Friday, December 25, 2015

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:

  • 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  
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Nido,_Palawan 

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.

my baby is becoming a lady already =)

the island is great for sun bathing too...

Second Destination : Hidden Beach

The boat cannot anchor near the hidden beach so we have to jump to the water to get to the Hidden Beach...

After a little swim and a little walk, the hidden beach was now found =)




unlimited jump shot!

going back to the boat

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 =)

 

proof of clearness of water

my princess =)

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...


the super clear water
ate Janelle and James enjoying each other's company and the clear water
I love the beach mommy...
my beautiful family =)

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.
  
 

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...

 

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 =)

Monday, December 7, 2015

Mount Taraw Cliff, El Nido, Palawan

It was our fourth day in paradise and on this day, we will be climbing the highest point in El Nido.


If you're serious to climb Mount Taraw Cliff, start climbing by 5am.  We were fetched by kuya Jeorge, our guide, from our guesthouse early morning.  All we have is 1 liter of water each person.  We prepared ourselves for a difficult climb.

You need to pass through houses before the jump off point. The start of the climb is already challenging.  Wear trekking shoes because the rocks you will be stepping on are really sharp and most of it pointed.  By the way, these are limestone karst and not rocks.

started when it is still dark

My two kids were used to trek minor and some major climb mountains but I told them to be prepared because this is not an ordinary climb.

those sharp edges


After almost an hour, we were at the peak.  Wearing proper gears will shorten your climb.  The elevation of the Cliff is around 230 meters above sea level. And from here the view is magnificent.


sharp rocks

at the top!
Even if you're not a regular mountain climber, you can still do it.  Just wear proper shoes and gloves for your safety.  Just one wrong step and your face will be ruined seriously...
daddy

Raymart
Kuya JP

and our youngest mountaineer, Joshua

with our guides
the family who loves being on top


just breathtaking ...
If you will start late in trekking, the top usually gets so crowded so you will get longer time staying on top to take photos because the queue will really take time.  Start by 5:30 to 6am okies?
mom and son

Bantog Backpackers and the spectacular view
Contact Jeorge Mendoza at 0908-4574108.  Official guide rate is Php300/person.

Climb down safely.  Don't rush to go back.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Nacpan and Calitang Twin Beaches, El Nido

If you want some peace and quiet, Nacpan Beach is the best getaway in El Nido.  It is located 17 kilometers north of El Nido.  From the lively town of El Nido town, you need to get through the rough and bumpy 45 minutes trike ride.  Trike rate is Php1500 for two-way ride.

the picturesque view of the twin Nacpan and Calitang Beaches



I stayed at this spot for longer time because of that much needed photo for my blog. I felt the sudden itch all over my legs, huhuhu =( .  It is only now I realized that these were the sandflies (niknik) that attacked me.  I had 30 and more swollen and red bites that itched for weeks.  I am just so thankful that it wasn't my kids who were biten.  They won't help it. It was my first time to be attacked by these insects.  If you will be climbing at this spot, provide insect repellent to all your exposed skin.  It will really help...  See some sandflies attacks here.



with the Nacpan locals


The beach was so amazing so don't be discouraged by the probable insect attacks.  Apply the insect repellent lotion if you will climb that high spot.  

with my hubby


the quiet and calm environment


 

one of the two restaurants serving fruit shakes, beer and lunch at Nacpan

the foreigners who fell in love with the serenity of Nacpan


a haven to foreign tourists





ang hihilig sa magaganda at sexy =)









Though biten and actually eaten by sandflies, I really enjoyed the quietness and serenity of the place.  The beach was so wide with 4 kilometers long stretch of sand. Maybe this is how Boracay looked 20 years ago. I hope this place will stay like this forever.

Contact Servant Tours about the Twin Beaches tour at 0915-4157245 or 0908-134627.
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