Tour C: Helicopter, Hidden, Talisay and Secret Beach and Miniloc Shrine
El Nido, being one of the most diverse ecosystem in the country, is
protected for its unique flora and fauna, and pristine geologic
formations. These include:
The best place to do the island hopping in the Philippines is in El Nido. According to our very smart tour guide, kuya Jeorge, there are 45 islands in El Nido during low tide and 44 during low tide. There are a lot of places to explore so spending longer time in El Nido is a must.
- limestone cliffs, the home of the swiftlets
- 50 white sand beaches
- 5 types of forest (the lowland evergreen rainforests found in the mainland and islands such as Miniloc, Lagen and Pangulasian; semi-deciduous forests; forests over limestone; beach forests; and, the mangrove forests found mostly around major rivers and creeks in the mainland)
- 3 major marine habitats
- 16 endemic and 10 threatened species of birds
- 6 species of marine mammals endemic to Palawan (including dolphins and its native dugong)
- 4 species of endangered marine turtles
- 100 species of corals, 45 of which belongs to the genera of hard corals
- 813 species of fish
The best place to do the island hopping in the Philippines is in El Nido. According to our very smart tour guide, kuya Jeorge, there are 45 islands in El Nido during low tide and 44 during low tide. There are a lot of places to explore so spending longer time in El Nido is a must.
Among the Island Tours El Nido is offering, Tours A & C are the best. We scheduled our Tour C on our 3rd day stay. Tour C includes Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Star (Talisay) Beach, Secret Beach and Matinloc Shrine. The standard rate for this tour is Php1,400 but you can only get discounts with Servant Tours.
We were fetched by the tour guides of Servant Tours by 9am.
After leaving the shores, kuya Jeorge oriented us on the do's and don't s at the island especially the number one rule to "Take nothing but pictures".
First Destination : Helicopter Island
Helicopter Island was formerly known as Dilumacad Island. Activities that can be done at the island is swimming and snorkeling even at shallow waters.
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| my baby is becoming a lady already =) |
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| the island is great for sun bathing too... |
Second Destination : Hidden Beach
After a little swim and a little walk, the hidden beach was now found =)
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| unlimited jump shot! |
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| going back to the boat |
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| kunwari nagse selfie =) |
Third Destination : Talisay Beach
This is where we spent our lunch...
While waiting for our food, we enjoyed snorkeling and see the little fishes swimming with us =)
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| proof of clearness of water |
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| my princess =) |
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| lunch by the beach |
The tour rates and the kind of food that tour operators must prepare is standard all over the island; grilled fish, grilled chicken or pork, fruits, veggies and rice. With Servant Tours, there's a free 5 gallon of drinking water. I've also requested for a squid, and it's there, thank you! We finished everything, we don't want to waste any food.
Fourth Destination : Secret Beach
James was so fond with the El Nido waters, he would love to jump but we have to put him in his favorite floater.
During lowtide, you can easily get to the hole going to the beach but when it's high tide you have to swim down under to get to the Secret Beach...
The limestone karst formations enclosing a beach is inside that hole...
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| the super clear water |
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| ate Janelle and James enjoying each other's company and the clear water |
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| I love the beach mommy... |
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| my beautiful family =) |
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| with our Indonesian friend, Andy =) |
Fifth Destination : Miniloc Shrine
Miniloc Shrine was built as a shrine to Our Lady of Matinloc in the 1980's. It is an abandoned pilgrimage site. This used to be a ladies' dormitory and a church. Due to budget constraints, the project was stopped. The buildings were destroyed and needs fixing. Hope a little budget coming from the Environmental Pass of Php100/person and Environmental fee of Php200 can repair the site.
Miniloc Shrine was built as a shrine to Our Lady of Matinloc in the 1980's. It is an abandoned pilgrimage site. This used to be a ladies' dormitory and a church. Due to budget constraints, the project was stopped. The buildings were destroyed and needs fixing. Hope a little budget coming from the Environmental Pass of Php100/person and Environmental fee of Php200 can repair the site.
Upon reaching the steep stairs, the top has a surprising view... The encompassing view of the Matinloc Channel awaits you here. The turquoise water and amazing cliffs is such an amazing view to remember forever...
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| from the viewdeck |
We are so lucky to have all these beautiful islands. We have a beautiful country my fellow countrymen... Explore the Philippines...
It's time to go back... Tour C is my second best =)
