If you’re here to decide between El Nido Tour C or El Nido Tour A, I can’t entirely make the decision for you as we all have our own preferences.
But if I were to mix Tour A and C, my top 5 picks would be Big Lagoon (Tour A), Talisay Beach (Tour C), Secret Beach (Tour C), Secret Lagoon (Tour A), and Seven Commando (Tour A). Looking at these choices, it might seem like Tour A would be the winner. However, for some reason, I personally prefer Tour C over Tour A, even though they offer almost the same activities.
Perhaps one reason I like Tour C is that there were only 12 tourists at the boat at that time, so the atmosphere felt more relaxed. Our tour guide was also very funny, which added to the wonderful and unforgettable experience. This was also the day that I have found new friends!
I guess it’s the cliché saying of “it’s not about the destination but the journey,” after all.
I hope, though, that I can help you decide by reading and checking out the photos below.
Tour C Summary
The Tour C package is also a full-day island tour. We took beautiful portraits on Helicopter Island, went kayaking on Cadlao Lagoon, had lunch at Talisay Beach with a stunning view thanks to the nearby islands, snorkeled at Star Beach, and enjoyed the thrill of entering the Secret Beach.
Helicopter Island
Helicopter Island, also known as Dilumacad Island, is a captivating destination situated in the Bacuit Archipelago near El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. This island earned its nickname due to its unique shape resembling that of a helicopter when viewed from a distance.
Since this was our first destination for the El Nido Tour C island hopping package, we took the chance to capture the best pictures we could while our hair was still dry, ensuring our images looked flawless.
Cadlao Lagoon
Cadlao Lagoon is situated on Cadlao Island, the largest island in the El Nido area, known for its rugged limestone cliffs, lush greenery, and hidden lagoons. Accessible via boat or kayak, the lagoon offers visitors a serene environment to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Both Cadlao Lagoon of Tour C and Big Lagoon of Tour A are stunning natural attractions, both of which can be explored through kayaking. For me, Cadlao Lagoon is easier to explore than Big Lagoon, given that Big Lagoon is really large. Cadlao Lagoon has fewer people, so if you want to capture the best drone shots or a video without photobombers while kayaking, then this is better than Big Lagoon. If you missed your chance to get a good photo at Big Lagoon, you might have better luck at Cadlao Lagoon.
Oddly, Big Lagoon is quite fun, probably because all the tourists are flocking there. LOL. To sum it up, both lagoons are beautiful with their towering limestone cliffs, but I think Big Lagoon has different rock formations compared to Cadlao Lagoon, although you probably wouldn’t notice this much.
Also read: Honda Bay Tour, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Talisay Beach
Talisay Beach is a beautiful destination situated in the Bacuit Archipelago near El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. It offers a picturesque setting to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Palawan. I love how the other islands look so close from where we’re standing.
I feel like the sand here is very white, but the tour guide told me that Papaya Beach is even whiter. Talisay Beach has soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a stunning backdrop of limestone cliffs draped in lush vegetation. Unlike some of the more crowded beaches in the area, Talisay Beach maintains a tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those seeking peace and solitude.
This is where we had our lunch, which was already prepared by the tour guide.
Secret/Hidden Beach
Both Secret Beach of Tour C and Secret Lagoon of Tour A are captivating destinations in the El Nido area of Palawan, Philippines, but they offer different experiences and attractions.
Secret Beach is nestled within towering limestone cliffs, accessible only through a small opening in the rocks. We swam through the narrow entrance to reach the beach. If you look down below the entrance, the water is deep, but once you have entered the small opening, it slowly becomes shallow. Once inside, you’ll find a stunning stretch of white sand surrounded by towering cliffs, creating a secluded and intimate atmosphere.
While both Secret Lagoon and Secret Beach destinations offer a sense of adventure and seclusion, they provide different experiences. Secret Beach is more about relaxing on a secluded stretch of sand, while Secret Lagoon offers the chance to explore a hidden natural wonder surrounded by towering cliffs. Depending on your preferences, you may choose to visit one or both during your time in El Nido.
Star Beach
Star Beach is another beautiful destination in the El Nido area of Palawan, Philippines. It’s located on the western side of Tapiutan Island, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
We actually didn’t go near the shore but instead stayed around the middle of the sea to snorkel. I love how we were surrounded by rock formations on a Tuesday afternoon while we were on a boat.
Also read: Puerto Princesa City Tour
Other Activities
Apart from the tour packages, you can also enjoy El Nido by exploring Bayan. Bayan serves as a one-stop destination for all your needs – whether it’s shopping for clothes and souvenirs, dining at restaurants or bars, booking tours with agencies, getting your laundry done, and more. The nightlife here is lively, even on weekdays.
Another option is to catch breathtaking sunsets at nearby beaches, a regretful miss for me. With just three days in El Nido, the travel time to and from Puerto Princesa can consume almost half of your day. My advice: extend your stay!
Believe it or not, I made new friends during my time in El Nido. It was a truly enriching experience.
In case you’re wondering, there are more European and American tourists in El Nido than Asians. I had the opportunity to converse with a few of them.
Until next time, El Nido Tour B and Tour D next? Or perhaps Balabac next?
