After enjoying a 3-day, 2-night Puerto Princesa Tour, my friend and I headed to El Nido. We left Puerto Princesa at around 6 PM and arrived at our accommodation in El Nido just past 11 PM. We stayed at Neela Tourist Lodge for 3 days and 3 nights, which was already included in our 4D3N package.
Everything was arranged by the agency I discovered at the SMX Travel Expo. I contacted them via Facebook, paid half of the deposit online, and settled the remaining balance during the tour itself. I’m not affiliated with the agency, but if you’re interested, you can check out Banayad Travel Services on Facebook.
El Nido had always been my dream destination, so I wanted to ensure the best possible experience!
Tour A Summary
- Secret Lagoon, a hidden gem surrounded by limestone cliffs
- Payong-Payong Beach, perfect for snorkeling with its vibrant corals and colorful marine life
- Shimizu Island, where we stopped for a delicious lunch prepared by the boat crew
- Seven Commando Beach, a laid-back spot ideal for relaxing and taking photos
Secret Lagoon
We kicked off our El Nido Tour A at the Secret Lagoon, a beautiful hidden spot surrounded by towering limestone formations.
Our boat was quite large, so to avoid damaging the corals near the shore, we had to swim or ride a kayak to get there.
As its name suggests, the Secret Lagoon is tucked away, accessible only through a narrow opening in the cliffs. Once inside, you’re greeted by clear turquoise waters and lush greenery — a stunning oasis worth the effort.
We took plenty of photos here, but we also had to wait a while since visitors can only enter once those inside have exited. The place reminded me of Coron’s Twin Lagoon — truly, the Philippines is breathtaking.
Payong-Payong Beach
Payong-Payong Beach offers a peaceful and unspoiled slice of paradise — ideal for those seeking serenity.
We spent our time snorkeling here, and the sight of vibrant corals and marine life was unforgettable. It’s a quiet, hidden gem perfect for underwater exploration.
Shimizu Island
Located in the Bacuit Archipelago, Shimizu Island is a must-see spot in El Nido.
Our boat crew prepared a delicious lunch during our Tour A island hopping, which we happily devoured after a morning full of activities.
The island is named after a Japanese diver who explored its underwater treasures. Its crystal-clear waters and colorful coral reefs make it a fantastic destination for snorkelers and divers alike.
I was too hungry to explore the beach, but it’s definitely a charming stop.
Big Lagoon
The Big Lagoon is a picture-perfect destination with crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by lush, towering limestone cliffs.
Exploring the lagoon by kayak was such a fun experience. Each kayak typically fits two people, and if you’re traveling with senior citizens, the tour guides are more than willing to assist with paddling.
We arrived around 2 PM and stayed for about an hour. Getting to the lagoon was smooth, but paddling back was challenging as the current worked against us.
Interestingly, there are mangroves at the end of the lagoon that many tourists overlook. Some friendly Polish tourists invited us to join them there for photos, which was a fun surprise. 😂
Seven Commando
Our final stop was Seven Commando Beach, named after seven Japanese commandos who reportedly stayed on the island after World War II.
The beach boasts incredibly white sand — though I was told Papaya Beach has even whiter sand! Sadly, Papaya Beach was on the opposite side of our route.
If you’re wondering whether you can take home some El Nido sand, the answer is no — so be sure to enjoy its pristine beauty while you’re there.
One thing to note is that the water at Seven Commando Beach can go from knee-deep to neck-deep in just a few steps, so stay cautious.
To top it all off, the beach offers cozy bars and restaurants where you can sip refreshing drinks and savor fresh seafood while soaking in the stunning views.
El Nido truly exceeded my expectations — it’s a destination that every beach lover should experience at least once. ✨
Also read: Honda Bay Tour, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
