2019 • 02 • 22

More about Big Lagoon here: El Nido, Palawan: Big and Small Lagoons

Big Lagoon is the second stop of El Nido Island Hopping Tour A, right after Small Lagoon. Just like any other lagoons in Palawan, Big Lagoon is dotted with dark limestone cliffs. The entrance to the lagoon has shallow water, but the emerald color of the water indicates the deeper areas. Enjoy the view!

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: El Nido Airport, also known as Lio Airport (Palawan); Puerto Princesa International Airport (Palawan); Francisco B. Reyes Airport, also known as Busuanga Airport (Palawan)

By Air

There are three possible gateways to El Nido from Manila: El Nido Airport is the nearest and the most convenient one, but airfare can be too steep. Busuanga Airport is an option to consider for those who are planning to do a Coron-El Nido tour. For those who want to enjoy both Puerto Princesa and El Nido to the fullest, Puerto Princesa Airport is the most popular choice.

1. Coming from Manila, it will take you around 1 hour to get to Puerto Princesa International Airport. Check your preferred airline company for the flight schedule and airfare.
2. Once in Puerto Princesa, you have 3 options going to El Nido: Van (P550-600, 5hrs); Bus (P385-480, 6-7hrs); Roro Bus (P290-380, 6-7hrs)

 
Via van, there are shuttle vans at the airport or you may take a tricycle or multi-cab going to Robinson’s Mall where the van terminal is located.
Via bus and RoRo bus, take a tricycle from the airport going to Junction 1 (P8), and then ride a multi-cab going to San Jose Terminal. You can also hire a tricycle for P80-100.
 

3. From El Nido bus terminal, take a tricycle going downtown or directly to your hotel.
4. From either the town proper or along Bacuit Bay, you can book El Nido’s Island Hopping Tour A.

 

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Entrance Fee and Other Charges

Big Lagoon is part of El Nido Island Hopping Tour A. The tour package is inclusive of boat, lunch, life vest, snorkeling gear, and tour guide fee.

• El Nido Island Hopping Tour A: P1200/person
  Note: The local government standardizes the tour rates. Island hopping tour operation starts at 9am and ends at 4pm.
• Eco-Tourism Development Fee: P200 (good for 10 days)
• Kayak Rental Fee: P700 (whole day, within operation hours)

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Don’t Miss

• Visitors don’t usually get off the boats to swim here; they just marvel at the incredible display of nature’s raw beauty while riding the boats.
• Others explore the lagoon by kayaking around.

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Don’t Forget

• Sea snakes and sea turtles are usually spotted swimming in the shallow waters of the lagoon’s entrance. Sea urchins are present too. Wear aqua shoes or any protective footwear if you have.
• During low tide, it is not easy to access the lagoon, so others rent kayaks.
• Bring lots of water. Check with your tour operator if drinking water is included in the package.
• Follow the rules at all times. Practice caution. Wear your life vest, especially if you are not a seasoned swimmer.
• Charge your gadgets and/or bring battery packs.
• Keep the place clean. Practice proper garbage disposal. Leave nothing but footprints.

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If You Have More Time and Budget

• Other places included in Tour A package are Secret Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Simizu Island, and 7 Commandos Beach.
• Take the other tour packages: Tour B, Tour C, Tour D, or Tour E.
• Craving for the “natural high”? Climb to the summit of Taraw Cliff.
• Take the Puerto Princesa city tour.

More detailed travel guide here: El Nido Budget Travel Guide

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Where to Stay

Whether you are looking for cheap accommodation or a luxurious one, you have plenty of choices in El Nido. Here are the top-rated accommodations according to Agoda users, in no particular order.

• Matinloc Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Vellago Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• El Nido Resorts Lagen Island. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Palawan Hotels