El Nido Palawan is a place that is synonymous with paradise. I can never forget the day I went there with my mother. It was right after my graduation in college, her graduation gift for me. It was a long and tiring trip for us since we're from Baguio City. We got there at exactly midnight, so we're exhausted and dozed off after arriving at the inn. The next day, I was mesmerized as I now come to view the scenic mountains that El Nido has to offer. It made me excited to think that I'm still about to experience more of it. As we start our island hopping, I can't help but adore the pristine white beaches, enchanting lagoons, and towering limestone cliffs. Our first stop is the alluring Seven Commando Beach, from what I remember our tour guide told us that seven soldiers got stranded here during WWII and that is where they got the name of the beach.
The next stop is the Miniloc Island, where we can find the Big Lagoon. As we enter Big Lagoon, I felt like the limestone cliffs parted as we got nearer. It's like an entrance to a world that surely will take your breathe away. Whether you try to perceive what's underneath the gem blue liquid cover or admire the sun looking behind the head of the bluffs, everything will make you smile with adoration. We took a lot of pictures and wasn't able to notice that it was already time for lunch, so we went straight to Shimizu Island because it is where we are going to have our lunch. After arriving, they let us have some pictures first as they set up the food. After setting up, they called us now to pray and chow! Time to eat! I can't help but drool with the food that they served. I can see grilled fish, vegetables, sliced fruits, and a lot more. Eating while being in a picturesque view, what more can I ask?
The next stop is the Secret Lagoon. It is one of the secrets of El Nido. A paradise made of limestone. The journey going there is difficult since it was high tide at that moment, and we need to swim our way to the entrance. It wasn't easy for me because I can't swim, thank God for life vest! We had to hold on tight to the rope because the waves are so big, and they had to help me go through it. As we get near, we saw a little opening in one of the cliffs to our left. It was an enormous wall with a tiny hole, and that hole is the entrance to Secret Lagoon. As I enter the Secret Lagoon, it felt like a portal going through a different world. The temperature inside was a little bit colder, but I'm not complaining because I'm used to the cold. It was hard going there, but it is worth it. And for our last stop, it is now the Small Lagoon. It is obtainable through a hole between two giant limestones that appears to be going to kiss one another. My mom and I did kayaking even though we don't know-how. We also entered a small cave and had a picture inside. I also had some snorkeling moments guided by our tour guide. And just like that, our island hopping is already done. Time to go back ashore. I am thankful that I chose El Nido Palawan as my first local tour. Indeed it is meant to be experienced, and I will come back.