Island Hopping in El Nido

After a day of touring the islands in El Nido, it became obvious to us why this is one of the most popular destinations in Palawan. For starters, it has an endless array of cascading limestone cliffs, a truly impressive site. The captivating view from the main beachfront is just a glimpse to what lies beyond. From secret lagoons to white sand beaches and majestic caves (see our previous post) El Nido is a place full of mystery and enchantment.

Island Hopping Tours are an all-day excursion (9am-4pm) and advertise for about 500-700 pesos (approx $11-$15 USD) per person, depending on the destinations in the package. By arrranging a tour through a local banca-boat driver (next to Rico's Cottages where we stayed,) we got a deal for about 400 pesos per person for Tour A & 500 pesos for Tour B (in a group of four.) Fresh grilled fish, salad, and fruit are all included. Just bring your own water and beverages of choice. If you're yearning for a little more adventure and a day tour is just not enough for you, overnight packages are also available.

We suggest a hearty breakfast on the beach to start. Several restaurants offer breakfast with eggs, toast, and fresh-brewed coffee. You'll need the energy for a day of island hopping. Now away we go!

A view from within Small Lagoon and some other impressive limestone formations along the way.

Snake Island, appropriately named for it's winding "S" shaped sandbar.

Pinagbuyutan Island

Enthusiastic snorkelers swimming towards the lagoons.

Our multi-talented banca driver Dan Dan, cleverly constructing a hat from palm leaves.

Lunch on the tours consisted of fresh grilled fish and salad, ripe mango and bananas.

7 Commando Beach is usually the last stop on tour A.  The only island with a relaxing small refreshment stand, it's the perfect place to enjoy a Buko (Coconut) juice after a day of island hopping. Included in the 50 pesos ($1.25 USD) the woman at the stand can also open up the Buko after your last sip and make a spoon for you to scoop the remains of the creamy flesh. Now that's a taste of paradise!

Snorkeling in El Nido, Palawan

Being two dive enthusiasts, we usually choose diving over snorkeling anyday, however we took the word from locals that snorkeling is comparable to diving in El Nido. We were pleasantly surprised by the corals thriving within 5-10 feet underwater and the creatures that inhabited the reef. Here's some snapshots from our snorkeling session by Panglasian Island.

Authentic Filipino Flippers! Courtesy of our banca boat driver Dan-Dan, we were able to try on a pair of these cleverly constructed flippers. Resembling wooden ping-pong paddles with foot straps, we were amazed by the efficiency of the flippers depsite their simple construction.

Island Hopping in Port Barton

Ever find yourself daydreaming you're in a Corona commercial relaxing on the perfect beach, rather than sifting through paperwork and emails in the office?  We've all imagined that perfect paradise island destination at one time or another.

We may have found just that beach you've been daydreaming about. Actually, Port Barton doesn't just have one, but several island beaches with charming characteristics and breathtaking views. It's no wonder why Island hopping is the most popular past-time in Palawan.  With a quick stroll on the beach, you'll run into several banca boat drivers willing to take you on a tour for about 1200 pesos (roughly $25).  Not a bad deal to spend the day in paradise, if you ask us. 

 

We packed a lunch, plenty of water, sunblock, snorkel gear, our cameras and headed off to explore. 

EXOTIC ISLAND

Other than its cool name, Exotic Island has a sandbar that allows you to walk way out into the water. Fifty feet offshore there is a beautiful reef with corals and fish galore, providing plenty of snorkeling entertainment. Here you'll also find Ronald, the local caretaker and his pack of friendly island dogs. 


WHITE BEACH

With white sand and perfectly placed palm trees, White Beach is the perfect postcard beach. It's impossible to take a bad picture here. The water is cool and refreshing, a great place to take a dip after lunch.


GERMAN ISLAND

Another good snorkeling spot....and nice panoramic view. 

CAPSILAY

Capsilay isn't a popular stop off for boat tours and honestly it's hard to convince the driver to take you there because it's a popular fishing area. But, if you are so lucky, you'll get to see this mangrove tree.