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| Marina Beach |
Before combination of island hopping tours for joining group in El Nido are still allowed but recently local tourism banned it. But if you are in a private group, combination tours are still possible. Since we are group of 12 persons (10 adults and 2 children) we decided to avail Tour C and D for our first day in El Nido.
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| at Marina beach, waiting for our boatmen |
The jump-off for island hopping tour is at Marina Beach. Marina Beach is a public beach that has long stretch of white and powder like sands. If not for many boats docked on the shore, Marina Beach is perfect for swimming and to lay your mat for sun bathing. How I wish that there is another place where the boats can dock and ride passengers, instead on this beautiful beach.
Tour C: Hidden Beaches and Shrine (tour in order)
Helicopter Island.
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| Helicopter Island |
Our first stop is at Helicopter Island. This island is famously called helicopter island because its shape is like helicopter from a distance, its real name is Dilumacad. Snorkeling is best around Helicopter Island but we don't have snorkeling gears. We wanted to swim and play on the shore instead but the waves were strong during that time so we just took pictures and leave immediately.
Secret Beach at Matinloc Island.
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| at Secret Beach |
Matinloc Island is big enough to home several attractions. One of which is the secret beach, a white beach that is accessible only by diving/swimming through a narrow opening in a rock wall. There are many boats docked near the opening already, no space for our boat so we docked few meters away from the opening. Swimming going to opening was difficult because of rough sea and big waves but it didn't stop us to check what's behind the wall. It was worth it after all.
Star Beach at Matinloc Island.
When we reached Star Beach there are many boats docked on the shore already. All of the shaded areas are already occupied by other tourist. So we decided to eat our lunch on our boat instead. Star beach has also fine white sands and clear waters.
Matinloc Shrine at Matinloc Island.
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| Matinloc Shrine |
Matinloc Shrine is an abandoned shrine that was built in 1982 to honor Blessed Virgin Mary . There is a docking area and dilapidated rooms in the area. According to one of our boatmen, there's a rumor that it was built as 'front' while miners are looking for treasures. Once they got the treasures, the miners left the area.
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| View deck at Matinloc Island/Shrine |
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| panoramic view of docking area at Matinloc Shrine |
Tour D
Hidden Beach.
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| At Hidden Beach |
Tour C has a beach that is called Secret Beach and now Tour D has a beach called Hidden Beach. I wonder what's the difference between the two in terms of name. I'm sure the Secret Beach is not secret anymore but it's hidden also. Our boat was big and it cannot pass through the channel so we just walk towards the channel. This is where the kids enjoyed a lot playing in the shallow water.
Cadlao Lagoon.
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| Cadlao Lagoon |
After Hidden Beach we went to Cadlao Island. Cadlao lagoon is surrounded by towering limestone rocks. Since it's a lagoon the water is so calm and mostly are shallow. It's perfect for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Overnight camping is also allowed here, how I wish I included camping here in our itinerary. Leaving Cadlao Lagoon was so hard for me because I really love this place. We also spotted a man on a boat selling ice cream here so each one bought ice cream from him for 50 pesos each.
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| ice cream time |
Due to limited time we decided to sight seeing only for the other beach like
Pasandingan beach and
Paradise beach.
Natnat Beach.
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| Natnat Beach |
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| Natnat beach |
Our last stop for the day is at Natnat Beach. Natnat Beach has also long stretch of white powdery sand. We were the only group on the beach so we like it so much there.
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| Sunset while sailing back to El Nido Town |
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