Buzz
Swap the saying “Life is a beach” for “Life is a lagoon” once you've embraced El Nido's allure. Make sure to don your bikini and hop on a boat for a day of seafaring on the azure waves.
Embark on El Nido's Seas: Life's Aquatic Journey
The Cozy Nest in Palawan
I set foot in El Nido on a tranquil August night, the final leg of my journey from Puerto Princesa (Palawan Island). The village sleeps peacefully amidst mountains, verdant landscapes, simple, and charming, much like the locals' personalities in this region.
It's almost unbelievable that this tiny village, with houses haphazardly clustered together, is the starting point for aquatic adventures in the pristine waters of El Nido.
It's almost surreal how a prolonged night rain can swiftly transform into a scorching summer day as the traditional wooden boat glides into the open sea.
In Spanish, “El Nido” translates to “The Nest.” You truly grasp the significance of this name when you set foot in the town. Facing the main beach, you're greeted by numerous limestone cliffs rising from the sea, almost reaching the sky like protective arches for the town.
In El Nido, instead of endless horizons, you're surrounded by towering limestone formations emerging from the middle of the sea, harboring the fascinating secrets of the lagoon world. These lagoons are said to be ancient limestone caves, shaped over time until the cave ceilings collapsed, creating the lagoons we see today.
Here, limestone cliffs, seawater, the sky, and the vibrant green hues of pristine forests blend into a breathtaking El Nido panorama. Each lagoon here has its own name: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon... and every journey is an exploration of the hidden worlds within these limestone formations.
The “Secret” Worlds of the Lagoons
The first stop today is the Big Lagoon. Navigating through a 'gate' formed by two towering rock walls, the boat glides smoothly over the emerald-green sea, offering a clear view to the bottom. Ahead, the limestone cliffs rise majestically towards the sky, partially shrouded in gentle clouds.
From the intricately carved limestone walls rising sharply from the azure waters to the lush 'tree seas' embracing the mountains, El Nido's lagoons create a magical world. Sitting on the boat's deck, gently gliding into the 'secret' world of the bay, I wish I were a fledgling bird soaring among the lush greenery, perhaps getting lost amidst a myriad of trees.
Less cumbersome than I, two vibrant yellow kayaks gracefully drift beneath the tree canopy protruding from the opposite cliff. A romantic couple leisurely paddle on the sparkling water under the first rays of the day, a perfect way to savor the golden sunlight and azure sea at the Big Lagoon.
Next is the Small Lagoon on Miniloc Island, with lower limestone formations and a smaller bay. Unable to resist, eager sea enthusiasts plunge into the cool emerald waters below. Waiting for everyone to disembark, I take the time to retrieve my mask and snorkel to explore the underwater world of corals.
Beneath the crystal-clear, dreamlike water, it's easy to spot coral reefs and, of course, a world of adorable marine creatures hiding. At noon, the boats bustle with activity, preparing a sea-inspired feast for the boat-bound guests. It's fascinating to catch the scent of the salty sea and the aroma of grilled fish wafting on a sunny afternoon at sea.
The Secret Lagoon is a charming 'revealed secret' nestled amid towering limestone cliffs. To unravel the 'secret' of this lagoon, you must squeeze through a small opening in the rock where seawater continuously flows.
Peering up from the hunched position while squeezing through the hole, you'll gasp in delight at the expansive sky above the lagoon 'enclosed' by towering cliffs. Once a cave with a collapsed ceiling, the Secret Lagoon is now a frequent refuge for tourists on daily sea excursions.
“This is life”
Lost in the joy, I failed to notice when the sky turned into a canvas of clouds. At Shimizu Beach, where boats anchor amidst the ocean, rain started to pour onto the swaying water, drizzling onto the coconut trees on the sandy shore and the stunning limestone cliffs where swallows made their nests. I immersed myself in the sea, admiring the coral while raindrops fell from above.
An exhilarating experience, especially when you can swim among a multitude of vibrantly colored fish without any sign of fear. Our hearty meal and those of other guests were served on the boat after the sea dive, while rain and wind continued outside. Grilled plump fish, pink shrimp, or succulent crabs... making hunger even more insistent. The boatmen, dark-skinned and jovial, laughed and reassured guests that surely the sun would shine after the meal.
And indeed, almost unbelievably, El Nido's sky only teased with rain before bathing the white sand in golden sunlight as the boat reached Seven Commandos Beach. At the journey's end, tall coconut trees on the beach beckoned. My Spanish friend and I each called for a bottle of beer. This time yesterday, we were still on the same boat exploring the underground river near Puerto Princesa a few hours away from El Nido.
In the darkness illuminated by a lantern, we listened to the sounds of bats fluttering, oars cutting through the cold water, and water dripping from the cave ceiling onto stalactites. Palawan Island is undoubtedly a place I would visit again if I have the chance to return to the Philippines.
Sitting by the sea in the afternoon sun, with waves lapping at our feet, my friend closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and involuntarily said in his native tongue, “Esto es vida” (This is life). I smiled and replied, “Sí, la vida es hermosa” (Yes, life is beautiful).
As per Business Person Saigon
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourJune 2, 2016
