El Nido – Island Hopping A – Famous and Overrated? Lagoons

March 21, 2017

Island hopping in El Nido I started classically with route A. This is the most popular option, associated mainly with lagoons, although I have the impression that the fact that it is first on the list and most heavily promoted is equally important.

The trip cost 1,200 pesos with lunch, or approximately 19 pounds or 90 złoty. Prices in El Nido are practically identical, so there's no point in going from one office to another. In practice, many offices don't have their own boats and sell places on the same trips. And so everyone ends up on one, rather cramped boat. I have to admit, this trip was a bit disappointing, mainly because of the crowds and the masses. If it weren't for the crowds, I probably would have experienced the sights completely differently.

The plan included stops at:
Big Lagoon
Small Lagoon
Hidden Lagoon
Shimizu Island
7 Commando Beach
Papaya Beach
swimming and snorkeling

The boat was full from the start, and then it only got worse. Small Lagoon There were a dozen or so boats. You could swim in or rent a kayak. I chose swimming because it was literally a snap and had its own charm. Unfortunately, it was at this point that the darker side of this trip emerged. The people who rented kayaks were swimming like sleepwalkers, completely oblivious to the fact that so many people were swimming in. The kayaks were gliding blindly, so you had to watch your head. I couldn't swerve in time and got hit. Such situations clearly demonstrate the darker side of traveling. People who see only the tip of their noses, don't consider others, and care neither for safety nor the surrounding environment, neither for people nor nature.

Hidden Lagoon It's actually hidden and you enter it through a narrow passage between the rocks. The idea is cool, the place is beautiful, but unfortunately it was very crowded again. In the famous Big Lagoon You can't swim; the boats only enter briefly and then leave again. The view is pleasant, but honestly, it didn't make much of an impression on me.

We stopped for lunch on the island Shimizu. The island is small and crowded, so it quickly becomes crowded. Those who wanted could also snorkel or lie in the sun for a while. Lunch was traditional, meaning fish. As is typical on such islands, you can always find something for vegans, but you have to let them know in advance. It usually ends with rice with vegetables and fruit. Nothing spectacular, but you can survive. My practical advice is to explain exactly what you don't eat. I don't assume anyone distinguishes veganism from vegetarianism, so I say straight out that fish is also meat and list the specific foods I don't eat. Even if someone says they understand, it's best to clarify, as this can be tricky.

The last stop was the beach 7 Commando. It's quite large, though there were plenty of people. Despite all this, it was possible to find a spot for yourself and rest for a while.

If you have the time and want to experience all the island hopping options, I think it's worth it. However, if you have to choose, I'd personally skip route A.