small lagoon miniloc island

"this is not small. it is just smaller than the big lagoon" i said to myself while i was swimming through an almost hidden inlet to one of Miniloc island's secret lagoon. i was already running out of breath. thinking that the lagoon was small by its name, i swam without a lifevest trying to cross to the other point. struggled swimming as there was no clear spot to stand and rest on but the crystal clear waters was just irresistible.this was our first stop to one of El Nido's infamous package tours to the enchanting islands of Bacuit Bay. from afar, Miniloc island looked like just one plain karst island but as we moved closer, it revealed the opening to what was believed to be sinkholes thousands of years ago.the view to this body of water enclosed by the mix of gray spikes and lush green mix of shrubs was therapeutic. i believe it is karstification at its best. i was impressed that even though the there is increase of tourists to this part of El Nido, the towering cliffs are free from vandalism. the Tagbanwas knew what it meant to preserve the area. they definitely deserve to be keepers to the Philippines jewel.recommended activities:
[1] swimming. the clear and calm waters makes it a perfect spot for swimming. there's not much to see underwater except for plain white sand and some rocks to stand on.
[2] paddling. kayaks for rent are available outside and inside the small lagoon. this gives you the opportunity to bring your camera and get upclose to the limestone walls.
[3] nothing. even by staying at the boat surrounded by these clustered karst is relaxing.

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

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 within the 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: 4.5
boat trip: 5.0
seascape: 5.0
topography: 5.0
isolation: 4.0

overall escape factor: 4.5

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