The municipality of El Nido, Palawan is unique primarily for its white-fine sand beaches, limestone cliffs, lagoons and sand bars scattered around its imposing karst-dominated islands and surrounded by rich and protected marine sanctuaries. To experience these gems, one has to avail of the four (4) standard island hopping tours regulated by the local authorities of El Nido town. Operators of these tours are found in every corner of the town proper as well the various accommodations and online travel operators for a standard rate per person.

On our second day in El Nido, we went for Tour A’s commonly referred tandem, the Island Hopping Tour C. For Php 1,400 (USD 32) per person, we explored the Helicopter Island, Talisay Island (lunch area), Secret Beach and Matinloc Shrine for seven hours with another sumptuous lunch halfway through. A technical glitch with our boat however delayed us briefly and forced us to go straight to Star Beach and spend a longer time there.

HELICOPTER ISLAND 

STAR BEACH

MATINLOC SHRINE