Big Lagoon
Big Lagoon
4.5
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24 within 10 kms
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- MrsKangaManila, Philippines183 contributionsBetter Than Small Lagoonthis is my first.time to visit the big lagoon at 6am amd it was.worth it. no people and no sun. it was a good workout kayaking the whole lagoon amd coming back for a buffet breakfast at miniloc. not to be.missedVisited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 March 2024
- Jason SMelbourne, Australia2,297 contributionsSpecial Place to enjoyBig Lagoon was amazing to experience and enjoy. The Lagoons is surrounded by rock features that looks like something from Jurassic Park. Water so blue you can't believe it's real, normally don't kayak but we did and it's not to be missed. A real highlight of our trip to Philippines.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 April 2024
- Noah L1 contributioncouples experiencethis trip was amazing it really inspired me to get out more and overcome my mild autism that I was givin at birth. my first even time there was very magical my partner Westo let me tap on the mountain. after that we sat down and I put my hand somewhere that will not be named for the children in the audience.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 May 2024
- County-HunterTacoma, Washington3,732 contributionsThis is what you came for!There are tons of things to do and hundreds of islands to visit in the Philippines. But you came to Palawan and specifically El Nido. Why? Cause you wanted to get your feet wet. You wanted to travel on a motorized outrigger to some secluded sparkling blue lagoon. Well, this is the place you see in the travel brochures. The only difference is that the travel brochures don't show you the throngs or people who are trying to do the same thing as you.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,754 reviews
Excellent
1,201
Very good
427
Average
104
Poor
16
Terrible
7
Aoife Q
3 contributions
Jan 2020
Myself and my partner recently used Klook for the first time to book a boat tour A while we were in El Nido, Phillipines on the 15th of January.
We have travelled around Asia & have went on numerous boat trips & this was by far the worst experience I have ever had. All down to our “tour guide” who clearly hated his job & working with people. He started the trip of by introducing himself saying his job was to “repeat the same information every day like a parrot & that’s what he was going to do”. He proceeded to talk non stop & extremely quickly through a really loud microphone for the first 30 minutes of trip.
Then went on to tell us how he was formally a teacher in Manila & hated his job so came to work for this tour company. He treated us exactly like children in a classroom shouting at us to hurry up at every stop, telling us to line up. He didn’t once offer to take a picture of anyone & when we did he acted like it was a huge inconvenience to him, despite other tour guides scaling rocks to take pictures of their groups. He sat on his phone for the rest of the trip after his 30 minute non stop intro. The icing on the cake was when we visited the blue lagoon & he took his snorkel & swam around entertaining himself. When I asked him to take one picture of myself & my partner he made it clear that he didn’t want to, took one and said “Ok”. He was rude, inconsiderate and ultimately ruined our experience of El Nido. I understand that tour guides have responsibilities etc but this was absolutely ridiculous. Cannot remember our tour guides name but he gave us a shortened version of his actual name & was originally for Manila. How he is employed with such a well established company is a mystery!
We have travelled around Asia & have went on numerous boat trips & this was by far the worst experience I have ever had. All down to our “tour guide” who clearly hated his job & working with people. He started the trip of by introducing himself saying his job was to “repeat the same information every day like a parrot & that’s what he was going to do”. He proceeded to talk non stop & extremely quickly through a really loud microphone for the first 30 minutes of trip.
Then went on to tell us how he was formally a teacher in Manila & hated his job so came to work for this tour company. He treated us exactly like children in a classroom shouting at us to hurry up at every stop, telling us to line up. He didn’t once offer to take a picture of anyone & when we did he acted like it was a huge inconvenience to him, despite other tour guides scaling rocks to take pictures of their groups. He sat on his phone for the rest of the trip after his 30 minute non stop intro. The icing on the cake was when we visited the blue lagoon & he took his snorkel & swam around entertaining himself. When I asked him to take one picture of myself & my partner he made it clear that he didn’t want to, took one and said “Ok”. He was rude, inconsiderate and ultimately ruined our experience of El Nido. I understand that tour guides have responsibilities etc but this was absolutely ridiculous. Cannot remember our tour guides name but he gave us a shortened version of his actual name & was originally for Manila. How he is employed with such a well established company is a mystery!
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dreamy7174
Seattle, WA328 contributions
Jan 2020
I've travelled so many places in the Philippines, this is the best place I've gone so far in the Philippines. The tour we booked was amazing, from crew to service, it's unbeatable. The Big lagoon is true to its promise, exactly the same as in the photos. Good for snorkeling, swimming in the shallow area and kayaking up to your heart delight. Our tour guide Roland was so attentive, he made sure we were safe since we are not good swimmer and cannot kayak on our own. Perfect place for photo shoots. Will go back again someday.
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MOHAND ATIA
Tabouk, Saudi Arabia66 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
breath taking place the lagoon amazing. you can go there through getting a ticket for tour A from el nido it was cost approximately 1750 php one of the stops will be at the entrance of the lagoon you will rent a kayak around 300 php for 2 persons then you will go by your own through the lagoon. i am sorry because i didn’t take a picture because my cam is not waterproof 😂 but really i enjoy the place.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Littlegreenmonkey
Manila, Philippines11 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
Due to covid and low numbers of travellers, we were able to have this beauty spot completely to ourselves. Our tour guide rowed us in via kayak and not a soul was around. I have never known peace like it. No photos or videos can do it justice. It was an unforgettable experience and I would recommend if you are able to visit before international tourists return, then do so.
Written 13 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RoxRocksYeah
Manila, Philippines305 contributions
Jan 2022 • Friends
Jan 2022 - Definitely a must see in El Nido. It can only be accessed by renting a kayak and paid by cash. Because of the prevailing COVID restrictions during that time, it was not crowded. I sincerely enjoyed the view.
Written 26 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Snoop
256 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Of course I was skeptical, whether you go on a private tour or a large group tour, you still end up in a fairly crowded spot. But the place is big, and it never felt too crowded, giving you the chance to enjoy it in reasonable peace. It is indeed spectacular. The contrast between the crystal clear blue of the water and the black rock walls with dark green vegetation is magnificent.
Written 13 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronald1970
Arnhem, The Netherlands118 contributions
Jun 2022
Boat Tour A brings you to the Big Lagoon, where you can rent a Kayak. I have seen many pictures, but now experienced it for real myself. How nice. Crystal clear water, beautiful scenery, and especially you have to go the far end, around the left corner. There you can bring your kayak in a cave and paddle through it, where there is a narrow exit at the end! So nice!
Written 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason S
Melbourne, Australia2,297 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Big Lagoon was amazing to experience and enjoy. The Lagoons is surrounded by rock features that looks like something from Jurassic Park.
Water so blue you can't believe it's real, normally don't kayak but we did and it's not to be missed.
A real highlight of our trip to Philippines.
Water so blue you can't believe it's real, normally don't kayak but we did and it's not to be missed.
A real highlight of our trip to Philippines.
Written 24 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bình Le
San Jose, CA342 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We kayaked in this lagoon as part of the Tour A package, and this was one of the top highlights of the tour (the other was snorkeling around Shimizu island). We paddle along the side (you may see some sea urchin on the rock in the water) all the way to the back, had a nice swim then paddle back in time to meet with our boat. Most people won’t go all the way to the back so I would recommend go all the way if you would like to have a nice quiet swim.
Written 24 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marco Grava
Rome, Italy811 contributions
Feb 2020
If you ask for a private your they will take you to the big lagoon first; I suspected that the small lagoon is much more beautiful and this is the reason why they keep it for the later excursion … they do not want to spoil it. Guess what … I was right! The big lagoon is very nice, with crystal clear waters, nice cliffs, and a huge screaming mob and tens of kayaks, some jellyfishes in still waters and some plastic floating here and there to witness how ignorant people are, to only think to trash such a beautiful place. I only rate it “average” because the standards in El Nido are so high and there are so many other breathtaking places that I have to keep the score a little low to reflect the differences.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bentleynoemi2
Corning, New York
Safe place to stay near big lagoon and how far from Puerto Princesa airport?
Written 4 April 2018
Big lagoon doesn't have any accomodations near it. It's like in the middle of the sea. Part of miniloc. You can only reach it by group/private tours. Places to stay in El Nido would be in town and surrounding areas. But there are high end resorts in miniloc island which is nearer the lagoons. Traveling from Puerto princesa to El nido is around 5-6 hours by van.
Written 4 April 2018
Great thread guys I'm also heading to El Nido in January. For those that flew there from mamilla did you pre book your flights? When I spoke to the travel agents about it they advised to get the 8 hour coach because the planes are reserved for the top hotels so you can book a flight but might not be allowed on. Is that the case? Thanks
Written 14 September 2017
You should fly direct Manila to El Nido via Air-Swift.
If you fly through Puerto Princesa, you can arrange for a private van or a 4x4 (+100USD one way for 4-5 people).
We always recommend guests of Terra Nova - El Nido to fly direct as the road from Puerto can feel a bit long (5-6hrs to El Nido).
Written 23 October 2017
Hello, will be island hopping in 2018. I have visited The Philippines before, however I have just gone only to Puerto Galera and Boracay. I am considering going to Palawan this year, and I am questioning the safety due to the kidnapping travel advisories. Is Palawan safe it's a visit? Or is it something to be avoided. I know sometimes the news may hype up an advisory. Best input is highly appreciated!
Written 16 August 2017
Around_The_World_A
Bantayan Island, Philippines
8 contributions
Palawan is absolutely save if you stay in the north (meaning Puerto Princesa and up) ... GO THERE, it's soooo beautiful!!! :-) ... we travelled there in February and would go back within a heartbeat. We took a flight from Manila directly to El Nido which is awesome! From El Nido you can go Island Hopping (there a 4 different tours) where you will be visiting the most beautiful places you have ever seen. We also visited Boracay but to be completely honest Boracay doesn't stand a chance against Palawan and it's beauty.
Written 17 August 2017
It seems that the more expensive one includes snorkel gears + kayak. It is rented separately (if you opted for the cheaper package) at 200-400 Php, depending on your haggling skills.
Written 31 January 2017
I booke 2 tours, 1 was the Tour A, pushed the price down to 1600 Pesos for both tours including the environment fees. We were in both your in total 4 people.
You don't need to rent a Kayak as the boat is just going inside the Blue Lagon ;) that's how my boat did (the water is not deep and they stay in front to check if there is any rock...)
So You don't need any Kayak to rent! ;)
Written 14 January 2017
Is the month of December a good time to go to Palawan and still do the tours like the undergrounder river and the lagoons?
Written 3 August 2016
Yes, but it is the peak season for most international visitors. My recommendation is to go to Miniloc Island if you don't have a lot of time.
Written 13 August 2016
A Tripadvisor member
I'm curious why on earth one would need a life vest to enjoy snorkelling. It's pretty obvious that the water is deep as it is the ocean.. I went to Cancun once and the idiotic supervisor insisted we all wear them to snorkel and the whole experience was clumsy.
Written 11 April 2016
Just for safety. When you go to Palawan deep water level is clear if you are not good swimmer like me you can see underwater even if you will not dive or swim under the sea. But if you are not afraid because you are good swimmer you can swim without life vest and enjoy the colorful underwater. There are also low water level where you can enjoy snorkeling.
Written 12 April 2016
Maria Enirose
Oslo, Norway
Hi,
I saw your post about El Nido tour and noticed that you bought A and C? Is that a package tour? I am so sorry about this silly question. I am looking for a package tour for El Nido and i don't have any idea where to buy and what is the best package tour. Hope you can help me. Thanks in advance!
Written 30 November 2015
Depending on tour/travel agency you choose. We used Creative Travel & Tours International which put the entire package together with their affiliated companies in El Nido. The package included the pick up from airport, Puerto Princesa hotel, city tours, crocodile farm, 8 hour van ride to El Nido, hotel in El Nido, Island hopping tours and many more. We chose the Tour A and C because it appealed to us to most and it was without regrets. The CTTI has a website in FB. I can send your photos to give you a better idea if you wish.
Written 3 December 2015
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