Island Hopping in El Nido, Palawan....Tour B

[smallbird]

The Municipality of El Nido is located in northern Palawan and can be reached by a short plane ride from Manila or Puerto Princesa or by 6 hour road trip from the capital. It is also serviced by seasonal ‘boats’ to/from Manila. It is bounded by the Municipality of Taytay on the south, Linapacan Strait on the east and South China Sea on the farther west and the shallower waters of Bacuit Bay where many islands and islets are scattered.

A local tour/travel agency has been offering day-tour Island hopping in Bacuit Bay. Since there are too many islands and islets to be explored, there are three (3) available day-tour trips to choose from; Tour A,B and C,
I took them all, starting with B then C and finally A.

Tour B

Since my 3 day tour ordeal (?hehe?) started with Tour B, I really enjoyed all the places we went to. Lunch of grilled fish, fresh green salad, rice and banana was served (little that I know, that was standard meal for every boat trip I took).

We snorkeled on a short stop on the way to Snake Island and we were welcomed by stings from the tiny jellyfish, prompting us all to go back the boat. After Snake Island and a beautiful view from the top of a small islet we docked and had a short walk on the beach towards Cudugnan Cave. While inside the cave,we took pictures and joked around for a while, I was with a group of jolly Britons and all-smile Japanese-Filipino couple. Then we went back to our boat to our next stop, another cave , Cathedral but unlike the St. Paul underground river , it is not navigable by big boats. We continued the trip and passed by Lagen Resort, I think I saw armed guards looking at us and every boat in sight and we finally stopped at Pinabuyutan Island for more snorkeling and relaxing. Tour B costs P800/pax.

BRING Camera, Towel, Swimsuit, Sunblock, : Mineral Water, soda and beer are available in the boat while mask & fins must be secure at the start of the trip, the shop rents out the gears.

[The Dane]

I really want to go to El Nido, I was in Palawan in January this year - but I was with my parents visiting from Denmark so I didnt want to put them through the rought trip up there.

All the pictures I have seen from there are just gorgeous and I am sure this is paradise on earth...

I think Boracay might have to move over if this place will ever get easy to go to...

[smallbird]

I didn't find it hard to go to El Nido when I went there in March 2008 (as a birthday gift for myself), I was able to even cut my cost, rather than book the flight straight from Manila I booked a plane from Manila to Puerto Princesa (Cebu Pacific) then flew to El Nido via Seair instead, it's a lot cheaper. I took the van to Puerto Princesa ( fare is P500 or P600) on my way back. I think there are only 2 schedules of van/day and i think Seair serves El Nido only during summer months.....

Compared to what my pals told me, when they went there earlier, the road condition has greatly improved, around 10% or less is unpaved or under repair but that was last year, I supposed it has improved even more nowadays.

I agree , Boracay will be a thing the past had El Nido and Caramoan (another beautiful place) had been more accessible....... Tawi tawi is very nice too but due to insurrection or lawlessness of some sector , I don't recommend anybody to go there , not in this lifetime.

[The Dane]

It's the van trip I am scared about...

That is like 8 hours right?

I am not sure I would survive that long in a van

[smallbird]

We took off at exactly 7am , stopped for almost an hour near the junction to San Vicente due to a flat tire and arrived at the Puerto Princesa City Terminal at around 2pm.

7 hours travel time including the flat tire incident.