Escape to El Nido (part 2)

Our amazing first day in El Nido has set the tone for the rest of our stay on this island paradise. Everything was booked with Lagen Island resort's activities coordinator upon our arrival, so we all know what to expect during our stay. Despite the rain showers during the island-hopping on day one, we still had a great afternoon and was looking forward to Tour 2 the next morning. The half-day tour will cover the most awaited visit to the small and big lagoons, snorkeling in Miniloc Island resort, and beach side lunch.

DAY 2

We woke up early to join Tour 2 that leaves at 8am. This time, we were with three more couples, aside from the three ladies from our first tour. Luckily, the same friendly guide accompanied us on this tour. If you ever find yourself in Lagen Island Resort, request for Benjie to be your tour guide for your island-hopping. He shared lots of trivia, and took most of our photos if I wasn't the one holding the camera and phone, hehe!

First stop -- Small Lagoon.

As you can see in my photos, still no sun on day 2 and it was drizzling when we got there. Travel time was around 30 minutes from Lagen. Actually, the lagoons are nearer from Miniloc. There were several tourist boats already when we got there around 9am. Thankfully, it didn't feel crowded when we were kayaking on the lagoon.

I super regret not being able to capture better shots of the emerald lagoon and the magnificent limestone cliffs. Kung may drone sana, I'm sure super ganda ng aerial shots. It was a surreal experience kasi nakikita ko lang ito sa mga pictures before... and now I am right in the middle of this natural wonder!

All the kayak and paddles were provided for, kaya no worries during the tour. Benjie and his companions also helped everyone in navigating through the lagoon and some tight spots, and may picture-taking pa in between.

This was the tightest spot you need to pass through. Buti walang pila when it was our turn to squeeze our way in and out, hehe. =) Watch the video below to see what I mean.

We didn't get the chance to linger and swim coz we all wanted to get to our next destination before it rained again.

Next stop -- Miniloc Island. El Nido Resorts own four resorts, namely Lagen, Apulit, Miniloc and Pangulasian. If you are staying in any of the first three, you can island-hop between these resorts, except in the exclusive Pangulasian. But if you are staying in Pangulasian, you have access to all four island resorts.

They say the Miniloc reef is one of the nicer snorkeling and diving spots where the giant trevally/jack fish abound -- locally known as talakitok. Sayang nga hindi na kami sumama sa snorkeling coz the kids changed their minds and wanted to rest and eat. We ended up hanging out at the bar and enjoyed some fruit shakes and cheese sticks while we wait for the group to finish.

From Miniloc, off we went to the big lagoon. Take a virtual tour of the Small and Big Lagoons here:

Still with overcast skies, but the lagoon was very clear and calm. We spotted some swiftlets flying around. They are cave-dwelling birds that produce the valuable "bird's nest" (soup). Look it up.

What an amazing morning! The tour was a feast for the senses and I know this experience will forever be in our kids' memory banks.

Last stop of the tour is Entalula island for lunch and swimming. We got there at exactly 12 noon.

Time for a sumptuous meal by the private beach, all prepared by the Lagen Resort staff. The food was so succulent, delicious, and filling. We had refillable grilled pork belly, fish, and squid, leaf-wrapped steamed rice, a bowl of salad, fresh fruit platter, cold cuts and an assortment of bread. Sarap!

The sky was clearing up and we were all ready to hit the beach.

Aside from our GoPro and swim gear, I made sure I packed our sunscreen, insect repellent (ang daming flying insects!), wipes, a hand towel, and hand sanitizer in a waterproof drybag. We wore our aqua shoes at all times. Life vests and towels were provided by the resort.

My little mermaid enjoying the waves.

We left the beach past two in the afternoon. By 4pm, the girl and I went to try the basket boat at the resort... she paddled, I sat and relaxed, hahaha! Sayang wala kaming photo with the whole boat. Ang cute sana! We just went around the main cove.

Best day ever! The tour was just awesome, kahit bitin due to the weather. We didn't get the chance to have a sunset cruise either, kasi nga makulimlim - so walang nakitang sunset. But nonetheless, we made the most out of the day.

These are the day and night view of our water cottage from the breakwater.

After dinner, J and I savored our final night by hanging out at our cottage balcony, beer on hand, and simply enjoyed this fantastic evening skyline.

(To be continued.)

Update:

Here's what happened on DAY 1 and DAY 3 in El Nido:
www.mymomfriday.com/2018/06/escape-to-el-nido-part-1

www.mymomfriday.com/2018/07/escape-to-el-nido-part-3.html

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