El Nido Tour A: Is The Group Tour Value It?
This put up was written by Ashley Yap, BMTM’s Director of Model Relations.
Planning an island hopping tour on El Nido will be pretty easy – you simply want to choose one of many 4 that’s supplied everywhere in the island. Every itinerary provides one thing just a little totally different – tour A takes you to the well-known Huge Lagoon, tour B to the Snake Island, tour C to the Helicopter Island and tour D, to the Cadlao Lagoon. I visited El Nido in November 2022, and joined tour A, B and C throughout my 5-day keep on the island. Right here’s my trustworthy evaluate on the tour A that can assist you resolve if it’s for you:
The right way to E-book El Nido Tour A:
I booked all of my El Nido excursions by Klook, which I extremely advocate, as I didn’t must spend any extra time in search of a bunch tour while on the island. Due to that, I used to be in a position to plan my days on the island forward of time, and in case you are a Sort A like me, you’d respect that, too.
I used to be stunned to see that the tour is marketed at a better value on the island, which, whereas I’m certain it’s negotiable, I very a lot desire to have had it booked on-line. El Nido can be a really cash-based island, so should you e book the tour in particular person, you’ll almost definitely must pay in money. Talking of which, come to the island with adequate money! Although there appear to be loads of ATMs on the island, they don’t at all times work. Forex alternate charges are very poor… I realized that the onerous approach.
How A lot is El Nido Tour A?
El Nido Tour A prices $18.55 on Klook, which is inexpensive contemplating the lagoons and seashores you go to, in addition to a buffet lunch with extra dishes than you may think about. Nonetheless, do notice that you’ll want to pay an entrance payment to the Huge Lagoon (200 PHP or about $4), and a rental payment for a 2-person kayak (300 PHP or about $5). If you wish to lease a masks and snorkel set, it’s one other 150 PHP (or about $3). There’s additionally a obligatory environmental payment to pay at 200 PHP, which is legitimate for 10 days and can be utilized for different excursions. These charges are collected in money solely. Undoubtedly take these charges into consideration when planning your journey.
El Nido Tour A Itinerary:
Lodge switch shouldn’t be included on this tour. You’ll be able to organize for a tricycle trip for about 300 PHP to the meetup level, which is Klook’s counter at Jhanna’s Inn, earlier than 8:30am. Then, relying in your luck, your group could depart anytime between straight away to an hour later, relying on the coastal guard clearance. That is the truth of group excursions, so don’t let it spoil your day! When you board the boat, you have to placed on a life jacket for the boat to go away. The tour information launched himself and the remainder of the boat crew, which include a prepare dinner, a captain, and two boatmen.
First Cease: Seven Commando Seaside (1 hour)
I LOVED this seashore! Although it was a crowded morning, the seashore was sufficiently big to accommodate everybody. This lengthy white sand seashore contains a small bar that gives refreshing drinks and cocktails. I loved swimming within the glistening water and people-watching on the seashore. This space is thought for sea turtles, although I didn’t see any.
Second Cease: Shimizu Island (45 minutes)
Shimizu Island provides untouched pure magnificence nestled within the waters. Right here is one other nice alternative for snorkeling, seeing beautiful corals and marine life, or simply kicking again and stress-free on the white sand seashore. This island is a pure illustration of El Nido’s geological magnificence, boasting limestone cliffs lined with vegetation.
We had our buffet lunch served on this island. It consisted of two large fish, prawns, scallops, pork, greens, and rice. There’s just a little stall promoting recent coconuts and snacks should you want any extras.
Third Cease: The Huge Lagoon (1 hour)
The tour’s spotlight is the notorious Huge Lagoon, which is characterised by stunningly deep blue water and large limestone cliff partitions. I rented a kayak and acquired an honest exercise from paddling. The “entrance” waterway was jam-packed with individuals, however when you crossed over, wonderful cliffs encircling turquoise blue water await. You will get off the kayak and swim in it, too. Simply be careful for sea urchins, that are often tucked in rocks. Undoubtedly pile on sunscreen earlier than kayaking as a result of there isn’t a lot shade.
Closing Cease: Secret Lagoon (half-hour)
The Secret Lagoon isn’t any secret in any respect, but it surely nonetheless made an attention-grabbing cease. You could duck and climb by a small opening right into a secluded lagoon nearly totally sealed off. The water in there was COLD! One can think about if mermaids hand around in such locations, although I have to admit that I used to be additionally questioning if anybody peed in there…
The boat then took us again to the pier, and it was a soothing journey watching the solar set as we made our approach again.
Is Tour A Value it?
Contemplating the itinerary, period, and meals, I’d say that tour A is totally price it. If I used to be touring with a bunch of mates, I’d have most positively organized a personal tour and cut up the fee. Nonetheless, that was not the case for me as a solo feminine traveler; due to this fact, becoming a member of a bunch tour was the most cost effective method to go to these locations. Clearly, customization is not possible with group excursions like this, however I totally loved all stops with this tour and wouldn’t have modified something. In case you are solely doing one island hopping tour on El Nido, I’d advocate this one, as you get a style of all the things, from seashores to lagoons.
It’s the preferred itinerary among the many 4, so count on the boat to be fairly crowded. In my case, there have been 22 individuals on the boat. I didn’t thoughts it in any respect and loved assembly overseas and native vacationers. Please keep in mind your boat title and board the boat on time after your time at every cease is up!
What to Deliver on Your Journey
You’ll be out on the ocean your entire day, so it’s finest to return ready! Right here’s all the things I introduced on my island hopping journey, they usually all match right into a 10L dry bag:
I hope this text offers you a transparent overview of what to anticipate on El Nido Tour A. In case you are all for testing the opposite group excursions on El Nido, learn these subsequent:
- El Nido Tour B evaluate (group tour)
- El Nido Tour C evaluate (group tour)
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