Big Lagoon, El Nido, Palawan : Travel Guide + Budget

Hi mommies & bff's! This freedom is becoming a lifestyle.  How much do you want to spend time with loved-ones without worrying the time, commute and cubicle.  

It's almost summer time again. I know most of you have swimming plans. Who wouldn't want to cool-down the heat with beach and pools, right?! As you plan along, here's my first-hand Big Lagoon, El Nido adventure tips.  Moreover this lifestyle could be yours too.  

Big Lagoon is one of the most visited lagoons both in combi and tour A at El Nido, Palawan.  Unlike the hidden lagoon, this one is literally big. Before you can reach the lagoon area, you have to walk (low-tide) or kayak, float or snorkel to make it there. It's actually quite far.  Thus, others choose to kayak.  But there's fun going to it in groups walking or floating. 

Once you reach the lagoon area, you will appreciate the surrounding dark, deep forests and ancient limestone cliffs.  The greenish blue water of the sea reflects the beautiful skies.  There is vast array of wildlife like unique insects and crabs by the sea shore. You will notice small holes on it.  Some tourists didn't like the insects (sea lice). There were also territorial fish that didn't wanna be bothered. Some tourists who stood by their area, were bitten. Better go with the guide's instruction to avoid this.

The seabed sand was so fine and white. Walking on it was soft and smooth.  Although the water got so cloudy due to the sand, it still is preferable than rocks.

HOW TO GET THERE

Preparation:

1. Take cash with you. Withdraw ahead of time at PPS because there are only two atms in El Nido (RCBC & BPI). Just so to avoid hassle. It accepts pesos and international withdrawals.

2. The electricity there is not that reliable especially during peak season. AC may turn on and off. It's being distributed in the area. But there's electric fan to borrow from the front desk. Or bring with you portable & chargeable fans.

3. Bring with you mineral water bought from PPS. Even in labeled bottle, it can trigger tummy ache for those people with weak digestive system.

ROUTE:

1. We were fetched from Airport Side Inn by Alexzus Travel & Tours van.

2. We were brought to the terminal. Took another van for 5 hours from PPS to El Nido. 

3. We were fetched by a tricycle also by Alexzus. 

Note:  Same way going back to Puerto Princesa. The van even dropped us to Sheebang Hostel, nearby Kuya Ramon's house, where we spent the last night.

VIA COMMUTE

From Puerto Princesa, you may hire a tricycle for 50 php going to the bus terminal.

You can choose either by taking a regular bus for 360 php or 480 php. You may also take a van for 500 php. Travel time will be 5 hours instead of 6 hours. 

WHY WE CHOSE PACKAGED TOUR?

We booked for the complete package of Alexzus Travel & Tours for only 2,799 php per head for the Combi Tour A & C. For 3 heads, it's 8,397 php.

Deposit to their BPI account half before the trip and pay cash there upon arrival for the other half. Very convenient right?! You may check their facebook account and contact Kristine, the owner. She was very accommodating.

Included the following:

- 2 Days 1 Night at A/C Alexzus Backpackers Lodge

- Free 1x Breakfast @ Silog Republic

- Combi tour A & C 7 Islands 

(Matinloc Shrine, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Seven Commandos)

- Land transportation (fully a/c van round trip from PPS to El Nido)

- Tour Guide Fee 

- Boat Fee 

- Snorkel & Vest 

- Buffet Lunch

(water, pork and chicken liempo, shrimp, fruits, cucumber & tomatoes)
- Eco-Tourism Development Fee (good for 10 days)

COMPARE

DIY Tour (w/o package)

- Alexzus Backpackers Lodge 2D1N - 800 

- 2x Breakfast 100 x 3  = 300 

- Tour A & C via other travel tour 2,342 x 3 = 7,026

(Includes Land Transfer, Boat fee, tour guide fee, buffet lunch) 

Not Included:

- Snorkel & Vest Rental = 150 x 3 = 150 

- Eco-Tourism Development Fee (good for 10 days) - 200 x 3 = 600

TOTAL = 8,876 php

For 3 Heads

Packaged Tour - 8,397 vs DIY Tour - 8,876 = DIFFERENCE : 479 php

Happy Lagoonish Day Peeps!