Kayaking at Small Lagoon in El Nido (Palawan)

It was the last spot to explore in the whole day of touring El Nido islands.

Though excited about the Small Lagoon, then finally going back to town and rest, I was worried that I might not be able to take pictures of this last destination.

My action camera was slowly losing its battery.  Oh no! So I turned it off for a while.

Once we arrived at the Small Lagoon area, our guides told us that kayaking was the better way to explore. If you’re an Olympic swimmer and will not get tired easily, you can swim. Haha! But for us, kayaking is the way to go. The rent was about 300 pesos for a big kayak good for two persons.

Of course, Eloi and I availed that. It was our first time to kayak together. I’ve enjoyed kayaking in the past but I was always solo during that time.

After the balancing act, we finally settled. Eloi was in front of me and then we paddled together.

Small Lagoon is part of Miniloc Island, home of the most beautiful lagoons in El Nido.

We just followed around the rest and it pointed us to the farthest part where we could see people entering into a narrow way going to the inner parts of the lagoon.

It was then I realized how hard it is to kayak with someone. I mean when you’re not solo either you’re kayaking as a couple, or with a friend. When you’re solo you can easily maneuver, control, and direct yourself to your destination. But when you’re with someone, it is a lot harder. Haha!

I was constantly reminding Eloi who was paddling in front of me, “If you want to go to your left, paddle from your right side.” Eloi got the direction, but we were still unable to go to wherever we wanted to! We would be stuck bumping into limestone rocks.

When we were having a bad time kayaking, I saw Michael and Sarah, the Swiss couple we met during the tour. They smiled and we smiled back while we were trying to be back on track. Haha! They were really good that I felt envious for a while. Haha! Looking at them makes everyone think that kayaking with someone or with a group is so easy.

Due to our frustration, I almost forgot about the camera. That I had to take photos! I reminded myself that hello Jon, you are a blogger remember? Haha!

It was just sad that when I looked at my camera, it was totally drained.

Imagine, I had to help out with the kayaking while trying to figure out if I could still use some of the camera’s remaining battery. So I figured out that when I turned it off and on, it will work for a few seconds before totally drained again.

That few seconds before draining, I used that little time to quickly snap some photos! Oh boy, it was hard work!

READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best PALAWAN TOURIST SPOTS (Last Ecological Frontier)

So we finally arrived at the entrance to the inner lagoon. It was like a narrow gap between two limestone rocks. And so with our difficulty to be in sync while kayaking, just thinking about how on earth are we going to pass through stressed me a bit. Just a bit. Haha! Because when you’re in a place like El Nido, you can never afford to entertain any negative thoughts nor feelings. The place is a paradise!

So my positivity paid off! Armed with fighting spirit, we were able to pass through and we were welcomed by calm, cold water in a small lagoon enclosed with limestone rocks. It was a peaceful, calming place.

We were starting to enjoy the place, looking with awe in our eyes, until we suddenly bumped into other kayaks. Haha! It was no time to relax, Eloi and I had to work hard to properly direct our kayak. Hahaha!

But nonetheless, the place was magical.

READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best El Nido Tourist Spots

By the time we were back on the boat, we were able to talk to our new friends, Michael and Sarah from Switzerland. And we told them about our experience with kayaking. They said that they stayed at a hotel in Thailand and that the only way to get out there was to kayak, so they were able to “hone” their kayaking skills there. Oh, that explains why they were very good with it.

Then suddenly I just thought about the idea, that kayaking as a couple is like a relationship. You need to openly communicate to be able to go to the right direction that you both want to reach. Naks! Hahaha!

Oh, El Nido has been giving these ideas and reflection despite the bad things that happened. In a place where you’re surrounded by just plain beauty and positivity, it’s soothing, reminding you to always look at the brighter side.

Disclaimer:  Our tours in El Nido was complimentary of Northern Hope Tours. For your tour needs in El Nido, check their website here for inquiries and bookings.

For the best and most affordable hotels in El Nido and rest of Palawan, CLICK HERE.

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Check Out my Travel Guide,   El Nido, Palawan: DIY Travel Guide to the Philippines’ Best Islands

More El Nido Blog Posts:

• Puerto Princesa to El Nido by bus and van 
• Coron to El Nido by Fast Ferry

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