Snake Island Place guide

Snake Island got its unique name not because there are wild snakes living on the island, but because of its unique sandbar strip, that looks just like a snake from afar. If you're the type of traveller who just loves those gorgeously indulgent walks along the beach during low tide, Trip Guru happily suggests that you head onto Snake Island.

Before Snake Island got its name, it was also known as Vigan Island. The unique sandbar slithers across the water, onto the shores of Palawan. The only problem is, to walk across this sandbar (and give off the impression that you are walking on water) it needs to be low tide. But when you do step onto the sandbar, it will be in between the green-blue pools of the ocean, as if you were the only person in the entire island. Aside from the island, there are also limestone cliffs, which stand out against the clear blue of the sky and the mysterious blue-green depths of the waters below.

The waters are clear and smooth as glass, and you can even see the various coral and starfish that peer up at you from beneath their underwater homes. Any time you wish, you can jump down and swim in the warm waters alongside the fish, amongst the coral. The smooth curves that twist to and fro are so startlingly perfect, it almost seems unreal. And best of all, when you follow the path and walk, you can end up at a mangrove leading to another island, well-kept like a secret. It's a place that, when conditions are right, can convince anyone that heaven is a place on earth.

To get to Snake Island, you have to take a banca at the El Nido Docks. Getting to the docks from El Nido only takes 14 minutes by car. From El Nido, head northwest and continue to Calle Hama, turn left onto Rizal St., and turn right at the 1st cross street onto Calle Real and finally continue onto Serena St. to head to the Docks.