Like an experience equaling a porn star reporting for duty at the tail-end of a three-day shoot, we took another boat ride early morning on our fourth day in El Nido, still dazed and hungover from the drinking game with Inah and the three crazy Dutch guys the previous night.
El Nido: A Piece of Tour C in Palawan
I assumed there was nothing else to experience or see that we hadn't already done over the previous two days. We had completed Tour A and Tour B, as well as lived through a terrifying episode where a bomb exploded near our inn. We could have packed our belongings and returned to Puerto Princesa, or simply sat on the beach with a cold beer in hand. Regardless, we signed up for Tour C—which turned out to be something we would never regret.
Helicopter Island & The Search for Hidden Beach
First, we headed to "Helicopter Island," which looks like an early Sikorsky chopper model when viewed from a distance. We went snorkeling with fins here. My friend Josiah reported seeing a huddled group of squids. I tried to follow him, but after getting hammered by the strong currents, I retreated to the beach to rest and ponder life. A few moments later, another boat approached. Three attractive female Caucasians and one lucky guy disembarked, heading straight for a stroll toward the farthest end of the island.
After nearly an hour, Kuya Rogie of Servant Tours rang the imaginary bell and enthusiastically announced our next destination: "Hidden Beach." He told us, "You must swim beneath this massive hole to reach this secret beach." My excitement spiked—despite not being a skilled swimmer, I was unfazed knowing I had a life vest handy.
Portal to Another World: Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach was everything people had promised. Tucked completely out of sight behind towering limestone cliffs, entering required swimming underneath a narrow rock opening. I swam without wearing my life vest, holding its straps firmly just in case I cramped up or encountered an unwelcome sea creature. Gliding below the opening, I watched scores of fish swimming in synchronicity. It felt surreal—from a few meters down, light streamed in from the opposite side, and as I surfaced, I found myself inside Hidden Beach itself. It was like stepping through a portal into another planet.
I wish I had photos, but my borrowed underwater camera gave up on us during our second day in El Nido, so you'll have to rely on my story. The water inside shallowly shelves up to a secluded sandy shore, ringed entirely by a circular wall of jagged limestone. It's easy to get lost in your thoughts here; mine lingered as I tried to permanently etch the landscape into my memory. Kuya Rogie shared how much he cherishes his simple life in El Nido. Even as a seasoned guide who has visited countless times, every trip to Hidden Beach still serves him a fresh visual feast. I couldn't agree more.
I noticed a Portuguese couple from our boat lounging quietly on the sand. I was completely content just taking in the view, but being in El Nido with a significant other seems unbeatable. My friend Arriadne mentioned she is holding off on visiting El Nido until her honeymoon—and now I understand why.
Star Beach, Matinloc & Sunset Reflections
Following that romantic reverie, we stopped at "Star Beach" for lunch before proceeding to Matinloc Island. When viewed from above, the island resembles the shape of a heart. Back in the 1980s, a group of missionaries established a site here; fishermen would drop by for blessings and often return with bountiful catches. The community eventually moved on, leaving the shrine behind.
We rounded out Tour C at "Secret Beach"—another secluded cove hidden behind limestone walls. We didn't enjoy it quite as much as Hidden Beach because low tide late in the afternoon made navigating over the shallow corals tricky. Our final stop was Cadlao Island, where vibrant coral reefs offered a perfect spot to conclude the day with a leisurely snorkel.
On our boat ride back to town, I received a text from my mother informing me of the sudden passing of my cousin. The news immediately cut through my travel high, bringing a sobering reminder that life is fragile and we ought to make it as meaningful as we can while we can. Traveling has gifted me some of my fondest memories, and with mortality always present, I intend to keep exploring for as long as possible. As the sun dipped below the horizon that evening, I thought of my late cousin one last time, fully aware that nothing in this life is guaranteed.
For boat rentals and Tour C 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
- El Nido: 25th–48th Hour
Planning a bigger trip across the island? Check out our complete Palawan Travel Guide for itineraries, transport tips, and island-hopping insights.
