(Some beautiful coral reef features at one snorkel spot in an island near El Nido)
This is a continuation from the previous first post of El Nido.
(Me chilling on the ledge part of the motorized boat at a secluded beach)
On the second full day in El Nido, I went on another island hopping tour that consisted mostly of snorkeling reef sections that weren't included in the first day.
I'm enjoying the sceneries again, and we had the same boat crew, so once again, quite a relaxing full day experience going around many of the numerous small islands that surround El Nido.
(Another secluded random beach)
(Another one of the captain's amazing artistic skills, creating a horse out of the yellow watermelon)
Heading off to Puerto Princesa
After my 5 day trip to El Nido, it's time to head back to Puerto Princesa.
Again, the van trip took around 6 hours ... although it most likely was 5 hours since our van driver drove super fast and crazy LOL!
Upon drop-off, we got booked into the Gilin Pension House ... which actually is a super nice small hotel.
The first night tourist attraction was the Iwahig River Firefly Watching.
This event is held at night on relatively cloudless night.
There was a buffet dinner served, followed by waiting to get a on a 3 man raft. Guide described to us the fireflies that existed along the river. It was actually pretty cool to watch as the fireflies glow and blink in sync, almost like Christmas lights.
When the driver waved his red light, the fireflies would simultaneous blink together. That was surreal to watch.
The fireflies do that as a defense mechanism, thinking their enemy is going to attack or eat them.
Along with firefly watching, the guide help point out some constellation star features in the night time sky. Since Philippines was closer to the equator than Hawaii .. it was much easier to find the Southern Cross constellation.
Underground River Tour Near Puerto Princesa (UNESCO Heritage Site)
The next day, we went on a day tour to check out what supposedly is the only longest underground continuous river cave.
This was the highlight of the trip that is unique to only this area that is not found anywhere else in the world.
While it was a super touristy place ... the Underground River is not a tour to miss.
The caves with river is truly spectacular.
There are also LOTS of bats that are flying and making their radar noise in the cave. Don't open your mouth to wide as the bat droppings could fall in there LOL!
Below are some of the photos of the entrance and inside of the caves:
The tour includes a buffet lunch as well as an English audio tour guide ... it's live so whenever your boat moves, it'll describe features in the cave, which many do look like what they've spoken. There's a cathedral, with Nativity scene like cave features, and much much more!