big lagoon miniloc el nido

if you remember way back 2004, Amazing Race (US Version) Season 5 had its second to the last stop in the Philippines and the roadblock on climbing the towering karst of El Nido was considered one of the most challenging. i included two clips from the episode below.

“despite the difficult challenges, we enjoyed every place we went. specially Palawan”  Season 4 winner Chip and Kim claimed after an interview of their experience of the race. the platform used in that roadblock is now set at Miniloc's big lagoon relocated from Lagen island.

the scrapped walls in the channel to the big lagoon seemed to have been trimmed intentionally. flat downwards touching the shallow waters on its inlet. as we cruised through, water got deeper. 

 

this huge lagoon could have been a large dome and dangerous species is still believed to be dwelling in its deep dark waters. so not one from the group dared jump off. one round cruise inside this lagoon and had our way out on the same channel.

this stop of tour A is just a cruise-and-see as we've had a long time swimming in the small lagoon. both lagoons are actually located at the same side of the island with just a  limestone wall separating it.

video clips from Amazing Race Season 5 (US Version) when they had the roadblock challenge in El Nido Palawan. thanks to cfs224 for uploading and saving the video.

El Nido Tour A:
Big Lagoon Miniloc Island is part of El Nido standard Island Hopping package tour A which also includes a visit to Small Lagoon Miniloc island, Shimizu island, Pangalusian island, Hidden Beach and Seven Commandos Beach.
Tour A package cost: P700/head. 

how to get there:
>>>from Manila:
option 1: Domestic airlines fly daily from Manila to Puerto Princesa (1-hour flight) option 2: Direct flight from Manila to El Nido via Seair (as of this post, direct flights are not available).
>>>from Puerto Princesa to El Nido:
option 1: Take a van trip from Fort Wally Van Organization to El Nido (6-hour road trip). option 2: Take the regular bus trip from the Puerto Princesa Central bus terminal (7-8hours road trip)
>>>from El Nido van terminal:
option 1: take a tricycle for a short ride to your hotel or to the main beach area if you did not reserve for a hotel.
option 2: if you are willing to walk, the main town area is just a walk away. but i don't recommend this if you have big backpacks and if you have a limited time in El Nido. (15mins walk)
>>>for Tour A:
several travel agency along the main streets of El Nido offers standardized tour packages which includes island hopping and lunch.

location:
island: Miniloc island
province: Palawan
gateway: El Nido Coast

escape factor: 
 accessibility: 5.0
boat trip: 5.0
seascape: 5.0
topography: 5.0  
isolation: 4.5

overall escape factor: 5.0

GPS location:
11^ 10" 46' N
119^ 23" 16' E