Small 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 Small Lagoon, El Nido adventure tips.  Moreover this lifestyle could be yours too.  lifestyle to help you plan ahead.

Small Lagoon is a pocket-like small, natural pool surrounded with limestone karst with greeneries on top making it so private. The peaceful yet mysterious ambience of the lagoon will bring you to your senses, to realize how beautiful creation is.  The water color is tranquil turquoise green.  The sun rays dazzles on the surface of the water reflecting so clearly on the water.  The temperature is a bit colder than the entrance. There are also rocks by the side where you can sit and relax. Or you might want to step on to do short-distance diving.  Best to do when it's not summer time.  

It is not easy to get into it because you have to swim, float or snorkel in between a cave-like opening in the lower portion of two big colliding limestones that looks like huge rocks with a pocket-sized hole beneath.

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.

Chesca in her under water Go Pro Hero 3 stunt

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 = EXTRA DIFFERENCE : 479 php