paired with a playful activity equals an ultimate experience worth reminiscing. This time we need to immerse ourselves into the lagoon behind those walls.
The best way to enjoy and explore around the small lagoon is by a kayak that are available for rent at 300 Php. Even at the docking area, the water is so clear that we looked like floating in the air. π
To get inside the small lagoon, we need to go through this small opening. You will have to watch your head and slightly bend your body while slowly navigating through it.
And voila! Inside wasΒ a big playground. The place was so cool even though it was 2 o’clock in the afternoonΒ due toΒ the high rockyΒ walls and flora giving shade. There were several “kayakers” inside and the place at some point looks like a “bump-cars” arena, only with kayaks. π
It was the best way to burn our calories after that heavy lunch. You just sit down, slowly paddle and enjoy the relaxing feeling of drifting inside a canyon of limestone walls. It was breath-taking.
Honestly, it was my first time to use a kayak and it was undoubtedly a unique experience. This is worth a groufie! π
Papaya Beach
And for the last stop we were supposed to visit Seven Commando beach but there was no more room to dock.Β So we visited Papaya beach which is just beside Seven Commando only separated with a limestone wall. They say the place was filled with papaya trees in the past, thus the name.
This island is one of the many reasons why El Nido is hailed as the best beach and island destination in the Philippines. Here you will enjoy a stretch of really fine white sand beach,Β finer than the sands of BoracayΒ I should say. There is a snorkeling site, beach volleyball area and several hammocks tied in between trees.
It was already past 3PM and most of us were already a bit weary but deeply satisfied. We opted to just sit back, lay on the sands and fell in love with this paradise in front of our eyes.
And before we wrap up this trip, a barkada getaway wouldn’t be complete without aΒ jumpshot. One last hoorah! π
We called it a day, an extraordinary day. I personally believe that everythingΒ IΒ witnessedΒ was a notch or two higher than the island hopping experiences I’ve been. Crystal clearΒ waters, diverse marine ecosystem, fascinating rock Β formations, profile-picture-worthy photos, bump-a-kayak, primeΒ white sands and distinct island activities. And lastly, all these wouldn’t be more special without my crazy and fun-loving barkada. π
Island hopping in El Nido is truly an experience to the next level. I think I wouldn’t enjoy any other trips outside of Palawan, since Coron is still on my bucketlist. You know you had a great time when you end the day with a smile. And as a bonus, I managed to take this sunset shot in Bacuit bay – El Nido’s way of saying thank you and see you again tomorrow.
So are you convinced to experience island hopping in El Nido? Which island was your favorite? Let’s hear your thoughts and as always, spread good vibes! π
Palawan Diaries:
Β – Awesome El Nido: Island Hopping To The Next Level | Tour A
Β –Β Awesome El Nido: Exploring Secrets of Nature | Tour C
Β –Β 10 Reasons to Visit El Nido with Friends | #SquadGoals
Β –Β Inside Puerto Princesa Underground River | New7Wonders of Nature
This is super amazing! Posts like these make you say that The Philippines is really beautiful. I love your shots and it looked like you guys had fun. If you don’t mind, how much should one prepare financially for a trip like this?
Thanks Tara…I’m glad to have contributed to the millions of beautiful photos of our country. Regarding your question, we spent around 6k each for a 5D4N package (3D El Nido and 2D Puerto Princesa) good for 15 pax. Basically the more pax, the cheaper. Add the air fare and pocket money so I think an estimate of 8-10k. It’s best to plan ahead and contact a travel agent to assist you. π
These photos are so breathtaking. Not only are the sights to behold but the manner in which the shots have been captured tell a good story. I want to partake in such a splendid story too. I have to save up for this trip na dyud!
All those experiences are really fun to share so you know what to expect and how you can enjoy El Nido. I’d love to hear your own stories too so good luck and enjoy! π
Weeewwww!!! What can I say MJ! It’s so ahaaamazzziiinggg!!!! Love all the photos so much. Nice jud kaayo and it’s apparent that you enjoyed so much especially you’re with friends. Ikaw na! Katawa kos change ug profile pic. Relate much!! Haha basta naay wifi go lang. LOL
Hahaha yes I really enjoyed the trip with these crazy and fun-loving barkada. Traveling with friends can sometimes be stressful but it’s a bonus to be with the ones who make the trip more exciting. Thanks Rea! π
Another paradise people should visit before they die. In fact, it’s in my bucket list, too, Thanks for reminding me, Emjae. π
Oh yes Jazmine..honestly, I think I will not enjoy any other island hopping anymore that will not top the experience I have in El Nido. This is really worth a try in our lifetime. π
Your photos are stunning as usual! El Nido is such a dream and definitely one of the many reasons why the Philippines is among the most beautiful places in the world.
Simply stunning landscapes and seascapes that we can be proud. Thanks Lyza. π
Seeing your photos of El Nido make me miss Palawan so bad that I wanna go there again now! LOL! I really love their islands Emjae. They have a distinct shape. Their lagoons and coral, grabeh! Makabuang! Napaig jud mi ni Gay pud sige langoy! ^_^
Hahah yes super nice gyud. It’s not enough to hop on each islands but if possible whole day gyud. heheh π
I must say your pictures are beautiful! You’re making me want to book a trip with my family and just go. Preferably not in these months though as it’s the rainy season but the whole tours seems so enchanting! Thanks for sharing!
Yeah it’s best to book during the Amihan season with less rainy and windy days. You should check out for early promos for next year Ashley. Enjoy! π
I am planning a solo travel to en nido soon. I am sure to use this as my reference. Photos are fantastic too. I wonder which part of your El Nido adventure did you enjoy best.
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Hmm hard to say Jeph but I think the small lagoon where we did kayak that was my first time. Good luck on your trip and enjoy! π
included in bucket list.. but I have to buy new gears (action cam or the like) and re-learn how to swim before getting myself to this place.. hahahah
Ohh you really need to “re-learn” how to swim so you don’t miss the fun. And yes, waterproof camera is a must for a worry-free adventure. π
wow! the water is so clear! water may not be my strongest element but hey, you got me on the clear blue waters! it really captivated me and this is just another place added on my bucket list! [aside from the hundreds I already have in here] π you really captivated the island charm of El Nido and seriously, i wouldn’t trade this for anything in the world!
Yes JL, I’m glad I have captured our experiences as this is on the top 5 of my bucket list. That’s already a big achievement for me and as usual more to go. π
Hi! Mind if i ask? what camera did you use for the underwater photos sir?
Hi Jam, I only used SJ4000 for the underwater shots. π
Hello! Your shots are very, very nice! Did you use any filter (red, blue filter, etc.) in your underwater photos? π And for the split view shot, did you use dome? π
Hello Christine, thank you very much. I did not use any filter for underwater shots and most of them were clear already so I just adjusted some in post processing. For the split view I did not use dome too, I just kept the cam half-submerged on video then took screenshot on post. π
Whoa! I think you really just have a photographer’s eye in you.. your pictures are very tempting, i hope i’ll capture pictures like yours when i visit El Nido this coming May. π Thanks for the reply!
Your shots are really great! Namiss ko tuloy yung El Nido. haha. Kakagaling lang namin jan pero namimiss ko na agad. We went to El Nido tour A but unfortunately mataas din ang tide kaya d kami nakapunta sa secret lagoon. Pero overall it was a really wonderful experience!
Hi! Which tour ‘agency’ did you contact and avail of this El Nido island hopping tour A? π
Thank you so much!