Matinloc Shrine
Locals said that you will appreciate El Nido more if you will avail Tour A the very last as it showcases the most beautiful lagoons you will ever see, but for now, I will highlight the Island Hopping Tour C.
Through the help of the guesthouse owner Kuya Rodrigo of Tatay Milo’s Inn, we availed the Island Hopping Tour C through Servant Tours which costs Php 900.00 (USD 21.60) per head including lunch.
Tour C is comprised of jaunt to Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Shimizu Island (but I am not really sure if it was Shimizu Island), Hidden Beach, and Helicopter Island. Each island has different characteristics which are just exquisite and an underwater camera is indeed required to capture each island’s splendor without limitations.
I traveled in El Nido alone and I was actually a bit worried that I might not get along well with people there. I used to be a goofy person but at some point when I started working full-time, it killed my social life and somehow changed my personality, from goofy into a shy lass.
It turned out that my expectation was the opposite. Upon arriving at Tatay Miloy’s Inn, there’s another female solo traveler whom I shared room with. Conversations were in Tagalog but I’ll just translate it.
“Why are you alone?” I asked.
“I just feel like it! 
What about you?” She replied.
“Me too! It’s a belated happy birthday for myself!”
Her name is Nelly and we became instant friends.
Island Hopping Tour C Photos
One cute thing about our tour guides is that they do a 3-in-1 job: tour guide, lifeguard, and cook.
Our first stop was the Matinloc Shrine. According to our tour guide, during 1980s to 1990s, the island was always jam-packed with locals because Catholic Mass and medical missions were being held here every October 4th which was also the Feast of St. Francis.
But due to its location, it was later abandoned and instead, they just build a church in the town proper for easier access.
The only thing that you have to watch out for are bunch of mosquitoes. Good thing I was wearing my cutesy pants on and my shawl to cover my arms when we went there. Some of my boat mates gained lots of rashes and mosquito bites when we got back to the boat.
Next, we hopped to the Secret Beach. Unfortunately, I don’t have photos from this island yet. Nelly actually has an underwater camera and I copied the photos to my laptop. Unfortunately, when I got home, I found out that the laptop was write-protected. Once you shut it down, it will not save anything! GRAWRRR.
I have to wait for her to upload the photos soon. Good thing a friend who is based in El Nido managed to send me some files.
Moving forward, going to the Secret Beach was a challenge. We have to struggle against the strong waves while entering the small hole. It was dark and creepy under water like a big predator was there so I hurriedly swam inside.
After that, we have to cross its rocky underneath going to the beach itself. It was really a challenge for all of us but it was worth every step, the Secret Beach is indeed a wonder. Some of our boat mates didn’t make it as it was really difficult to get there.
Who wouldn’t get hungry after the Secret Beach challenge? Servant Tours is known for its appetizing and presentable meal. As I mentioned above, boatmen do a 3-in-1 job, look how skillful they are when presenting food! Their skills are just outstanding and one thing to be proud of.
I really couldn’t recall what island we had our lunch, I am not sure if this was the Shimizu Island but anyways, help me find out by posting a comment below.
The relaxing view while we were having lunch.
Moving forward after the smart lunch, we headed to the Hidden Beach. Again, I don’t have enough photos as Tour C requires a lot of swimming which frustrated me as I didn’t have an underwater camera.
However, it gave me the opportunity to savor the tour more with my naked eyes and explore the place better rather than being hooked up with my camera.
The Hidden Beach
You will also chance upon a cute clownfish if you walk further by the Hidden Beach. It was the first time I’ve seen clownfish that wasn’t in tank.
I suddenly recalled Walt Disney Pictures’ ”Finding Nemo,” and realized that clownfish are really playful and nestled in sea anemone. We saw two and one of them bit my finger.
The last stop was the Helicopter Island which, once again, I don’t have any photos. To give you a clear picture of the island, it shaped like helicopter lol.
Tips:
- Bring mosquito repellent for Matinloc Shrine.
- Renting snorkeling gears or fins is a must, Php 100.00.
- Rent an underwater camera if you don’t have one. You can ask around which island hopping tour agency can provide you the rent, Php 500.00 to Php 700.00 depending on the model.
- Bring food and water. The lunch may be sumptuous but will get hungry again and again due to activities you’re doing.
Tour information:
- Servant Tours Contact info: +63915-415-7245
- Starts from 09:00 a.m. to 5:20 p.m.
- Price: Php 900.00 with lunch.
Ada Reply:
October 8th, 2012 at 6:54 am
Yes Panalo sila! And so far Servant Tours ang pinaka expert jan
Reply