This publish was written by Ashley Yap, BMTM’s Director of Brand Relations.
Planning an island hopping tour on El Nido may be pretty easy – you simply want to choose one of many 4 that’s supplied all around the island. Each itinerary affords one thing somewhat completely different – tour A takes you to the well-known Big Lagoon, tour B to the Snake Island, tour C to the Helicopter Island and tour D, to the Cadlao Lagoon. I visited El Nido in November 2022, and joined tour A, B and C throughout my 5-day keep on the island. Here’s my trustworthy evaluate on the tour A that can assist you resolve if it’s for you:
How to Book El Nido Tour A:
I booked all of my El Nido excursions by way of Klook, which I extremely suggest, as I didn’t need to spend any extra time on the lookout for a gaggle tour while on the island. Because of that, I used to be in a position to plan my days on the island forward of time, and if you’re a Type A like me, you’d recognize that, too.
I used to be stunned to see that the tour is marketed at the next value on the island, which, whereas I’m certain it’s negotiable, I very a lot desire to have had it booked on-line. El Nido can also be a really cash-based island, so when you e-book the tour in particular person, you’ll probably need to pay in money. Speaking of which, come to the island with adequate money! Even although there appear to be loads of ATMs on the island, they don’t at all times work. Currency alternate charges are very poor… I realized that the laborious approach.
How Much is El Nido Tour A?
El Nido Tour A prices $18.55 on Klook, which is inexpensive contemplating the lagoons and seashores you go to, in addition to a buffet lunch with extra dishes than you’ll be able to think about. However, do be aware that you’ll want to pay an entrance payment to the Big Lagoon (200 PHP or about $4), and a rental payment for a 2-person kayak (300 PHP or about $5). If you wish to lease a masks and snorkel set, it’s one other 150 PHP (or about $3). There’s additionally a obligatory environmental payment to pay at 200 PHP, which is legitimate for 10 days and can be utilized for different excursions. These charges are collected in money solely. Definitely take these charges into consideration when planning your journey.
El Nido Tour A Itinerary:
Hotel switch shouldn’t be included on this tour. You can organize for a tricycle experience for about 300 PHP to the meetup level, which is Klook’s counter at Jhanna’s Inn, earlier than 8:30am. Then, relying in your luck, your group could depart anytime between immediately to an hour later, relying on the coastal guard clearance. This is the fact of group excursions, so don’t let it spoil your day! Once you board the boat, you will need to placed on a life jacket for the boat to go away. The tour information launched himself and the remainder of the boat crew, which encompass a prepare dinner, a captain, and two boatmen.
First Stop: Seven Commando Beach (1 hour)
I LOVED this seaside! Even although it was a crowded morning, the seaside was large enough to accommodate everybody. This lengthy white sand seaside contains a small bar that provides refreshing drinks and cocktails. I loved swimming within the glistening water and people-watching on the seaside. This space is thought for sea turtles, although I didn’t see any.
Second Stop: Shimizu Island (45 minutes)
Shimizu Island affords untouched pure magnificence nestled within the waters. Here is one other nice alternative for snorkeling, seeing beautiful corals and marine life, or simply kicking again and stress-free on the white sand seaside. This island is a pure illustration of El Nido’s geological magnificence, boasting limestone cliffs lined with vegetation.
We had our buffet lunch served on this island. It consisted of two huge fish, prawns, scallops, pork, greens, and rice. There’s somewhat stall promoting contemporary coconuts and snacks when you want any extras.
Third Stop: The Big Lagoon (1 hour)
The tour’s spotlight is the notorious Big Lagoon, which is characterised by stunningly deep blue water and big limestone cliff partitions. I rented a kayak and acquired an honest exercise from paddling. The “entrance” waterway was jam-packed with individuals, however when you crossed over, superb cliffs encircling turquoise blue water await. You can get off the kayak and swim in it, too. Just be careful for sea urchins, that are normally tucked in rocks. Definitely pile on sunscreen earlier than kayaking as a result of there isn’t a lot shade.
Final Stop: Secret Lagoon (half-hour)
The Secret Lagoon is not any secret in any respect, however it nonetheless made an fascinating cease. You should duck and climb by way of a small opening right into a secluded lagoon virtually totally sealed off. The water in there was COLD! One can think about if mermaids hand around in such locations, although I have to admit that I used to be additionally questioning if anybody peed in there…
The boat then took us again to the pier, and it was a soothing journey watching the solar set as we made our approach again.
Book El Nido Tour A right here
Is Tour A Worth it?
Considering the itinerary, period, and meals, I’d say that tour A is totally price it. If I used to be touring with a gaggle of associates, I’d have most undoubtedly organized a non-public tour and break up the associated fee. However, that was not the case for me as a solo feminine traveler; subsequently, becoming a member of a gaggle tour was the most affordable approach to go to these locations. Obviously, customization is unimaginable with group excursions like this, however I completely loved all stops with this tour and wouldn’t have modified something. If you’re solely doing one island hopping tour on El Nido, I’d suggest this one, as you get a style of all the things, from seashores to lagoons.
It is the preferred itinerary among the many 4, so anticipate the boat to be fairly crowded. In my case, there have been 22 individuals on the boat. I didn’t thoughts it in any respect and loved assembly overseas and native vacationers. Please bear in mind your boat identify and board the boat on time after your time at every cease is up!
What to Bring on Your Trip
You shall be out on the ocean your entire day, so it’s greatest to come back ready! Here’s all the things I introduced on my island hopping journey, they usually all match right into a 10L dry bag:
I hope this text offers you a transparent overview of what to anticipate on El Nido Tour A. If you have an interest in trying out the opposite group excursions on El Nido, learn these subsequent:
- El Nido Tour B evaluate (group tour)
- El Nido Tour C evaluate (group tour)
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