El Nido lagoons look unreal. This 3D2N trip from Puerto Princesa ties a long, comfortable transfer to a full Bacuit Bay day, so you get the famous scenery with less planning stress. You also get time to enjoy El Nido at a slower pace, not just a boat window.

I love that the day’s highlights are staged in a smart order, starting with Big Lagoon and then heading to Secret Lagoon. I also like the value math: your price covers lunch, two breakfasts, and the environmental and national park fees, so you are not constantly checking what costs extra.

One consideration: it is a shared island hopping day, and that can mean mid-day conditions get busy at some stops, like Simizu Island. Add in the moderate physical fitness note, and you will want comfortable shoes and a steady pace.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Bacuit Bay lagoons first: Big Lagoon then Secret Lagoon, both worth your camera time.
• Meals and fees are built in: lunch, breakfast, plus environmental and national park fees.
• Shared group size stays manageable: maximum 20 travelers.
• Plenty of beach time: Seven Commando Beach and Payong-Payong Beach are included stops.
• You control your travel-day fatigue: aim for early flights into Puerto Princesa and an afternoon flight out of it.

From Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido: the 6-hour van you should plan for

The whole trip is built around one big reality: El Nido is not next door to Puerto Princesa. You will start at Puerto Princesa Airport, with a stated start time of 10:00 am, and the airport representative meets you to move you toward the van. If you are arriving at a different time than other group members, your exact departure can shift to line up everyone.

The good news is the ride is described as comfortable and air-conditioned. That matters when you are committing to about 6 hours of road time. If your plan is to enjoy the trip instead of just surviving it, I recommend thinking of Day 1 as your transportation day plus a little El Nido time, not as a day to cram everything.

Also keep your expectations realistic. This is a “get you there and let you experience it” kind of tour. The schedule is designed so you see the key island features on Day 2, and then Day 3 is mainly your return.

Mabuhay Lounge meet-up and getting a real afternoon in El Nido

Your Day 1 includes a stop at Mabuhay Lounge, where the airport rep handles the handoff to the van. The itinerary notes that your departure timing depends on when the other guests arrive, so do not be surprised if your exact push out of the airport area varies a bit.

Once you hit El Nido, the most valuable part of this structure is what it leaves you room to do: an actual afternoon in the town. The trip setup hints at a best-practice move, book an early morning flight into Puerto Princesa so you land with enough daylight left. That way, you can stroll, grab food, and get your bearings without feeling like you are already sprinting toward the next activity.

This matters because El Nido is not only about boats. If you only ever experience the islands from the water, you miss a big part of the trip’s rhythm. A few hours on land helps you understand where things are, where you might want to return later, and how the town feels when you are not wearing swimwear.

Big Lagoon: why this stop is more than a photo moment

Day 2 is the core sightseeing day, a shared island hopping outing around Bacuit Bay. The first stop is Big Lagoon, and it is easy to see why it is the opener. The description focuses on the contrast you get when the limestone cliffs frame the water: the entrance has shallow water, but you can still spot the deeper areas by the way the water shifts toward emerald tones.

You get about one hour here. That is a good window because lagoons like this are not static. Even with a short stop, the light and the water color can change as boats come and go. You should plan your time so you do not spend the whole hour just waiting for the best angle. Start by finding a stable view, then give yourself time to walk in small increments and see how the lagoon looks from a couple of perspectives.

One more practical note: the tour includes national park and environmental fees, and the day’s admission tickets are listed as included. That means your time at Big Lagoon is less likely to be interrupted by surprise costs. You can focus on the experience, not the checkout counter.

Secret Lagoon: the limestone wall effect you will feel fast

After Big Lagoon, the tour moves to Secret Lagoon, also referred to as Hidden Lagoon. This one is shaped by the same limestone landscape, but the big difference is the setting. It sits concealed behind towering karst cliffs, which creates that feel of stepping into a more protected pocket of water.

You also get about one hour here. That timing is important because you are balancing multiple stops. If you arrive without a plan, it is easy to spend the first ten minutes just taking in the view, then rush the rest. I like to do this in a simple order: quick look around for where the best views are, then settle in long enough to let the lagoon do its thing, then take a few photos when the light hits.

This is one of those stops where the scenery is the main event, not shopping or a long tour inside a building. You are going to judge it by what the water looks like and how the cliffs frame it, and the description sets you up for exactly that.

Simizu Island: plan for midday crowding

Next up is Simizu Island (also spelled Shimizu Island). The tour description notes that it is part of the El Nido Island Hopping Tour A package, so it can get crowded around midday.

That matters because it changes how you enjoy the stop. A crowded beach scene can still be fun, but your goal should shift. Instead of expecting solitude, expect shared space, more movement, and more people trying to swim or lounge at once. If you are the type who needs calm to truly enjoy a spot, you might want to keep your expectations flexible here.

You still get about one hour, and admission is included. Think of this stop as a transfer point in your day where you can refresh, get out, and reset. When the schedule is tight, the best move is to enjoy the basics quickly, then let the next beach do the heavy lifting.

Seven Commando Beach: long sand, coconut shade, and a classic break

Seven Commando Beach is listed as part of Tour A, with a focus on a long sloping stretch of fine sand and coconut trees. This stop feels like the tour’s “settle in” moment after lagoons and rocky island scenery.

The hour-long stop is where you get your most natural beach time, and the description suggests a laid-back vibe. This is a good place to plan around simple comfort: water shoes if you prefer them, a towel, and a swimsuit you do not mind getting sandy.

The practical benefit of choosing this tour format is that you do not have to organize the beach hop yourself. With included park fees and admission tickets, you show up, you go, you get the experience, and you move on.

Payong-Payong Beach: strong waves if you want action

The last included beach stop is Payong-Payong Beach, a popular white-sand beach on Miniloc Island. The description calls out the mood variation you can expect based on the water conditions. You can get the thrill of swimming with strong waves, or choose a more relaxed rhythm when the waves are gentler.

Again, you get about one hour. So you want to decide quickly what kind of beach time you want to have. If you like energy in the water, this is your chance to go for it. If you prefer a softer swim, keep an eye on what the water is doing when you first step in, and adjust fast.

This last beach stop is also where you can take a breath mentally before the day wraps. By the time you reach Payong-Payong, you have already seen the big lagoon highlights and at least one island scene that can be busy. That pacing helps.

Lunch, breakfasts, transfers, and the value behind $250

Let’s talk money, because the price can look simple, but the inclusions explain the real value. The tour costs $250 per person for 3 days (approx.), and it includes:

• Lunch
• Local guide
• Local taxes, environmental fees, and national park fees
• Round-trip transfers between Puerto Princesa City Airport and El Nido
• Breakfast for 2 days

It also lists an environmental fee and national park fee coverage, which is huge in Palawan. Those kinds of fees can add up fast if you are planning island time on your own. Here, they are part of the structure, so you get a cleaner budget.

There are a couple items not included, like souvenir photos (available to purchase) and meals not specified. That is pretty typical, but it matters because it tells you to budget for anything beyond breakfast and lunch. The tour also offers pickup, group discounts, and a mobile ticket, which usually helps keep the day-to-day logistics from turning into a scramble.

For me, the best value signal is that the “must-pay” items for island access and the core travel movements are handled. You are paying for your time, not just transportation and a view.

Shared group size up to 20: what that means in real life

The tour caps group size at maximum 20 travelers. That is not tiny, but it is also not the kind of huge group that turns every stop into a long line.

In practice, this size tends to feel like a manageable “travel day with company.” It also helps the experience match what you came for: island scenery and guided timing, without needing to coordinate every detail yourself.

On Day 2 specifically, you are in a shared format. You get a local guide, and admissions are included at each stop. That combo can make the time feel smoother, even if some beaches like Simizu can be busy around midday.

Moderate fitness and comfort choices that actually help

You do not need to be an athlete, but the tour does note a moderate physical fitness level. The schedule includes multiple stops, and island time often means short stretches of walking, boarding, and getting on and off boats.

Here is the practical approach I would use:

• Wear comfortable shoes you can walk in on uneven or sandy ground.
• Bring a dry bag or plan to protect your phone and wallet.
• Expect sun and water time, so pack sunscreen and a hat if you use them.
• Bring swimwear you are comfortable wearing again, because you will be in and out across stops.

You might also find it easier if you plan for a relaxed mindset. This is a day with a lot of scenery. If you fight the schedule, you will feel rushed. If you flow with it, the pacing works.

Day 3 return to Puerto Princesa: save yourself with an afternoon flight

On the final day, you travel back to Puerto Princesa to catch your flight home. The return ride is about 6 hours, so this day is about timing more than sightseeing.

The tour specifically recommends booking an afternoon flight so you do not have to wake up too early. That advice is simple and smart. Even if you love early mornings, Day 3 is not the moment to test your willpower. A later departure helps you preserve energy and makes the long road ride feel less like a punishment.

When you plan your return, think in terms of stress reduction. If your flight is too early, you end up trading vacation comfort for a tighter schedule. An afternoon flight gives you a buffer and makes the last hours feel more like travel, less like recovery.

Who should book this 3D2N El Nido plan

This trip is a strong fit if you want:

• A guided Bacuit Bay day with included lagoon and beach stops
• A streamlined package where many costs are already covered
• Enough structure to see the big highlights, with some time left for El Nido town on Day 1

It is also a good choice if you value responsive support. The experience is described as extraordinary, and the travel agency is friendly and available if you run into concerns.

I would think twice if you:

• Hate busy mid-day scenes. Simizu Island can get crowded around midday.
• Want long, unhurried time at only one or two locations. This trip rotates through several stops, so no single place gets a full all-day session.

Should you book this 3D2N El Nido experience?

If your priority is seeing El Nido’s key Bacuit Bay sights without turning your vacation into a logistics project, I say book it. The included park and environmental fees, the meals, and the round-trip transfers are the backbone of the value, and that matters in a destination where access costs and timing can get complicated.

Choose this especially if you can follow the timing advice: an early flight into Puerto Princesa on Day 1 and an afternoon flight out on Day 3. That is how you get the best mix of islands plus real downtime in town.

One last check: the price is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason once booked. If your schedule is still fragile, wait until you are confident. If your travel dates are locked, this is the kind of trip that saves you effort and puts you where you want to be, lagoons and beaches included.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point and what time does the tour start?

You start at Puerto Princesa Airport, with a stated start time of 10:00 am.

How long is the experience?

It is a 3-day trip (3D2N), with the itinerary running across three days and travel time noted as about 6 hours each way.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes lunch, a local guide, local taxes, environmental fees, national park fees, round-trip transfers from Puerto Princesa City Airport, and breakfast for 2 days.

What island hopping stops are included on Day 2?

Day 2 includes Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Simizu Island, Seven Commando Beach, and Payong-Payong Beach, with admission tickets listed as included.

Is pickup and round-trip transfer included?

Yes. Round-trip Puerto Princesa City Airport transfers are included, and there is also pickup support via an airport representative meeting you and moving you to the van.

What is the cancellation policy?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel, the amount paid will not be refunded.