This will be the second series of our El Nido Island Tour. If you enjoyed the view of Tour A, this Tour C was equally fun and stunning.
Though we were already on our 3rd day, seeing the beach again and being physically there still seems a dream. And though the docking area was in it's spoiled condition, the surrounding hills and mountains still made the view magical.
1st Stop | H e l i c o p t e r I s l a n d
With the official name as Dilumacad Island, this Island is much known of everyone as helicopter. The Island has a long beach shore where you can laze and sun bath with its fine cream sand. It is also good spot for snorkeling.
Looking at this photo, I guess it's quite obvious why this Island is called as Helicopter Island, don't you think?!. :)
We picked to rest at the far end of the shore where beach was almost empty since everyone was on the coastline.
What honeymooners looked like on their first week. :D
2nd Stop | M a t i n l o c I s l a n d
Matinloc is an abandoned heart-shaped (in an aerial view) island. Almost 80% of the entrance was concreted and a building that looks like a hotel was already built which we didn't dare to explore.
You can find the Matinloc Shrine constructed in the middle of the island which serves as an altar where most of the tourists gather to pray and pay their respects. There were no definite reasons that our guide has given us on why the island was abandoned considering all those development and most importantly, the heartbreaks of leaving a paradise like that.
Docking area of Matinloc Island
Unfinished hotel-like structure in the middle of the Island.
On the side was a small beach where you can swim and snorkel. Some of the boats also docked here instead on the concreted platform on the other side. The sand was powdery white with cliffs surrounded it. I actually loved this spot if not with the boats presence in the area.
There was a cliff where our guide encouraged us to climb. The path going up was narrow and uneven. And the stones on the peak were sharp. There was no flat viewing deck and the space was not enough for a people more than four so it took turns to be able to have a photos at this location. So careful guys, better not to come alone.
These was what welcomed us on the top. One of El Nido's most photographed spots. Definitely a risk worthy view. My photos didn't give justice to what the place really looked like in person. (I'm only using mobile phone camera. )
Don't tease me, it was our guide! He was the one directing us where to stand and what to do. :D
It was so hard not to take a lot of photos with this backdrop view.
We would really love to stand on the platform where our guide was standing but only a brave soul can do it.
With our photo bombers. Isn't it obvious how much we enjoyed this trip?! :D
3rd Stop | T a l i s a y B e a c h
We stopped at Talisay Beach to rest and to take our lunch. The beach has a fine cream sand. And the food was scrumptious as usual added the fact that the ambiance was perfect.
The watermelon was my favorite So sweet!
4th Stop | H i d d e n B e a c h
It was called Hidden beach maybe because from the outside, where waves where a little strong and deep, you may never think that there was a beach hiding inside. Our boat docked at the entrance because it cannot go farther as the water were getting shallow and water bed was full of sharp stones that may damaged it. From there, we walked for about 30 meters to see the beach. And surprise surprise! It was really there. Surrounded by cliffs with turquoise water and a white fine sand. So magical! It was like you have your own secluded paradise. Unfortunately, I didn't have any photos because I left my camera in the boat, afraid it might fall but nevertheless it will be forever painted in my mind.
I s l a n d E s s e n t i a l s
Sunscreen
Drinking water
Underwater Camera
Goggles
Waterproof Bag
So that concludes my El Nido Tour. Compared to Tour A, Tour C was more relaxed and took only 4 different Islands versus the 6-7 spots of Tour A. It was because Tour C catered farther location of beaches and islands of El Nido. I can't pick which I prefer best as both tours have their best spots in El Nido.
It was heartbreaking to leave after our 4-days vacation. El Nido is truly a gem of Palawan that I consider also as one of the country's best. A place which felt like out of this world. It was magical, serene and surreal! The modernization was beautifully controlled. And though it felt like you were somewhere far from the real world, it was amazing how you can be in touch with the reality even you were in the middle of nowhere. The phone signal was strong, I was shook! I easily updated my IG photos while we were on the different islands. The signal was consistently strong ( I was using a Globe line ). But friendly reminder, I hope the 3G will not hinder you to enjoy the view. El Nido deserves your full attention. There are a lot to see and a lot to love. Enjoy that moment!
To check where we stay in the Island, check my Bill Tourist Inn review.
For other scenery and activities at El Nido, check my other blogs: