We were headed to a beach, but all I could see were huge limestone rocks and cliffs. “Hmm… Where is it?” I wondered. We eventually settled at the end of those cliffs, where we saw some boats.
We stopped, and our guide explained in Tagalog, “We’re going to swim from here in that direction, then go further to see the hidden beach.” Ah, that’s why it’s called the Hidden Beach—the distance between our boat and the rocks was quite substantial!
I prepared myself for a long swim, trusting that my life jacket could handle my weight, haha! I knew it was going to be a hell of an adventure again!
Going there…
I looked at those huge limestone rocks, observing tourists taking the same route. You know that moment when you’re planning your strategy to reach your destination. Then boom! I realized it wasn’t necessary when our guide said, “Okay sir, you and mam are going to jump. Use your camera sir for the video.”
But well, when you’re in El Nido, you just have to trust and go with it! So we jumped! I was floating, and so was Eloi. Yehey! Our life jackets were working, haha!
To be honest, I was overthinking because I was worried about Eloi. She has this fear of swimming, whether it’s in a pool or the sea.
It’s actually about her ears. When she was little, she had an infection in one ear, and the medication, like ear drops, was so painful that it became a traumatic experience for her. So she developed this fear of getting her head, her ear, underwater.
After we jumped and swam a bit, I looked for her just to check on her. I couldn’t find her at first and panicked, just a bit, haha! Then I saw her rise from snorkeling and she excitedly said, “The corals are beautiful, there are fish, come snorkel quickly!” Okay, she seems fine, right? Haha!
From there, it was quite a swim, navigating between two massive rocks like an entrance to the hidden beach. When we got to some shallow parts, I again realized how lucky we were to have our aqua shoes on. The underwater rocks can be painful to your feet and knees, so be very careful.
Smile!
Content
In awe with Hidden Beach
The swimming was tiring as we were also trying to move against the waves. But after a few more minutes, glancing to my left, I saw people sunbathing and swimming on a white sand beach, completely hidden from the outside world.
It was surreal. The place looked like something you’d only see in movies, reminiscent of “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
I read somewhere that the real inspiration for the novel, which was later adapted into that movie, is actually El Nido. Although the movie was set in Thailand, the author was in El Nido when he conceptualized the novel. That revelation makes a lot of sense.
READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best El Nido Tourist Spots
I don’t need to describe the place further. Everywhere I turned, all I could see was beauty. It’s hard to put into words; you have to go to El Nido and see it for yourself! We stayed there for a few minutes, finding that simply sitting and observing the entire place was the best thing to do. We had our fill of swimming just by getting there. It was tiring, but the exhaustion vanished when I saw the hidden beach.
The charm of the beach was unique, perhaps because most of the tourists there were foreigners. At some point, you might ask yourself, “Am I really in the Philippines?” This is followed by a sense of pride that our country possesses such beauty, enjoyed by people from all around the world.
Hidden Beach El Nido Travel Guide 2024
Hidden Beach in El Nido, Palawan, is a captivating destination celebrated for its secluded setting, pristine white sand, and crystal-clear waters, all beautifully framed by imposing limestone cliffs.
It’s part of the renowned Tour C island hopping package, which features multiple breathtaking spots in El Nido.
How to Get There?
To reach Hidden Beach, you can fly to either El Nido Airport (Lio Airport) or Puerto Princesa International Airport.
From Puerto Princesa, the journey to El Nido can be made via bus or van, with vans offering a quicker travel time. Once in El Nido, you can book the Tour C island hopping experience through various local tour operators.
Travel Tips
- Carry sufficient cash, as ATMs may have long queues or could run out of money.
- It’s wise to bring your snorkeling gear and waterproof protection for electronic devices.
- Follow local rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
El Nido Accommodations
For accommodation, El Nido offers a range of options:
Budget-friendly choices include Northern Hope Inn, Novie’s Tourist Inn, and Keira Backpackers.
For a more luxurious stay, consider Panorama Boutique Hotel & Beach Club, The Nest El Nido Beach Resort, Frangipani El Nido, El Nido Moringa Resort, and Vellago Resort.
READ MORE: 15 Best Resorts in El Nido, Palawan
Dining Options
El Nido boasts a variety of dining experiences:
- Altrove Trattoria is known for its pizza and pasta.
- Athena Cafe offers a Greek culinary experience.
- Art Cafe is popular for pasta and its nightly music jams.
- Skyline Bar and Restaurant is a cool spot to unwind in the evening.
- Happiness Express is a trendy restobar known for its relaxed ambiance.
Note: Hidden Beach is part of El Nido Tour C. Our tour was complimentary of Northern Hope Tours, check their website for bookings and inquiries.
5 Comments
Marc
December 17, 2016 at 6:53 pmThis is so beautiful and I can’t wait to one day visit and enjoy those beaches. It looks like a paradise!
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