Island Hopping Tour A package is a popular choice for tourists in El Nido, Palawan. One of the stops for this tour is Miniloc Island’s Small Lagoon. It is just one of the many breathtaking lagoons enclosed by the towering karst cliffs in El Nido. This is one sure way of making your adrenaline rush with so much wonder, providing a taste of what El Nido could offer for the nature lovers and work-weary weekend warriors.
Small Lagoon is normally the first stop of El Nido’s Island Hopping Tour A, greeting revelers and wanderers with a warm welcome. The tour package is usually inclusive of boat, lunch, tour guide fee, life vest, and snorkeling gear. Check with your operators and agencies. All island hopping tour operations start at 9 AM and normally end at 4 PM.
Things to Do
- Kayaking is one of the favorite activities.
- Swimming
- There are spots good for snorkeling.
- You can also explore and swim through a small cave, much like a hole-in-the-wall opening at the other end of the lagoon. You can take photos or videos.
- Photo opportunities!
Fees and Rates
Small Lagoon is Part of Tour A. You can join a Group Tour or charter a private boat.
- Tour A: P1200 per person
- Private Boat Tour: Around P4000-P6000 (depending on the size of the boat and group)
- Kayak Rental Fee: P700 (whole day; within operation hours)
You can also book via Klook.
Getting There
Airport: El Nido Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport
By Air
From Manila, you can reach El Nido via three gateways: El Nido Airport is the nearest and the most convenient one, but also the most expensive route. Puerto Princesa Airport is the most common jump-off point to El Nido. It is also the best course to take for those who want to explore both Puerto Princesa and El Nido. For those who want to embark on a Coron-El Nido combination tour, Busuanga Airport is the best option.
- From Puerto Princesa, you have 3 options going to El Nido: Roro Bus (P290-380, 6-7hrs); Bus (P385-480, 6-7hrs); Van (P550-600, 5hrs). If you are taking the bus and RoRo bus, take a tricycle from the airport to Junction 1 (P8). From there, take a multicab to San Jose Terminal. Special tricycle trip from the airport costs around P80 to P100. If you are taking the van, there are shuttle vans at the airport or if you are already at the city center, go to the terminal located at Robinson’s Mall.
- Once in El Nido, you can take a tricycle going downtown or directly to your hotel if you already booked one.
Nearby Resorts
Here are some resorts near Small Lagoon.
|
El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island |
Matinloc Resort |
Vellago Resort |
El Nido Resorts Lagen Island |
Photos above courtesy of respective resorts (via Agoda).
For more options, search here: Palawan Hotels
Travel Tips
- Follow the rules and regulations. Breaking the rules is never cool; it may cost you your own life or the lives of others.
- Wear your life vest, especially if you are not a good swimmer or you can’t swim at all. Always demand life vests from your tour operators and agencies.
- Bring lots of water; if possible, bring your own refillable water container instead of plastic bottles. Some tour operators provide drinking water. Check if yours do.
- Wear protective footwear. The rocks and corals at the entrance to the small lagoon are sharp.
- Be careful of the territorial fish near the entrance. You might feel them biting you or scratching your legs as you swim or wade through the entrance, but they won’t eat you alive. Hehe.
- Make sure you bring your power bank or extra batteries for your cameras and phones, so you won’t miss taking photos.
- Leave nothing but footprints. Bring nothing but memories. Respect the place.
- After completing Tour A, you may also do the other tours (B, C, D or E) if you still have time and money to spare.
- You can explore other parts of El Nido. If you are quite the adventurous type, challenge yourself by climbing Mount Taraw, also known as Taraw Cliff.
- If you are flying out via Puerto Princesa airport and you still have time, explore the city or buy souvenirs.
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