The Secret Beach

During our last day at El Nido town, we decided to visit the Islands in Bacuit Bay, this time on the other side which includes Matinloc, Tapiutan, Hidden Beaches inside limestone cliffs and secret beach. This trip is not my first to the islands but this will be my first to visit the famous "secret beach" that you'd have to swim under a hole and come out to a limestone wall locked beach discreetely hidden from most tourists in Bacuit Bay. On the boat we talked about the film The Beach casted by actor Leonardo, it was made in Thailand but the secret beach is very like that in the film which was shot in Thailand. I also remembered that Dindo and Angela saw huge mantas on these parts.

We passed by clear blue waters and pristine coves, we took a turn towards Matinloc and Tapiutan channel where the water suddenly seen there was this dark maroon huge patch of swell in the ocean. As we threaded through, I was thinking this must be seagrass area but upon close observation, I thought it couldn't be because it was too deep. I asked our boat crew if they knew what these things were that gave the dark red color of the water. They also thought that it could be floating eggs of jelly fishes or remnants of seagrass of sorts. Anyway, we came upon the entrance of the secret beach and thanked heaven it was low tide and we did not have to swim underwater and resurface on the other side. The water was murky red. I thought "maybe we should not" but a splash broke my thoughts and there goes Armi, my Lakay sister, without any mask or snorkel swam towards the small opening in the cliff wall. Then the boat engine died. Oh well, since we will be here for a while might as well go inside. Jas jumped in. Then me, without thinking put on my mask and fins and I jumped and swam towards the opening. Upon seeing the entrance, I called out back to the boat "Nine!!! You have to swim here! It's beautiful. Its now or never!" and "Dali lika na!" (come quick hurry) and all our friend came swimming in. Amats, Melo,Christine, Nine and Ian followed.

It was amazing. Swimming and entering through a small passage, a totally different scene presents itself into view. The water inside is clear just inside the small passage. It was late afternoon when we entered. Small pools of water were found with reef fishes, in the jacuzzi-like formations made by the dimishing tide. The dark slanting walls speak of solemnity and the eons that passed as it formed into this magnificent cove hidden inside these limestone cliffs. We sat on a small patch of white beach inside. Armi and I wandered behind some rock formations to see the tide mark and amazingly some parts of the beach is definitely dry with fallen leaves from trees that grows on the side of the mountain cliffs. Everyone seemed enthralled for the moment as time itself seemed to stand still. Our hearts were filled with a sense of joy brought about by Mother Nature’s charm.