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Polaroid of the Week: Stunning Lagoon Near El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

Polaroid of the Week: Stunning Lagoon Near El Nido, Palawan, PhilippinesIt wasn’t planned, but as my boat departed the bay from El Nido town and ventured into the archipelago, I realized I had saved the best for last. El Nido capped off my Philippines adventure perfectly. Approaching the towering limestone karst cliffs dotting the islets, I felt incredibly fortunate to witness this slice of paradise.

El Nido and the Bacuit Archipelago are hailed as one of Earth’s last unspoiled paradises. Gliding past pristine, deserted beaches, navigating emerald-green lagoons, swimming through narrow gaps in limestone walls to secret coves, snorkeling amid vibrant tropical fish, and island-hopping to uninhabited shores—it’s easy to see why this natural wonder captivates visitors.

This 45-island archipelago, with its steep karst cliffs and palm-lined beaches, shines on island-hopping tours easily booked in El Nido. Four tour options visit diverse spots for snorkeling hidden lagoons, exploring caves, discovering secret beaches, or simply admiring the serene beauty from your boat. Don’t skip snorkeling—the underwater realm boasts over 800 fish species and 100+ corals.

I joined two tours during my stay and regretted not doing all four. Weeks sailing these lush, Robinson Crusoe-esque isles wouldn’t bore me. Palawan provided the ultimate finale to my Philippine island-hopping journey—a dream realized.

Doubting the hype? See more in our article: Palawan, the Most Beautiful Island in the World, is Sheer Perfection.

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