Another Day In Paradise

I wasn’t feeling well for the Tour C due to the sprain, cuts and bruises I  got from climbing the Taraw Cliff earlier. The climb consumed almost half of our day, good thing Kuya Jun assured as that the Tour C will be short and there's no need to rush.  After few realizations that this will be our last day in El Nido we hopped on our boat without hesitation.

 Helicopter Island 

Dilumacad Island was the first destination. It is commonly known as  Helicopter Island because its limestone cliff looks like a  helicopter when viewed  from a certain distance. The island has a beautiful wide stretch of white sand surrounded by a turquoise shade of the water and rocky shores on the southern end. The place could have been spectacular if it wasn't for the big waves that swung back and forth.  Unfortunately one of our companion lost her underwater camera as it was taken away by the current of the big waves. It's always fun eating lunch under a shade of an isolated island it gives you a certain feeling of appreciation for simple things you usually ignore in the city life. 

While having our lunch Tommy an Israeli guy approached us asking for a lighter and from there a conversation started. We asked him what he actually like about the Philippines and told us that it's the entire place - he was amazed that there are 7,107 islands in our country compare to his hometown. Another thing he admire are our people - this man has been all around the world for their 6 months vacation and had a hard time talking to the locals of the places he visited but not here in our country as Pinoys are more friendly and accommodating. He told us that the only thing that sucks here are the airports which we simply agreed.

After the lunch we sailed to the Secret Beach and by this time the sky turns gloomy. The said beach is enclosed with towering limestone cliffs magnificently guarding Matinloc's hidden gem. To get to the Secret Beach one will snorkel  into a small opening through a limestone wall and at the corner  of the sinkhole you will be rewarded with a pocket white sand beach. Unfortunately we weren't able to visit the place because  of the strong waves, our boat wasn't able to get closer to the sinkhole. After a few attempts to haul our boat in the entrance we finally gave up - the current is just too strong. This could have been the highlight of the entire El Nido trip. As our boat leave the island, the sun hid and took away the sunny charm and wonders of the islands when it started to drizzle.

Entrance to the Secret Beach

The supposedly Tour C wasn't complete but Kuya Jun assured us that he will change our itinerary so that we won't go back to Rovics' disappointed. We went next to Cadlao Island - the biggest island in Bacuit Bay. Cadlao Lagoon pretty much resembles that of the lagoons found in Coron and El Nido's Big 'n Small lagoon One of the lagoon's distinct characteristic you'll find is the large well-defined jagged limestone. The place is ideal for kayaking as you will see beautiful limestone formations and garden of corals that serve as a magnificent setting for snorkeling or just simply wading in. The others swam  while I just rested and took a few pictures of the place.

Cadlao Lagoon

After Cadlao we visited other island which names I can't recall (probably Balinaod, Natnat and Paradise Beach). Sadly the golden sunset in Bacuit Bay signals our last day in El Nido. The group were thankful for having the opportunity to visit El Nido and appreciate nature at its best. Going to El Nido is really a pain in the ass but the sights are truly rewarding.