If our first day in Palawan was spent mostly being en route to El Nido from Puerto Princesa, that left us with barely enough energy to meet new people that night at "Sea Slugs" — a bar where a cover band played live Pink Floyd and Sublime songs. On the second day, I woke up energized by a six-hour sleep. We started the day sharing a boat with the same people we met the previous night. This time, a couple of French and German students from Hong Kong and a Chinese couple joined our group, making us a party of ten. We were about to experience the "Tour A" island hopping package which cost us 700 pesos each.
El Nido: 25th - 48th Hour
Before we boarded our boat, Liyi and Yoyo—the two Chinese girls we met the previous night—ran toward a nearby restaurant to greet a trio of ladies having breakfast. It turned out they were part of another island hopping group the day before and were delighted to run into each other again. It was a cheerful scene, as Liyi and Yoyo were from mainland China while the three women were from Taiwan. Setting politics aside, both sides showed how easily people connect when traveling. The Taiwanese girls were leaving El Nido that morning, so they exchanged contacts and promised to keep in touch. Through travel, bridging borders feels effortless.
As we took our seats on the boat and the engine roared to life, excitement shot through my body. I've been island hopping across the Philippines many times, but there is something uniquely captivating about El Nido that doubles the thrill. Overcome with delight, I grinned at my decision to spend Holy Week in this corner of Palawan.
The Big Lagoon & Zen Moments
Soon, we were off to our first stop: the Big Lagoon, where scenes from the movie The Bourne Legacy were filmed. A floating bamboo platform rested in the middle, serving as a dock for boats on either side. We stepped onto it, and our group took turns jumping into the emerald waters. Not yet confident swimming in open water, I wore a life vest, sticking out as the only one in our group wearing one. Floating peacefully on my back, I stared at the blue sky shifting behind passing white clouds. Looking side to side, lush greenery hung like bait from the sheer faces of giant limestone cliffs while the cool water provided a therapeutic, refreshing chill.
We stayed for about an hour, though time seemed to slow down. Simply floating there brought a quiet Zen moment amid such magnificent surroundings. Whatever minor worries had occupied my mind beforehand dissolved completely, replaced by fresh energy.
Secret Cove & Simizu Island Lunch
Listening to Ana share stories about life in Portugal and Wergel talk about Germany, I wished I were a bit more talkative to contribute more to their conversations. But simply listening gave me a wonderful glimpse into their lives and cultures. Despite geographical distances, the shared traits among travelers from different nations are remarkably long.
Other stops along Tour A included the Secret Cove—where you swim through a narrow opening in a limestone wall to enter a hidden lagoon tucked inside. We stopped for lunch at Simizu Island, where our boatmen prepared a delicious spread of fried fish, grilled squid, watermelon, pineapple, and bananas. The beach was filled with international tourists from other boats. Pam and I were among the few Filipinos on the island besides the boat crews. Joana, a French student from Réunion Island (a French territory east of Madagascar), admitted how sad she felt about leaving the Philippines to return to her studies in Hong Kong. "I would love to stay here," she said with a bittersweet smile.
Hearing those words from a seasoned traveler who has explored much of Europe makes you appreciate home even more. It filled me with pride that someone from across the world fell so deeply in love with our islands. Beyond setting simple routines aside, there is so much to experience across the country, and I feel like I'm just getting started.
Small Lagoon & 7 Commando Beach
Afterward, we headed to Small Lagoon followed by 7 Commando Beach—named according to local legend after a group of commandos who mysteriously vanished after landing on the island. Here, some of our group joined a friendly game of beach volleyball. We sipped fresh coconut water straight from giant coconuts sold for just 50 pesos—so large you'd struggle to finish every last drop.
It was an unforgettable introduction to the Bacuit Archipelago, and not even the startling event that occurred later that evening near our inn could spoil it. It was only our second day, with Tour B and Tour C still waiting on the horizon—along with meeting a wonderful German backpacker, three lively Dutch travelers, and a colorful cast of characters who would make this trip to El Nido truly special.
For boat rentals and Tour A bookings in El Nido, you can get in touch with Servant Tours via their contact numbers: 0939-917-9443, 0917-808-8599, or 0915-415-7245.
More El Nido Travel Chronicles:
- El Nido: Paradise Momentarily Disturbed
- El Nido: 0–24 Hours
- El Nido: Tour B–Hop a Dope
- A Piece of C in El Nido, Palawan
Planning a bigger trip across the island? Check out our complete Palawan Travel Guide for itineraries, transport tips, and island-hopping insights.
