Philippines: El Nido Arrival + Tour A

There's something about the anticipation of exploring new places that sets my heart racing. And amongst all the exciting experiences lined up for my trip to the Philippines, the island hopping tours in El Nido were what I looked forward to the most. I had spent hours watching YouTube videos, imagining myself amidst the stunning landscapes unique to this part of the world. But when the moment finally arrived, I made a conscious decision: to immerse myself fully in the experience, to live each moment rather than view it through a lens or screen. This decision meant that while I had initially planned to share my journey in real-time, laden with photos and videos, I chose to be present, to truly live the adventure.

Arriving in El Nido

After the excitement of Puerto Princesa, and long winding ride north, I arrived in El Nido late in the afternoon, ready for the next chapter of our adventure. The Airbnb greeted me with a stunning beach view and a pool that seemed to invite relaxation. But first things first—food! I decided to check out McDo — the Filipino take on McDonald’s that I kept hearing about.

The trike ride to McDonald's was an adventure in itself. El Nido's streets buzzed with these unique vehicles, a motorcycle with a creatively modified sidecar. Each one bore the emblems of different car brands, from Mazda to Mercedes, giving them a quirky touch that was distinctly El Nido.

Sitting on McDonald's second floor, I observed the hustle of trikes below while navigating a menu that blended the familiar with the local. Spaghetti with hot dog, fried chicken with gravy, and the intriguingly named BFF fries size—it was McDonald's like I'd never seen before. And then there was the soda adjustment—no Diet Coke, just Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, and the occasional Coke Light that seemed to be branded like Diet Coke but taste like Coke Zero.

The evening continued with a stroll through the beachside shops, making making my way to Maremegmeg Beach. Known also as Vanilla Beach or Las Cabañas Beach, it offered a perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. The beach's soft sands and the soothing sounds of the waves were the ideal prelude to the upcoming island adventure.

As the day wound down, I hopped back on a trike to the Airbnb, full of anticipation for the early morning island hopping tour that awaited. Little did I know, the islands of El Nido were about to unveil their natural wonders, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

A Serene Start to a Day of Exploration

The day began with an early start, a necessity to make the most of what lay ahead. After getting ready, I took a stroll along the beach, reveling in the morning quiet. The tide was out, leaving boats marooned on the sand, against a backdrop of limestone cliffs veiled in a morning haze. It was a scene of peaceful anticipation, a perfect start to the adventure.

Breakfast was a nice treat at a hotel restaurant I stumbled upon during the walk. There’s something about discovering a new spot for breakfast on foot that makes even the simplest dishes memorable. Soon after, an ApeTours trike whisked me away to where the tour would commence.

Embarking on Tour A

Getting to our boat was an adventure in itself - a kayak ride across waters dotted with numerous vessels. Once aboard, we were all briefed on our itinerary: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach. And then, there was the amusing episode with the life jackets - 'Filipino-sized,' as we joked, highlighting the warm, light-hearted moments that would define the day and a term that would come back often through the course of my entire stay in the Philippines.

Big Lagoon's Majestic Beauty

The Big Lagoon was nothing short of spectacular, starting with the unique approach to it. Kayaking in added an adventurous twist, allowing me to glide through the water at my own pace and really take in the surroundings. The entrance to the lagoon is like nature's grand gateway, with towering limestone cliffs on either side, making you feel like you're entering another world.

Once inside, the lagoon opens up, and you're greeted by tranquil waters that are a stunning shade of turquoise, so clear that you can see down to the underwater rock formations. The sheer size of the cliffs surrounding the lagoon is awe-inspiring, making you feel small in the best possible way. It's a place that makes you appreciate the power and beauty of nature.

The calm waters of the lagoon are perfect for kayaking, letting you explore every corner at your leisure. You can paddle close to the cliffs and see the intricate details of the rock formations or just float and take in the serene atmosphere. The sense of peace in the lagoon is palpable, with the only sounds being the gentle lap of the water against the kayak and the occasional call of wildlife.

It's a spot that invites you to slow down and savor the moment, whether you're an avid kayaker or just there to enjoy the scenery. The time in the lagoon — the calm, the light, the stillness — was unforgettable. The Big Lagoon is a natural masterpiece that showcases the stunning beauty of El Nido, making it a highlight of any island-hopping tour.

The Enigmatic Secret Lagoon

The next destination, the Secret Lagoon, was a marvel hidden behind a crevice in the limestone cliffs. It felt like stepping into a secret world, an enclave of natural beauty untouched by time. The towering rocks around, the serene water below - it was a moment of awe, a reminder of nature's grandeur.

Lunch and Discovery at Shimizu Island

Shimizu Island offered not just a feast for the senses but a literal feast, courtesy of our ApeTours crew. The spread was a testament to Filipino hospitality and culinary richness. Post-lunch, I ventured into the waters for some snorkeling. Snorkeling was a peaceful and introspective experience for me — floating in a new world, face-to-face with vibrant marine life.

Enjoying Seven Commando Beach

Seven Commandos Beach was all about chilling out and soaking up the sun. It's the kind of beach you see in postcards – white sand, clear water, and palm trees. I didn't layout on the beach, but did splash around in the water a lot. I also took some time to unwind, splash around, and just take in the scenery. It was a great spot to relax and conclude a day of hopping around islands, just cooling off in the water and watching the world go by.

Reflections on a Day Well-Spent

As we returned to El Nido, tired yet exhilarated, I couldn't help but reflect on the day. It was more than just an adventure; it was a journey full of moments I won’t forget. That evening, over a hearty meal at a local Filipino restaurant, I found myself smiling — reflecting on a day full of sun, salt, and surreal beauty.

The next day promised a well-deserved rest and an opportunity to explore El Nido further. But for now, the memories of Tour A, of a day spent amidst nature's wonders in a place that felt nothing short of magical, filled me with gratitude. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most profound connections are forged not through words, but through experiences in beautiful places.