Is it a big dolphin? Or a fried chicken soaked in water? Haha. No! A helicopter... Yes a helicopter without a propeller! Who would have thought that this irregular shape would become a tourist attraction? The island which is home to a long dazzling white sand beach catches the attention of tourist because of its quite amazing shape – Helicopter Island.

Stretching to some 300 meters enclosed by beautiful white sand beach, Helicopter or Dilumacad Island is considered as one of the must-see destinations during island-hopping trips. The island’s scenic towering limestone resembles that of a helicopter when it is viewed from afar. That’s why it is called Helicopter Island!

Five Reasons to Love Helicopter Island!

“Helicopter Island is indeed a wonder…”
    Like other beautiful islands composing the archipelago of the Philippines, Helicopter is home to towering cliffs with lush and verdant rainforests. Here you can have the appreciation of mountains on the side that was carved by the perfect hands of Creator.

“It is one of the best places for island-hopping trips… ”
    Definitely yes! Aside from its irregular shape, the island offers you an exploration of its nature. The island also caters different adventures that tourists will surely love.

“The island is the best place to spend leisure time...”
    Offering a nice break from the busy environ, the island is a good place to relax. Together with your family and friends, here you can have picnics and bonding while getting in touch with the beautiful scenery of the place.

“Go and ride the wave!”
    Summer is the best time to enjoy the island. Swimming and snorkeling are two of the activities that you may have in the island.

“A slice of paradise – Helicopter Island”
    The island is overflowing with the bounty of nature. It continuously draws the attention of tourists. For hundreds of years, this geological formation has been carved and readied to be appreciated and marveled at.

Island-Hopping at Helicopter Island!

From Manila to El Nido
From Manila, you can take a plane going straight to El Nido by Island Transvoyager (ITI) that can be found at Soriano Aviation Terminal on Andrews Avenue in Pasay City. It cost around 6,000-6,500php, one way, with 1-2 hours of travel time. South East Asian Airlines (SEAir), which can be found at the second floor of the Doña Concepcion Building on Arnaiz Avenue in Makati City, has also a route from Manila to El Nido. The fare is approximately 4,400php one way with 1-2 hours of travel time.

From Manila – Puerto Princessa – El Nido
Philippine Airlines, PAL Express (formerly Air Philippines), Cebu Pacific, and Zest Air are travelling from Manila to Puerto Princessa (capital of Palawan). From Puerto Princessa, you can take a bus with an 8-hour ride over very bumpy roads or you can ride in air-conditioned vans which is 2-hour shorter trip than in a bus but more expensive.

•    Dilumacad Island is a 20-minute ride from El Nido town.

Hotels in El Nido

•    El Nido Resorts Lagen Island - Lagen Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
•    El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island - Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
•    El Nido Garden Beach Resort - Brgy. Masagana, El Nido, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
•    El Nido Beach Hotel - Calle Hama Street, Brgy. Masagana, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
•    El Nido Four Seasons Resort - Barangay Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
•    Cadlao Resort and Restaurant - Caalan, Barangay Masagana, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
•    Dolarog Beach Resort - El Nido, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines 5313
•    Lally and Abet Beach Cottages - Hama Street, Bgy. Masagana, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
•    Pura Vida Inn & Tours - Serena Street, Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
•    Ipil Travelodge El Nido - Real Street,Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines