WHERE PARADISE HIDES ITS SECRETS
Into the Hidden Side of El Nido
There was something incredibly exciting about not knowing exactly what was waiting around the next corner. Every time the boat disappeared between the enormous cliffs, I found myself looking ahead with the same childlike curiosity, wondering what could possibly be more beautiful than what I had just seen. And somehow, El Nido kept proving me wrong.
This was going to be another day of discovering places that felt almost too magical to be real, and I had no idea yet just how unforgettable it would become.
IN THIS POST
QUICK INFORMATION
| Location | El Nido, Palawan, Philippines |
| Country | Philippines |
| Currency | Philippine Peso (PHP) — approx. €1 = ₱67 |
| Language | Filipino & English |
| Best Time to Visit | November to May — the dry season; December to April is generally ideal for island hopping |
| How I Got There | From Puerto Princesa to El Nido by van — ₱800 |
| Where I Stayed | Inngo Tourist Inn, El Nido |
| How Long I Stayed | 4 nights / 5 days |
| Tour | El Nido Island Hopping Tour C – Hidden Beaches & Shrine |
| Tour Duration | Approximately 6–8 hours |
| My Tour Price | €26 per person |
| Main Stops | Hidden Beach · Matinloc Shrine · Secret Beach · Helicopter Island · Tapiutan Beach |
Setting Sail Into the Unknown
The morning started almost exactly like the day before. I woke up early in El Nido, got ready for another full day on the turquoise waters of Bacuit Bay, and once again made my way to the same little breakfast spot I had discovered the previous morning. There was something comforting about returning to a place I had already enjoyed, especially knowing that another exciting day of island hopping was waiting for me just a few hours ahead. I ordered my coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice and another simple breakfast, making sure I had enough energy for the long day ahead, because after my experience on Tour A, I already knew that island hopping in El Nido was not exactly the kind of activity where you wanted to start the day hungry.
After breakfast, I headed back toward the same meeting point where the boats gathered, surrounded by travelers from all over the world who were just as excited to discover another side of El Nido. Once again, I rented my snorkeling equipment, waited patiently for my boat number to be called, and eventually made my way onto the familiar Filipino bangka, ready to see what Tour C had in store for me. But this time, something happened that made the beginning of the day feel even more special.
As I looked around the boat, I suddenly recognized a girl who had been on the same tour as me the day before. She was travelling solo too, and somehow we immediately started talking as if we had known each other for much longer than a few minutes. One conversation naturally turned into another, and before we even realized it, we had started sharing stories about our travels, the places we had already visited, how long we were staying in El Nido and what had brought each of us to the Philippines in the first place. Soon, a few more solo female travellers joined our little group, and what had started as a simple conversation with one stranger quickly turned into a small group of us spending the day together.
That is one of the things I love most about travelling alone: you may arrive somewhere by yourself, but you are rarely truly alone. Sometimes all it takes is a smile, a simple “Where are you from?” or a comment about the place you are visiting, and suddenly you have new people beside you with whom you are sharing an entire adventure. None of us had planned to meet that morning, none of us knew each other before stepping onto that boat, and yet there we were, laughing, exchanging stories and already making plans for the day ahead.
As the bangka slowly pulled away from El Nido, the atmosphere on board became warmer and more cheerful with every passing minute. People were smiling, taking photographs, talking about their previous travels and comparing experiences, while others were simply sitting back and taking in the incredible scenery unfolding around us. Conversations naturally moved from one topic to another, where everyone was from, whether it was their first time in the Philippines, how many days they had spent in El Nido, how long they were staying and which other islands or destinations they were planning to visit next.
I loved listening to all those different stories while watching El Nido slowly disappear behind us. There was such a beautiful sense of anticipation in the air, that feeling that anything could be waiting around the next limestone cliff. After everything I had experienced on Tour A, I thought I already understood just how spectacular El Nido could be, but I had a feeling that this day was about to show me a completely different side of paradise.
And with the boat cutting through the deep blue water, the warm tropical breeze on my face and a group of newly made friends laughing beside me, we sailed toward our first destination, completely unaware of just how unforgettable the day ahead would become.
First Stop: Hidden Beach
As we continued sailing away from El Nido, the scenery around us slowly began to change, with the familiar coastline giving way to enormous limestone formations, dense tropical greenery and those dramatic cliffs that seem to rise straight out of the sea. The further we travelled, the more I found myself wondering what could possibly be waiting for us around the next corner, and when our boat finally began to slow down, I noticed that we were approaching an area where dozens of traditional boats were already anchored in the water. Our guide told us that this was where we needed to get off, and although I could see the towering cliffs and beautiful turquoise water around us, I still had absolutely no idea where the famous Hidden Beach was hiding.
One by one, we climbed down from the boat and into the warm, crystal-clear water, which came roughly up to our chests. Wearing our life jackets, as required on the tour, we followed our guides toward one side of the rocky landscape, walking through the water together while the boats remained anchored behind us. At first, it felt almost strange because there was no obvious beach in sight. We were simply moving forward through the water, surrounded by massive limestone rocks, thick tropical vegetation and towering walls of stone, with no clue what was waiting at the end of the narrow passage ahead.
And then, little by little, the landscape began to reveal its secret.
The further we walked, the shallower the water became, and the enormous limestone walls seemed to close around us, creating a natural corridor that felt completely separated from the world we had just left behind. The water gradually transformed into the most incredible shade of turquoise-blue, becoming almost impossibly bright beneath the tropical sun, while the lush greenery above the cliffs made everything feel wild, untouched and wonderfully mysterious. It was one of those moments when you stop talking without even realizing it, because there is simply too much beauty to take in at once.
And then we finally saw it.
Hidden behind those dramatic limestone formations was a tiny, breathtaking beach, almost completely concealed from the open sea. The contrast was incredible: brilliant white sand, unbelievably clear turquoise water, towering rocks covered in lush greenery and a little pocket of paradise tucked away as if nature had deliberately hidden it from everyone who was not willing to search for it. Suddenly, the name Hidden Beach made perfect sense.
The beach itself was small, but that somehow made the whole experience even more special. There was something almost magical about standing there and realizing that just minutes earlier I had been surrounded by dozens of boats in the open bay, while now I was standing on this secluded little strip of powdery white sand, enclosed by enormous limestone walls and tropical jungle. It felt less like arriving at an ordinary beach and more like discovering a secret room carved into the middle of paradise.
We had around half an hour to enjoy the place, and naturally, we made the most of every minute. Some of us went snorkeling, where we could see small colourful fish moving through the clear water, although there were no huge schools or spectacular marine creatures waiting beneath the surface. Honestly, it did not matter. The beauty of Hidden Beach was not only beneath the water; it was everywhere around us. The crystal-clear sea, the bright white sand, the towering cliffs and the feeling of being completely surrounded by nature made even the simplest swim feel extraordinary.
Of course, there were plenty of photographs, too. It would have been impossible to stand in a place like this and not try to capture at least a little piece of it, although no photograph could really reproduce the feeling of walking through the water toward that hidden opening and watching this tiny paradise slowly appear in front of you.
After about thirty minutes of swimming, snorkeling, taking photos and simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, it was time to leave. We slowly made our way back through the shallow water and along the limestone passage toward our boat, looking back at the little beach more than once before it disappeared behind the rocks.
Hidden Beach had already given us a pretty spectacular beginning to the day, and this was only our first stop.
Matinloc Shrine — A View I Will Never Forget
Back on the boat, we were all in such a good mood after Hidden Beach that the journey to our next stop felt almost as enjoyable as the destination itself. Everyone seemed to have something to talk about, and the conversations just kept flowing from one person to another — stories about previous trips, places we had fallen in love with, countries we wanted to visit next, how long we were staying in the Philippines, and all those completely random conversations that somehow happen so naturally when a group of strangers spends an entire day together on a boat. There was something wonderfully carefree about it, with the warm breeze, the sparkling water and the excitement of knowing that another beautiful place was waiting somewhere ahead of us.
After some time, the outline of Matinloc Island began to appear, rising dramatically from the sea with enormous limestone cliffs covered in lush tropical vegetation. Our boat slowly approached a tiny little dock, almost like a miniature marina tucked into the side of the island, and once we were safely anchored, our guide explained where we should go. There was a small restroom area for anyone who needed it, but what immediately caught my attention was the narrow path leading upward through the limestone rocks. It looked almost as if someone had carved a little staircase directly into the cliff, and naturally, curiosity took over.
We started climbing, carefully making our way higher and higher through the rugged rocks, and then, completely unexpectedly, the landscape opened up in front of us.
I honestly don't know how else to describe that moment except to say that the view was absolutely insane.
Standing on top of the limestone cliff, I suddenly had this enormous panoramic view stretching across the surrounding islands and the endless blue sea. The water below us changed from deep sapphire to brilliant shades of turquoise, while the dramatic karst formations rose from the sea in every direction, covered with thick, vibrant green vegetation. Far below, our little boats looked almost miniature against the enormous landscape, and for a moment I simply stood there trying to take it all in. After everything I had already seen in El Nido, I genuinely thought I was becoming used to the beauty, but this was different. There was something about seeing Bacuit Bay from that height that made the entire place feel even more extraordinary.
Of course, this was immediately followed by what had now become an essential part of every stop — taking approximately a million photographs. Everyone wanted that perfect shot, and honestly, I completely understood why. It was one of those places where you could stand in the same spot for ten minutes and still keep finding another angle that looked completely different.
Eventually, we climbed back down toward the shrine itself, and this is where Matinloc became much more than just another beautiful viewpoint.
The Mystery Behind Matinloc Shrine
The Shrine of Our Lady of Matinloc, commonly known simply as Matinloc Shrine, is one of the more mysterious places included on El Nido's Tour C. The shrine dates back to the 1980s and was built in honour of the Virgin Mary, but the exact story of how the project began and why the complex was eventually abandoned is surrounded by different versions and local stories. Some accounts describe a religious vision connected with finding a heart-shaped island, while other stories focus on the development of the site and the difficulties that eventually brought construction to a halt. Because many of these details come from local accounts rather than consistently documented historical records, the story has become part of the mystery surrounding the place itself.
Today, what remains is a fascinating mixture of religion, nature and abandonment, with the shrine and surrounding structures standing quietly beneath the enormous limestone cliffs. There is something strangely beautiful about seeing religious statues and remnants of the old complex surrounded by tropical vegetation, weathered stone and the sound of the sea below. Instead of feeling completely forgotten, the place almost seemed to have been slowly reclaimed by nature, giving it an atmosphere that was peaceful, mysterious and slightly surreal at the same time.
After exploring the shrine and taking our time with the photographs, we wandered toward the tiny beach beside it. It was incredibly cute, with soft sand and beautiful clear water, and under different circumstances I would have probably jumped straight in without thinking twice. Unfortunately, there was one small problem — there were jellyfish everywhere.
They were floating around the shallow water and could also be seen close to the beach, so our guides warned us to be careful because touching them could cause a painful sting. Needless to say, our plans for a relaxing swim changed very quickly. We stayed close to the shore, admired the scenery and took a few photos, but none of us were particularly interested in finding out personally whether the jellyfish warnings were exaggerated.
While we were exploring the shrine, climbing around the rocks and admiring the views, the crew had already started preparing lunch for us back at the beach. And once we returned, there was another little surprise waiting — a beautiful Filipino buffet spread prepared right there on this tiny, remote corner of paradise. There was rice, noodles, vegetables, different meat and seafood dishes, fresh tropical fruit and all those simple but incredibly satisfying Filipino flavours that somehow taste even better when you are eating them outside, surrounded by turquoise water and towering limestone cliffs.
We sat together, ate, talked and finally allowed ourselves a proper moment to slow down. After spending the morning swimming, climbing, exploring and taking photographs, that little lunch break felt absolutely perfect. The scenery was breathtaking, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere around the table was exactly what I had hoped an island-hopping day in the Philippines would feel like.
Eventually, with full stomachs and happy faces, we packed our things and slowly made our way back toward the boat. Another incredible stop was behind us, but somehow I had the feeling that Tour C was only getting started.
Secret Beach — A Hidden World Behind the Rocks
From Matinloc Shrine, we climbed back onto the boat and continued toward our next destination, Secret Beach. As we approached, I remember looking around and thinking that, at first glance, there was nothing particularly extraordinary about the place. There was no obvious paradise waiting in front of us, no enormous white-sand beach stretching along the coastline, and nothing that immediately revealed why this little corner of El Nido had earned such a mysterious name. Our boat simply anchored in the open water, surrounded once again by those spectacular limestone cliffs and impossibly blue Philippine seas, and our guide told us that it was time to get out.
We followed the instructions and slowly entered the water, which came roughly halfway up our bodies, before beginning to swim in the direction our guide was pointing. From where we were, it still looked like we were simply heading toward a wall of limestone, and I honestly could not understand where the “secret” part was supposed to be. But as we got closer, I finally noticed it, a tiny opening in the rock, almost so small that you could easily miss it if you did not know exactly where to look.
And suddenly, everything made sense.
One by one, we made our way toward that little opening, swimming closer until it was right in front of us. It was narrow enough that you had to carefully squeeze your way through, and there was something incredibly exciting about knowing that an entire hidden beach was waiting on the other side. For a few seconds, all I could see were rocks surrounding me, the sound of the water echoing between the limestone walls, and the tiny patch of light ahead. It felt like entering a secret passage created by nature itself.
And then I came through the other side.
Wow.
I remember looking around and thinking, Where am I? Is this actually real?
Suddenly, the narrow opening disappeared behind me and opened into a completely different world. In front of us was a beautiful little hidden cove, surrounded by enormous limestone formations and the brilliant turquoise water that El Nido seems to have in endless supply. The beach itself was small and intimate, almost like a little pocket of sand tucked away inside the cliffs, while the open space around it made the whole place feel strangely peaceful and secluded.
That was the magic of Secret Beach for me. It was not necessarily the biggest or most impressive beach I had seen that day, but the way you reach it completely changes the experience. From the outside, there is almost nothing to see, and then, within seconds, you find yourself standing inside this hidden natural amphitheatre, surrounded by limestone walls, tropical greenery and clear blue water. It genuinely felt like discovering a place that was never meant to be found.
We spent around half an hour there, enjoying the little beach, swimming, snorkeling and, of course, taking plenty of photographs. The snorkeling itself was not the most spectacular of the entire trip, and there was not an enormous variety of marine life to discover, but honestly, I did not really care. Sometimes the experience is not about how many fish you see or how colourful the coral is; sometimes it is simply about where you are standing and how you got there.
I loved sitting for a moment on that tiny stretch of sand and looking around at the towering rocks that completely surrounded us. Everything felt so perfectly framed by nature, almost like someone had designed the scene specifically for a travel photograph: the little beach, the crystal-clear water, the dramatic limestone cliffs rising around us and that tiny entrance behind us that separated this place from the open sea.
There was also something wonderfully surreal about sharing that moment with a group of people who, only a few hours earlier, had been complete strangers. We were now all standing together inside this hidden corner of El Nido, laughing, taking photos, swimming and trying to capture the feeling of the moment before it disappeared.
Eventually, it was time to leave, and just like when we arrived, we had to swim back toward the tiny opening and squeeze ourselves through the rocks to reach the open water again. One moment we were inside this secret little paradise, and the next we were back in the vast turquoise sea, with our boat waiting for us nearby.
As I swam back, I couldn't help but smile. Secret Beach had proved exactly why some places are worth searching for, because sometimes the most beautiful things are the ones you cannot see until you get close enough to discover them.
Helicopter Island — A Quick Stop in Paradise
After leaving Secret Beach, we continued sailing through the spectacular waters of Bacuit Bay, surrounded by the same breathtaking combination of emerald-green vegetation, towering limestone cliffs and endless shades of blue that had been following us throughout the entire day. Before long, the unmistakable silhouette of Helicopter Island, officially known as Dilumacad Island, appeared in front of us. We did not actually go ashore or spend time exploring the island itself; instead, our boat anchored nearby, giving us the perfect opportunity to experience the beautiful waters surrounding it.
The island has one of the most interesting names in El Nido, because when viewed from a distance, its unusual limestone profile resembles a helicopter. Its local name, Dilumacad, has an even more fascinating story behind it. According to local accounts, the name comes from the Cuyonon language and can be interpreted as “does not move,” a reference to the traditional fishermen who travelled through Bacuit Bay in unmotorized boats and felt as though the island never seemed to get any closer or farther away during their long journeys back to El Nido.
From the boat, the island looked absolutely spectacular, with dramatic limestone cliffs rising above dense tropical greenery and the deep blue sea surrounding it on every side. Dilumacad is also known for its beautiful white-sand beach and rich underwater environment, with coral reefs around the island making the surrounding waters a popular snorkeling area. There is even an underwater tunnel beneath the northern side of the island, one of the more unusual dive sites in Bacuit Bay, although that was definitely not something we were exploring during our short stop.
For us, this was simply time to get into the water and enjoy ourselves. We put on our snorkeling gear, jumped into the warm, incredibly clear sea and spent some time swimming around the boat, watching little colourful fish moving through the water and enjoying that feeling of being completely surrounded by nature. It was not one of those snorkeling spots where you expect enormous marine creatures or endless underwater discoveries, but honestly, with a landscape like this around you, you don't really need much more.
I remember floating in that water and looking back toward the island, thinking how strange it was that a place could look so dramatic from every possible angle. The cliffs seemed to rise directly from the sea, the vegetation was impossibly green, and the water beneath us was so clear that it almost looked unreal. It was one of those wonderfully simple moments during a long travel day when nobody really needs to say much — you just swim, look around, take a few photos, laugh with the people you've met and silently think, “How lucky am I to be here?”
We stayed around the area for our snorkeling session before climbing back onto the boat and continuing our journey. I didn't need to set foot on Helicopter Island to appreciate it; sometimes simply seeing one of these extraordinary places from the water, learning the story behind its name and having the chance to swim in the sea beside it is enough to make it a memorable part of the journey.
And as our bangka pulled away from Dilumacad, I looked back at its strange, beautiful silhouette disappearing behind us, already wondering what incredible place would be waiting for us next.
Tapiutan Island — The Bittersweet Goodbye to El Nido
After our snorkeling stop near Helicopter Island, we climbed back onto the boat and continued toward our next destination, Tapiutan Island. As we approached, the scenery seemed to become even quieter and more untouched, and then I noticed something that immediately made me happy, there was no crowd waiting for us. We were the only boat there.
For me, that made the little beach on Tapiutan feel incredibly special. Our bangka slowly anchored near the shore, and one by one we stepped into the crystal-clear water and made our way toward the beach. There was no rush and no feeling that we had to squeeze ourselves into a crowded tourist spot; we simply had time to enjoy the place in whatever way we wanted. Some people relaxed on the soft sand, others went swimming, while I was naturally drawn straight back into the water.
And what I found underneath the surface was absolutely beautiful.
The coral around Tapiutan was one of those unexpected little surprises that stay with you long after the tour is over. I spent probably twenty-five minutes to half an hour just floating and snorkeling, completely absorbed in everything happening beneath me. The water was wonderfully clear, colourful little fish were swimming all around, and scattered across the seabed were these incredibly vivid blue starfish, standing out against the sand like tiny pieces of jewellery. I kept looking down, moving slowly through the water and discovering something new every few metres, and for a while I completely forgot about everything else.
There was something incredibly peaceful about being there. No loud crowds, no dozens of boats coming and going, no feeling that we had to hurry because another group was waiting behind us. Just warm tropical water, colourful coral, little fish moving effortlessly around me and the enormous limestone landscape rising in the distance. It was the kind of snorkeling experience that doesn't need anything spectacular to happen because the entire setting is already spectacular enough.
Eventually, I decided to leave the water and spend some time on the beach. I wanted to slow down for a moment and actually remember where I was, rather than constantly thinking about the next photograph or the next destination. Sometimes when you travel, you become so focused on seeing everything that you forget to simply stop and let yourself experience the moment, and sitting there on that tiny beach felt like the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.
I bought myself a big, freshly opened young green coconut, which the locals expertly cut open for me, and sat there drinking it while looking out toward the sea. With the coconut in my hands, the warm breeze on my face and that breathtaking view stretching out in front of me, I remember thinking about how quickly everything had passed.
This was my last full day in El Nido.
The following morning, I would be leaving for Manila, and suddenly every little detail around me seemed more precious. The sound of the water, the colour of the sky, the limestone cliffs, the people I had met, the conversations we had shared and even the simple feeling of sitting on a beach with a fresh coconut in my hands all felt different because I knew that my time here was coming to an end.
And that is when the beautiful bittersweet feeling of travelling began to hit me.
On one hand, I was incredibly happy. I had experienced things I had dreamed about, discovered places that looked almost unreal, met wonderful people from different parts of the world and collected memories that I knew I would carry with me for a very long time. But on the other hand, there was that little sadness that always arrives when you realize that a chapter of your journey is slowly closing.
El Nido had given me so much in such a short time. From the moment I first arrived, every day had brought something new, spectacular landscapes, turquoise lagoons, hidden beaches, colourful underwater worlds, unexpected friendships and those little spontaneous moments that make travelling so addictive. And now, sitting on this quiet beach on Tapiutan Island, I could feel all of it slowly becoming a memory.
We spent around forty-five minutes on the island, and I tried to make those final moments last as long as possible. I swam, watched the water, looked back toward the cliffs, talked with the others and simply enjoyed being there. Eventually, though, it was time to go.
We gathered our things, walked back toward the boat and climbed aboard for the final journey back to El Nido. As the bangka pulled away from Tapiutan Island, I looked back at the little beach that had been so peaceful just moments before and felt that strange mixture of happiness and sadness all over again.
The boat moved slowly across the beautiful waters of Bacuit Bay, and I found myself looking at everything around me a little differently. I knew that soon these islands would disappear behind us, the boat would reach El Nido, and the incredible days I had spent here would officially become part of my travel memories.
And somewhere between the laughter on the boat, the warm wind in my hair and the endless blue stretching around us, I realized that this was where my El Nido story was coming to an end.
Not because I was ready to leave, I definitely wasn't, but because every beautiful journey eventually reaches that moment when you have to say goodbye.
And El Nido had been one hell of a journey to say goodbye to.
One Last Walk Through El Nido
When we finally arrived back at the beach in El Nido, our boat slowly came to a stop, and one by one we climbed back onto the shore, tired, sun-kissed and completely satisfied after another unforgettable day on the water. Those who had rented snorkeling equipment returned their masks and gear, and then, after saying goodbye to the people I had spent the day with, I started walking back toward my hotel.
Once I got there, I took a long shower, packed my suitcase and tried to get everything organized for the journey ahead. But before leaving El Nido, I knew there was one thing I absolutely had to do, take one last walk through the town.
El Nido itself is a relatively small coastal town, but it has an energy that makes it feel so much bigger than it actually is. The town sits on the edge of the spectacular Bacuit Bay, which is famous for its dramatic limestone karst formations, hidden lagoons, beaches and turquoise waters, and it has become one of the Philippines' most iconic island-hopping destinations.
I walked back toward the main streets, where the atmosphere was completely different from the quiet beaches and remote islands I had spent the day exploring. The streets were alive with little restaurants, colourful bars, souvenir shops, small local stores, street stalls and people coming and going in every direction. Music was drifting out from different places, the smell of food filled the warm evening air, and there was that wonderfully chaotic tropical-town atmosphere that I had already grown so attached to.
I wandered around without any real plan, simply wanting to take in everything one more time. I stopped for dinner at a little Mexican-style restaurant, ordered myself a beer and sat there watching the evening unfold around me. Nothing extraordinary was happening, and perhaps that was exactly what made the moment so beautiful. After several days of constantly moving, exploring and chasing the next incredible view, I finally had nowhere I needed to be.
I also made sure to find one more person before leaving, a girl from Germany whom I had met during my very first day in El Nido. We were both travelling solo, and we had connected almost immediately, spending time together over a few beers and sharing stories about our travels. Since then, our paths had crossed again, and before leaving town I simply couldn't disappear without saying goodbye.
We met for one last drink, talked about everything that had happened during those few days and laughed about how quickly time had passed. It was such a small moment, but somehow it meant a lot to me. One of the most beautiful things about travelling solo is that you can arrive somewhere without knowing a single person, and within just a few days, you can find yourself surrounded by people whose stories suddenly become part of your own.
Eventually, though, the evening came to an end, and it was time to return to my hotel for the final time.
The next morning, I had arranged a shared van through my hotel to take me from El Nido to Puerto Princesa Airport. The transfer cost me ₱800 (11eur) , which was surprisingly affordable considering the distance, and after saying goodbye to El Nido, the van slowly carried me away from the place that had become such an important part of my Philippine adventure.
From Puerto Princesa, I boarded a Cebu Pacific flight to Manila, and as the plane took off, I knew that another chapter of my journey was beginning.
But at the same time, I could not help looking back.
The Philippines had given me so many incredible memories in such a short amount of time, from the colourful streets and warm smiles to the unbelievable underwater world, spectacular islands, hidden lagoons and friendships that appeared completely unexpectedly. And El Nido, in particular, had left a mark on me that I knew would be difficult to explain to anyone who had not experienced it for themselves.
I was excited because the journey was not over yet. Manila was waiting for me, and after Manila, another completely different adventure would take me to China. There were still new cities to discover, new streets to walk through, new food to taste and new stories waiting to be written.
But leaving the Philippines still felt surprisingly difficult.
There is always something bittersweet about travelling. You are happy because you know there is something new ahead of you, but at the same time, you are leaving behind a place that gave you memories you will never be able to recreate in exactly the same way. And as I watched the landscape disappear behind me, I realized just how attached I had become to this beautiful country.
Maybe that is simply the price of travelling, you fall in love with places knowing that one day you will have to leave them.
And as they say, all good things must come to an end.
For me, the Philippines had come to an end for now, but the memories were coming home with me.
Thank you for travelling through the Philippines with me, for reading my stories, sharing my excitement and following every little adventure along the way. I hope you enjoyed reading this journey as much as I enjoyed living it.
And now, it is time to leave the islands behind and continue the journey.
🌍 Did You Know?
Interesting facts that make every destination even more fascinating.
🪨 Hidden Beach is truly hidden
Is Tour C Worth the Time and Money?
Absolutely. If you ask me, Tour C is one of those experiences where you don't really think about the money once you're there. The hidden beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear water and incredible snorkeling made every peso worth it.
If I had more time in El Nido, I would honestly do this tour all over again. There is something special about discovering these hidden little corners of paradise, especially when you never quite know what is waiting behind the next limestone cliff.
So, would I recommend Tour C? Without a doubt. If you have the time, put it on your El Nido itinerary, you won't regret it.
Things I Wish I Knew Before Taking the Tour
Before heading out on Tour C, there are a few things I would definitely recommend having with you. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses and comfortable footwear, because you will be spending most of the day under the tropical sun and moving between the boat, beaches and rocky areas.
If you have a GoPro or another waterproof camera, bring it! The underwater scenery around El Nido is just as beautiful as everything you see above the water, and having something that can capture those moments is absolutely worth it. A waterproof phone pouch is also a great idea if, like me, you want to keep your phone close while swimming without worrying about accidentally turning it into an expensive underwater souvenir.
And most importantly, come prepared to get wet, tired, sun-kissed and completely amazed. That is simply part of the El Nido island-hopping experience.
⭐ Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely — without a second thought. If I had the chance to experience Tour C all over again, I would do it in a heartbeat. Honestly, I would probably do it another hundred times if I could, because there is something truly special about spending an entire day surrounded by turquoise waters, hidden beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs and the kind of scenery that makes you question whether you are actually there.
My Rating ⭐
| Category | My Rating |
|---|---|
| 🏝️ Locations & Scenery | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 |
| 💙 Overall Experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 |
| 🛶 Boat & Adventure | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 |
| 💰 Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 |
| 🍱 Food & Organization | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 |
| 🤿 Swimming & Snorkeling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 |
| 👩❤️👩 Suitable for Different Ages | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 |
❤️ Final Verdict
There is honestly very little I would change about this experience. Tour C gave me everything I could have hoped for from a day in El Nido — incredible scenery, hidden corners of paradise, beautiful underwater moments, great company and memories I will never forget.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Would I do it again? A hundred times over.
And if you're coming all the way to El Nido and skip Tour C… well, I might have to question your travel decisions. 😂🌴🌊
Tour C gets an easy 5/5 from me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🩵 PRACTICAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
📌 Know Before You Go
El Nido island hopping is a full-day adventure, so come prepared to spend most of the day under the tropical sun, in and out of the water, and moving between boats, beaches and rocky limestone areas. A life jacket is mandatory and is provided as soon as you board the boat, so you are required to wear it throughout the tour.
The tours are generally well organized, but it is still important to bring enough water, sunscreen and something to protect your phone and camera from the water. And trust me — you will want your camera ready!
🎟️ What’s Included in the Tour?
Included:
- Licensed tour guide
- Traditional Filipino boat (bangka)
- Life jacket
- Lunch
- Drinking water
Not Included:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Environmental fee
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
🎒 What to Bring
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable footwear
- Waterproof phone pouch
- GoPro or another waterproof camera
- Enough drinking water
- Cash for small additional expenses
🌊 Can You Swim & Snorkel During the Tour?
Absolutely! Swimming and snorkeling are a big part of Tour C, and you will have several opportunities to get into the water throughout the day. The visibility can be beautiful, with colourful little fish, coral and crystal-clear tropical water, although the underwater experience varies from one stop to another.
🏝️ What Makes Tour C Different?
Tour C has a completely different atmosphere from Tour A. While Tour A is famous for its spectacular lagoons, Tour C takes you deeper into the hidden side of El Nido, with secluded beaches, dramatic limestone formations, snorkeling spots and places that often feel completely hidden from the outside world.
🗺️ My Route
El Nido → Hidden Beach → Matinloc Shrine → Secret Beach → Helicopter Island → Tapiutan Island → El Nido
💰 My Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Price |
|---|---|
| Tour C | €26 |
| Snorkeling Equipment | ₱150 (approx. €2) |
| Environmental Fee | ₱600 (approx. €8) |
| Fresh Green Coconut | ₱100 (approx. €1.50) |
| Total Additional Costs | ₱850 (approx. €11.50) |
Note: The environmental fee is paid once, based on the length of your stay in El Nido, and is valid for all island-hopping tours during that period. I paid approximately ₱600 (around €8) for my stay.
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
The tropical sun in El Nido can be intense, so sunscreen and plenty of water are essential. You will also be getting in and out of the water several times, and some locations involve swimming through narrow rocky openings, so comfortable footwear and a little extra caution are definitely recommended.
Also, if you are planning to buy a fresh coconut or anything from local vendors along the way, keep some Philippine pesos with you. Small purchases like these are inexpensive, but they make the experience even more enjoyable.
📸 Photo Tip
If you have a GoPro, waterproof camera or waterproof phone case, bring it! Some of the most beautiful moments of Tour C happen in the water, and being able to capture the limestone cliffs from sea level, the colourful fish beneath you and those incredible shades of turquoise is absolutely worth it.
🌴 NEXT STOP: MANILA
After several unforgettable days surrounded by tropical islands, turquoise lagoons and some of the most spectacular landscapes I had ever seen, it was finally time to leave El Nido behind and continue my Philippine adventure.
Next stop: Manila. 🇵🇭✈️
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