El Nido Shenanigan Day 1

We woke up early and whoa! what a view, never expected that this would be the view fronting our resort. Clearly, a refreshing start for the day. We haven't arranged our tour yet and so we manage to select the one nearest our resort. For the entire El Nido island tour, we have chosen Servant Tours as our "official" tour guide. I personally recommend them since their snorkeling equipments were part of the package... and that means we don't have to shell out extra bucks..hihihi...
 

Before starting the tour, an ECO-Tourism Development Fee of Php 200.00 is required, which is good for 10 days. The coast guard is a little bit strict since they won't allow boats to leave unless tourists can secure the fee. We don't have complains in paying though since it is the government's responsibility to protect the area. And by the way, we just gave our 200 bucks to Servant Tours and they personally took the development fee for us. :)

We took Tour A as our first itinerary  for our 3 day tour. Tour A includes Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and Seven Commando Beach. Tour A costs Php 700 w/lunch.

First Stop: Small Lagoon

  
A must have before doing the tour, UNDERWATER CAMERA, unless of course you want to soak in your DSLR's. Small Lagoon doesn't look small at all... I wonder how big the Big Lagoon is. Water is brackish inside the lagoon, you can distinguish the water transition from salty to fresh water if the temperature's beginning to get cold. I was just mesmerized by the limestone formations, they're like everywhere. Truly 
B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L.

Second Stop: Big Lagoon

This is the entrance to the Big Lagoon. The waters, pristine! But actually, I was a little bit disappointed since our tour guide won't allow us to swim for a number of reasons. One, the current is strong and unsafe to swim. Two, there are a lot of sea urchins, and mind you, B-I-G sea urchins. Three, the platform where the boats used to dock was removed. And number four reason, which made me stay inside the boat , was the "shark" residing in the lagoon. Our tour guide informed us that there were 2 reef sharks inside the lagoon, but he said that we shouldn't worry as those creatures are harmless...Ahhhh, ok. As you go further in the lagoon, you will reach the deepest part which is at around 37 feet. The spot is a famous destination where some scenes from Bourne Legacy and Survivor series were taken.


Third Stop: Shimizu Island

This the spot for our lunch. Pure white sand, ideal for sun-worshipping. The island is a snorkeling site too. The island's name was coined after a Japanese who died in the island after a diving accident.










While waiting for our lunch to be served, we manage to encounter some marine life.Again, underwater camera is a must. Come fishy-fishy, come!








After a series of meet and greet with the marine life comes lunch. The lunch already comes with the package. If you have a preference, you can inform your tour guide prior to departing from El Nido Bay. Lunch includes salads, fish, seafoods, pork, and fruits. I was amazed since our tour made the garnishing themselves..whoa! Just the downside, bring with you your own bottled water or soda as drinks are not included in the package.



Fourth Stop: Secret Lagoon

Next stop after lunch was the Secret Lagoon. Its high tide when we got there and in order to get inside, you have to crawl into the tiny opening. It was a STRUGGLE! Timing is needed as we are also battling with the waves and the limestones that might hit our head. Our very accommodating tour guides helped us though, protecting our heads and at the same time pulling our limbs together along with the waves that would enter the tiny opening. 

The water inside the lagoon is brackish. And after swimming a few meters, I couldn't believe I managed to enter into that tiny opening.







  

Last Stop: Seven Commando Beach

This is the last stop for the day. This beach is a long stretch of white fine sand. The sand gives you that sinking feeling every time you step on to it. This is also a snorkeling site.


There's a single store in the beach where you can get your refreshments and chips. But be warned of the overpriced soda's and chips. But at that time, we didn't mind of course, as there are eye candies to fill our hungry eyes..whoa! And we'll sing, "where have you been all my la-a-ayf ".. LOL
















First day was over, but we had so much fun. Each spot that we visited truly is a gift from nature and need to be preserved. During our tour, we were the only Filipino's in the group, most of them were from Europe. I guess its high time that we should also be local tourist in our country.

 
As dusk is settling, I can help but smile where my feet has brought me away from the crowded city. The sunset is truly amazing. This is definitely  a big check-mark on my bucket list.




 



At night, we headed to Balay Tubay for a light "refreshment" before capping the night.




In keeping up with my spending pattern, let me see how much I spent for the day.

Day 2	Thursday
1343	Room( 4 days)
700	Tour A
200	Eco Tourism Fee
100	Breakfast
40	softdrinks 7 commando beach
108	dinner
60	T-ice
2551	Total

**Servant Tours - Email: servant_tours@yahoo.com || Contact #: 09154157245 / 09178088599