El Nido is among the top destinations in the Philippines. Its natural feature of limestone rock formations concealing beautiful beaches and lagoons is unique and sets it apart from any other tourist spots in the country.
Accessibility
Direct flights to El Nido from Manila are available via Island Transvoyager, Inc. (ITI). One can also opt to fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa and travel 6-7 hours by land through a private van or a public bus.
For the more adventurous traveler, there are boats from Coron in the northern part of Palawan that travel weekly to El Nido. Meanwhile, a select group of tour operators offer the whole Coron and El Nido island hopping packages.
Traveling in August
Summer in the Philippines (dry season) falls in the months of March, April, and May. August is already wet season. Starting in the month of July, heavy rains, tropical depressions, and typhoons visit the country more than any other time of the year.
Try to make a mental note of the weather so you can have a grand time on your beach vacation.
Booking on a Low Season
What’s the great thing about traveling in August? It’s low season. Hotel accommodations and tour operators offer their lowest rate. Saving as much as 30-40% off the regular room rate is very common. We got our rooms on slashed prices. And, the rate we got on our 2-day private island hopping tour was a steal.
Afraid of big waves?
Most spots included in the island hopping tours are not located in any open sea. Ruling out Secret Beach in Matinloc island, the island hopping tour was smooth sailing all the way. However, Secret Beach tops as the most exciting and thrilling spot among the rest.
Read more tips and reviews about our El Nido trip: Destination: El Nido, Palawan, Philippines.
The following is a photo essay of our 2-day private island hopping tour in El Nido.
- Day 1. Seven Commando Beach, Entalula Island, Simizu, Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, and Small Lagoon
Seven Commando Beach
I’m thanking the heavens for giving us a glorious, glorious sunshine on our first day. The panoramic view of the surrounding islands from this beach will seriously take your breath away. The sky was clear, giving me some incredible underwater shots.
This island has an intriguing tale about the seven soldiers who got stationed here and never heard of again. That was how the island got its name. Ask any locals from the place to tell you the story. It’s more mysterious that way.
In the meantime, we have a full hour to frolic in the sun. Let’s go!
This whole stretch of empty beach all for you. What more could you ask for?
The soft and powdery sand makes a perfect spot for swimming barefoot.
Thank you 7 Commando for a wonderful hour spent with you. On to our next stop, Entalula island.
Entalula Island
This little nook is a famous pit stop for lunch among island hoppers.
The lovely rock formations right on the shore obscure part of the view of the nearby islands.
I was glad we arrived here way ahead from the throng of island hoppers. We picked out the best area to set up our picnic table. It was right under a shady tree with a view of the rocks and the distant islands.
Then, everybody got busy. Our boatmen were occupied with lunch preparation. Hubby was snorkeling. And, I had my music playlist on.
A large party of tourists arrived much later. This narrow strip of beach came to life. It was a lively lunch hour.
And then it was time to move. We stopped by Simizu to see the fishes.
Simizu
When we reached Simizu, I felt sorry because all I saw were dead corals. Sure there were plenty of colorful fishes. Still, the dead corals was a depressing picture.
I was informed by our boatmen that there are spots in El Nido which got some lively corals but are closed off to tourists. Now that is good news. Don’t worry you will still enjoy Simizu. Be aware though, some parts have strong current. Unless you are confident with your swimming skill, better stay close to your boat.
After Simizu, we were off to the enticing lagoons. Yay!
Secret Lagoon
On our way to the Big Lagoon, we stopped by for a while at the Secret Lagoon.
The tide was starting to ebb. Our boat couldn’t get any closer to the walls where the tiny hole which served as access to the lagoon was located. So, we had to swim and partly had to walk over rocks and corals on the way to its entrance.
Wear any protective footwear and you’ll be fine. Please don’t step on the corals, if you can help it.
When we arrived at the Secret Lagoon, we were the only one around. I had an eerie feeling being surrounded with all those giant rocks extending towards the sky with only a tiny hole as exit. I felt like I was invading their private space. I really didn’t like to linger. Let’s move. Though I have to admit, the place is beautiful in a rough and menacing way.
Big Lagoon
Am I still on earth? Or is this some distant planet in the universe?
I know El Nido is all about sparkling emerald waters below impressive limestone cliffs. Still, this lagoon takes it to a whole new level. I became more aware of the clumps of moss and bushes clinging to the side of these towering vertical rocks. I am honestly running out of adjectives to describe this place. It simply is out-of-this-world.
Underwater is alive with pretty corals. I saw Nemo in there, too. Okay, clown fish if you like. Go, swim and snorkel to your heart’s content.
I would definitely come back here for a whole day.
On our way back to town, we stopped for some time to admire this amazing view of Helicopter island from our boat. I couldn’t help thinking what a beautiful creation El Nido is. Looking forward to another dose of beaches and limestone rocks on our second day tour.
- Day 2. Hidden Beach, Matinloc Island, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, and Helicopter Island
Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach in Matinloc island was our first stop the next day. Matinloc island is a bit far from El Nido town. On a small boat, it took us nearly an hour to get there.
An hour of picturesque seascape of limestone rock formations on cobalt blue waters, who could complain?
Our boatmen brought a ukulele. I wish I could play all those reggae music on my playlist.
Hidden beach is definitely hidden from plain view. It is only a short strip of white sands sandwich between imposing limestone rocks.
We were here all morning. I got waylaid by the fishes and those rocks and the rugged beach.
In the end, our boat picked us up for dawdling in there. ha ha.
Matinloc Island
From Hidden Beach, we were brought to this stunning location somewhere in Matinloc island. Since this island is only referred to by the locals as near Talisay island, I call it La Isla Bonita.
While the men busied themselves with lunch preparation, I looked for somewhere to rest. My stomach was already protesting. The water near the shore is too shallow and strewn with rough rocks to enjoy swimming. When you go a bit farther, the sand suddenly takes a sharp dive. I don’t really fancy a plunge into the unknown, not with an empty stomach at any rate.
This little island is heavily guarded with sharp dramatic rocks along its shore.
We had an amusing lunch hour with our boatmen playing reggae music on the ukulele and with us singing along with them. Fun times!
After our afternoon siesta, we packed our things and helped carry them to our boat. Then, we moved on to the most exciting and thrilling spot among the rest. The Secret Beach.
Secret Beach
The entry point to the Secret Beach, which refused to stay secret, is quite discreet.
You would never guess there’s a beach behind the wall of rocks if not for the boats crowding the entrance ferrying tourists. As I mentioned a while back, August is monsoon season in the Philippines. The access to the Secret Beach in that part of Matinloc island faces the open sea. You can imagine the waves.
The thrilling part is going in without being smashed onto the jagged rocks on both sides of the entrance. The opening is only a small hole protruding above the waves. The rest is below the water surface. For a moment, hubby decided to remain on the boat. Plenty of other tourists decided to do so. The waves were really quite frightening to look at.
To reach the small opening, you have to jump from your boat and swim towards it.
Near the access point, the boatmen will help you get through amidst the smashing waves. Unlike the Secret Lagoon, the Secret Beach gives off a positive aura. There’s something magical about the place. It’s bewitching.
It was still around half past 2 or 3 in the afternoon, but the beach was already almost dried up. Beats me how it was so serene on this side of the wall when the waves on the other side were raging mad.
When it was time to make the trip back to the boat, we had to wait for our turn. Only one person could get in or out at a time. The boatmen stationed at the hole will pull you through in case a big wave will wash you back in or worse slam you onto those sharp rocks.
Secret Beach was really a one of a kind experience.
Matinloc Shrine
The idea of an abandoned shrine in a tropical island is evocative of dark romance and forces beyond this world.
That was how the place affected me. I wouldn’t venture out there after dark. But then again, maybe I would. At daytime, the place is tranquil even with tourists around.
There’s a man-made stone stairs–more of a foothold really, beside the shrine to get to the top.
The view of the island from there is superb, don’t miss it. Just watch your step, if you don’t fancy being skewered alive by those giant craggy rocks below.
There is also an abandoned mansion beside the shrine that is half-way through.
It carries an air of neglect about it. The locals are sticking to their story of why the construction was abandoned. They insist it has something to do with environmental laws. Yet, wild rumors persist that the place is enchanted.
The Shrine certainly has a quite beauty to it like a preserved painting in a museum.
Thank you Matinloc island for the amazing views and thrilling spots. Now on to Helicopter island for some relax time.
We simply just took a rest here and talked about the exciting day we had.
Thank you El Nido for the sweet memories. You’ll always have a place in my heart.
