el nido tricycle tour

Detailed El Nido Itinerary for 3 or 4 Days + Tips

El Nido is one of the most beautiful places in Palawan, Philippines, featuring towering karst mountains, turquoise lagoons, incredible coral reefs, and colorful fish.

One of the most popular activities to do during any El Nido itinerary is to go on an island hopping tour. It’s easy to see why, as the islands here are truly out of this world, with some of the clearest and bluest water you’ll ever see!

Aside from visiting the islands, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy such as exploring the beautiful beaches on the mainland, hiking to a panoramic viewpoint, or taking a dip in a waterfall surrounded by the lush jungle.

If you’re visiting soon, this guide will show you exactly how to plan your 3 or 4 days in El Nido itinerary, including useful tips on how to get there, where to stay, and more.

Read more about Palawan Philippines:

• Comprehensive guide to El Nido Tour A
• Everything you need to know about El Nido Tour C
• Best 10 day Palawan itinerary for first-timers
• Port Barton travel guide

*** This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support 🙂

El Nido Travel Essentials

Recommended activities and tours in El Nido:

• Island Hopping Tour A , Tour B , and Tour C (cheaper when booking online)
• El Nido Combined Tour A and C
• El Nido Tour D (least crowded tour)
• Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk and Viewpoint (cheaper when booking online)
• Jeepney Tour of El Nido Beaches and Waterfall

Where to stay in El Nido:

• Luxury: Lihim Resorts
• Mid-range: Cadlao Resort
• Budget: Frendz Hostel  or Spin Designer Hostel   (dorm and private rooms)

How to get to El Nido:

• Book a flight from Manila to El Nido here
• Book a ferry from Coron to El Nido here
• Book a bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido here
• Book a bus from Port Barton to El Nido here

Table of Contents

How many days in El Nido is enough?

I recommend spending at least 3 days in El Nido. But with 4 days you’ll have more than enough time to explore the attractions on the mainland and do two island hopping tours.

Below is a suggested 3 or 4 day El Nido itinerary:

Day 1 : Visit the beaches near El Nido Town: El Nido Beach, Corong Corong Beach, Vanilla Beach, or Las Cabanas Beach

Day 2 : El Nido Island Hopping Tour A

Day 3 : El Nido Island Hopping Tour C

Day 4 : Taraw Cliff viewpoint, Lio Beach, Bulalacao Waterfall, Nacpan Beach

4-Day El Nido Itinerary: Day 1

Visit the beaches near el nido town.

Start your 4 day El Nido itinerary by exploring some of the beaches near El Nido Town.

There are several beaches to choose from depending on your preferences. Below I’ll walk you through them:

El Nido Beach

This beach is the closest to El Nido Town and is mainly used as a pick-up and drop-off point for the El Nido island hopping tours.

Although the scenery here is beautiful with the limestone mountains and turquoise waters, it’s not ideal for swimming due to the boats covering the main strip.

Nevertheless, it’s still a great place spot to hang out, especially in the evening as there are lots of restaurants and bars lining the beach.

Vanilla Beach and Las Cabanas Beach

Vanilla Beach , also known as Marimegmeg Beach, is one of my favorite beaches in El Nido, and I highly recommend visiting it during your El Nido itinerary.

It has soft powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, which makes it perfect for swimming.

The beach is also clean and the waves aren’t rough. However, the restaurants and bars here are slightly expensive, so if you’re on a budget, I suggest bringing a packed lunch.

It can also get a bit crowded during sunset, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot.

On the western end of Vanilla Beach is Las Cabanas Beach , which offers an even better sunset view.

During low tide, you can walk across the sandbar that connects the beach to a small island.

Still, if you’re feeling adventurous, I recommend trying the zipline instead. The price of the zipline starts at 600 pesos one way or 1,000 pesos for a round trip.

Corong Corong Beach

Located about a 5-minute drive from El Nido Town is Corong Corong Beach .

Although the beach is not suitable for swimming due to its rocky nature, it serves as a perfect location to enjoy the sunset.

If you want to swim, I recommend renting a kayak from Corong Corong Beach and heading to the nearby beaches such as Lapus Lapus, Papaya, or Seven Commandos Beach.

It’s worth noting that Seven Commandos Beach is included in the El Nido Tour A , so you may want to skip it for today if you’re already planning to book Tour A.

Explore El Nido Town

End the first day of your El Nido itinerary by exploring El Nido Town. The town comes alive at night and features a wide selection of restaurants, street food stalls, and bars.

My favorite place to eat in town is the spring roll stall found at the entrance of El Nido Beach. The food available here is both cheap and delicious, with each piece costing only 10 pesos.

Maa’s Grill is also another great place to eat Filipino food at affordable prices or Basil’ Pizza & Pasta El Nido for delicious wood-fired pizza.

4-Day El Nido Itinerary: Day 2

No trip to El Nido would be complete without doing at least one island hopping tour. There are four tours available – Tour A , B, C, and D. Below are the places you’ll visit on each tour:

Tour A : Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach. BOOK HERE

Tour B : Entalula Island, Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Papaya Beach. BOOK HERE

Tour C : Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine. BOOK HERE

Tour D : Cadlao Island, Small Lagoon, Nat Nat Beach, Paradise Beach, Bukal Island. BOOK HERE

Most travel agencies in El Nido offer the same price for each tour (I personally checked while I was there) so if you want to save money, I recommend booking your tour on Klook here to get a discount !

All tours include a buffet lunch, life jacket, and a licensed tour guide.

El Nido Tour A

For day 2, I recommend booking Tour A to witness some of the most beautiful beaches and lagoons in and around El Nido.

Tip: I recommend booking your tour in advance on Klook here as it costs only 950 pesos compared to 1,200 pesos when booking in person!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK EL NIDO TOUR A

Note that the tour price doesn’t include the entrance fee for the Big Lagoon and eco-tourism development fee.

Both will cost an extra 200 pesos each, bringing the total price of the tour to 1,350 pesos if you book on Klook or 1,600 pesos if you book in El Nido.

Tip : The eco-tourism development fee can also be used for tours B and C and is valid for 10 days.

Tour A is the most popular tour in El Nido, so it can feel a bit crowded. However, it’s worth it if you want to see some of the most stunning beaches and clearest water.

Below are the spots you’ll visit on Tour A:

Big Lagoon : This was one of the highlights of my 4 days in El Nido! Here you’ll kayak through a turquoise lagoon flanked by towering limestone cliffs. Be sure to turn left before reaching the end of the lagoon to see the cave tunnel. Note that the kayak costs an additional 300-400 pesos.

Seven Commandos Beach : Although located on the mainland, Seven Commandos Beach is only accessible by boat. It boasts soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and rows of palm trees. This is the only stop on the tour where you’ll have access to a toilet. There’s also a restaurant here where you can buy drinks and snacks.

Secret Lagoon : This spot is accessible through a small opening in the limestone cliffs. You do have to wade through water, so make sure you’re wearing water shoes to protect your feet from the sharp rocks.

Shimizu Island : Shimizu Island usually serves as the lunch spot. However, it’s too crowded, lunch will be served on Payong-Payong Beach instead.

Payong-Payong Beach : Another idyllic beach with jagged rock formations and turquoise waters.

Related post: Everything you need to know about El Nido Tour A

4-Day El Nido Itinerary: Day 3

El nido tour c.

Another day, another island hopping tour! Kick off the third day of your El Nido itinerary with Tour C to explore some of the islands located further away from El Nido.

Tip: To get the best deal, make sure to book your tour in advance on Klook here as it costs only 1,200 pesos compared to 1,400 pesos when booking in person!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK EL NIDO TOUR C

However, note that the eco-tourism development fee of 200 pesos isn’t included in the tour price. If you’ve already paid this fee on Tour A the day before, you won’t have to pay it again.

Keep in mind that the waves can be rough on Tour C, so if you’re prone to seasickness, be sure to take some medication before the tour.

That being said, I personally enjoyed Tour C more than Tour A because it was less crowded and I got to see more fish.

Below are the spots you’ll visit on Tour C:

Helicopter Island : Shaped like a helicopter, this is usually the first stop on Tour C. Although the waves can be a bit rough, you can still swim here. Luckily we had the beach almost to ourselves as we were among the first ones to arrive but keep in mind that it can be crowded after 10 a.m.

Hidden Beach : This beautiful white-sand beach is hidden behind a large rock formation and is only accessible by swimming. The coral is breathtaking and I even got the opportunity to see several clownfish.

Secret Beach : This is another beach that’s only accessible by swimming through a small opening in the limestone cliffs. The corals here are also beautiful and home to many colorful fish.

Matinloc Shrine : Some tour operators may skip this spot as it costs an additional 200 pesos per person to enter. However, I think it’s worth visiting because it offers a stunning view of the ocean and nearby islands, plus it takes only about 5 minutes to reach the viewpoint.

Cadlao Lagoon : The tour I booked also included kayaking at Cadlao Lagoon, which is normally part of Tour D. The lagoon features pointy rock formations, turquoise water, and stunning corals.

Related post: Detailed Review of EL Nido Tour C

4-Day El Nido Itinerary: Day 4

On day 4, I recommend hiking to Taraw Cliff early in the morning. You can then rent a motorbike or hire a tricycle to visit beaches and waterfalls further away from El Nido Town.

If you can’t ride a motorbike, you can instead join this jeepney tour organized by Frendz Hostel which includes visits to Lio Beach, Bulalacao Waterfalls, and Nacpan Beach.

The tour price includes all entrance fees, lunch, water, beach club access with unlimited cocktails, tour guide, and photographer.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A JEEPNEY TOUR OF EL NIDO

Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk & Viewpoint

For a panoramic view of El Nido, make sure to add Taraw Cliff to your 4 day El Nido itinerary.

Previously, it was possible to hike to the top without a guide, but due to recent accidents, it is now mandatory to hire a guide.

For a safer and cheaper alternative, I recommend the canopy walk and viewpoint instead.

After a short but steep 15-minute hike through the forest and along a canopy bridge, you’ll finally arrive at a stunning viewpoint overlooking the turquoise ocean and towering mountains.

The entrance ticket costs 430 pesos for the canopy walk and viewpoint only or 730 pesos if you’d also like to add the dreamcatcher option which is another viewpoint.

Be sure to book your entrance ticket on Klook here to get a discount!

Harnesses and helmets are provided, and a guide will accompany you and help you take photos.

Tip : I recommend doing this activity early in the morning to avoid the heat.

Opening hours : 8 a.m to 5 p.m, daily

After the hike, head to Lio Beach for a refreshing swim in the ocean. This beautiful white-sand beach is located near the airport so you can watch the planes land and take off as you cool off in the ocean.

The beach is lined with palm trees, providing plenty of shade to relax or you can rent sun loungers.

Bulalacao Waterfall

For another refreshing swim, you can also visit Bulalacao Waterfall . The waterfall can be reached after a 20-minute hike through the forest. The entrance fee for the waterfall is around 300 pesos, which includes a guide.

Another waterfall that you can visit is Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls , but it’s further away, and you also need to pay an entrance fee and be accompanied by a guide.

Nacpan Beach

For a spectacular sunset, end your El Nido itinerary at Nacpan Beach .

This beach is one of the longest in El Nido and stretches all the way to Twin Beach , which is also worth visiting.

There are mostly expensive restaurants on the beach, but luckily there are also a couple of local restaurants that cater more to budget travelers.

You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas or find an empty spot under the shade of palm trees.

Note : The road leading to Nacpan is full of potholes, which can be challenging on a rainy day. Therefore, if you’re not experienced, I wouldn’t recommend riding a motorbike there.

Where to Stay in El Nido Palawan?

Since most of the island hopping tours don’t include hotel transfers, I recommend staying in El Nido Town so you’re within walking distance of the meeting point.

Additionally, staying in town means that you’ll have a better chance of finding affordable hotels, plus you’ll have easy access to restaurants, bars, shops, laundry shops, etc.

During my El Nido itinerary, I personally stayed at two hostels: Frendz Hostel and Spin Designer Hostel .

Both are located in the middle of town and offer various room types, including dorms (mixed and women-only) and private rooms. They also provide free high-speed Wi-Fi.

Frendz Hostel has a social vibe with super friendly staff. They even have a rooftop pool overlooking the ocean and offer daily activities like island hopping, karaoke, game nights, etc, making it easy to meet other travelers.

I stayed in their women-only dorm, which has 6 beds and an ensuite bathroom. They also have more bathrooms outside on each level.

Although it’s kind of a party hostel, they keep the noise down after 11 p.m so you can have a good night’s sleep. Check rates and availability for Frendz Hostel here.

Spin Designer Hostel , on the other hand, is quieter and better suited for those who don’t want to party every night. They are slightly more expensive than Frendz but the room rate includes a delicious buffet breakfast. Check rates and availability for Spin Designer Hostel here.

If you’re looking for affordable hotels outside of El Nido Town, Coron Corong Beach is a good option. For high-end resorts, it’s recommended to stay on Lio Beach or Nacpan Beach.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN EL NIDO

How to get to El Nido?

If money isn’t an issue, you can fly directly from Manila to El Nido with Air Swift for approximately USD 100 for a one-way trip. Check latest price here.

For those on a budget, I suggest flying first into Puerto Princesa. Flight tickets from Manila to Puerto Princesa are much more affordable and start at USD 30 one-way. Check latest price here.

Once you land in Puerto Princesa, you can take a van to El Nido. The entire journey takes around 5-6 hours. The van will make a few stops along the way for food and toilet breaks. Check latest price for the van here.

If you’re coming from Port Barton, the total journey by van takes around 4 hours. Check latest price here.

If you’re coming from Coron, you can take a ferry which should take around 5 hours. Check price here.

Note : When arriving in El Nido by van or bus, you’ll be dropped off at El Nido Transport Terminal near Corong Corong Beach. To get to El Nido Town, you’ll then have to take a tricycle which should cost about 80-100 pesos.

Getting Around El Nido

Walking : If you’re only sticking to El Nido Town and doing the island hopping tours, you can easily get around on foot.

Motorbike : If you want to visit the attractions further away from town, you can instead rent a motorbike for about 500 pesos per day.

Tricycle : The tricycle is another option for getting around if you can’t ride a motorbike. A single trip starts at 50 pesos depending on the distance and your negotiation skills.

El Nido Travel Tips

Best time to visit.

The best time to plan your El Nido itinerary is from December to April during the dry season.

May to November is considered the wet season, with July and August being the wettest months of the year.

I visited El Nido in November and had near-perfect weather except for one day when it rained for two hours in the morning.

Unfortunately, the internet coverage in El Nido isn’t the best, particularly on the islands and around Nacpan Beach but still works fairly well within El Nido Town.

If you need to buy a local sim card, you have the choice between Globe and Smart.

For convenience, I recommend buying your sim card at the airport since they have staff who will assist you in setting up the sim. The price of a sim card at Puerto Princesa Airport starts at 540 pesos or 1,500 pesos at Manila Airport.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can buy a sim card at any convenience store in El Nido instead.

I paid 65 pesos for a Globe sim card but had to go through the whole process of registering the sim card myself, which was a little complicated. Luckily, one of the staff at Frendz Hostel helped me so a huge shoutout to him!

There are a few ATMs in El Nido that you can easily find by typing “ATM” on Google Maps.

Just make sure to only use the local ones like BPI or RCBC and avoid the Euronet ATMs as those have the highest fees and worst exchange rates.

I hope you found this 4 day El Nido itinerary helpful. If you have any questions about planning your trip, let me know in the comments.

Steph is an outdoor enthusiast who’s always down for adventure. When she's not traveling abroad, you’ll either find her exploring her own backyard or researching her next trip. She writes adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and shares her tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience.

5 Best Pamukkale Tours from Antalya for Any Budget

El nido tour a: detailed review + discount, you may also like, port barton philippines: top things to do [2024 guide], best 10 day palawan itinerary for 2024 + tips, el nido tour c: detailed review + discount, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt out if you wish. Accept Read More

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Where to go in Kunming? — 15+ top Kunming attractions &…

Must eat in Georgetown — 10+ famous, must-eat & best street…

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &…

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best…

Hong Kong food culture — Hong Kong cuisine tells the historical…

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

When is the best time to visit Malaysia? — The best,…

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

• Philippines

El Nido travel blog — The fullest El Nido travel guide for first-timers

The Philippines is known as an island nation with countless beaches, along with large and small islands stretching out. That’s why this country has attracted a large number of tourists thanks to the charm of beaches of all shades, from wild and rustic to brilliant and charming. And if you are looking forward to discovering a beautiful place with beaches, turquoise lagoons that have all the above colors abroad, then come to EL Nido once.

• Top 12 most interesting things to do in El Nido, Palawan
• Philippines itinerary 9 days — Suggested itinerary for 9 days in Philippines explore: El Nido – Coron – Cebu
• Boracay travel blog — The fullest Boracay travel guide for first-timers
• Coron travel blog — The fullest Coron travel guide for first-timers
• Boracay trip blog — The fullest guide for a budget trip to Boracay, Philippines

So, is El Nido worth visiting, how to visit El Nido, what to do in El Nido and how to plan a perfect trip to El Nido for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our El Nido travel blog (El Nido blog) with the fullest El Nido travel guide (guide to El Nido, El Nido guide) from how to get to El Nido, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in El Nido to help you maximize your trip as follows!

The northernmost coastal town in the Palawan province should be on the list of tourist destinations in the Philippines because it is a place with beautiful islands, white sand beaches and many lagoons surrounded by the most beautiful limestone ranges in Asia.

El Nido is also the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago, which is home to 45 islands and islets, each with a unique geological formation. Among the countless archipelagos in the Philippines, El Nido is one of the three longest archipelagos in the country and is located in the northern area of Palawan, southwest of Manila.

The archipelago owns nearly 50 beaches with diverse ecosystems. Before its current popularity, El Nido had its main source of income from fishing. Today, tourism industry has become the main economic source, local authorities also limit the construction of new hotels to protect nature and the environment. Besides, El Nido is also known for its tourist exploration activities such as swimming, diving, and kayaking.

Overview of El Nido (# el nido travel blog)

El Nido is a municipality in the northernmost part of the province of Palawan, Philippines. It has impressive natural beauty, from breathtaking lagoons, white sand beaches, rocky islets and towering limestone boulders to glassy waters filled with rich marine life. With its rich pristine beauty, El Nido receives countless compliments from visitors. This tourist destination has also been mentioned many times as one of the most wonderful islands and beaches in the world.

El Nido consists of more than 40 islands scattered throughout the Bacuit Archipelago. Each island has unique geological wonders that are both breathtaking and pristinely majestic. The waters surrounding this place are a beautiful combination of blue colors.

El Nido is very famous in the world for its clear blue beaches and beautiful coral reefs. For me, after visit once, I just want to stay in this paradise forever and never return. The beauty is truly captivating, the cost is cheap, it is truly a trip of a lifetime.

When it comes to the Philippines, you can’t miss El Nido. It owns many beautiful islands, clear water, along with unique underwater flora and fauna such as coral, Nemo fish, Dory fish,… and is considered one of the paradises on earth.

When traveling to El Nido, visitors often go to Coron island. These are the two most famous destinations in Palawan. With a limited time of 5 or 6 days, people usually only choose one of the two. But if possible, I recommend spending 2 weeks to go to both.

Although it is a first-class metropolis, the town still has a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere. If you are passionate about modern convenient life, El Nido is not a great choice. However, if you want to explore nature and want to relax, then try experiencing self-sufficient travel in El Nido. Over the years, it has received a record number of tourists in the region, more than 500,000 visitors per year.

In Palawan, Puerto Princesa serves as the gateway to El Nido and along with Coron, these three areas are the most visited areas in Palawan.

A few interesting things about EL Nido (# el nido travel blog)

Of the countless archipelagos that make up the Philippine island nation, El Nido is one of the country’s three longest archipelagos and is located north of Palawan, southwest of Manila. This is both a class 1 urban area and a nature protected area of the Philippines.

Specifically, this archipelago owns nearly 50 beaches with a full range of ecosystems. And one thing you will definitely get when traveling to EL Nido is a check-in background that cannot be better with beautiful islands undulating in the clear sea water, or the white sandbars in the heart of the most beautiful limestone ranges in Asia.

Many times, tourist places in EL Nido are among the top places worth visiting, or have the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia and Asia, so you can rest assured. This trip will definitely be worth what you spend.

Some reasons to travel to El Nido (# el nido blog)

• You can come to EL Nido for any personal reason. But most tourists choose this place because of its attractive beauty
• EL Nido is home to the most beautiful beaches in Asia
• Great sea for diving with rich ecosystem and clear water
• Enjoy fresh seafood
• Enjoy stunning views in a relaxing, peaceful space
• Explore mysterious caves and lagoons
• Experience the beaches that are ranked among the most beautiful in the Philippines and the world
• The cost of traveling to EL Nido is not high compared to other beaches in Europe, America or Australia

When is the best time to go to EL Nido? (# el nido blog)

Although nature has gifted this island nation with picturesque beaches, there are times when nature does not favor it. Summer is the time when the sea is the most beautiful, the waves are calmest and safest. If not, you can come between December and March but be careful that the waves are a bit big at this time.

I went in February and thinking it was beautiful. Of course it’s beautiful, but the sea is quite rough. Before I go, searching online, everyone said this time was the best time to visit. But after asking the locals, March, April, May are the best months to come because during this time the sea is calm, the waves are not big, diving and taking photos is easy.

Regarding price, like the rest of the Philippines, the cheapest time to travel to El Nido is from June to October. The period during the rainy season has a humid climate, not suitable for exploring the beauty of EL Nido. However, airfare and hotel prices are often much cheaper.

How to get to EL Nido?

From Vietnam, you can book flights to Mactan-Cebu International Airport or Manila International Airport first and then take a boat or plane to EL Nido. Airlines operating this route are usually Philippine Airlines, Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines,…

And book your flight tickets early. Because ticket prices will range from $205 – $290 along with flight time depending on the waiting time which can be 3 hours or more than 24 hours. Therefore, when you book early, you can hunt for tickets quickly and cheaply.

From Puerto Princesa to El Nido

After arriving at the airport, you will have two options. One is to book a flight to Puerto Princesa (the capital of Palawan – about 7 hours by car from El Nido) with flight time from Manila to Puerto Princesa about 1 hour 20 minutes and ticket price only about $45. Then take a bus, shuttle bus, coach or taxi for about 5 more hours. For each means of transportation, please refer to this information to make it easier to choose:

• Bus: Traveling time is about 6 hours with a cost of about $12/ticket.
• Passenger car: It takes about 5 hours 30 minutes, ticket price $15/ticket.
• Taxi: Takes about 5 hours 30 minutes, cost about $115.
• Minivan: If you don’t stop in Puerto Princesa to explore for a day, after landing you can go outside the airport gate to catch a minivan (16-seat car) to get to El Nido. Outside the gate, there are many vans for you to choose from, the price is around 550~600php/person. There will be a lunch stop along the way.

The road is quite far so it will be quite tiring for those who suffer from motion sickness, but I spent the whole trip admiring the scenery on the side of the road. People’s houses grow many beautiful flowers, many roads along the coast and downhill are also very spectacular.

By air (# el nido travel guide)

As for the second way, you can buy a ticket to fly directly to El Nido airport. It only takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, but flights are usually less frequent and ticket prices are slightly higher, about $85 – $150. From the airport, it will take about 30 minutes to El Nido town.

You can use the airport shuttle service to El Nido town if you choose this way. But in general, you should prioritize the first way.

But note, because the flight from Manila to El Nido is a short flight, the type of plane used will be ATR 42 or ATR 72, the engine propeller is exposed, the passenger capacity is only from 40 to 80 passengers. Therefore, the flight will be a bit shaky, you should prepare anti-sickness medicine before boarding the plane. In return, you will admire the beautiful scenery of El Nido from above. The number of flights is also fixed at 4 per day and the price will be a bit high. AirSwift is also the only airline operating this flight.

From Coron to El Nido (# el nido travel guide)

Ferries from Coron to El Nido depart once a day, 3 times a week, operated by MBCA / Overcomer. Travel time is from 7 to 8 hours. You should book ferry tickets before departure date.

Getting around El Nido

Popular means of transportation in El Nido are jeepneys and tricycles (a motorbike with a covered vehicle on the back). The fixed price for getting around El Nido town is $0.20 (~PHP 10). Besides, motorbikes help you conveniently move even on the steepest and most difficult roads. Motorbike taxis, called “habal-habal” by locals, are commonly used by tourists to move quickly from one place to another. They often park right in town or circulate to find customers.

If you want to experience the many interesting things in this worth place of visit, you can choose to take a jeepney to tour the city for only $0.16/first 4km and $0.49 for the next kilometer. In addition, you can also take a taxi, bus or rent a motorbike to travel on your own for your convenience.

Tips: My experience is don’t ask the price if you don’t want to charge overprice. Just hop on and show your place you want to go. If it’s close, pay 20php, if it’s far (near Las Cabanas), pay 50php.

In fact, it’s even cheaper, but I think this price is more worth the distance. Get off the car and pay like that. Occasionally, a driver will frown and criticize, just tell him “Usually I still go at that price, what do you think it is this my first time going to a tricycle?”. But if you asked him how much it cost to get here, he would double it.

It’s best to just catch a tricycle on the street where the price is easier to pay, instead of catch it at the stands in the village, not cheap at all.

In general, if you’re lazy and don’t mind the price, just go because there are no other public vehicles here.

If you come to El Nido with a small group, renting a tricycle is a good choice. Because they can carry four people. This means of transport is also easy to find around town.

If you have motorbike driving skills, renting a motorbike yourself can be cost-effective, and you can use it for the duration of your stay or a whole day to explore El Nido. This is a good choice for solo travelers or couples.

What to do and where to go in El Nido?

Nacpan and calitang.

Just one beach is enough to mislead tourists, but Nacpan and Calitang combine to create a masterpiece, Twins beach. With such pristine, peaceful and romantic beauty, just setting foot there is enough to forget all your troubles.

You can get here by renting a motorbike or three-wheeled vehicle (Tricycle). Among them, Nacpan beach is more famous and is considered the most beautiful beach in the area with a coastline stretching 4 km. Twins Beach is a suitable destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Las Cabanas Beach

A beach that has attracted a lot of attention lately is Las Cabanas. 5km from El Nido town, known for its creamy white sand and coastal coconut groves.

Dolarog Beach

One of the beaches with the most visitors is Dolarog. This is because this beach has exceptionally clear blue sea water. Moreover, it is located next to the lush tropical forest and the location can see the Bacuit archipelago, so you can combine many activities of swimming, checking in, and watching the sunset right in the fairy land.

It is a beautiful beach located next to a lush tropical forest, offering visitors panoramic views of the Bacuit Islands and beautiful sunsets. The beach is famous for its wild natural beauty and is suitable for young children because the water level is quite shallow.

Seven Commandos Beach

Talking about the beach with the most beautiful scenery in this archipelago, we must name 7 Commandos. The water color here is so incredibly clear that you can see your feet clearly. There are also unique limestone rocks, white sand beaches and shady coconut groves, creating an extremely good scene for healing the mood.

It is a popular destination for many tourists and is part of the tours offered in El Nido. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in El Nido with crystal clear water, interesting limestone rocks, white sand beaches and shady coconut groves.

It is a pristine, uninhabited beach like Nacpan. Although it is not an easy place to get to, it will definitely bring great experiences to you.

Corong-Corong Beach

Located right in El Nido town with a coastline stretching over 3km.

An interesting experience that can effectively help you reset your mood is to try watching the sea from above. There is a 750m long Las Cabanas Zipline connecting from Las Cabanas beach to Dependent Island for you to experience. The cost will depend on the style you want and ranges from $10 – $15.

Las Cabanas Zipline is a 750m long zipline starting from Las Cabanas beach and Depeldet island. Zipline prices depend on the type of zipline you want. The popular sitting style costs 500 pesos (10 USD) one way, and the Superman style costs 700 pesos (13 USD).

Taraw Cliff

In addition, there is a place that is the best in itself and also helps you see the beauty of the best El Nido: Taraw Cliff. This location is located right in town and about 40 minutes by car from the sea. And one thing you should pay attention to is that you should use the Ferrata Canopy Walk to get to the top safely.

Another tip is both quality and economical is that you can book a 1-day El Nido island tour for convenience. You don’t need to worry about missing out on anything great, you don’t need to prepare too much and the cost is only from $20.

The islands of El Nido are known as paradise on earth and are very famous for their many beautiful landscapes. When the sun goes down, it’s time to go out to experience the nightlife. There are two main places to enjoy nightlife in El Nido. One is Marimegmeg beach with bustling bars. If you just want to sip a few cocktails, just head to some of the bars in town near the beach.

The nightlife in El Nido is quite bustling, you can easily find a cafe, bar or restaurant that suits your style to relax and enjoy after a long day of water activities.

Some other places to visit

El nido town.

Canopy Walk

El Nido island tours

The islands and beaches in El Nido will usually be grouped into different tours including Tour A, Tour B, Tour C, Tour D, etc. However, the best places to visit include in Tour A and Tour C. In addition, you can also book Tour A and Tour C or Tour B and Tour D packages to experience camping on the island, which is also very interesting if there is no time limit. Details of locations in the Tour.

In addition, you will enjoy lunch on the boat or on the island prepared by the tour guide on the boat and a local resident. Typical coastal foods and eating utensils are also made from natural materials or reusable dishes are brought along. This contributes to preserving nature and the environment on these islands. It can be said that the people and government here have done very well in developing sustainable tourism and preserving the most intact nature.

The best places to visit including in “Tour A” and “Tour C.” So, if you are not limited by time when visiting El Nido, choose both Tour A and Tour C.

You can’t go to El Nido without taking a island hopping tour – that is, renting a boat to visit places around the island.

El Nido island tour packages:

Tour A — Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven commandos island.

The way to Big Lagoon is through quite shallow water, and to get in you have to rent a kayak or… swim.

• El Nido Tour A Lagoons & Islands

Small Lagoon

Secret Lagoon

The entrance to Secret Lagoon is small and slippery, with quite sharp rocks

Next to Secret Lagoon is a very beautiful corner to take photos, unfortunately I didn’t notice that the camera was getting steamy so it was blurry.

Shimizu Island

Shimizu Island is only for viewing, there is no place to get on

Seven Commandos Island

Seven Commandos is the final place of tour A I went on. It’s afternoon, it’s 4 pm and the sun is starting to shine less. The sea without sunshine looks gloomy. So when you go to the beach, you have to go on a sunny day to be beautiful

Tour B: Entalula beach, Pinagbuyutan Island (most beautiful island), Snake Island, a certain cave that can only be viewed from the outside.

Snake Island is also very beautiful, it has a beautiful sand line connecting 2 islands in the middle of the sea. In Vietnam, there is also Diep Son Island, but it is nothing compared to Snake Island.

Pinagbuyutan Island

Pinagbuyutan Island has green grass as beautiful as in a movie. The island of my dreams. Come to this island, please take tour B. My lens is not wide enough to capture this place

Snake Island

• El Nido Tour B Caves & Islands

Tour C: Helicopter island (because it looks like a helicopter, I think it looks more like a whale), Matiloc Shrine, hidden beach, Tapiutan island, Star Beach.

• El Nido Tour C Hidden Beaches & Shrine

Tour D — Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Beach, Natnat Beach, Bukal Beach.

You can combine 2 tours together, for example “ Combo Tour A+C ” and “ Combo Tour B+D .”

Tour booking information

Usually, tour prices in El Nido are the same, tour A is about 1,200 pesos, tour C: 1,400 pesos, in general the only difference is the boat and the tour seller or the guide tour, but the itinerary is the same. In addition to the tour fee, you also have to pay an additional 200 pesos environmental fee (pay once and use it all for the tour).

You can book a tour anywhere, but I used Klook’s tour ( tour A here , tour C here ) because their price is 100 pesos cheaper than the selling price there, so those who go in a large group can buy it. to save money for dinner.

All tours last nearly a full day, departing from around 9:00 am – 3~4:00 pm. The average cost is about 1200~1400php depending on the place, including lunch, diving goggles, environmental protection fee… The boat drivers and servers are also very polite and kind, so at the end of the day, you should tip them another 100php to be nice.

Please note that if you buy a tour at a hotel or in town, most prices are high. I advise you to go near the port and ask Joanna’s house to buy a tour. She usually reduces the price to only 1000php. Even when buying tickets to Coron, she sells them cheaper.

What to eat in El Nido?

If you are looking for the answer to the question of what makes EL Dino so fascinating to tourists, the following specialties are also part of the answer. So, if you have the opportunity to come to this beautiful sea, you must try these dishes:

• Fresh seafood
• Traditional oven-baked pizza
• Filipino style meat stew
• Adobe is eaten with white rice
• Halo halo – fruit mix in syrup
• Arroz Caldo porridge – chicken

A delicacy that makes El Nido famous is bird’s nest soup. In fact, the name El Nido means “nest” in English. It is made from the saliva of the Balinsasayaw bird, which forms its breeding and breeding nests in the crevices of the El Nido limestone mountain. This is an expensive dish and a must try when you come here.

In addition, pizza and traditional Filipino dishes are also extremely attractive.

If you walk around El Nido town in the evening, enjoy the local cuisine here. Especially the Pizza that any visitor to El Nido must try.

There are many traditional eateries in town, also known as turo-turo or “point-point” in English. There are many different dishes for you to choose from and pay when you order. Meals cost between 60 – 75 pesos (1 USD) and include rice, meat, soup or vegetables. While bars and restaurants have prices ranging from 150 – 300 pesos (6 USD) per meal.

• Art Cafe – visited at least once by everyone and is the best WiFi spot in town. The menu at Art Cafe is extensive, including seafood, pizza, pasta and salads.
• Rooftop – is a colorful bar/restaurant located above a clothing store on El Nido’s main street. Although it’s a bit more expensive, it will be an enjoyable experience.
• Agape – Located in a great location right on the beach and is one of the few restaurants that serves lunch. Try the seafood pasta and Greek salad here.
• Angel Wish – is one of the cheapest seafood restaurants in El Nido and will save you a lot of money.
• Squidos – fresh seafood with famous stuffed squid.
• Bacuit Grill Bar and Restaurant – is an outdoor dining facility, perfect for those who want to watch the sunset over the bay.

In addition, you can try streetfood, which are Filipino barbecue-style dishes, and go to the beach near the port in the afternoon.

There are also a lot of foods along M. Quezon Street, most of which are Western dishes. On this street there is a delicious ice cream shop, please try it.

Suggested El Nido itinerary 5 days

My itinerary for reference:

• Day 1: Hanoi – Manila – Puerto Princeas – El nido (arrive in El nido around 5pm)
• Day 2: Take tour A, spend night in town
• Day 3: Rent a motorbike to go to Nacpan, return early in the afternoon to zipline at Las Cabanas and watch the sunset
• Day 4: Tour C and evening in town (actually had to change to tour B because tour C was canceled)
• Day 5: Get on the boat to Coron (8 hours), about 8:00 a.m., arrive at Coron at 3 or 4 p.m.

Besides island hopping, you should spend a day renting a motorbike to go to Nacpan beach (650php/day).

This beach is super beautiful with a kilometer long white sand beach, about 30km from El Nido town (I will remember this beach all my life because it is so beautiful).

You should rent a motorbike to feel the beauty along the way. On the way to Nacpan, there is a section where you have to turn onto a quite small dirt road, so pay attention to Google maps to use. If you’re afraid of driving to explore, rent a trycicle to get there.

Next to Nacpan beach there is a very beautiful Twins beach, but this area is currently banned from entering. You can go around to get in but there are still people blocking you from climbing the small hill.

If you have one more day, you should use it to hang out around town. In the afternoon, go to Las Cabanas beach to play zipline and watch the sunset. This is the best sunset viewing spot on the island, the beach is also beautiful.

There is another spot near the town center: climbing Taraw to see the whole town from above. To go this way, the ticket costs about 400php/person.

Where to stay?

El Nido includes four villages: Buena Suerte, Corong-Corong, Maligaya and Masagana located entirely on two small peninsulas. El Nido has many accommodation options for any budget. From high-end resorts, hotels, luxury to mid-range, motels. You can also choose a homestay or camping to experience local life.

The “El Nido Town” that people commonly know is actually the Buena Suerte settlement parallel to the beach in Barangay. Meanwhile, Masagana is famous for its many resorts and Caalan beach. And Corong-corong is located on the southern tip with fine white sand. In general, hotels in El Nido are quite expensive.

The town center, known as El Nido Town Proper or “Poblacion”, bustles with hotels, restaurants and the best nightlife in El Nido.

You can stay in 4 main areas:

• Town of El Nido (Buena Suerte). This is where the most activities are held. You can find many hotels along the beach and nearby streets, suitable for those with a budget or mid-range travel budget. The area is close to many restaurants, bars, shopping and tourist offices.
• Corong-Corong. It feels like an isolated tropical paradise, nestled in the southern beaches of El Nido, the closest area to the bus station.
• Caalan Beach (Masagana). The resort has begun to thrive, but is still quite sparsely populated, much like Corong Corong.
• Islands: Accommodation on the islands is mainly luxury and expensive resorts.
• The area around Las Cabanas beach, this area is mainly a resort, quiet, and quite far from the port. Every day if you need to go to the tour center, you will have to take a tripcile quite a distance. Room prices are often high because of the resort, but pretty.
• Town center: Central but cheaper than Las Cabanas, nice rooms are quite expensive but many cheap rooms for those who like to travel, near the port, near the town center with many bars, cafes, bustling and bright I really enjoyed going to the port.
• Accommodation at Caalan beach is great for first-time visitors to El Nido because it has both a beachside feel and is easily accessible at a low cost. Corong-Corong Beach offers a peaceful seaside atmosphere suitable for those who want to relax gently. Meanwhile, accommodation in Nacpan often caters to those looking for luxury with high-end resorts.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island ( Booking )
• Cuna Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Sea Cocoon Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• S Resort El Nido ( Agoda , Booking )
• Rosanna’s Pension ( Agoda , Booking )
• One El Nido Suite ( Agoda , Booking )
• El Nido Resorts Lagen Island ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in El Nido on Agoda.com or Booking.com

How much does it cost to travel to El Nido?

The cost of self-sufficient travel in El Nido, Philippines, can vary depending on many factors such as length of stay, type of accommodation, experience and personal preferences. Below is a cost estimate for an economical self-guided trip to El Nido:

• Accommodation: 22 – 65 USD per night, depending on accommodation type and tourist season.
• Food: A simple meal at a local restaurant can cost from 2 – 4.5 USD.
• Tickets for sightseeing and activities: 26 – 78 USD for each island hopping, diving, and day tour activity.
• Transportation: 13 – 30 USD per day, depending on the vehicle you choose.

By choosing economical services and accommodation, you can travel to El Nido on your own with a budget of about 65 – 130 USD per day. However, consider your personal finances and preferences to plan a suitable trip. If backpacking, the cost can be cheaper, about $25 – $75 per day.

Note: The above costs do not include air tickets.

Some things to note before you go

• Because there are many water activities, make sure you are fully prepared with sunscreen, swimsuits, and common medications. In addition, the weather in this region is also a typical humid tropical monsoon climate, so make sure you bring enough hats and jackets.
• The number of ATMs on the island is also limited, you should withdraw money in advance in Puerto Princesa or Manila to have cash ready in advance when needed. When you arrive at the airport, you can buy a local SIM card to get a 4G internet connection. This helps you access information, navigate, and stay in touch easily throughout your journey.
• The most popular network operator in the Philippines are Smart and Globe. When purchasing, you can ask the staff at the counter to activate your SIM card.
• Like the rest of the Philippines, tipping is not mandatory in El Nido. Most establishments include a service fee, but gratuities are still appreciated by the service team.
• Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon are two famous tourist attractions in El Nido Philippines. To regulate visitor traffic and minimize environmental impact, Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon cannot be visited on the same tour on the same day.
• In addition, you also need to learn about new special regulations in El Nido before you come. This will help you avoid unnecessary problems.
• Local ATMs are often out of cash: Cash is widely circulated in every part of the Philippines, and El Nido is no exception. There are only a few ATMs in El Nido and they often run out of money so you need to withdraw and bring plenty of cash just in case. Most visitors will use the BPI Bank ATM on Real Street.
• Only high-end establishments and luxury resorts can accept electronic payments or credit cards.
• Is there a fee to visit attractions in El Nido? Yes, most island and beach attractions charge a green fee (in addition to the entrance fee). Additionally, there are currently three premium locations in El Nido, namely Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon and Secret Beach, all with additional fees.
• Note on health issues: There are a few cases of visitors being poisoned at El Nido, you should be careful to only eat and drink at clean, reputable establishments and avoid eating raw vegetables or fruits that have not been washed with clean water. We should prepare a bag of medicine for common diseases in our suitcase to avoid getting sick here.

El Nido is not only a destination of discovery, but also a journey that takes us to immerse ourselves in the mystical beauty of nature and the sincerity of the local community. Come to El Nido and experience the most beautiful memories with the valuable experiences we have shared with you.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to El Nido you can refer to

• El Nido Tour A + C
• El Nido Tour D Lagoons & Beaches
• Tour A El Nido, Palawan
• Tour El Nido Land
• One-Way Fast Ferry Ticket Between Coron and El Nido
• El Nido Nacpan and Duli Beach
• Puerto Princesa to El Nido Van Transfer (Shared or Private)
• El Nido Tours in a Luxury Speedboat
• Shared Van Transfer between El Nido and Port Barton
• Tour El Nido C + A
• El Nido Tour A,B,C,D w/ Envi&Lagoon Fees (No Hidden Charges)
• Tour A of El Nido, Palawan

Read more Philippines guide here .

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Where to go in kunming — 15+ top kunming attractions & best places to visit in kunming, must eat in melaka — 10+ famous malacca street food & must try food in melaka, what to do in alishan — 5 top attractions & best things to do in alishan, taiwan, hong kong food culture — hong kong cuisine tells the historical story of the whole land.

Melaka food blog — Experience Melaka delicacies, arrived at by Trishaw

Alishan travel blog — The fullest Alishan travel guide for first-timers

Gingtiangang Grassland Yangmingshan — The ultimate guide on how to go & top things to do

Tokyo best parks — 10+ best & most beautiful parks in tokyo

Yamanashi blog — The Yamanashi travel guide & top things to do in Yamanashi

Editor picks.

Where to go in Kunming? — 15+ top Kunming attractions &...

Must eat in Georgetown — 10+ famous, must-eat & best street...

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &...

Popular posts.

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1453
• Trip Inspiration 469
• Thailand 209
• Food + Drink 207
• Coasts + Islands 193
• South Korea 168
• Vietnam 166
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Northern Hope Tours

El nido, palawan, specializing in el nido island hopping tours and more….

• El Nido Island Hopping Tours

El Nido Land Tours

• Puerto Princesa Tours
• Van Transfers
• Package Tours
• Trip to Coron
• What they say

El Nido might be well known for our island hoppings but that’s not we only have. Check out our Land Tours below to know what else you can do without riding a boat.

Check out the details below.

Nacpan and Calitang Twin Beaches

Maremegmeg Beach

Visit one of our best long beaches here in El Nido, Palawan. Nacpan and Calitang is known as the twin beach as both beaches seem to come from a two different curves that are tangent to each other. But that’s not the only thing that Nacpan and Calitang Twin Beaches have. It boasts of a slow descending white beach with turquoise waters that is perfect for swimming or sunbathing.

Duration of visit: Best visited from 9AM to 5PM but can be done half-day.

One of the best sunsets in El Nido can be viewed from the Maremegmeg Beach.

Duration of Visit: Best visited from 5PM to 6:30PM, sunset time. But can be visited even without the sunset.

El Nido, Philippines Complete Travel Guide and My Six Days Solo Travel Itinerary

Last Updated on February 10, 2022 by Tina

El Nido is a municipality in Palawan in the Philippines. It is famous for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, lagoons, and massive limestone cliffs. It has been consistently voted as one of the world’s best islands. I visited El Nido in 2018, and it’s still one of my favorite destinations. I almost canceled my trip there. Good thing my Turkish friend convinced me not to cancel the trip. He describes the place as heaven. Until now, my El Nido trip is still the best and most memorable solo trip I’ve had so far and I would love to go back there again when traveling is much easier. The town is very safe and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a destination for their first solo trip . Here’s an El Nido travel guide to help you plan your trip to this amazing place.

Located in the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan, El Nido is bordered by Linapacan on the north, the Sulu Sea on the east, Taytay in the south, and the West Philippine Sea on the west. This municipality has 64 islands and islets.

Table of Contents

What Are The Requirements For Tourists Visiting El Nido?

Because of the current situation, gone are the days when you could just book your flight and accommodation, pack your bags and go. Before you leave, you need to check the travel requirements in the city or town you are going to visit. El Nido reopened last July 7, 2021, and new and updated guidelines for tourists traveling to El Nido were released by the municipality.

Here are the requirements for tourists visiting El Nido (As of January 26, 2022):

For fully vaccinated tourists from outside palawan visiting el nido.

• Negative antigen test result accomplished within the last 48 hours prior to arrival in Palawan
• A valid government-issued ID
• Confirmed hotel booking/reservation in a Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited hotel covering all dates on flight itinerary
• Roundtrip airline ticket
• Proof of vaccination ( VaxCertPH or Vaccination Certificate)
• A copy of the approved S-Pass Travel Coordination Permit

For Tourists With Incomplete or No Vaccination From Outside Palawan Visiting El Nido

• Negative RT-PCR test result accomplished within the last 48 hours prior to arrival in Palawan

For Fully Vaccinated Palawan-based Tourists Visiting El Nido

• Confirmed hotel booking/reservation in a Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited hotel

For Palawan-based Tourists With Incomplete or No Vaccination Visiting El Nido

Never miss an update.

Sign up today and be notified of new posts.

Email Address

Subscribe Now

Best Time to Visit El Nido

From October until the first or second week of June, the weather in El Nido is generally dry, hot, and sunny. On average, the temperatures are always high with May as the warmest month. January is the coldest month. A lot of rain falls from June to October, although even in rainy months there are dry days. It also does not rain all day long on a rainy day. August is the wettest month and March is the driest. With that said, the best time to visit El Nido is from December to April.

Related Post: Why El Nido in the Philippines is a Good Destination For Your First Solo Travel Trip

How To Get To El Nido

You have different options when going to El Nido. You can book a direct flight from Manila to El Nido or San Vicente, you can fly into Puerto Princesa and ride a van or bus to El Nido, or you can take a ferry if you are in Coron.

Option 1: Book a direct flight from Manila to El Nido. This saves you from all the travel time. Air Swift has daily flights to El Nido from Manila. You can make reservations through their website.

Option 2: Fly into Puerto Princesa, Palawan where most of the commercial flights land. From the airport, there are vans that offer direct service going to El Nido. Travel time is about 5-6 hours. Van trips are priced around Php 500. You can also ride a tricycle going to the bus station and ride a bus but the travel time takes up to 7-8 hours due to many stops for local passengers. The van is faster but it is not too comfortable especially if you get the seat at the back.

Option 3: Fly into San Vicente International Airport then ride a van to El Nido. Vans are available at the airport’s arrival area. The ride is around 4 hours and costs around Php 600.

Option 4: If coming from the Calamian group of islands (Coron, Culion, and Busuanga), you can take a ferry to El Nido. The trip takes around 8 hours. It is priced at approximately PhP 1800 per person.

Booking a direct flight from Manila to El Nido is the fastest and most comfortable option but it is the most expensive. As of the moment, due to the many restrictions brought about by the pandemic, the best option is to take a direct flight to Lio Airport in El Nido via Airswift.

Where to Go in the Philippines: Destinations That Are Now Open To Tourists

Mobile Signal and Internet Connection in El Nido

Mobile signal/mobile data is available in El Nido town proper. There are spots in other areas such as in Matinloc Island that have very weak or no signal at all, but who needs it when you are in paradise? Most hotels and hostels in El Nido have a free wifi connection.

Getting Around El Nido

There are several ways of getting around El Nido:

• Rent a motorbike- If you are traveling alone, have a driver’s license, and know how to drive a motorbike, renting one is the cheapest option.
• Charter a tricycle- If renting a motorbike is not an option for you, you can charter a tricycle to take you to Marimegmeg Beach or to other areas in El Nido.
• Rent a car- If you want a more comfortable means of getting around El Nido, you can arrange with your preferred travel agency a car to take you around.

Where to Stay in El Nido

El Nido has a range of options for accommodations depending on your budget. El Nido got you covered, from luxury hotels to backpacker’s hostels. Some of the accommodations you could try are the following:

Huni Lio Resort

Charlie’s El Nido

Frendz Hostel

The following are the accommodation establishments in El Nido that have been accredited by the DOT as of July 12, 2021:

Where To Eat

I’m not sure what restaurants are open now in El Nido and I haven’t really tried a lot when I was there because I had free breakfast at the hostel which was very good, and there’s free lunch during the island hopping tour. Here are three that I recommend:

Happiness Beach Bar

Happiness Beach Bar is a restaurant located along Serena St. and serves great Mediterranean food. They have hummus plates, pita falafels, salad options, and some more yummy selections for you to chose from. I love their swing!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tina dP @ I Went Anyways (@tnadeperalta)

Cafe Athena

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cafe Athena • El Nido (@cafe.athena)

Also located in Serena St., this restaurant serves really good Greek and Mediterranean dishes.

Jarace Grill

Jarace Grill is located along the beach and lined up outside the restaurant are the catch of the day, large squids, fresh pork belly, and pork skewers. You can choose whatever you fancy and they will cook it for you.

El Nido Tours

When I visited El Nido in 2018, the island hopping tours in Bacuit Bay were named as Tour A, B, C & D. These island hopping tours usually take you to 4 to 5 different spots. Months after that visit, the tours have been rebranded into the 7 Wonders of El Nido Tours. With the rebranding, you can’t visit both Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon in one day. They rebranded the tour to avoid crowding in the spots.

Related Post: El Nido Tour A: Lagoons and Beaches

With the current situation, they prioritized proper physical distancing, making sure crowding in the spots is eliminated. Get to see three different spots with breathtaking island views and amazing experiences in one day. Combination tours are not allowed.

They’ve set temporarily limited capacities and pre-booking of these tours is strongly advised. Only Department of Tourism (DOT) Accredited Local Travel Operators are allowed to conduct premium tours, so make sure you check that your travel operator is DOT accredited before you book a tour. Below are the accredited travel operators in El Nido:

What To Do In El Nido

Go island hopping in bacuit bay.

As I have mentioned earlier, El Nido has 64 islands and islets and one of the most popular activities in El Nido is island hopping. Bacuit Bay has magnificent views and rich biodiversity that you will surely love.

Visit Nacpan Beach

Located around 20 kilometers from the town proper, Nacpan Beach is a 4-kilometer stretch of golden sand and strong waves. It is one of the most famous mainland beaches in El Nido and has been named in different travel magazines as one of the world’s best beaches.

It is a good place to hang out if you just want to spend the day chilling and swimming.

Chill at Las Cabañas Beach and wait for the sunset.

Also called Marimegmeg Beach, it has white sand, clear water, palm trees, and a beautiful sunset. It is easily accessible as it is only 6 kilometers away from the town proper. Shops, bars, and restaurants could be found here and you can even go ziplining.

Do the El Nido Taraw Via Ferrata Canopy Walk

If you want to catch a bird’s eye view of the town and the bay from Taraw Cliff in a safe way, do the El Nido Taraw Via Ferrata Canopy Walk.

Surf at Duli Beach

Located 28 kilometers away from the town proper, Duli Beach is a remote area popular for surfing. Surfing here peaks from June to August and December to February. Restaurants and surf shops are available here and the area has rock views ideal for photoshoots.

My El Nido Solo Travel Itinerary

As with my previous solo trips, I went to El Nido unprepared. The only thing I prepared for was my accommodation. I only booked my van to El Nido when I was about to board the plane to Puerto Princesa. My flight arrived at Puerto Princesa before 12 noon and I was picked up by the van at the airport.

Day 1: Arrived in El Nido; dinner at Jarace Grill

The van to El Nido left Puerto Princesa around 1:00 in the afternoon. We arrived in El Nido before 6:00 PM. After checking in at Spin Designer Hostel, I went to Jarace Grill to have dinner. Since I didn’t research much about the place, I decided to just ask the receptionist at Spin where is a good place to have dinner and she recommended Jarace Grill. It is within walking distance from the hostel and is located along the beach. Lined up outside the restaurant are the catch of the day, large squids, fresh pork belly, and pork skewers that were on display for you to choose from. Because I love crabs, it is what I ordered and I asked them to cook it with gata (coconut milk).

Day 2: Island Hopping Tour A and waited for sunset at Maremegmeg Beach; dinner at Angel Wish Restaurant

On the second day, I decided to do the Island Hopping Tour A. What I love about El Nido is that even if you are traveling solo, you can still go on island hopping tours without having to pay for the whole boat because their tours are join-in tours. The tour had 5 stops: the Seven Commandos Beach, Small Lagoon, Payong-payong Beach, Big Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon. You can read about my island hopping tour A experience in this post .

After the island hopping tour, I went to Maremegmeg Beach for the sunset though it wasn’t that nice because it was drizzling that day. After that, I had dinner at Angel Wish Restaurant which is located along the beach.

Day 3: Island Hopping Tour C; barbecue night at Spin Hostel

For my third day, I went on an island hopping tour again. The tour had five stops: Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Tapiutan Island, and Matinloc Shrine. I had the best time during this tour because it was a smaller group and most of us are ladies. One of them stays at the hostel I stayed at. She was really nice. We did things together during the trip so it didn’t feel like I’m traveling alone.

After the island hopping tour, I had dinner at the hostel because it was barbeque night.

Day 4: Explored Nacpan and Lio Beach; dinner at Cafe Athena

On my fourth day, I spent most of the day chilling at Nacpan Beach. I checked out what was on the other end of the beach and on my way there, I saw a sea snake. I thought it was dead because it wasn’t moving. Good thing I didn’t go too close because when I started walking, it moved. In case you don’t know, sea snakes are venomous.

It also rained while I was in Nacpan so I just read a book while waiting for it to stop. From Nacpan Beach, I asked my guide to take me to Lio Beach. It is a long white beach with shops and restaurants along the beach. For dinner, I went to Cafe Athena.

Day 5: El Nido Taraw Via Ferrata Canopy Walk and spent the rest of the day chilling at Maremegmeg Beach; dinner at Happiness BeachBar

On my fifth day, I was planning to just spend the day at Maremegmeg Beach. But when I hailed a tricycle, he suggested that I try out the El Nido Taraw Via Ferrata Canopy Walk. It seemed interesting so I went to check it out. The view of the town from there was very nice, and I had a really interesting conversation with the guide.

From the canopy walk, I went to Maremegmeg Beach and spent the whole day just chilling and swimming. Before dinner, I met up with a half-Aussie-half-South African guy who has been residing in El Nido for 6 years already. It was quite interesting talking to him because he used to work as a driller in an oil company. He worked in the same company as my college classmates.

After that, I went to Happiness Beach Bar to have dinner.  I ordered a frozen margarita for my last night in El Nido and I was also given a free shot of BBK. I don’t remember what it is anymore, but I remember that it was really good and that I had a great night.

Day 6: Travel back to Puerto Princesa

On the sixth day, I left El Nido early and traveled back to Puerto Princesa. I spent the night there before going back to Manila.

Some Useful Tips When Visiting El Nido

• Don’t forget to bring sunblock. You’ll be staying under the sun for very long periods of time so better protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
• Single-use plastic bottles are not allowed during island hopping tours so don’t bring one.
• Bring your own mask, snorkel, and other similar gears because rentals of these gears are temporarily banned.
• Wear your life jacket at all times during island hopping. Sharing is strictly prohibited.
• Observe minimum health standards always.
• Philippine peso is the currency used on the island. Make sure you exchange your money for the local currency in big cities before going there to avoid having the problem of looking for money changers.
• There are banks on the island where you can withdraw money but I suggest bringing enough cash before going just in case the machines are offline.
• The island is very safe even for solo female travelers but as in any place, don’t leave your things especially your valuables unattended.

It’s so nice to reminisce about the good old days. I wish I could go back to this paradise again someday. If you have other questions about El Nido, feel free to write them down below.

And if you haven’t subscribed to my blog yet, please do so you don’t miss any of my posts. And please follow my Facebook page @iwentanyways  and like my Instagram accounts  @iwentanyways  and  @tnadeperalta  for updates.

* Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to book something is completely up to you. Using my links costs you nothing extra and  will help in maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

3 thoughts on “El Nido, Philippines Complete Travel Guide and My Six Days Solo Travel Itinerary”

Will love to visit Philippines didn’t it was such a great place still I did see this blog

this is a great post po, thank you for all the insight!!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• El Nido Itinerary: Exploring Paradise in the Philippines

by Julie Apr 10, 2024 Itinerary , Philippines , Travel

El Nido is one of the hottest (most popular) places to visit in the Philippines right now. It’s even more popular than Boracay. In this 5 day El Nido itinerary guide, I’5-daym going to show you how you can explore some of the Philippines’ most amazing islands and beaches.

Situated on the west coast of Palawan island and only about 1.5 hours by plane from Manila, El Nido is famous for its stunning limestone islands with their hidden lagoons and secret beaches dotting Bacuit Bay. Imagine Halong Bay in Vietnam or Yangshuo in China but in the middle of the clearest and bluest water you’ll ever see in your life. THAT’S El Nido.

If you’re looking for where else to visit in this beautiful country, check out my 15 favorite destinations in the Philippines .

For a list of ALL my Philippines itineraries and travel info check out my Philippines Travel Guide page. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website's  Disclosure for more info.

In This El Nido Itinerary Post, You’ll Find…

• About This El Nido Itinerary
• Day 1: Island Hopping Tour A
• Day 2: Nacpan Beach
• Day 3: Sibaltan Tour
• Day 4: Las Cabanas Beach
• Day 5: Island Hopping Tour C
• El Nido Travel Guide & FAQs

You can do this 5-day itinerary in any order. Just take this itinerary as a suggestion in planning your own trip to El Nido.

El Nido Tours A, B. C, and D:

One of the most popular things to do in El Nido is the island hopping tours . These tours are called Tour A, B, C, and D . They go to different parts of the Bacuit Archipelago like to Secret Beach, Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, etc.

Tour A is the most popular one followed by Tour C. I did both A and C.

I also did a tour of Sibaltan (don’t skip!), which is another area in Palawan. It’s harder to get to than the Tours A-D destinations. The Sibaltan Tour only takes place on certain days. When I was in El Nido it was on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

The tours can be quite tiring , so I recommend resting at one of the beaches around El Nido between tours . I’ve arranged these 5 days in El Nido so that you can rest between tours: Tour day – beach day – tour day – beach day – tour day.

How to Get Around El Nido

I’ll explain how to get to each of the beaches here, but overall you’ve got a few options. None of them are great. First, if you can, renting a scooter or motorcycle is the best. You can do this for around 300 pesos per day. BUT if you’re like me and can’t drive one, you can get around by tricycle (tuk-tuk), free shuttle bus (Lio Beach), or van (Nacpan Beach).

The free shuttle bus to Lio Beach leaves from this place (near Frendz Hostel) .

Start your island-hopping adventure with Tour A. Yes, it’s the most popular tour and there will be an annoyingly large number of people.

However, you want to start with this one because the places you visit on this tour (Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon) are the most unique and magical in all of El Nido. 

Tour A Itinerary

These are the most common stops on Tour A:

• Big Lagoon – Brilliant and beautiful! This is the best part of the tour. Kayak through a lagoon (See above photo).
• Secret Lagoon – Cool! Wear water shoes here because you need to walk and swim over lots of rocks to a hidden lagoon.
• Shimizu Island – We went snorkeling here, but the coral was dead here so there weren’t that many fish.
• 7 Commando Beach – This is a beautiful beach with crystal-clear water.
• Payong Payong Island – My tour didn’t go here; instead, we went snorkeling at Advance Reef and saw quite a lot of colorful fish and coral.

Lunch on Tour A

Compared to the tours I’ve been on, the lunch was fabulous. We had fish, fruit, salad, rice, shrimp, and mussels. We had lunch on the boat.

Cost of Island Hopping Tour A:

These prices are as of April 2024:

• Tour: US$17 – $23 (depending on travel agency)
• Entrance fee to Big Lagoon: 200 pesos (US$3.54)
• Tourism Development Fee : 200 pesos (US$3.54) (a one-time fee that covers all tours for the next 10 days)
• Kayak rental: 300 – 400 pesos per kayak (US$5.31 – $7) – Pay this at Big Lagoon
• Snorkel and Mask Rental: 150 pesos (US$2.65)

The total cost of the tour can be up to US$34 – 39. Compared to prices in Europe, the U.S., and Latin America, this is inexpensive. However, compared to prices on Cebu (check out my Cebu Itinerary ), it’s pricey.

How to Book Tour A

You can book your tour BEFORE you get to El Nido or AFTER you get to El Nido.

Make sure you’re booking with someone who takes safety seriously . I ended up getting my foot crushed in Mexico getting on a boat to go to some secret beach. The boat company didn’t care and I got no help from them. You also don’t want a tour where the guides are creepy and spend all their time flirting with the guests. That’s what happened to me on my tour in El Nido.

I like booking tours through Get Your Guide because they’ve always been responsive and helpful . If I’m not happy with the tour, I can leave a review and I can contact Get Your Guide. You can also read the tour reviews so that you know you’re getting a good tour ahead of time.

Klook is also a reliable booking agency. They often have discounts on tours.

If you want to book when you get to El Nido, book through your hotel. That’s what I did.

• El Nido Tour A with Corazon Travel & Tours
• El Nido Tour A Lagoon and Islands through Klook
• Tour A of El Nido through Klook
• El Nido Social Tour A with Photographer
• El Nido Private Tour A

On the second day of your five days in El Nido, head to one of the best beaches near El Nido–Nacpan Beach . It’s a beautiful, long beach with clear water and nice soft sand. Nacpan Beach is located in Nacpan village , a dusty town with unpaved roads and a few shops and restaurants. The beach is surrounded by just a handful of hotels and hostels.

You have to pay an environmental fee of 50 pesos (US$1) to visit Nacpan Beach. Pay the fee when you arrive in Nacpan town.

How to Get to Nacpan Beach

You have two options without a motorcycle:

• Hire a tricycle for 1,200 pesos (US$24) round trip.
• Take a shuttle from El Nido. It costs 400 pesos one-way or 700 pesos round trip . Check Nacpan Beach Shuttle website for current times and pickup and dropoff locations. Another shuttle service, Discover El Nido , has more frequent times. Here is the pickup spot in El Nido.

It takes 30-45 minutes by public transportation to get to the beach.

Where to Hang Out at Nacpan Beach

When I arrived on Nacpan Beach (facing the ocean), there were crowds of people on the beach to the left, but the beach on the right was empty.  Turn right and just keep on walking and you should find a beautiful spot all to yourself.

How’s the Swimming at Nacpan Beach?

The water is as clear as a bathtub , but it’s also shallow , which is not ideal for swimming.  When I was there, the waves were a bit rough in the morning, but then toward the end of the day, they calmed down.

Stay for the Sunset & Dinner

Make sure to stay to watch the sunset. It’s quite magical!

There are also places to eat on the beach . I had a pizza at Sunmei Restaurant. It was ok. They put tons of cheese on it but not enough sauce, so it was kind of bland. You can also have a bite and a drink at the infamous party hostel called Mad Monkey Hostel.

The last shuttle is at 7:00 pm , but double-check with the driver. 

The highlight of my time in El Nido was taking the Sibaltan Tour. Sibaltan is on the opposite side of Palawan from El Nido. It’s an untouristy and unspoiled section of the Palawan– it’s like visiting your own private slice of paradise.

This tour should NOT be skipped.

Sibaltan Itinerary

On the tour, we did the following:

• Snorkeled and/or kayak over a reef teeming with the most colorful and abundant fish I’d seen in Palawan. And you won’t have any other tour boats around you.
• Visited a deserted island with the second most beautiful sandbar you’ll see in the Philippines. The best one was Kalanggaman–visit my Malapascua itinerary to find out how to visit this island). The water is so warm and so crystal clear it’s like you’re swimming in a pool or a bathtub.
• Visited a primary school at a traditional fishing village . This was a great cultural experience that is a nice break from beaches.

This tour was very new and only one business was doing it. If you’re not going to do the 3-day or 5-day island hopping tour from El Nido to Coron I’d do this tour.

You can read all about the tour in my comprehensive guide to the Sibaltan Tour through Happiness Hostel . 

If it’s too windy, though, the Coast Guard won’t allow the boat to go out or you might not be able to do the snorkeling part of the tour. I was lucky and we had calm seas.

How to Book the Sibaltan Tour

When I did the tour, it was only available from Happiness Hostel . You didn’t need to stay there to buy the tour.

The tour only took place on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays . It cost me 1,950 pesos (US$40) and the price included all forms of transport and lunch. The tour lasted from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm .

PRO TIP:  Here's a list of essential items to pack for all of your island-hopping tours while in the Philippines:

• Dry bag - You're going to get wet while in the boat and your things will get wet if you don't have a dry bag. Leave your backpack at your hotel.
• Waterproof bag or pouch for your cell phone especially for your visit to such places as the Big Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon in El Nido.
• Water shoes - It's important to have a pair because sometimes you'll need to be walking on rocks to get to your destination. You'll thank me later for bringing them.
• Sunscreen - You buy sunscreen in the Philippines, too, but it's pricey (500 - 700 pesos depending on the store--shop around!)
• Mask and snorkel -  I recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel. If you're new to snorkeling, start with the full face mask and snorkel . That's what I did.

Day 4: Las Cabanas

I was pretty beat after every one of my Island Hopping adventures and needed a day to recuperate. So, I suggest taking it easy on day 4 and heading out to Las Cabanas (a.k.a Vanilla Beach) for some good R&R . An alternative is a visit to Lio Beach.

Las Cabanas is a great place to swim, relax on the beach, see a spectacular sunset, and grab a drink and a meal on the beach.

How to Get to Las Cabanas

The best way to get there is to take a tricycle from El Nido . It takes around 15 minutes. It cost me 150 pesos (US$3) one way. 

When you get dropped off at Las Cabanas, you’ll see a shopping complex with a McDonalds. Just keep on walking through the corridor of the shopping mall until you get to the beach .

When you return, you can just pick up one of the very many tricycles that are waiting for customers outside of the McDonald’s at Las Cabanas (150 pesos). You can’t miss it.

What to Do at Las Cabanas Beach

You can lay out your towel and swim on the beach right in front of the shopping complex. There are some beautiful views of the limestone rocks and islands of Bacuit Bay including Helicopter Island.

When you get to the beach, turn left and keep walking down the beach passing the ziplining and hotels . You’ll come to a fairly empty beach with some shallow water and few tourists. You can lay your towel down here or you can keep on walking, passing a bunch of rocks and a fancy hotel with its own dock for boats. Here you’ll come to an empty beach with a stunning view of the limestone islands and with some decent swimming.

Make sure to stay for the brilliant sunsets. While watching the sunset, grab a happy hour drink at Maremegmeg Beach Bar.

The sunsets at Sunsets at Las Cabanas are also spectacular.

After the sun has gone down, head to one of the restaurants at the shopping complex. I had an excellent meal at Local Provisions Kitchen and Mini Bar, which sadly closed down. 

PRO TIP: When you arrive in the Philippines, you can buy a SIM card at the airport . There are 2 companies used throughout the Philippines: Globe and Smart . Each of them gives you 10 or 12 GB of memory for 30 days for 1,000 pesos (US$20). I used 2 GB in 30 days.

If you have to "add load" (add minutes or data) for some reason, you can do it at a convenience store around the Philippines. Tell them you want to "add load". You need to give the clerk your phone # to complete the transaction (I usually store my SIM card # in my Contact List).

BUT that's not it. You then need to register your phone . If you have Globe, dial *143#. I usually have the store clerk or someone at my hostel or hotel help me complete the registration. If you don't register after every time you add data to your phone, the minutes and data disappear.

If you’re staying for a fifth day, I recommend getting in one more island hopping tour and that is Tour C. I’m suggesting this one over Tours B and D because here you’ll visit some unique places and see some stunning limestone rocks and island scenery .

Tour C goes pretty far away from shore. When I did my tour, the sea was REALLY rough . It was so rough that the boat captain had to cancel some stops on the tour.

Here’s what you’re supposed to see on Tour C:

• Helicopter Island – snorkeling – the coral is dead so you’ll see very few fish
• Hidden Beach – This is probably the scariest and most interesting part of the tour – you need to swim and walk over huge rocks. If the ocean is rough, the waves can throw you upon the rocks. If you’ve got good guides they’ll help walk you over them.
• Talspay Island – Here you’ll have lunch on the beach and snorkel – but again the coral is dead, so there’s not much fish.
• Secret Beach – We couldn’t visit Secret Beach because the sea was too rough.
• Star Island – After Secret Beach, you’re supposed to go to Star Island, but we went to some reef for more snorkeling. I didn’t go snorkeling because it was too cold and windy.

How Much is Tour C?

• Cost of Tour: US$21 – $30 (includes transport, guide, and lunch)
• Eco-Tourism Development Fee: 200 pesos (if you did another tour, you don’t need to pay this as long as you STILL have the environmental fee pass)
• Entry Fee to Matinloc Shrine: 280 pesos
• Snorkel, mask, fins, and kayak rental fees: Varies

How to Book Your Tour?

You can book your tour before or after arriving in El Nido. I recommend booking through your hotel or through a third-party website like Get Your Guide, Klook, or Viator.

• El Nido Tour C Hidden Beaches and Shrine
• Island Hopping Tour C – Goes to Star Beach and NOT the shrine.
• El Nido Private Tour C 
• How to Get to El Nido?
• Where to Stay in El Nido?
• Where to Eat in El Nido?
• When to Visit El Nido?

How to Get to El Nido

Palawan may be the Philippines ’ most popular tourist destination at the moment, but it also has one of the country’s least developed road systems . Some locals and hotel owners told me it’s because Palawan’s corrupt governor siphoned off funds that were supposed to go to road construction. Some of the roads to popular destinations are still unpaved and some of its most beautiful places can only be accessed by motorcycle.

How I got to El Nido

I flew from Manila to Puerto Princesa , where I stayed for a few days. There’s a tour that takes you through an underground river. Then took a shuttle to Port Barton , where I stayed for several days. You can check out my Port Barton blog post for ideas on what to do there. It’s definitely worth visiting. Finally, I took another shuttle to El Nido .

How I departed El Nido

I took the ferry to Coron from El Nido . The water was very rough and it was really windy. I then flew from Coron to Cebu for the last leg of my Philippines itinerary. You can read about the Philippines itinerary around Cebu here.

You can get to El Nido by plane, plane + bus, or boat. Check flights on Skyscanner and ferry times on 12Go .

By Plane to Palawan

• Manila / Cebu – Puerto Princesa – ( Port Barton ) – El Nido: A cheaper way to get to El Nido is by flying from Manila to Puerto Princesa (US$50) and then taking a van to El Nido (550 – 700 pesos / US$11-$14). The van takes 5-6 hours. You can also insert a stopover for a few days in the lovely and remote beach town of Port Barton (600 pesos / US$12).
• Manila / Cebu – El Nido:   You can fly from Manila or Cebu directly to El Nido. BUT flights are pricey. US$130-$175
• Manila / Cebu – Coron – El Nido : An alternative is to fly into Coron (US$70) and then take a ferry to El Nido (1,800 pesos / US$36 – buy a ticket from Isla Expeditions on Serena Street). Coron is one of the best places for diving in the Philippines as it’s home to many shipwrecks from WWII.

By Boat to Palawan

• Manila – Puerto Princesa – El Nido: The boat from Manila leaves each Friday at 7 pm. It takes 24 hours and costs 2,689 pesos (US$54) for tourist class. You can then take a van to El Nido.
• Manila – Coron – El Nido: Another popular way to get to Coron is by ferry. The ferry leaves Manila every Friday at 7 pm. It takes 11 hours and costs 1,400 pesos (US$28) for tourist class.

For info on how to get to/from the airport in Manila, check out my First-Timers’ Guide to Getting Around the Philippines .

You can also find out more info on getting to and from El Nido in my Port Barton post. 

Where to Stay in El Nido

Finding a place to stay in El Nido has its ups and downs depending on what your budget.

For budget backpackers , there are lots of stylish, hip places to stay like Happiness Hostel. Unfortunately, they’re rather noisy—loud music until late at night making it hard to sleep.

If you’re a mid-range traveler , you’ll have a hard time finding a decent place that’s clean, comfortable, and not too noisy. You might want to try private rooms in hostels . They are usually around US$50/night .

However, if you can afford some luxury , you’ll find loads of unique choices.

There are 4 areas to stay in around El Nido:

• El Nido town – Noisy but convenient and has decent choices for all budgets. Lots of restaurants.
• Nacpan Beach   – Quiet with a nice beach but far from the restaurants and nightlife of El Nido. Amazing luxury hotels but horrible budget and mid-range hotels.
• Las Cabanas – Great sunsets but not many choices on places to stay
• Corong Corong – Sunsets are great but the beach isn’t great for swimming. However, lots of choices of places to stay.

I stayed at a few places in El Nido. However, if I ever returned to El Nido, I’d stay at Nacpan Beach .

Best Places to Stay in El Nido Town

El Nido town is a convenient but VERY noisy place to stay. Expect lots of partying. Try to get as far from the main strip (a block from the beach) as possible if you want some quiet.

You will find some very good places to stay here for those on a budget and those looking for a place under US$100. 

This is the BEST area for food . You’ll find lots of great restaurants. 

Unfortunately, the beach isn’t great. You wouldn’t want to swim in the water

Happiness Hostel ($)  I stayed here. The hostel has a friendly staff, clean rooms, comfy pod beds, but it gets noisy until midnight. The common area is small and at night it turns into a party. There’s no WiFi in the rooms because management says people watch Netflix and keep others awake. I probably wouldn’t stay here again. ( Agoda | Booking.com )

Spin Designer Hostel ($-$$) – Highly rated boutique hostel with dorms and private rooms. Great location that’s far enough away from the loud music and partying. RATING : 9.0/10 | CHECK RATES & BOOK YOUR STAY: Hostel World | Booking.com | Agoda

Chislyk Inn ($$) – AMAZING views and an AMAZING location! RATING: 9.1/10 | CHECK RATES & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

H Hotel El Nido ($$$) – This fabulous hotel is in a prime location with prime views of Bacuit Bay. RATING: 9.2/10 | CHECK RATES & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Places to Stay on Nacpan Beach

I loved the secluded Nacpan Beach. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer many good places to stay if you’re looking for a quiet place under US$100. Now for those who can afford some luxury, you’ve got several hotels right on the beach to choose from.

Nacpan Beach Villas ($$$) – I love the location of this beautiful hotel—right on Nacpan Beach! Charming bungalows with outdoor terraces. Rating: 9.6/10 | Check Rates & Book Your Stay: Booking.com | Agoda

Nacpan Beach Glamping ($$$) – Great location and a FUN place to stay! Rating: 8.6/10 | Check Rates  & Book Your Stay: Booking.com | Agoda

Places to Stay at Las Cabanas Beach

Las Cabanas is a nice beach, but it has many good places to stay. There’s a hostel called Lexias Hostel and Workspace , but reviews are pretty bad.

Seaview Villas ($$$) – Beautiful views; located in the mountains with beautiful views of the ocean; there’s a swimming pool. Rating: 9.0/10 | Check Rates & Book Your Stay: Booking.com | Agoda

Places to Stay on Corong Corong Beach

When I was in El Nido, Corong Corong was the place you stayed at for cheap accommodations. However, recently it’s increased in popularity since the Pandemic. The beach isn’t one that you can swim in but there are some nice views and FABULOUS sunsets. To get to El Nido town, you’ll need to take a tuk-tuk.

Outpost Beach Hostel ($) – It’s a party hostel, but the views and sunsets are so STUNNING that I’d consider staying here. Rating: 8.9/10 | Check rates & book your stay: Hostel World | Booking.com | Agoda

Corong Beach Resort ($$) – A RARE gem for those looking for rooms right on the beach for less than US$100! Comfortable and clean! Rating: 9.3/10 | Check rates & book your stay: Booking.com | Agoda

Buko Beach Resort ($$$) – BEAUTIFUL location AND BEAUTIFUL views! Hotel has a pool. Rating: 9.2/10 | Check rates & book your stay: Booking.com | Agoda

Best Places to Stay on a Private Remote Island

Want to spend a few nights on a deserted island? You’ve got several choices near El Nido on Darocotan Island. Expect to pay over US$100 but it’s so worth it. When I was in El Nido, I booked The Island Experience. However, I got sick and had to cancel.

The Island Experience – This island paradise experience gets rave reviews! Accommodations are basic bungalows. Rating: 9.0/10 | Check Rates & Book Your Stay: Booking.com

Dryft Darocotan Island – INSANELY COOL huts right on the beach. Rating: 9.4/10 | Check Rates & Book Your Stay: Booking.com | Agoda

PRO TIP: No one likes to think about insurance, but accidents do happen. I highly recommend getting travel insurance. During my travels over the past 2 years, I've been using SafetyWing for my insurance. They're very affordable for all ages, and digital nomads can use their insurance long-term.

Where to Eat in El Nido

El Nido has some good restaurants for western and vegetarian food. Expect to spend at least 350 pesos per dish (US$7), which is more expensive than other destinations in the Philippines (250 pesos (US$6). I wasn’t able to find very good Filipino food, though. I ate at two places and although the food is cheaper (150 pesos

If you want to get drinks, El Nido has lots of Happy Hour deals at two for one drinks (200 – 250 pesos). Rum and cokes are especially cheap at around 60 pesos.

Here are the restaurants I tried while in El Nido. I recommend getting the pork tacos at the Hub (look for Frendz Hostel).

• Happiness Café – vegetarian restaurant – excellent food, but very pricey; try the falafel sandwich; their breakfasts are fun
• Art Café – Italian (pizza, pasta) – this restaurant is expensive, the menu is uninspiring, the service is unfriendly , and the food is just not good; the ONLY reason you should go here is for their fast WiFi. They have THE best WiFi in El Nido
• taste – Vegan restaurant – I went here for breakfast – I had the muesli and it’s just about THE best muesli I’ve ever had in my life – expect to pay at least 300 to 400; it’s pricey and their WiFi is unreliable
• Tuk Tuk Thai – thai food of course – not good food at all; skip this place; expect to pay at least 350 for a dish
• Chicken Schwarma place – I don’t remember the name of the place; it’s on Serena Street; the food is good; it’s food to go
• Angel Wish – I didn’t eat here, but my friend did and raved about the seafood and the price; It was always busy, busy, busy when I walked by
• IBR Restaurant – Filipino food – My first and last taste of sisig; not good but price was decent
• Silog Republic – when you’re walking by this place, the barbecue chicken looks good and the price is decent, but the food isn’t inspiring

When to Visit El Nido

End of November – Beginning of March – It’s the coolest time temperature-wise; you might experience occasional rain showers and rough seas at times while other times things will be dry and calm; I was there at the end of January and it was hot in the morning and early afternoon and then it sometimes got cool and windy in the late afternoon, making swimming in the ocean uncomfortable; you’ll see lots of Europeans tourists

End of March – May: the driest season; Filipinos like to come here at this time; the weather is hot but the sea is calmer and you don’t have to worry about monsoon rains

June – Beginning of November: monsoon season; prices drop and seas become rougher and there are frequent rain showers

Final Thoughts on El Nido Itinerary

El Nido is a fascinating destination. You’ll have so many one-of-a-kind experiences—remote islands, colorful tropical fish, secret lagoons, and hidden beaches. I am sure you will have an adventure of a lifetime.

For a quick jump back to different parts of this Eli Nido Itinerary:

Feel free to leave your questions here or tell me about your own experiences in El Nido!

Best Resources for Planning Your Trip to the Philippines

Book your flight to the philippines.

Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights to the Philippines. They will turn up results for all airlines including major ones and local airlines. You’re going to find EVERYTHING that’s available and thus get the cheapest price.

Book Your Accommodations for the Philippines:

The best hotel booking sites for the Philippines are Agoda and Booking.com . Both sites have the biggest selection, and they consistently churn out hotels and hostels at the lowest prices of any other booking site. Another website for backpackers and budget travelers is Hostel World .

Book Your Tours for the Philippines:

The three best tour booking sites for the Philippines are Viator and Get Your Guide . Viator has the biggest selection. Get Your Guide has terrific customer service. They will help you if you have trouble with your tour, especially if the tour company cancels your tour or doesn’t show up. I also like using Klook for booking tours in Southeast Asia.

Stay Connected When in the Philippines:

To have access to the internet while you’re out and about in the Philippines, get a physical SIM card or an eSIM. I was very happy with the eSIM that I used from Airalo , so I can highly recommend them. Their instructions weren’t the most user-friendly, but the eSIM worked as well as any physical SIM card I used.

Are you on Pinterest?

Hey! How about saving one of these pins to Pinterest to read for later?

And feel free to follow me on Pinterest, where you'll find lots of travel articles for everywhere around the world.

More Info on the Philippines:

• Learn how to take public transportation and a Grab and taxi around Manila -  First-Timers Guide to Getting Around Manila
• Manila Itinerary: 2 Days Exploring the Culture and History of Manila  - In this guide, you'll get a detailed step-by-step itinerary for seeing the sights in Manila.
• Port Barton Itinerary: What to do for 3 Days in Port Barton  - Find out how to discover the most beautiful beach in the Philippines.
• One of my favorite experiences in the Philippines was an island-hopping tour of Sibaltan. Get the details here:  Sibaltan Tour: Finding Your Secret Paradise in Palawan, Philippines
• El Nido Itinerary: An Adventure of a Lifetime - Learn where to go, what to eat, where to see, and of course, what to do in El Nido.
• Bohol Travel Guide: Exploring the Natural Wonder of the Philippines will tell you exactly what to see and do in Bohol, how to get there, where to stay, and much, much more!
• Siquijor Itinerary: Exploring the Island of Fire will give you the skinny on everything you need to know to travel to Siquijor.
• Malapascua Itinerary: Plan Now! Go Later! will help you plan your trip to Malapascua and Kalanggaman Islands.
• Find out what my 15 favorite places to visit in the Philippines are.
• Solo Travel Guide for the Philippines will give you some pointers on how to best travel solo in the Philippines cheaply and safely and still have a kick-ass time!

What a comprehensive guide to a beautiful part of the world! I look forward to visiting some day, to take in the stunning sights and experience the culture.

El Nido looks beautiful! Would love to visit!

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

What are you looking for?

About the bamboo traveler.

Welcome to The Bamboo Traveler, a travel blog dedicated to helping those travelers who want to dig deeply into the history, heritage, and culture of a place. Whether it’s through the pages of your passport or the pages of a book, I’ll help you travel the world and uncover the history, culture, food, architecture, and natural beauty of some of the world’s most fascinating places.

Follow the Bamboo Traveler

Traveling to Japan soon?

Get all my great travel tips as well as this FREE Japan travel and itinerary guide sent to your email right away!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Recent posts.

• Philippines Itinerary: Island Hopping in Paradise
• 35 BEST Things to Do in Oaxaca for Food, Culture & History Lovers
• Ultimate Malapascua Itinerary (+ Kalanggaman Island)
• Siquijor Itinerary: 4 Days on the Island of Witches
• A Foolproof Japan Packing List for Summer 2024
• How to Get from Oaxaca Airport to Oaxaca City in 2024
• Shirakawa-go Itinerary: Enter a Japanese Fairy Tale
• 44 BEST Things to Do in Quito: Culture, Food & History Lovers
• Quito Itinerary for Culture, Food & History Lovers

Get Your FREE Japan Itinerary Guide Here!

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive the latest travel tips for Asia and get a free 4-page PDF version of my 3-Week Japan Itinerary.

Pin It on Pinterest

We use cookies to ensure that you get the best experience on our website.

El Nido Tours A, B, C, D: Which Island Hopping Tour in El Nido Is the Best?

• September 23, 2023

With its pristine waters, the backdrop of majestic jagged karst, and booming nightlife, El Nido definitely cemented Palawan on the international travel map. It has become a melting pot of peoples and cultures.

El Nido is a first-class municipality in the province of Palawan. It is located north of Puerto Princesa and the northernmost part of mainland Palawan. A direct flight to El Nido is only hosted by AirSwift which has its own private airport. Its flights can be a bit pricey.

People mostly travel by plane to Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital, and take a 4-5 hour car ride to El Nido. Heads up, if you’re prone to get car sick, this might be a challenge so prepare the bags and motion sickness medications.  

Traveling around the town of El Nido is usually done by tricycle, an improvised motorcycle with three wheels and a passenger cab, the same as the former just with a bicycle instead of the motorized counterpart. If you have a license, you can also rent mopeds or scooters, but if you stay in downtown El Nido, establishments are just a walking distance, especially the party hub. Plus, the majestic and towering backdrop of the limestone cliffs makes the walks scenic. 

Just like most destinations in the Philippines, island tours are a pretty standard and convenient way to experience El Nido. It is recommended to book online, but you can also book from the local tour groups upon reaching the town. Tours in El Nido are definitely more pricey compared to the usual tours in Palawan; that’s partly because of the tourism demand, but it’s definitely worth it.  

El Nido and the nearby attractions are open all year round, as are most places in Palawan, but it’s best to visit from late November until May, with the peak travel season falling between the warm months of March and May.  

There are four Island Hopping Tours in El Nido: Tour A, B, C, and D. They have different destinations but pretty much follow the same schedule. The coast guard office opens at 8 AM so big tour boats only start around 9 AM, departing one by one. This is a well-known and sought-after island destination so expect a huge crown. There will be 15-20 people for each boat and about 20 other boats in the lagoon. They will offer you snorkel gear and aqua shoes for rent if you don’t have them – we recommend bringing your own or renting because many beaches are riddled with awash corals and some attractions require you to traverse slippery and slightly sharp rocks. As always, the option to book a private tour is available, but it’s pricey, and they won’t take you to off-the-beaten tracks unless pre-screened and approved by the Coast Guard. 

WHAT'S IN THIS POST?

1. Tour A – The Most Popular El Nido Tour  

• Cost: 1200 – 2200 PHP per person 
• Destination: Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and 7 Commando Beach 
• Activities: island hopping, snorkeling, kayaking, volleyball 

Tour A is the most popular and will also be the most crowded of all tours, but there’s a reason for that. 

Big Lagoon 

The Big Lagoon is located east side of Miniloc Island. Tour boats only take you to the deeper end of the waters, from there you will need to rent a kayak to fully enjoy the ethereal beauty of the Big Lagoon. Tour guides will offer you the crystal kayak for a higher price, which gives you better photos and underwater views, but the regular ones are fine.  

Paddling your way to the shallow entrance allows you to enjoy the dark pacific blue waters and the towering gray limestone cliffs. You can continue to paddle through the shallow aquamarine waters, swim, or even walk if it’s low tide, then get back on the kayak (with a bit of effort) and tour the Big Lagoon. You can even paddle through a tiny cave tunnel for fun.

The Big Lagoon is one of the most iconic attractions in El Nido, and honestly, there are absolutely not enough words to describe its beauty. Even photos online can’t begin to show the feeling of awe and wonder you’ll get when standing in the cold, refreshing waters with the huge karst surrounding. You simply have to see it for yourself.

Shimizu Island 

Your lunch buffet, usually a spread of delicious bounty lined up on a banana leaf, will be served on this island. The luscious green colors of trees pop out against the gray limestone, the turquoise waters, and the bright blue sky – making this site the best place to chill and feast. The cliff and the trees also provide the needed shade while you sip on a coconut or cool down with ice cream sold by boat vendors (Yes! Vendors on a boat with coolers.) 

Secret Lagoon 

El Nido’s secret isn’t so secret anymore. 

The boat will dock on the sand-coral beach, and you’ll have to walk to the left side of the island. This is where the aqua shoes will make sense – the rocks are slippery and a bit sharp if you walk on foot. Your flip-flops might work, but you wouldn’t want to risk them getting ripped or slipping.  

You’d know you’re almost there if you see a line of other tourists waiting to be catered across a narrow rock opening. Here, you’ll need whatever core or upper body muscles you can muster to get to the lagoon. The Secret Lagoon is a pool of seafoam green water hidden inside the gigantic walls of calcareous cliffs. The place is enchanting, but it’ll be so much better if you’re the first to get there. The waters are shallow and tend to get murky as more people wade their way in.

Seven Commandos Beach 

This going to be the last stop of Island Tour A and the best place to make friends and bond. The Seven Commandos Beach is lined with coconut and other trees, has a long stretch of sandy-coral beach, and, of course, pristine and calm waters. The place is packed with tourists and locals either chilling, getting their tans, snorkeling, getting snacks, or even better – sharing a game or two of volleyball. There are two rudimentary volleyball courts and when we say everyone, we mean everyone gets to play.

The island gets quite hot and bright though so pack your sunglasses, sunscreen, and everything else to keep your skin safe. Also, pack a beach mat because there’s so much space for sitting back and relaxing, and maybe grab a couple of beers, too.

2. Tour B – The Best Beaches and Caves  

• Cost: 1200 – 1600 PHP per person 
• Destination: Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Entalula Beach, and sometimes, Papaya Beach  
• Activities: island hopping, kayaking, cave viewing, strolling 

This tour gives you an exciting but balanced tour of earth and sea. 

Snake Island 

Why would you go to an island full of snakes?! Well, you don’t. The island is actually called Vigan Island but was locally nicknamed after its shape, especially with its sandbar resembling a long and winding tail. Snake Island is part of the Bacuit archipelago, and on a fairly low tide, you can simply walk on the sandbar that connects it to mainland Palawan.

Pinagbuyutan Island 

Pinagbuyutan Island, also called Ellis Island, is a cute gumdrop-shaped rocky island with a semi-circular stretch of beach lined with coconut trees. This looks like the kind of island you’d think of when people ask questions that start with “If you’re stuck on an island.” A large chunk of it is really just limestone, but the beach is perfectly remote and has lots of shade that’s why it’s the best place to share a lunch feast. Here you can chill on the beach, swim, or snorkel.

Entalula Island 

Be ready with your best high-fashion pose because this island has an iconic rock structure that looks like a giant gemstone just lazily sitting on the sand. Entalula Beach is located north of El Nido. It has every island’s must-haves: a long white beach, a backdrop of jagged limestone, tropical vegetation, and of course, a calm and inviting sea full of life. 

Cudugnon Cave 

The Cudugnon Cave is an archaeological landmark where pottery and artifacts dating from the Sung Dynasty (960-1279) have been discovered. This also served as a sanctuary for the locals during World War II, to hide from the Japanese invaders. Depending on the tides, a local guide could accompany you inside the cave to admire the stalagmite and stalactite formations and of course, tell a story or two.

Cathedral Cave 

Just as you’d imagine what a cathedral looks like, Cathedral Cave has a high ceiling decorated by large stalagmite structures. Instead of marble floors, you will paddle on deep navy blue waters teeming with marine life. The cave is a short (5-15 min) stop near Lagen Island, and unless you’re in a small boat, your boat will park outside and let you take pictures of the cave from the outside.  

The entrance is too narrow for most tour boats to go inside so some tourists decide to swim or kayak their way in. Local guides may give you a warning to be careful though, sea snakes are thought to explore the cave waters, too. 

Unlike Tour A, the last leg of your tour is spent at sea. This is the perfect time for snorkeling and swimming with the abundant marine ecosystem. Be prepared to hold your breath long enough so you can enjoy the full panoramic view of El Nido’s ocean life, and if you’re lucky, you might even see a sea turtle or two.

Papaya Beach

This stunning little cove is like a well-kept secret, especially for kayakers. Located only adjacent to Seven Commandos Beach, this is not accessible by foot, and not every Island Tour B will bring you here, but it’s a great plus if you visit this isolated paradise. Papaya Beach boasts near-perfect powdery white sand, a dramatic backdrop of jagged limestone cliffs, and blue crystal waters. It features photogenic and Insta-worthy swings that hang from coconut trees and a dainty nipa hut that sells drinks and snacks. 

Tour C – Hidden Beach and Shrines  

• Cost: 1200 – 1700 PHP per person 
• Destination: Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Tapiutan Island, and Hidden Beach
• Activities: island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving

This is the longest tour of the four, and it takes you the farthest from El Nido town. This also means you get to see some places less traveled including massive dinosaur-shaped islands and exotic limestone coves. 

Helicopter Island 

If you haven’t figured it out by now, the people of El Nido have a knack for nicknaming islands based on their shapes. The Helicopter Island, also officially named Dilumacad Island, looks like the aerial transport that landed on water. Lay down your mat on the cream-colored beach and enjoy the seaside scenery, or dive into the colorful world of tropical fishes, corals, and other marine creatures. During summer, the seabed even grows out seagrass, which makes it the perfect feeding area for sea turtles.

Matinloc Shrine 

The Matinloc Shrine, or the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is the high point of Island Tour C, both literally and figuratively. It is home to an old, rustic, and abandoned religious shrine and convent where locals continue to conduct pilgrimage. Aside from the natural and expected beauty of El Nido attractions, the Matinloc Shrine holds a unique mystery involving hidden treasures from World War II.  

On top of the cliff is a small natural view deck with a panoramic and magnificent view of some parts of Matinloc Island and other nearby islands and beaches. Just be careful in the climb because it might be short, but the cliffs are also steep, and the rocks are sharp. 

Secret Beach 

Have you watched, or at least heard, of the book (later turned into a movie) by Alex Garland entitled “The Beach”? The Secret Beach is one of the inspirations for that, along with the rest of the islands of Palawan. This beach is a piece of secret paradise or a plot to a horror flick, whichever tickles your fancy the most. The beach is on the edge of Matinloc Island and is surrounded by towering and majestic jagged limestone, only accessible by a single and narrow crevice. 

You’ll have to swim through the narrow opening to reach the untouched beauty of this secret beach. Once inside, it’s easy to get lost in awe, and the place honestly feels hypnotic. Snorkeling here feels otherworldly. Pro-tip: bring an underwater or waterproof camera, or you might miss out on bringing proof that you’ve been here, remember, photos or it didn’t happen!

Tapiutan Island 

Tapiutan Island is the farthest of all islands included in the Island Tour C and an amazing spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. You simply can’t help but admire the unspoiled and spacious white sand and the rich diversity of colorful corals and marine creatures. The water gradients from emerald green to sapphire and turquoise. 

Hidden Beach 

Still in Matinloc Island, the Hidden Beach is not just an enchanting sight to see, sitting on the beach and watching the horizon through a narrow passage feels surreal. It’s the kind where you watch the tides rush in and radiate into calmer waves. Imagine that view, the background of ethereal rocks, the shades of blue running from the sea to the sky, plus the solace of having very few people on the same side of El Nido – the experience is one for the books.

Tour D – Beaches and More Lagoons 

• Cost: 1200 – 1500 PHP per person
• Destination: Paradise Beach, Natnat Beach, Pasandigan Cove, Cadlao Lagoon, and Small Lagoon
• Activities: island hopping, swimming, strolling, kayaking, hiking, cliff jumping

This Palawan tour is so underrated and even has fewer crowds than Tour C.  Most people take this tour after they’ve done all other tours and unfortunately, not everyone gets to stay in El Nido to finish all four tours. However, if you can, or you’re looking for a destination where you can simply chill, wade in the waters, or get a tan, this is for you. It is as amazing as expected of the gorgeous El Nido but with fewer people so you can really unwind. 

Take note, though that due to the few people who take this tour, it may not always be offered so book it ahead of time, or you can opt to take a private boat tour. 

Paradise Beach, Natnat Beach, and Pasandigan Cove 

A wide stretch of powdery white sand meets the emerald clear water against the iron-gray colored limestone – that’s what’s waiting for you in these paradise destinations. It’s got sufficient space for a stroll, lined with coconuts to give you shade. The rawness of it’s beauty allows you to connect with the healing and calming beauty of nature. Here, you can simply watch the waves and stare into the horizon. 

Cadlao Lagoon 

The Cadlao Lagoon is an adventure hub if you have the knack for it. It has a small beach space where you can laze around, or if somehow you wanna shake things up, you can either snorkel, kayak, or rock climb the jagged limestone mountain for ten minutes. It’s not as hard as you think, but you do need to be careful because the rocks are sharp. If you feel like you might take a shot at this, even just a small chance, wear shoes. Fliptops will work, but shoes are better. 

Small Lagoon 

Compared to the Big Lagoon in Tour A which is accessible through a wide and open channel, the Small Lagoon is a bit hidden. It can only be entered through a small crevice in the limestone rock wall. You can swim through it, but that’ll mess up the whole “chill only” vibe. You will need to kayak anyway to get close to the entrance because big boats will have to stay on the deeper end. 

The Small Lagoon is a pool of turquoise blue water surrounded by El Nido’s signature jagged karst. And if somehow all the chillin’ and relaxing challenged you to do one crazy adventure for the day, the Small Lagoon is a great spot for cliff diving, too. Check with your tour guide, of course, and make sure that you’re jumping off and onto the right spots.

To conclude, there is a perfect tour for everyone, and there is absolutely no wrong choice. Just a few reminders on your way. Absolutely do not pick up coral, sand, and other sea creatures out of the water. Bring cash, a lot of it. Always secure your own bottled water and when dining out, make sure the ice and drinks are served and made only with filtered water. The internet connection in El Nido is extra slow and bring a book or something to keep you busy when it rains because there’s not much to do when that happens. Also, do not limit your experience, go to Nacpan, hike Taraw Peak, take the Canopy walk, and see the nightlife.  

It’s a dream to complete all tours but even if you don’t, and regardless of which one you choose, El Nido is a place of dream and wonder you can take home with you. 

Note: Entrance and environmental fees to some locations vary between 200 – 400 PHP but are usually already included in the tours. Prices and inclusions may change depending on the tour provider so make sure to review their itinerary and tour details. 

Share this:

Triskaideka Travels by Marsu

Get palawan insider's free monthly newsletter.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter. We won't spam you. Promise :)

I accept the Privacy Policy

Related Posts

Coron Super Ultimate Tour 2023: Barracuda Lake, Coral Garden, Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and More!

• November 29, 2023

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach

• November 27, 2023

Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour 2023: Your Guide to World’s Longest Underground River

• October 28, 2023

3 Day El Nido Itinerary [2022 Guide + Budget]

December 30, 2018 | Asia by Melissa Hogan | el nido • palawan • Philippines | 1 Comment

El Nido, found on the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan in the Philippines is home to gorgeous islands, white-sand beaches, and lagoons. It’s the jewel in the crown of the island once voted most beautiful in the world. Whether you like snorkeling, boating, or beach bumming, this little town will make the perfect homebase during your visit.

Traveling to El Nido for the first time? This detailed El Nido itinerary and travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money, and maximize your time.

Table of Contents

How to Get to El Nido

Day 1 – island hopping, nagkalit-kalit waterfall, nacpan beach, makinit hot springs, mangrove ecopark and las cabanas beach, 3 day el nido budget, book your trip to philippines, don't miss: philippines activities, related posts.

If you’re visiting internationally, you’ll most likely land in Manila. My suggestion: don’t linger longer than you need to – just use Manila as a travel hub. I recommend staying at Go Hotels Airport Road if you need an overnight stay. It’s affordable, new, and clean. They’ll call you an Uber to get you back to the airport the next day.

You can fly directly into El Nido from Manila in about an hour on daily flights operated by AirSWIFT . This is the easiest, fastest, and most convenient way to get to El Nido from Manila, which of course means it’s also the most expensive. Once you land, a 15 minute tricycle ride will get you and your luggage into the town center.

If you want to save some money and have the time, you can instead fly into Puerto Princesa further south in Palawan and then take a bus or shuttle van to El Nido. The flight itself is about 90 minutes and there are multiple daily flights operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia. The bus/shuttle ride north typically takes about 6 hours so you’ll need to set aside a whole day for the journey from Manila. This is the cheapest, and also most popular, way to get to El Nido.

Now that you’re there, how will you spend your time?

One thing I learned in El Nido is that you need to be flexible with your plans. When an activity involves water, it may get cancelled. If you have the time, set aside two days for island hopping. It’s what El Nido is famous for and for good reason. The beaches are filled with white sugar sand and turquoise water, the snorkeling is superb, and the cliffs are astounding. If you only do one thing in El Nido, make it an island hopping day trip.

There are four tour routes around the islands and every tour operator has the same options at the same price: Tours A-D with A and C being the most popular. In fact, you’ll have a hard time even trying to book Tour B or D. You can book in advance online, through your hotel, or through offices in town but you won’t know for sure which tours are going ahead until the morning of. The coast guard makes the decision each morning on which, if any, routes are good to go because of sea conditions. Given this, you’ll need to be flexible with your schedule. Have a backup plan if tours get cancelled – motorbike rentals go quick on those days.

No matter which island hopping tour you pick, you’ll be back in town before sunset. Head back to your hotel and clean off the day’s sweat, salt water, and sunscreen before heading out to watch the sunset and grab some dinner:  Altrove  for pizza, Artcafe for light fare, or Maa’s Grill for Filipino food.

Day 2 – Hike, Waterfall, Beach

For a change of pace, spend your next day exploring by land. You can either book a tour, hire a tricycle driver, or rent a motorbike and drive yourself but no visit to El Nido is complete without a trip to Nacpan Beach. I recommend driving yourself as it’s faster and cheaper but if you’d rather, you can find someone to drive you out, wait, and drive you back.

Start your morning off with an early hike up Taraw Peak right in El Nido town. It’s a strenuous, steep, hour long climb up a karst formation but you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of El Nido . You can ask around and hire a local to act as a guide for about P1000. This can be a potentially dangerous climb so use your best discretion. If you’d rather skip, just sleep in a little and have a nice leisurely breakfast.

About 30 minutes north of El Nido make your first stop at the Nagkalit-kalit Waterfall . It’s a 45-min hike through the jungle to get to the waterfall but the path is well trod so it’s a relatively easy walk. The trail is well marked and fairly easy to follow but I’d still recommend hiring a local guide since there’s one fork where you could get lost and they’ll watch your things while you swim. I also recommend wearing a pair of water shoes since you’ll make eight stream crossings in each direction. Swimming in the cool water at the base of the falls is your reward at the end of the trail. There are no facilities there’s so you’ll likely make the hike back in your wet swimsuit. It’ll help keep you cool.

After the waterfall, it’s onwards to the beach! It takes about another 30 minutes to get there and most of the way is over dirt road which can get pretty slow and bumpy in a tricycle. You’ll pay a 100 peso entrance fee but it’s worth it to get to enjoy the 4km long white beach. Nacpan Beach has been called the most beautiful beach in the world and I can’t really argue. White sand and warm water as far as you can see. If the path is open (it was closed due to legal action when I visited in 2017), head to Calitang Beach in the west end to catch a view of the twin beaches.

Be sure to leave in time to get back to town before sunset. After dinner, take a walk along the beach and stop for a drink in one of the nightlight spots like SAVA , Pukka Bar , or Happiness Beach Bar (they have swings!). Or maybe chill out in my favourite spot, Rooftop , an open air bar where you can choose to hang out on bar stools, pillow filled couches, or lounge on big floor pillows. As with many places in El Nido, you take your shoes off at the door.

Day 3 – Explore by Motorbike

On your third day in El Nido you may want to take another island hopping tour. But if you want to do something a bit off the beaten path, you can rent a motorbike and explore the region . A standard bike rental goes for 500 pesos/day while an automatic scooter-style will set you back 750. I took my bike for a loop around the northern part of El Nido, which seemed to confuse the locals. Instead of taking the turnoff to Nacpan continue on the Taytay-El Nido National Highway, but don’t be fooled… this ain’t no highway. The paved road ends at the turnoff so you’ll be riding on a dirt road until you hit New Ibajay about 12km later. There’s a shop or two along the way if you want some light snacks.

Stop in Sibaltan for lunch and check out the kite surfers if the weather is right. Walk the beach and explore the quiet little village. It may be complete now but I found the paved road would come and go throughout the day so be prepared for a potentially bumpy, dusty ride.

Next, stop at Duli Beach and hang out with the surfers. It’s a 2km long sandy beach and you’ll likely have it mostly to yourself. You’ll need to pay a P50 entrance fee and park your bike a short walk from the beach. It’s a veritable oasis compared to the crowds at Nacpan Beach.

On the way back south to El Nido town, stop at the Makinit Hot Springs, if you can find it. You’ll need to pay close attention to the spot on Google Maps as there’s no sign and the family who act as guides will need to be home for you to visit so it’s a bit of a crap shoot.

If you have time, stop at the Mangrove Ecopark south of El Nido town and take a walk on the elevated walkways through a stand of mangroves. You might even spot some snakes, monkeys, or monitor lizards. This isn’t a well-known spot so you’ll likely have it to yourself. Finish up your day with sunset at Las Cabanas beach.

Three Day Total: P5260-P6460 + accommodations

*The cost of meals varies depending on whether you have Filipino food or Western food and where you eat. I found that meals tended to range in price from a little under P200 to P350 or more for a Western meal. You may save money by getting a hotel or guesthouse that includes breakfast. Beer was around P70 in a restaurant/bar and typically P45 in stores.

*Eco Tourism Development Fee – This is P200 fee is required for all tourists visiting El Nido. It is paid once per person, valid for all tours for a 10 day period. If you’ve already paid the fee, take the receipt with you.

Tips for Visiting El Nido

• Keep a spare power bank charged. Power outages are not uncommon.
• Pack a dry bag – you’ll want to keep your things in it for island hopping trips.
• Bring water shoes.
• Most places only take cash but there are two ATMs in town where you can withdraw money: RCBC ATM and BPI Branch ATM

Book Your Flight

Find a cheap flight by using Expedia . It's one of my favourite search engines because it allows you to search for and compare flights from multiple airlines.

Book Your Accommodations

You can book your hotel with Booking.com as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hotel. If you want to stay in a vacation rental or cottage in Philippines, use VRBO to find the perfect place for the whole family.

Book Your Car Rental

If you want to travel on your own timeline, be sure to book your car rental with Discover Cars early.

Book Your Travel Insurance

While Philippines is generally a safe country, you never know when something could happen. Be prepared with travel insurance from SafetyWing . Travel insurance has certainly saved my butt before.

Want more great travel content?

January 4th, 2019 at 10:30 pm ( # )

Thanks for linking to my blog! Love your post and can’t wait for the day I get to go back and enjoy such a beautiful place ?

Leave a Comment

Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Hi, I'm Melissa! I'm a web designer and digital marketer by trade, a newbie gardener, a shoe lover and a travel junkie. The travel bug hit me hard in 2012 and, ever since, I've been attempting to make the most of it while still working 9-5.

I want to inspire you to get out there and see the world, push your own limits and look good while doing it.

Join the Monthly Check-In

Get a regular dose of travel and style tips and tidbits sent straight to your inbox.

About Melissa Hogan

I'm a web designer by trade, a one-time amateur bellydancer, a shoe lover and a travel junkie. The travel bug has only hit me hard in recent years but I'm attempting to make the most of it while still working 9-5.

• Explore Destinations
• Book a Flight
• Book Accommodations
• Book Activities
• Get Travel Insurance
• Find a Packing Guide

All content © 2012-2024 Melissa Hogan

The Perfect 4 Day El Nido Itinerary

El Nido is seriously the best. Due to its recent Instagram hype I was a little hesitant on if it was as good as the photos or if they were heavily edited, but it blew me away. The water color, coral reefs, and limestone mountains are stunning. Add to the mix super friendly people and a trendy downtown and you’ve got one of our new favorite destinations.

We sadly only had 4 days in El Nido before continuing on to Coron , but I could have stayed for weeks. Here’s how to make the most out of 4 days in fabulous El Nido.

El Nido Itinerary Day 1

Arrive and head to las cabanas beach.

Try to get an early flight so you can have almost a full first day on El Nido. While you can fly to Puerto Princesa and take a van, we decided to spend a little more for the direct flight to El Nido. We flew Airswift and it was such a great airline experience. They even greeted us with umbrellas on the tarmac so we would have shade while walking to baggage claim! Once we checked into our hotel, Entalula Cottages (simple/rustic rooms but AMAZING views, location, and staff), we decided to hit the beach. Luckily Las Cabanas Beach is a short trike (El Nido’s version of a tuk tuk) ride away.

We were expecting a normal beach experience but Las Cabanas is awesome! The water is so warm and crystal clear and there are adorable little beach clubs lining the sand. Lay on a lounger for free at most spots. All you have to do is buy food or drink. We recommend margaritas and ceviche!

Get a Massage

After relaxing on the beach all day, get a massage! Massages are one of the best parts of Southeast Asia. They are so cheap compared to the US and the quality is awesome! We randomly chose Athalias and loved it so much we came back again two days later. My sister, Becca, joined us for this trip and all three of us swear it is the best massage we’ve had in our entire lives. Plus the ladies that run the shop are so sweet and their little kids are precious! A one-hour massage will cost you around $10 USD.

Eat at the Local Seafood Stalls

Relax at your hotel for a bit and then head to dinner. While El Nido has so many cute restaurants in town we decided to go local on night one and dine at the seafood stalls near the basketball court. This reminded me so much of Los Kioskos in Galapagos . The seafood is definitely fresh and crazy cheap. We spent $7 for 3 people. If you’re squirmy on street food you may want to pass but we enjoyed it!

Sip and Shop

Afterwards, grab a cocktail or local beer, San Miguel, at one of El Nido’s rooftop bars. Be sure to stop by a few boutiqes too for an inexpensive tank top or straw purse souvenir!

El Nido Itinerary Day 2

Ride a motorbike to nac pan beach.

Beach day again! This time rent a motorbike and head to Nac Pan Beach. The journey is a little far at 45 minutes and I don’t recommend it if you are a first time scooter rider. We saw a few crashes and tourists with injuries. (Including one of our own!) The roads at Nac Pan are dirt and difficult to steer on. But don’t let that stop you from going. You can always take a trike or we recommend hiring a guide to drive you on the motorbike so you get the full experience.

Okay, so we thought Las Cabanas beach was gorgeous. Wait until Nac Pan. It is jaw dropping. The huge white sand beach leads to beautiful water and unlike the other beaches there are legit waves! We body surfed and it was so much fun! The beach is lined with beach clubs here too. The chairs have a rental price but we got drinks at a bar and sat on the swing seats. We also stopped by the Mad Monkey since it is the same hostel chain our friend works at in Cambodia . Be sure to eat a seafood lunch with your toes in the sand at one of the little local restaurants.

Good to know: You typically have to pay an entrance fee to Nac Pan but it was free the day we visited plus they were handing out drink coupons!

Dinner and Drinks at Sava

After a full beach day, scoot back to town and freshen up for dinner and drinks at Sava. This restaurant is so trendy and the food was great. It appears to turn up a bit at night with a DJ, but we called it early since we had a full tour day the following morning.

El Nido Itinerary Day 3

Island hopping tour c.

If you’ve done any research on El Nido you know that island hopping is the thing to do and that everyone recommends tour A and C. Well we do too! Although after talking with a local travel agent I’m sure the other tours are equally awesome and even better in the fact that they are less crowded! We booked our tours through our hotel but they all appear to be more or less the same.

You are on a shared boat with some other people and you visit different islands for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. It also includes an awesome primarily seafood lunch with fresh fruit. (The best mango I’ve ever had!) They go to the same stops but in different order to avoid crowds, but it definitely still gets crowded sometimes.

Insider Tip: Bring some extra cash for beer and coconuts from the boat man and to rent a kayak on some tours. Secret beach and Helicopter Island were our favorite stops on Tour C!

Tour C Stops:

• Secret beach
• Hidden beach
• Lunch beach
• Helicopter Island

Sunset Happy Hour at Republica

After your tour head to Republica for a great sunset happy hour. This was one of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. The entire sky turned orange and we could see for miles. Get there early to get a good spot for photos! They have good sangria but skip the tapas. You can take a cheap tricycle to Republica so you don’t have to worry about driving.

Dinner and Drinks in Town

After sunset, grab a trike back to town for delicious falafel. Holy Smoke is a street stand but don’t let the simplicity fool you. They have delicious falafel. And in the Philippines, who knew?! Wash it down with a cocktail at The Pangolin and people watch from the second floor.

Island Hopping Tour A

Time for more island hopping! We saved the best for last because Tour A is definitely the all-star of the tours. It used to include both big lagoon and small lagoon, the highlights of El Nido. But they recently changed it so you have to choose one or the other. I wanted big lagoon but it was sold out so we did small lagoon instead. I thought I was going to be disappointed but no way! Small lagoon is awesome and was one of my favorite stops! I’ve heard big lagoon is even better. Try it and let us know. We also loved snorkeling the reef. It is so alive and you can see all kinds of creatures working in symbiosis.

Tour A Stops:

• Small lagoon
• Hidden lagoon
• Papaya beach

Get Another Massage

Yep, time for another massage! This time opt for the aloe vera treatment since you may be sunburnt. It’s $4 extra but so worth it!

After your massage head to Athena Café or Happy Hostel for drinks and appetizers. Both spots are super cute and trendy. End the night with dinner at Art Café or Trattoria Alcove. The latter always has a line but their pizza is great. We ate at their Coron location.

What to Bring to El Nido

You’ll read everywhere that you need a drybag and watershoes in El Nido. We skipped on the watershoes but we did bring our dry bag from home. It was the first time we packed it on our long-term travels and it was a game-changer. It definitely came in handy but you could probably get by without one too. Don’t stress about buying watershoes and drybags beforehand. They literally sell them on every corner in El Nido. But if you want to purchase before you pack, check out these stylish water shoes and backpack style dry bag.

Is El Nido too Touristy?

We had some concerns, but honestly to be so crowded the underwater world looks untouched. Some spots on Tour A were pretty packed and while the orange life vests and non-swimmers being dragged by guides in a chain are unappealing, the natural beauty is unparalleled and absolutely worth the tour. For a less crowded experience, consider taking a private boat. We didn’t know this was an option at the time we booked our tours, but we did do this in Coron and loved it. The price difference isn’t much, especially if you have a group.

This 4 day El Nido itinerary is packed full of fun but as always we recommend taking it slow and enjoying this paradise a little longer. Island hoppng in El Nido is an incredible experience and a must-do on your Southeast Asia travels.

All the Feels for El Nido,

Note: We visited El Nido in March 2019.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

EL NIDO, PALAWAN: TRAVEL GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary) 2019

by thepinay solobackpacker | Feb 6, 2019 | Beaches , Palawan , Philippines , Travel Guide | 51 comments

You won’t have seen El Nido if you haven’t experienced island hopping here. This place is gorgeously studded with breath-snatching limestone cliffs that cradle swirling mix of aquamarine water and gleaming talcum sand, plus jade-colored lagoons that look miles away from the ordinary.

To help you plan your El Nido tours and island hopping , here is my El Nido travel guide blog.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

ALSO READ: EL NIDO TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 2022

How to get to el nido, manila to puerto princesa to el nido.

From Manila there are daily flights to Puerto Princesa via local airlines such as  Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.

At  Puerto Princesa City, you can take a multi-cab or charter a tricycle to Robinson’s Mall.  There are shuttle vans available to take you to El Nido town. Van departs almost every hour from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Travel time is approximately 5 hours.

There are also some shuttle vans that depart for El Nido at Puerto Princesa Airport.  You can find them near the airport arrival area.

Here’s a list of shuttle vans that travel between Puerto Princesa and El Nido.

At Puerto Princesa airport, exit the gate and hail a tricycle (outside of the airport).  Tell the driver to drop you  off at Junction 1. Fare is PHP 8 (€ 0. 14 /USD 0.16 ).  At Junction 1, ride  a multi-cab to San Jose Terminal , fare is PHP 13 (€ 0.23/USD 0.26).

Alternatively, you can also charter a tricycle to take you to the terminal for PHP 100 (€ 2/USD 2) – PHP 150 (€ 3/USD 3)  depending on your haggling skills.

At San Jose Terminal , there are buses (Cherry or Roro Bus) bound for El Nido, travel time is approximately 6 – 7 hours . Roro bus fare is around PHP  290(€ 5/ USD 6) for non-air-conditioned bus and PHP 380 (€ 7/ USD 8)  for air-conditioned bus. Cherry bus fare is Php 480(€ 8/USD 10) for aircon bus and ordinary bus is Php 385 (€ 7 /USD 8).   Travel time is approximately 6 hours.

The ride ends at El Nido Integrated Bus Terminal where you can hire a tricycle to take you to downtown El Nido or wherever your hotel is.

Here’s the bus trip schedule  from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO CHERRY BUS TRIP SCHEDULE

Puerto princesa to el nido roro bus trip schedule, getting out of el nido, el nido to puerto princesa.

From El Nido town, you can charter a tricycle to El Nido Bus Terminal.

At El Nido Bus Terminal there are vans and buses (RoRo Bus and Cherry Bus) to Puerto Princesa City.

Here’s the contact number of shuttle vans that travel between El Nido and Puerto Princesa.

Here’s the bus trip schedule  from  El Nido to Puerto Princesa

EL NIDO TO PUERTO PRINCESA CHERRY BUS TRIP SCHEDULE

El nido to puerto princesa roro bus schedule, el nido to coron , palawan.

Montenegro Lines started offering ferry service between Coron and El Nido since last year.  Travel time is about 3.5 hours and fare is about PHP 1,760 (USD 35/€31/SGD 48).

Here’s the ferry/boat/fastcraft schedule between Coron and El Nido, Palawan

Montenegero Lines Phone #: (043) 740 2881 / 0917 496 2009 / 0917 650 6468/ 0998 85 1428 / 0908 571 3984 Email: [email protected]

EL NIDO TOUR PACKAGE 2018

Island hopping in El Nido is divided into : Tour A, Tour B, Tour C, Tour D and Tour E (land tour).  If you only have a few days to spend, you can pick either Tour A or Tour C . 

BOOK DISCOUNTED EL NIDO TOUR A HERE

Book discounted el nido tour b here, book discounted el nido tour c here.

For El Nido Tour E, you can just hire a tricycle for PHP 800 ( (€ 14/ USD 16) – PHP 1,400 ( € 24 / USD 28), good for 3 persons, to take you to Twin Beaches, Marimegmeg Beach and Nacpan Falls.

Island Hopping Tour Schedule : 9 AM to 4 PM

Tour inclusion:.

Lunch, snorkeling gear, life vest and guides to assist you.

Does not include the PHP 200 (€ 3/USD 4)  per person Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF). This is good for up to 10 days of your stay here in El Nido. (The will ask the receipt before you embark on your island hopping tours so make sure you pay the ETDF)

On every Island Hopping Tour, they serve a generous amount of the following:

Fruits and Vegetables, Grilled Chicken, Grilled Pork, Grilled Fish*,  Shrimp/Crabs/Squid*

• * Subject to availability in the market.
• Do advice your tour agent of your food restrictions.

Kayaks are available for  whole day rental  PHP 700 (€ 12/ USD 14) so you could easily go inside the hidden lagoons.

Underwater camera can also be rented at Northern Hope Tours for  PPHP 700 (€ 12/ USD 14) per day.

WHERE TO STAY IN EL NIDO

Joaquinn’s bed and breakfast.

Real Street, Barangay Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan

Trendy but not costly!

Walking distance to the port, quiet location with a great view of El Nido Bay.

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE  

Dayunan el nido tourist inn.

Sitio Cabigsing, Barangay Buena Serte, El Nido, Palawan

Located at the town center

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

Bayog beach campsite.

Barangay Sibaltan, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

A short ride from the town center.

Rainforest Beach Hotel

Hama Street, Brgy. Masagana, El Nido

Conveniently located at the heart of El Nido town center.

Rovic’s Tourist Hotel

Hama Street, Brgy Masagana, El Nido, Palawan

CHECK ROOM RATES  HERE

Vellago resort.

Situated in an island off the coast of El Nido town.

  CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

El nido resorts lagen island.

Situated in a private island off the coast of El Nido

Cauayan Island Resort

Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan

EL NIDO ITINERARY (3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS)

El nido trip budget.

*Airfare not included.

EL NIDO TRAVEL TIPS

• Bring dry bags with you during your island hopping tour and make sure it is locked securely.  My DSLR “drowned” while island hopping, so investing on a reliable dry bag would be wise.
• Almost everything is on cash basis, stack up cash as there is only one ATM  in El Nido, only in Coron and Puerto Princesa.
• Bring mosquito repellent especially if you are camping or staying at lodges in the island.
• Food in restaurants in El Nido will cost you at least PHP 150 (€ 3/ USD 3) per meal. There are small eateries dappled around the town proper if you want to save, but just a reminder: you’ll get what you pay for.  A reader (Jay) commented they had diarrhea while they were there, never experienced that in any of my visit. I always eat at eateries  and restaurants by the beach.  But just to be safe, you can buy bottled water or refill from water stations instead of drinking potable water.
• As per comment  by Eloise Davis, there is a monkey that bites and steals food and drinks somewhere in Snake Island, please be careful and avoid bringing food and drinks while climbing the hills there.
• There are monitor lizards in some islands, avoid getting close to them as they can bite humans and it is painful and poisonous, resulting to heavy bleeding.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

RELATED POST

Puerto princesa travel guide (budget + itinerary), coron travel guide, culion travel guide,   things to do in puerto princesa, san vicente palawan travel guide + itinerary  2019, watch my latest youtube video., don’t forget to click subscribe below.

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK FOR TRAVEL GUIDE UPDATES

Follow her on Facebook ,

Related Posts

BAGUIO TRAVEL GUIDE (ITINERARY + BUDGET) BLOG 2024

LAIYA BATANGAS BEACH RESORTS AND HOTELS (2024)

42 BAGUIO TOURIST SPOTS + ITINERARY (2024)

SAN JUAN BATANGAS TOURIST SPOTS + THINGS TO DO (2024)

51 comments.

Awesome blog! So informative, clear and everything that a traveler needs! More power!

Thank you so much! Happy travels!

Hello po. Just want to ask, what tour would u recommend for first timers? A? B? C? D? I’ll be going to palawan on sunday. Tnx

Tour A po. Have fun!

Hello Gael,

I am planning a two days visit in El Nido and third day afternoon is my flight back

First day early morning i reach El Nido.

Do i get time to do all Tour ABC? Please suggest me which tour I should choose in two days

maybe 2 tours only. I suggest you pick Tour A and C.

I agree with you that El Nido’s really majestic! 🙂 Also, isn’t the van named Eulen Joy? :)))

hi. any info from PPs to underground to El Nido route. how much fare? and suggestion. ty

El Nido is as beautiful as everyone has commented. The water is pristine, the corals are amazing to look at, the rainforest is enchanting. It was the 2nd day of my daughter’s vacation and she (and others) went island hopping accompanied by a guide and professional boatmen. Upon embarking at Snake Island which has a sandbar connecting 2 smaller islands, they were told that there is a resident monkey there and to watch their things carefully as this monkey is reputed to grab and steal objects it may deem as food. They did see the monkey but stayed a distance away from it. My daughter and her fiancé stopped to take a picture from atop the hill. Fiancé puts his beer can down for a moment to take a photo and when they looked down saw a monkey at their feet holding the beer can. The monkey ran towards my daughter and bit and scratched her leg!!!! She screamed in pain. While cleansing the wound in the floating bar they were told that that monkey bit a child the previous week. With more prompting they discovered that that monkey has bitten several other visitors. Now why they weren’t told that the monkey was vicious is beyond any acceptable tourism protocol. As soon as she got to shore she found a doctor who had to give her a total of 6 shots – tetanus and rabies. She also had to endure 2 more scheduled shots while she continued with the rest of her vacation (not to mention the antibiotics and anti inflammatory medications to go with it). The last two would be scheduled back home. In the meantime she had to bear the excrutiating pain from the wound. It was raw, red and swollen which made her ankle swollen as well. It became infected which meant an additional 2 visits to hospitals while she was there and no more swimming.

I think it’s imperative to get rid of that monkey. And the tour guides should be factual about what danger this monkey can cause. The El Nido Assn. should take care and protect their guests to the best of their ability.

El Nido remains a lucrative and attractive place to navigate but when you go there don’t take anything for granted. Ask questions. Take precautionary shots before traveling. Assume that there’s danger lurking about in and out of the water. You are after all inside a rainforest.

Hi Eloise, I’m sorry to hear about that. I hope your daughter is okay now. It’s also my first time to hear about the monkey because I can’t remember seeing one during my visit. I’ll update this guide. Thank you for dropping by.

Hi, My husband along with our teenage daughter and a nephew will be visiting either end of June or early July. I want to know if there is an airport straight from El Nido back to Manila and the flight times that are available (only if you know). Thanks

Yes there is a direct flight

hi! where did you inquire about the package tour?

Northern Hope

Hi! My family is flying to Puerto Princessa end of May and has 4 days 2 nights to spend for any of the activities. What tour can I recommend? Also, where do we pay for that?

Thanks for putting this guide up! So informative 👍

hi, may I ask if safe ‘yung overnight camping, specially sa kids (ages 4, 7 and 8)? How will I know if legit ung travel and tours dyan sa el nido? TIA.

Never heard of overnight camping. You can book tours in El Nido

salamat po 🙂

Hi! Do you think travelling from El Nido to Puerto Princesa late in the afternoon would be safe for a solo traveler? 🙂

yes. safe naman siya. 🙂

Hi!!! we are planning to go to Palawan in July. I am worrying about the weather.. Could you please tell me how the weather was during your stay? Thank you!!!

check the weather updates online. I visited in December kase.

Hello, I was also wondering how do I book the Tours? Will there be an area near the hotels or can I book it online?

you can book your tours there. pwede ka naman maghanap online. I used Northern Hope Tours.

Hello , thanks for the travel info and tips, ask ko lang if it is true that there’s no electricity supply at night anywhere in El Nido ? Kind regards, Hilda

Hi! I have been following you on IG and reading your blogs which are really helpful. We (four of us) just came from El Nido, and stayed there for 4 nights and 4 days. The island tours we took were Tour A and C. Both were really amazing. Unfortunately, my two friends started getting diarrhea and abdominal pain on the second day of the trip. Luckily it was tolerable but they didn’t get to enjoy the tour A because of that. Then my partner also got sick after the tour A. All three of them experienced diarrhea, cramps, nausea and vomiting. We just got back to manila last night, and three of us, including me, are still sick. Did you experience any of these on your trip? I think there should be a warning for all visitors to buy bottled water all the time and be careful where and what they eat.

Hi Jay, I’m sorry to hear that. Never happened to me, I buy food from eateries there too. Thanks for sharing your story. Will add a note here.

Helpful tips. Will visit Palawan again soon. Can’t wait!

I enjoyed El Nido, also Port Barton and Puerto Princesa while i was in Palawan.

Hi! Do you think taking the last trip from PPS to El nido is a safe decision for a pinay solo traveller? I was trying my luck to look for vans but sabi nila until 6pm lang daw ang trip.

Hello, are the prices for the island hopping tour packages per person or per boat?

Which one is recommended between Tour B and Tour D?

Nasa downtown naman siya, so maraming hotels sa area.

Join tours po yan. so sasabay kayo sa ibang tourist.Usually kase everyday naman may tourists sa El Nido.

Hi, Thank you very much for posting this. It really helps for our trip. But for the PP tour, do we still need to hire a van/tricycle to see place that you have posted? Or only walking distance? Thank you very much. God bless u!

you can do that or hire a tricycle

Your blog is so helpful. We’re planning to visit Puerto Princesa then El Nido this coming July 2-6, 2018. Would like to ask if sa Klook din po ba kayo nag avail ng City Day Tour sa Puerto Princesa? Thank you!

Hello! How did you DSLR drown? 🙁

Pinalagay ko sa issano kasama namen na tourist kase siya yung may dalang water-proof na bag. He forgot to close it. so while boarding the boat, d Nina napansin na may waves na nakapasok. 🙁 I can’t blame him though since ako naman nakilagay.

Hi is the packages for island tour per head? Or is for a group already? Any contact person? Please

Per head. No, I’m sorry

Hi, first of all thanks for this guide, ask ko lang po, kasi in the tour info, they can pick up/drop off from the hotel, does this include any of the hotels mentioned above? Thanks!

No, you have to check with the tour operator once you book the tour

Very informative guide, thank you!

Hello. About the discounted tour A, sino po magprovide ng tour? Ibook kasi siya via KLOOK. I am not familiar with Klook.

Hello po. Is it advisable to bring DSLR when island hopping? What protective gears can I use for me to be able to bring my DSLR? I saw some vlogs that they have a customized plastic on their DSLRs. Where can I get those? Thanks po

yeah, you can purchase online, sa Lazada or Shopee po.

Hi po. Can I ask how long will we stay in each beach included on the island hopping? Because i’d like to have more time and free time on eqch beach so i can feel its beauty and tranquility. Thank you!

Depends po yan on the tour operator if you are joining a group tour

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• BEACH RESORTS
• BORDER CROSSING BY BUS
• Cruise Guide
• FERRY SCHEDULE AND RATES
• General Santos
• Historical Sites
• Hotels and Resorts
• Shiragawago
• SHIRAKAWA-GO
• Cameron Highlands
• Kota Kinabalu
• Kuala Lumpur
• New Zealand
• Cagayan North
• Camarines Norte
• Caramoan Island
• Catanduanes
• Davao del Sur
• Ilocos Norte
• Lanao del Norte
• Kalanggaman
• Mindoro Occidental
• Puerto Galera
• Negros Oriental
• Nueva Ecija
• SAN TEODORO
• Puerto Princesa
• San Vicente
• Quezon Province
• Northern Samar
• Surigao del Norte
• Surigao del Sur
• Capones island
• Zamboanga City
• Zamboanga del Norte
• Solo Female Travel 101
• South Cotabato
• Star Cruises
• Kanchanaburi
• Tourist Spots
• Travel Apps
• Travel Gadget
• TRAVEL GADGETS
• Travel Guide
• TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
• Uncategorized
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• HO CHI MINH CITY

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Terms of use:.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Lio Beach In El Nido – A Complete Guide

Posted on Last updated: 14 March 2024

Categories Philippines

Lio Beach El Nido really took us by surprise. It was an up and coming spot that we hadn’t planned on visiting. Here’s all you need to know.

Table of Contents

How To Get To Lio Beach

Lio Beach is located about 15 minutes away from El Nido town by tricycle.

The tricycle ride should cost no more than 300 PHP one way, but you can probably agree on a 500 PHP return fare. They don’t normally let more than three people in a tricycle, although we managed four.  

If you want to make your own way there by scooter, you can rent one from El Nido town from around 500 pesos per day.

We also heard there is also a daily shuttle bus going from El Nido town to Lio Beach, didn’t see it.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on  Get Your Guide  available to book in advance.

Lio Beach Entrance Fee

It is free to visit Lio Beach.

Lio Beach Opening Times

Lio Beach is open all day, every day.

Best Time To Visit Lio Beach

For the best weather it’s best to visit the El Nido beaches during the dry season, between November and April.

Although this beach wasn’t very busy when we visited, we think it will become increasingly popular. So if you’re planning on spending all day, get there early to have the choice of the best spots!

This a beautiful beach with a lovely vibe and we would definitely recommend spending some time here.

Also, don’t miss sunset. If you can make it you won’t be disappointed!

What To Pack

Photography Camera

Reusable Water Bottle

Quick Dry Towel

Lifeproof Phone Case

What To Expect At Lio Beach

It was originally the restaurant ‘Shaka’ that brought us to this location.

We’d eaten in this chain of restaurants before and were craving some delicious vegan food (and a smoothie bowl).  

When we arrived, we were completely surprised at how beautiful it was, especially at sunset! The perfect way to unwind after a full day of island hopping in El Nido .

The beach was not crowded whatsoever and they have a few beach chairs that you can use for free throughout the day.  

Lio beach is a huge strip of clean coastline with soft sand, turquoise water and a whole load of palm trees and coconuts.

So there are plenty of shaded areas to get some respite from the sun when it is at its hottest if needed.

We enjoyed the music gently playing in the background that drifts out from some of the relatively new bars and restaurants.

With a choice of eateries and bars you won’t be short of an ice cold drink and some delicious snacks either. Making it for us, definitely one of the best things to do in the Philippines .

With it being situated close to El Nido airport, you may also get to experience an aeroplane coming in to land (or take off).

The area around Lio Beach is packed with cool, quirky shops where you can buy souvenirs or hip, stylish clothing.  

Many shops surrounding the area are still under construction so we really believe this will be the up and coming hotspot of El Nido. The vibe at Lio Beach is just what every traveller craves.

We happily enjoyed a smoothie on this spacious beach with a swing and a stunning sunset.

Where To Stay In El Nido

Lagùn Hotel

Located around 5 miles from Big Lagoon, Lagùn Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace.

The rooms come with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, fridge, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a desk.

Featuring a private bathroom, certain units at Lagùn Hotel also feature a balcony and all units have a wardrobe.

Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar or a meal in the onsite restaurant. 

Breakfast is available daily, and includes continental and buffet options.

Ipil Suites

Set amidst lush greenery, Ipil Suites features a restaurant and comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi access. 

It has a common lounge area with a TV, while parking space is provided on site at no charge. 

The property is conveniently located within a 15-minute drive from El Nido Airport. 

Fitted with tiled flooring, rooms come with air conditioning, a personal safe, clothes rack and freshly-laundered bedding. The en suite bathroom includes hot/cold shower facility, towels and free toiletries.

Elternative Hostel

Featuring a rooftop sun terrace and views of the surrounding mountains, Elternative Hostel offers solar-powered accommodations 6 minutes’ walk from Corong Corong Beach. 

El Nido Market is 3 minutes’ walk away while the bus/van terminal are 4 minutes’ walk away. 

Every room has a private bathroom and mini garden. Several rooms have air conditioning and an attached mini-kitchen. 

During good weather, guests can relax and enjoy a barbecue on the rooftop.

For more places to stay in El Nido, you can check the latest prices on  Booking.com.

Planning Your Trip

Book your flight.

Use  Skyscanner  to find a cheap flight. 

They search websites and airlines around the globe to find you the best possible routes and prices.

Book Your Accommodation

Use  Booking.com  to find the best accommodation deals.

They consistently return the cheapest rates on everything from guesthouses to hotels for all of your budget needs.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Use SafetyWing to find the best travel insurance for you.

They provide travel and medical incident insurance built specifically for digital nomads.

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.

Book Your Tours & Activities

Use GetYourGuide to book your activities in advance.

They sell the best tours, excursions and activities to attractions around the world.

Conveniently book, download and access your tickets on the move all from your mobile. 

Book Your Rental Car

Use RentalCars.com to find the best deals on rental cars in the area.

They compare all major car rental companies and allow you to easily book the perfect vehicle for your trip.

Buy Those Last Minute Bits

Use Amazon to buy everything you need for your adventure.

They offer next day delivery and you can use my travel packing checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

Pin It For Later

• How to get Palawan?
• Bus terminal San Jose in Puerto Princesa
• Puerto Princesa international Airport Palawan
• San Vicente Airport Palawan
• Clark International Airport
• Lot for sale in El Nido
• Lot for sale near Nagtabon Beach Puerto Princesa
• Motorcycle For Sale in Palawan
• Boat for Sale Palawan El Nido
• Jack House & Lot for Sale Puerto Princesa Palawan
• Payments   (3)
• Puerto Princesa
• Port Barton
• San Vicente Palawan
• Linapacan Palawan
• Coron Busuanga
• Puerto Galera Mindoro
• Tours in Puerto Princesa Palawan   (37)
• Tours in Port Barton Palawan   (4)
• Tours in El Nido Palawan   (16)
• Tours in Coron Island Palawan   (7)
• Tours for the islands of Balabac   (4)
• Tours in Manila   (10)
• Tours in Cebu   (7)
• Tours in Siargao   (5)
• Package Tours
• All Transfers in Palawan   (54)
• Transfers from/to Puerto Princesa   (26)
• Transfers from/to Sabang Puerto Princesa Palawan   (7)
• Transfers from/to El Nido   (22)
• Transfers from/to Port Barton San Vicente   (14)
• Transfers from/to San Vicente   (5)
• Transfers from/to Balabac   (2)
• Boat transfers on Palawan   (10)
• Transfers Coron Busuanga   (5)
• Fast Ferry Cebu ⇄ Tagbilaran Bohol
• Transfers in Manila   (10)
• Transfers in Cebu   (13)
• Transfers Bohol & Panglao Philippines   (5)
• Transfers on Siargao & Surigao del Norte   (7)
• Transfers Boracay – Kalibo Panay Island   (1)
• Motorbike rental in Puerto Princesa   (39)
• Motorbike rental in El Nido   (4)
• Bicycle rental in Puerto Princesa   (2)
• Manila Motorbike for rent   (1)
• Motorbike rental Siargao island   (1)
• Motorbike rental Malapascua   (1)
• Panglao Motorbike for rent   (4)
• Car rental in Puerto Princesa   (13)
• Car rental Coron Philippines   (12)
• Car rental Cebu Philippines   (6)
• Car Rental Dumaguete   (2)
• Car rental Siquijor Philippines   (5)
• Car Rental Panglao   (8)
• House for rent in Puerto Princesa   (58)
• House for rent in El Nido   (9)
• Hotels in Puerto Princesa   (5)
• Accommodation in El Nido   (11)
• Hotels map in Manila & Cebu
• Check Your Order

Palawan Days

18. Private Tricycle Service in El Nido ★★★★★ Location: Palawan / Area: El Nido

550 ₱ (10 $) - 2,300 php (42 $)    booked: ( 0 ).

• ➤ Description
• ➤ Conditions ✍

Tricycle service in El Nido: Transfer from or to Lio El Nido airport, Nacpan beach, Lascabanas beach (Marimegmeg), Corong Corong beach, Waterfalls, Caves. Pick up at your hotels, airport.

From 1 to 3 persons max.

Shopping cart

2024 EL NIDO TRAVEL GUIDE: Tourist Spots, Itinerary & Expenses

• Post author: Glen Nomad
• Post comments: 0 Comments
• Post last modified: January 15, 2024

Our comprehensive El Nido Travel guide featuring the island’s tourist spots, hotels, restaurants, and more.

Famous for its pure white sand, crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and majestic limestone formations, El Nido is a slice of paradise that both local and foreign tourists love to visit. Every vacationer should make it a point to check out the lagoons, islets, and other stunning natural sights here.

Here’s our El Nido travel guide to help you plan your future visit to one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

When is the best time to visit El Nido?

El Nido is an all-year-round travel destination so you can pretty much visit the town any time of the year. But, if you want to enjoy it more, the best time to go is during the summer season which usually starts in March and ends in May. 

How to get to El Nido?

There are a number of ways to get to El Nido from different parts of the Philippines. This El Nido travel guide lists down common ways to get to El Nido from Manila , Cebu, Davao, and Coron .

How to get to El Nido from Manila

There is now a direct flight between Manila and El Nido via Airswift. Flights are limited and quite expensive so flying to Puerto Princesa is still the most common way of going to El Nido. From Puerto Princesa, you can take a bus or van to El Nido. The travel time is around 5-6 hours. Vans take a shorter time to reach El Nido. You can book a seat here by bus or van .

How to get to El Nido from Cebu

There is also a direct flight from Cebu Mactan International Airport to El Nido via AirSwift. Again, flight frequency is limited so flying via Puerto Princesa from Cebu is still the most common way.

How to get to El Nido from Coron

There are boats that operate from Coron to El Nido and vice-versa. You can opt to take a fast craft, passenger ship, and outrigger. Here’s the boat schedule from Coron to El Nido .

There is also now a direct flight from Busuanga/Coron to El Nido via Airswift. Check out our Coron Travel Guide if you haven’t been there.

How to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa

El Nido is around 5-6 hours away from Puerto Princesa. If you are traveling on a large group, you can charter a van for around Php5-7,000, one-way. If you are traveling solo or with a small group, taking a public bus or shared van is another option. There are vans from Puerto Princesa Airport that can take you to El Nido. You can also take a tricycle to the Puerto Princesa Integrated Bus Terminal to catch a bus or van to El Nido. Book a van or bus

How to get around El Nido

The most common mode of transportation in El Nido is tricycles. You can either share a ride with strangers or charter a trip if you are going to get out of the town proper. If you are more than five people, I highly suggest you rent a van for a more convenient journey.

Alternatively, you can also rent a scooter so you can move around the town freely.

Where to stay in El Nido?

Budget hotels and cheap hostels in el nido.

Frendz Hostel

Frendz Hostel El Nido is located about 5 minutes walk from the center. It offers a great view of both the town and the sea and it’s an ideal place for visitors who are looking for a hippie vibe accommodation in El Nido.

A bed in a mixed dorm starts at around Php1,300 (USD25) a night Check availability and book

Alocasia Hostel

If you are looking for a cheap place to stay within the town center of El Nido, you can check out Alocasia Hostel. It is conveniently located very close to the island hopping jump-off point. 

Room rates at around Php1,300 (USD25) a night for a standard room. Check availability and book 

Spin Designer Hostel

Located not too far away from the town center, Spin Designer hostel offers affordable and comfortable accommodation catered especially to budget travelers.

Rates start at P750 (USD15) for a 1 Person in 4-Bed Dormitory – Mixed Check reviews and availability

Mid-range Hotels in El Nido

Lime Resort El Nido

Lime Resort El Nido is one of the newest hotels in El Nido located in Corong-Corong, about 15-20 minutes away from the town proper. It offers a breathtaking view of Bacuit Bay and El Nido sunset. It features an infinity pool, a sky bar, a sky deck, and rooms with a view of the bay.

Room rates start at around Php6,000 (USD115) for a deluxe room Check availability and book  OR see more photos from our recent stay at Lime Resort

Luxury Hotels in El Nido

El Nido Resorts – Pangulasian Island

El Nido Resorts – Pangulasian Island is an eco-luxury island resort in Bacuit Bay, El Nido featuring breathtaking views of the sunrise and the sunset. It offers a total of 42 deluxe rooms built in contemporary Filipino architecture. Check out our list of Luxury Resorts in Palawan . Room rates: Php28,000 per night Check availability and book

El Nido Group Tours

El Nido is easy and convenient to explore. Whether you are in a big group or traveling solo, you can always book a reliable tour agency for that memorable and wonderful experience while on the Island. Gotmarked Tours offers affordable El Nido tours. You can message them on their FB page at: Gotmarked Tours

El Nido Tour A

Discover the islands, lagoons, and beaches of El Nido through a whole day of island hopping. Explore the clear waters of Miniloc Island and enjoy the beaches of Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos, and of course the magnificent view of El Nido Big Lagoon. The Small Lagoon was used to be a part of this tour but it has now been moved to Tour D. This tour includes a lunch on the beach.

Joiner tour starts at Php1,050 – BOOK NOW

El Nido Tour B

El Nido Tour B allows you to explore Snake Island, Pinagbuyatan Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Papaya Beach. This tour starts at around 9:30 am and will usually end at 3 pm.

Joiner tour at only Php1,100 – BOOK NOW

El Nido Tour C

El Nido Tour C allows you to explore the islands of Dilumacad (Helicopter Island) and Matinloc, known as one of the shooting locations of the movie Bourne Legacy. You will also have a chance to visit the Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, and Talisay Beach. This tour starts at 9 am and ends at 3 pm.

Joiner tour at only Php1,175 – BOOK NOW

El Nido Tour D

El Nido Tour D will take you on an unforgettable island hopping experience through some of the most gorgeous lagoons and beaches in Palawan. If you join this tour, you will visit Cadlao Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Bukat Beach, Natnat Beach, and Paradise Beach.

The price of Tour D is only P1,200 per head Book your El Nido Tour D with Gotmarked Tours

El Nido Luxury Tours

Fancy exploring the island on a speedboat or catamaran? You can get on a private luxury tour in El Nido for a more memorable experience. Just choose between the two tours below:

Top Tourist Spots in El Nido

Nacpan beach.

Essentially a part that makes one of two intertwined—so-called twin—beaches, the Nacpan Beach makes for the better of the two for being bigger and encompassing a long stretch of land, dotted and lined with tall palm trees.

How to get there: The cheapest way to go there is by renting a motorcycle and drive your way to Nacpan Beach. The rental cost is around Php600 for a day. If you don’t want to drive, you can charter a tricycle for around Php1,000 for two people. Travel time is around an hour.

Taraw Cliff

No adventure in El Nido is ever complete without one braving the area’s highest peak, the Taraw Cliff. With a height that overlooks the overall town of El Nido and a fortress-like image from below, Taraw Cliff never ceases to amaze regardless of which angle you are from it. If you want a perfect view, try to start hiking as early as 5 AM.

Alternatively, you can also do a Taraw Cliff Canopy walk .

When we speak of the ocean, it always gets deeper the farther you go from the coast. But for a long stretch of shallow seawater that seems to outsize its smaller counterpart, the Big Lagoon makes for a very interesting visit to the shallow areas of El Nido. This is a must-visit tourist spot in El Nido and kayaking is a must activity to get to the Big Lagoon. The kayak rent is only Php300 (USD6) for two people.

How to get there: Join El Nido Tour A.

Small Lagoon

Basically the smaller of the two prominent lagoons in El Nido. Although the Small Lagoon is little in size, it makes up for its unique structure that makes visiting it an equally impressive experience.

How to get there: Join El Nido Tour D.

Seven Commandos Beach

As intriguing as its name may sound, there are no military operations taking place on this coast. The name actually harkens back to a tale that speaks of seven soldiers who were stranded on the island which some might openly dispute. Regardless of the island’s name, however, the main highlight of being on this shore is its unique scenery as highlighted by the perfect mixture of verdant trees on land and clear seawaters.

How to get there: Join El Nido Tour A.

Pinagbuyutan Island

Made of mostly rocky formations carpeted with greeneries on most of its surface, the Pinagbuyutan Island has an imposing presence from a relative distance. But take the bold steps to get close and you shall see the ground of powdery whites that is a hallmark on almost every beautiful island in the area.

How to get there: Join El Nido Tour B.

Secret Beach

Not many people who are not native to El Nido knew of the Secret Beach, hence its name. Although the shore itself is not entirely hidden when seen from the sky, its rather unusual entrance—which requires a bit of swimming—makes it relatively obscure, particularly to any unsuspecting person.

How to get there: Join El Nido Tour C.  

Corong Corong Beach

El Nido is booming in the tourism business. Nowhere is this more evident than in an area where hospitality business establishments thrive such as around Corong Corong Beach. Yet, for an island where solitude makes for a prevailing theme, the Corong Corong Beach’s rather wide expanse is never too crowded.

How to get there: Corong Corong Beach is close to El Nido town proper. You can hail a tricycle from the town proper and alight at the drop-off point or you can charter a tricycle for around Php70.

Cathedral Cave

Having an inner view that mimics a cathedral, the Cathedral Cave makes for a picturesque place on an island. But, as a home to known venomous sea snakes, it is a place where swimming is strictly forbidden.

How to get there: Join El Nido Tour B.  

Cadlao Island

Embodying a beauty that is akin to Tahiti, only smaller, the Cadlao Island can be quite easily mistaken as a place in French Polynesia. Apart from the sea, the main highlight of Cadlao Island is the snorkeling paradise of Ubungun Cove.

How to get there: Join El Nido Tour D.  

Talisay Beach

Talisay Beach is one of the lesser-known beach destinations in El Nido, but it actually surprised me in so many ways. It is a known lunch stop of most boatmen during El Nido Tour C. It is situated near Matinloc Shrine, a more popular tourist spot in El Nido.

Maregmeg Beach

If you are looking for a nice spot to watch the stunning sunset of El Nido, then head over to Maregmeg Beach. It’s located about 30-45 minutes away from El Nido town center. If you are taking a trike, it will cost you Php150 (USD3) per trip, one-way.

Where to Eat in El Nido

El nido boutique artcafe.

El Nido Artcafe is probably the most popular restaurant in El Nido. Must try on their menu are Seafood Spaghetti, Seafood Basket, Pizza Pancetta, and Chicken Tikka Masala. Check out El Nido ArtCafe Menu

Frendz Sky Bar and Restaurant

If you want good food and an amazing sunset view then Frendz Sky Bar and Restaurant might be the perfect place for you. Must-try is their sizzling tanigue, quesadilla, and sizzling squid. They also offer popular international dishes like pad thai, nasi goreng, kebab, and a lot more. See Frendz Restaurant Menu

Lime Resort Sky Bar

Head to Corong-Corong and dine at Lime Resort’s Sky Bar. It offers a breathtaking view of El Nido sunset so make sure you arrive early. You can try their pasta and pizza and a glass of your favorite drink.

Gusto Gelato

For your sweet cravings, head over to Gusto Gelato. They offer different flavors of gelato like dark chocolate, mint chocolate, salted caramel, and a lot more!

SAMPLE ITINERARY AND EXPENSES

Whether you are spending a weekend in El Nido or going all out the whole week, we got you covered. Most visitors to El Nido stay for at least 3 Days and 2 Nights. If you want to experience the best of El Nido, we suggest you stay at least 5 days 4 nights so you can do all the tours as well as visit other equally gorgeous beaches on the mainland.

3D2N Itinerary

If you have a tight schedule and can only stay on the island for 3 days and 2 nights, we highly suggest you take Tour A and then visit Nacpan Beach and Maregmeg Beach. If you are adventurous and love hiking, you can also take an early hike to the peak of Taraw Cliff. Yes, you can do all of these in 3D2N. See detailed 3D2N El Nido itinerary

4D3N Itinerary

Staying on the island for 4 days and 3 nights is the most common itinerary for local tourists. If you have this much time, you can take 2-3 island hopping tours depending on your departure from the island. Ideally, we suggest you take two tours: Tour A and Tour C then visit Nacpan Beach and Maregmeg Beach. You can also hike to the top of Taraw Cliff if you are an adventurous traveler. If you’re leaving El Nido at night on your last day, you can take the Tour B. See the detailed 4D3N El Nido itinerary

5D4N Itinerary

You can go all-in with El Nido Tours with a 5D4N itinerary for as long as you leave the island late afternoon or at night on your last day. Experience the best of the island by joining Tour A which highlights the Big Lagoon; Tour B island escapades; Tour C for hidden beaches; and Tour D for the Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon. See detailed 5D4N El Nido itinerary

Expenses for 5D4N

• Airfare from Davao to Puerto Princesa (fly-through with 20kg baggage via Cebu Pacific): Php4,700
• Breakfast at NAIA: Php300
• Van transfer Puerto Princesa to El Nido: Php700
• Lunch along the way to El Nido: Php150
• Accommodation at Alocasia Hostel (Triple room with breakfast for 3 nights): Php5,760/3= Php1,920
• Van rental to Nacpan Beach: Php3,700/3 (Cheaper if you go by trike) Php1,233 each
• Meals and drinks at Nacpan Beach Php200
• Dinner at Art Cafe: Php500
• Tour B: Php1,300/head
• Trike to Maregmeg and back to the town proper: Php300 (Php150 one-way) Php100 each
• Dinner at Frendz Resto: Php440
• Tour C: Php1,400/head
• Dinner by the beach at Bundatan Restaurant: Php1400/3=Php467 each
• Cocktail at Tribu Kuridas Php200
• Tour A: Php1,200/head
• Trike to Lime Resort: Php70/2=Php35
• Overnight at Lime Resort El Nido: Php5,000/3=Php1,667 each
• Early dinner at Lime Skybar: Php2,200/3=Php733 each
• Trike Fare from Lime to Mcdo: Php300/3 (roundtrip)= Php100 each
• Late night snack to McDo in Maregmeg Php150
• Van transfer from El Nido to Puerto Princesa: Php700
• Airfare from Puerto Princesa to Manila (using CEB Travel Pass): Php900
• Airfare from Manila to Davao (using CEB Travel Pass): Php1,200

Total Expenses : Php20,295 Expenses without airfare : Php13,495

If you are traveling on a tight budget, you can reduce your expenses to only around Php11,000 plus airfare. Just stay in a hostel for the whole duration of your trip. We moved to Lime Hotel on our last night so our expenses have gone up a little bit.

Tip: Travel with at least one companion and you will spend even less. If you are traveling solo, you can also opt to stay in hostels with shared rooms.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Thank you for reading! We hope you find our El Nido Travel Guide useful. Consider following us on our social media channels for travel updates and travel inspirations.

Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/escapemanila Twitter :  https://twitter.com/escapemanila

Got any questions? Want more travel stories and inspiration? Follow us on IG: @escapemanila

escapemanila

Glen Nomad is a travel blogger and the founder of Escape Manila, one of the top travel blogs in the Philippines. He has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines and has explored 53 countries across Asia, North & South America, East Africa, Europe, and Australia. Follow him on IG at @escapemanila

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Best Travel Apps
• Bus & Ferry Tickets
• Cheap Flights

Privacy Overview

The Best El Nido Itinerary: 3 Days in El Nido

Are you planning a 3 Day El Nido itinerary? Here’s our in-depth travel guide to help you plan your trip to one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines! With gorgeous white sand beaches, tall palm trees, many lagoons and incredible underwater life.

El Nido is a must-visit if you’re exploring Palawan, Philippines. With 3 days in El Nido, you can discover the best things to do in El Nido and around the area with multiple island hopping tours! Let’s find out what to do in El Nido!

El Nido has become very popular over the last few years – and there’s a reason why! It’s a tropical paradise with beautiful rock and limestone formations surrounding the area! From El Nido town many boats offer island hopping tours to some of the most beautiful locations with beaches, lagoons and snorkelling opportunities.

This is definitely a spot to add to your Philippines itinerary and here’s all the information you need to know before your visit to El Nido.

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

Quick Tips for an El Nido Itinerary

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

• Currency  – Philippine Peso  (compare to your own currency  here )
• Language  – Tagalog & English
• Cuisine  – Filipino Cuisine  (seafood, rice, bbq & curries)
• Paying  – Most places only take cash!
• Wifi – It’s getting better, but not it’s not super fast in El Nido
• Philippines Power Voltage  – Plugs C & F (220 V)
• Visa  – Free 30 Day Visa for UK Citizens ( more info here! )

Here’s a quick list of things you can check or book before your trip!

• Check for any public holidays in the Philippines ( check here! )
• Book your flights ( check prices here! )
• Book your accommodation ( book here for hotels  &  here for hostels !)
• Planning the rest of your trip? Here’s our 3 Week Philippines Route & Itinerary !
• Also take a look at our The Best Coron Itinerary: 3 Days in Coron, Philippines !

3 Day El Nido Itinerary

Here’s our recommended 3 day El Nido itinerary, as we were on a budget and also visiting Coron we only managed to do one island hopping tour in El Nido. Although on this itinerary, it’s totally possible to squeeze Day 1 & 3 together to make an extra day for island hopping! We have more helpful tips in this travel guide after this El Nido itinerary.

Day 1 – El Nido town & Sunset at the beach

Once you arrive in El Nido, head to your accommodation to check in or drop your bags off. If you’re hungry, grab some food in El Nido town – we recommend Seed Dreams near the beach. If you haven’t already booked a tour, today is the day to find one ready for Day 2!

Chill and watch the sunset at Las Cabañas Beach

The best way to start your 3 day El Nido itinerary is by visiting Las Cabañas Beach! It’s our favourite beach in El Nido and it’s one of the best places to watch the sunset! We fell in love with the sunset colours on the ocean and the palm trees and chilled here for a few hours. There’s many restaurants and bars along the beach, so there are plenty of choices if you want food or a drink!

It’s easy to get to the beach by scooter or tricycle to the Mcdonalds  south of El Nido town. From there it’s a short walk past a few shops down to the beach. Here’s the location of Las Cabañas Beach !

After watching the sunset at Las Cabañas Beach , either head back to the accommodation you’re staying at or make your way to El Nido town and browse around all the shops, and markets and grab some dinner if you haven’t already!

Day 2 – Go on an Island Hopping Tour

Day 2 of your El Nido itinerary is all about exploring the beautiful islands in the area. Bring your hat, snorkel, and reef-friendly sunscreen and head to El Nido beach to find your boat (pick-up is also available with some companies).

Island Hopping Tours

El Nido is one of the most popular places in the Philippines to go island hopping and it’s not hard to see why! At first, we were a little overwhelmed by the number of tours available but after talking to companies in El Nido and our own research – it now makes a lot more sense.

There are many spots to visit and it’s impossible to visit everything in a day, so there are specific island hopping routes named Tour A, B, C, and D, plus other mixed routes or private boats.

Where does each Island Hopping Tour in El Nido visit?

El Nido Tour A  – Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island & 7 Commando Beach

El Nido Tour B  – Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Entalula Beach, Cudugnon Cave & a Snorkeling Spot

El Nido Tour C  – Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Talisay Beach & Hidden Beach

El Nido Tour D  – Ipil Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise & Pasandigan Beach, Natmat Beach & Bukal Beach

Ultimately Tour A and C are the most popular tours with B and D being quieter.

How to book an Island Hopping Tour in El Nido?

You can book an island hopping tour with any company around the town or at your accommodation. The price will be around 1,400 pesos per person and most companies will charge around this price or more. We booked ours online but ended up getting put on any boat that had free space, but it was an amazing day overall!

You can book your island-hopping tour online here !

Tour A – Island Hopping Tour

We chose tour A ( the most popular one ) and had a great time! The weather wasn’t completely in our favour, and it rained on and off throughout the day. Our boat had some awesome people onboard which always makes an experience better.

For us, the highlight of Tour A is kayaking around one of three beautiful lagoons around Miniloc Island. The colour of the water in the ocean around El Nido is incredible and everything you’d want from an island hopping tour during your 3 day El Nido itinerary!

Lunch is included with all tours, and if you’re vegan or vegetarian (or any dietary preference), make sure you tell them in advance as they start preparing the food at the beginning of the day and bring ingredients onto the boat.

There are options to buy drinks at some spots throughout the day, especially from locals on small boats with coconuts, beer and ice creams!

Recap – Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island & 7 Commando Beach

The island hopping tours usually end between 4:30pm and 6 pm at El Nido beach! After a pretty busy day exploring the water and the sun, you may want to head back to your accommodation and change before grabbing dinner! We’ve mentioned it before, but we do recommend Seed Dreams for food!

Have a look at our 3 Day Coron Itinerary: 3 Days in Coron, Philippines !

Day 3 – Explore the island: Waterfalls & Beaches

On day 3 of your El Nido itinerary, it’s time to explore the beautiful beaches and waterfalls on the mainland! The best way to do this is by renting a scooter! It is possible by tuk-tuk but it can be quite expensive with extra stops. If you don’t want to rent a scooter, we suggest only visiting Napcan Beach and Lio Beach.

We rented a scooter from  Bella’s Motorbike Rental for 500 PHP in the morning and visited the following spots on this 3 day El Nido itinerary:

Bulalacao Waterfalls

The first stop of the day is Bulalacao Waterfalls! It will take around 25 minutes to get to Bulalacao Waterfalls from El Nido beach. Once you arrive it’s a short 20-minute walk through the jungle to reach the falls and you’ll be rewarded with a dip at the end! The waterfall isn’t super impressive but it’s lovely if you prefer fresh water to the sea. There’s also a small entry fee and here’s the location !

Nacpan Beach

If you’re only going to visit one stop of the day, make sure it’s Napcan Beach. You can spend all day at this beautiful long stretch of beach whether you rent a sun lounger or put a beach towel under the shade of a palm tree. Here’s the location !

There’s quite a few restaurants to choose from local Filipino food to more luxurious resort food. You will also find vendors selling coconuts – and that’s the perfect drink to have at the beach.

Whilst you’re exploring Napcan Beach, check out Twin Beach which is on the far left side of Napcan Beach. You can admire a small strip of the island with the ocean on both sides!

It takes another 25 minutes to get to Napcan Beach from Bulalacao Waterfalls and the roads are okay if the weather is dry.

After soaking up the sun and waves at Napcan Beach it’s time to head back to El Nido town area with one final stop on the way – Lio Beach ! Here’s the location !

Lio Beach is a beautiful big stretch of beach lined with wonderful tall palm trees. We didn’t realise it at first, but the area is pretty developed. There’s many shops and restaurants but it feels like a mall complex – it’s a very cool area and it’s actually right next to El Nido Lio Airport .

We watched a few planes come in and take off which we honestly never get to do. There’s a pier to walk down and you can explore the area until sunset on your 3 days in El Nido.

After an awesome 3 days in El Nido, you’ve come to the end of your El Nido itinerary. We have a few more things to do in El Nido if you’re interested in adding to this itinerary! Carry on reading to find out where to stay, our restaurant recommendations and general tips on visiting El Nido.

More things to do in El Nido

• Challenge yourself with a climb up Taraw Cliff
• Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls – After a 45-minute hike through the jungle lies a double waterfall! It’s around 270 PHP per person with a guide and you can get a dip in the falls!
• Dagmay Beach – Continue driving from Napcan for a quieter beach.
• Cervantes Viewdeck – An awesome viewpoint with a bumpy drive.

We’re not going to lie, the Taraw Cliff hike is pretty intense but very rewarding with views of El Nido and the surrounding islands. If you’re up for a challenge on your El Nido itinerary, late afternoon is the best time to do this hike.

It takes around 30 minutes to reach the top but there’s no actual path . It’s pretty much climbing up rocks and definitely not a hike to do in sandals. The rocks are quite sharp and we would only recommend it to hikers who know how to handle these types of trails as it’s quite dangerous .

Where to stay in El Nido

Raje Residence  $ – A great budget-friendly accommodation within walking distance from El Nido.  Find them on Booking.com here !

Frendz El Nido Hostel  $$ – This hostel is by far the best-looking hostel in El Nido (yes it has a pool!) The price is a little higher than other hostels in the Philippines, but it’s totally worth it for a bit of luxury. It also has a great atmosphere and location.  Find them on Hostelworld here !

Where to eat in El Nido

Seed Dreams  $-$$ – Right by El Nido Beach, this is our favourite restaurant in El Nido with friendly owners and great vegan options! ( location ) Taste El Nido  $$ – The place to go if you want a smoothie bowl to start your morning! ( location !) Happiness Beach Bar  $$ – This chill hostel has a big menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner! ( location !)

How to get around El Nido

El Nido town is easily walkable, however, some guesthouses and hostels are quite far outside of the town centre. There are a few different ways to get around El Nidom so here’s your options for spending 3 days in El Nido.

Renting a scooter – The best way to get around El Nido is by renting a scooter! This will give you the ultimate freedom, as long as you’re comfortable riding one. We rented ours from  Bella’s Motorbike Rental in El Nido town and highly recommend them! Prices are around 500 PHP which is a little higher than other destinations in the Philippines, but that’s the going price for El Nido.

Tricycles (Tuk-Tuks) – Tricycles are everywhere in El Nido town and many guesthouses will be able to sort out transport for you during your 3 day El Nido itinerary.

Tours – If you book an Island Hopping Tour, the company may sort out a pickup for you to get to El Nido beach.

How to get to El Nido

There are a few ways to get to El Nido from different locations around the Philippines using ferry, minivan or flying! Here are a few options for you:

Book your transport online & check your options here ! Also here’s the link for Skyscanner for flights.

Flying to El Nido – El Nido has an airport connecting to popular destinations such as Manila and Cebu. Flying usually takes around 1-2 hours and many guesthouses in El Nido can arrange pick-up or drop-off. The airport is actually next to Lio Beach and the local airline is Air Swift.

How to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa – A more budget-friendly option (if you have time) is to fly into Puerto Princesa in Palawan and catch a 4-5 hour bus or minivan to El Nido. ( the last bus to El Nido leaves at 6 pm ) This is a great plan if you want to explore Puerto Princesa before your 3 day El Nido itinerary.

How to get to El Nido from Port Barton – It takes 4.5 hours by minivan to get from Port Barton to El Nido and there is a slightly cheaper option using local buses (Port Barton to Roxas and then Roxas to El Nido).

How to get to El Nido from Coron –

Ferry from Coron to El Nido – The ferry takes around 6 hours using Montenegro Shipping Lines The price is currently 2,640 pesos (and keeps increasing each year). These ferries don’t run daily but this may have changed, so double-check on Montenegro’s Facebook !

Flying from Coron to El Nido – In 2024, it may be the same price to fly from Coron to El Nido as the ferry companies have increased the price so much! Check Skyscanner in advance to see if you can book a flight for cheaper than 2,640 pesos (£38).

3 or 5 day Island Hopping from Coron to El Nido – Another way to get to El Nido is on a remote island hopping tour where you sleep on different islands along the way with a fun crowd of people! Tao Expeditions are the most popular tour company, although there are others. Find out more here!

Best time to visit El Nido, Palawan

The best time to visit El Nido is between January to April when the weather is dry and sunny! As the Philippines has a tropical climate, it’s not guaranteed it won’t rain at any moment – but the rainy season is from June to October which usually isn’t a great time for island hopping in El Nido.

Typhoons can also happen in the Philippines, so if you’re travelling during the rainy season – check the weather here – and be prepared for crazy stormy weather.

What to pack for 3 days in El Nido

El Nido has a tropical climate all year round, so you’ll want to pack clothes for hot weather and also a swimming costume! A hat, sunglasses and reef-friendly sunscreen are also recommended to keep safe!

On island hopping tours you can rent a snorkel and aqua shoes, but it’s also great if you have your own throughout the Philippines. Find them here – Aqua shoes and snorkel gear. Here are a few other travel essentials:

• International Worldwide Travel Adaptor  – The ultimate plug for travelling to multiple countries!
• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes  – The best way to pack a bag or suitcase.
• Stainless Steel Water Bottle  – These bottles are our favourite travel product!
• Sawyer Mini Water Filter  – Filter your own drinking water!
• Waterproof Bag 20L with Waterproof Phone Case  – Keep your things safe when island hopping!
• Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit  –  The best small lightweight tripod! We use a  Joby GorillaPod  with our  Sony A6000  and would highly recommend it!
• Mosquito spray  – if you’re prone to mosquito bites, this is one of the best sprays!

Environment & Sustainability

It’s important to make sure we’re looking after our planet when travelling and every country around the world is different. Countries such as the Philippines do not have clean water from the tap which means a lot of visitors buy plastic bottles.

To avoid buying plastic water bottles we highly suggest bringing your own reusable water bottle . All over the country, there are refillable water stations in guesthouses, restaurants and sometimes in transport areas. We didn’t need to buy a plastic water bottle once – which is amazing!!

Another gadget we carry around with us is our Sawyer Mini Water Filter – a straw that filters unsafe water and makes it 100% drinkable. We’ve used it throughout many countries in Southeast Asia and haven’t fallen ill.

Another way to look after the environment during your 3 days in El Nido – is to take your litter with you, don’t collect shells or rocks from the beaches, avoid plastic bags, and purchase durable long-lasting clothing. El Nido does actually have a ban on single-use plastic (apart from bottles) so the community will really appreciate your efforts!

Check out our Eco-Friendly Travel Products Guide !

Prices in El Nido

The prices of accommodation in El Nido are slightly higher than in other places in the Philippines as the most popular thing to do is island hopping – it means you’ll be spending a bit more money! Here’s an example of prices you can expect to pay during your El Nido itinerary:

• Accommodation  –  800 – 1000 pesos
• Restaurants  –  130 – 260 pesos
• Island Hopping Tour  –  around 1640 pesos
• Scuba Diving (per dive)  –  1600 pesos
• Ferry to Coron  –  2,640 pesos
• Scooter Rentals  –  350 – 500 peso s

Don’t forget about Travel Insurance! –  SafetyWing  Nomad Insurance

SafetyWing  is a totally flexible monthly-rolling travel insurance to help you stay safe on your El Nido itinerary and anywhere else in the world.  Find out more here!

Is El Nido worth visiting?

Yes! The area of El Nido is definitely worth a visit if you’re exploring the Philippines. We have to admit, the town is still developing and all the best things to do are outside of El Nido town – but the island hopping tours and beaches are absolutely beautiful. If you’re trying to decide between 3 days in El Nido or 3 days in Coron, we’d suggest El Nido overall but Coron if you’re a diver!

More  Philippines  guides:

• The Best Coron Itinerary: 3 Days in Coron, Philippines
• Moalboal Itinerary: The Best Things To Do (2024)
• 3 Week Philippines Route & Itinerary: Where to visit in 2024
• The Best 2 Days in Manila: Things to do & Itinerary (2024)
• The Best Bohol Itinerary: 3 Days in Bohol, Philippines
• Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls: 2024 (After Typhoon Odette!)
• The Best 3 Days in Siquijor Itinerary – Philippines (2024)
• All our  Philippines posts !

That’s the end of our  The Best El Nido Itinerary: 3 Days in El Nido!  Have the best time in El Nido and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER & SHARE IT WITH OTHERS!

Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

Similar Posts

3 Day Koh Samui Itinerary: The Best Koh Samui Guide

Wondering how to spend 3 days in Koh Samui? We’ll show you the best things to do on this beautiful…

11+ Best Thailand Travel Tips: Things to Know Before Visiting

Planning a trip to Thailand and looking for some travel tips? You’re in the right place! These are 11 Thailand…

4 Day Penang Itinerary: Best Things To Do (2024)

Are you planning a 4 Day Penang itinerary in 2024? Here’s our detailed travel guide of all the best things…

Ultimate 2 week South Korea Itinerary: Best Places (2024)

Are you planning a 2 Week South Korea itinerary in 2024? This is our in-depth guide on how you can…

11 Best Things to do in Gyeongju: Itinerary (2024)

Looking for the best things to do in Gyeongju? Here’s our travel guide and Gyeongju itinerary so you can spend…

3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary: Best Things To Do (2024)

Kuala Lumpur is the wonderful capital of Malaysia and home to the famous Petronas Towers! With 3 days in Kuala…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

El Nido Palawan Travel Guide: Hotels, Itinerary & Tips

Best Time to Go to El Nido

Dry and summer season | january to april, climate and weather.

• What to Wear
• How to Get to El Nido
• From Manila by Direct Flights
• From Puerto Princesa

From Coron by Boat

From san vicente by flights and van.

• Getting Around El Nido
• Self-drive Motorcycle
• Private Van
• Where to Stay in El Nido

Types of Accommodations

• Neighborhoods and Areas
• Accommodation Highlights in El Nido
• What to See and Do in El Nido
• Go Island-Hopping
• Do a Land Tour

Dive to Explore the Marine Life

• See the View from Taraw Cliff
• What to Eat and Drink in El Nido
• Local Cuisine

Recommended Restaurants and Bars

• Practical Information and Tips

Sample Itinerary in El Nido

Day 1: travel from puerto princesa to el nido, day 2: el nido island-hopping tour to big lagoon, day 3: el nido island-hopping matinloc island tour.

• Day 4: El Nido Canopy Walk + Land Tour
• Day 5: Travel back to Puerto Princesa

Get your sun-kissed adventure in the islands and beaches of El Nido, Palawan. Find out when is the best time to go here, what are the must-visit tourist spots and things to do, which resorts and hotels to stay in, and how to plan your itinerary with this detailed travel guide. 

When it comes to pristine white sand beaches and islands, El Nido in Palawan comes highly-recommended by local and international travelers as the top choice to go to when in the Philippines.

El Nido has been named a number of times by travel publication sites as the best island beaches in the world because of its paradise-like attractions with white sand, turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and stunning limestone cliffs. 

• Browse our selection of El Nido tours and experiences that you can add to your itinerary
• See other Palawan tours that you can try

El Nido the gateway to the awe-inspiring Bacuit Archipelago which houses 45 islands and islets, each with its unique geological formations. It’s no wonder that El Nido has been ranked consistently as one of the best island destinations not just in the Philippines, but in the world. 

There are a lot of things to do in El Nido from El Nido island hopping tours , lounging on beaches, hiking up cliffs, and even scuba diving. Reading this guide on El Nido, Palawan will make it easy for you to plan a trip and maximize your time in one of the best tourist spots in the Philippines .

See our popular El Nido Tours and Activities

Private el nido palawan lio airport to or from any el nido town hotel transfer service, palawan el nido shared island hopping tour a with lunch & transfers | secret lagoon, shimizu island, private puerto princesa airport to or from el nido town transfer service.

See our popular El Nido Island Hopping Tours

Palawan el nido shared island hopping tour c with lunch & transfers | secret beach, hidden beach, palawan el nido shared island hopping tour d with lunch & transfers | cadlao lagoon, paradise beach.

The season when traveling to El Nido, Palawan is crucial. It is because the activities that you will be doing are outdoors like island-hopping, exploring beaches, and climbing cliffs. To make the most of your time in this island paradise, plan your trip during the dry months. Read on to find out when you should book your trip to El Nido.

The best months to go to El Nido, Palawan is from January to April, when it’s dry and sunny. The summer season in the Philippines is from March to April so expect more local travelers during this time. The rains start by around May, but the weather can still be sunny during this time if there are no tropical storms. 

Like other island destinations in the Philippines, El Nido is warm and humid. The warmest month is during April, with the temperature averaging at 28.7 °C. The month with the lowest temperatures is in September, with the temperature dropping to 26.8 °C.

El Nido receives the most rain during August, its wettest month, so best to avoid going there during that time. Make sure to check weather updates before booking your tours in El Nido, Palawan.

Here’s an overview of the average temperature and rainfall in El Nido, Palawan all year-round:

Source: climate-data.org

What to Wear 

Pack your breathable summer outfits if you’re planning a trip to El Nido, especially during the dry and summer season. Make sure to bring sun protection like sunglasses, hats, and scarves especially if you’re exploring El Nido on a motorcycle. At night, bring a light jacket or a scarf with you to keep you warm if you’re by the beach.

How to Get to El Nido 

The main jump-off point from El Nido is the capital of the Philippines, Manila. You can either take a direct flight or fly to Palawan’s capital, Puerto Princesa, then ride a bus or van.

If you are already in other Palawan destinations like Coron or San Vicente, El Nido can be accessed by land or sea travel. Read on to find out what your options are on how to go to El Nido, Palawan. 

From Manila by Direct Flights 

Photo by AirSWIFT

The fastest way to go to El Nido is to fly directly to Lio Airport from Manila. Currently,  AirSwift is the only airline that services the Manila to El Nido route. AirSwift operates up to four direct flights per day from Manila. The travel time is 1 hour and 20 minutes. From the airport, the Town Proper is just 30 minutes away by land travel. 

See our popular El Nido Transfers

Shared puerto princesa airport to or from el nido town van transfer service, from puerto princesa .

The most common travel option when going to El Nido is by riding a plane to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. The flight fares are cheaper compared to a direct flight.

• Browse our list of Puerto Princesa Underground River tours
• Check out our  Puerto Princesa to El Nido tour package with Port Barton island-hopping side trip

The majority of travelers take this route because it’s cost-efficient, although you will need to allocate extra days for your trip just for the transfer to and from El Nido.

There are flights to Puerto Princesa from Manila (1 hour and 25 minutes), Clark in Pampanga (about 1 hour and 30 minutes), and Cebu in the Visayas (about 1 hour and 15 minutes).

You can book through  Philippine Airlines ,  Cebu Pacific , or  AirAsia . Once in Puerto Princesa airport, you will need to ride a van or bus for 5-7 hours going to El Nido.

By Van 

Vans are the most popular option among travelers for land travel to El Nido because it’s slightly faster than the bus with a travel time of 5-6 hours. The vans only leave once it’s full of passengers. The only stop is halfway for restroom and snack breaks.

It’s advisable to book these in advance so they can pick you up straight from the airport. You can also hire a private van if you’re traveling as a group for a more convenient trip.  

By Bus 

It is a good option if you're traveling with big or multiple luggage because buses have luggage compartments. Compared to vans, buses have more extensive legroom. However, travel time is longer at 6-7 hours because they make stops along the way to pick up and drop off passengers.

From the airport, ride a tricycle going to San Jose Terminal where you can board a bus going to El Nido. You have the option to ride an ordinary (non-air-conditioned) and air-conditioned bus. The bus will drop you off at a terminal station in El Nido where you can ride a tricycle going to your resort or hotel. 

Photo by Montenegro Lines

If you're already in Coron, Palawan, you can ride a fast craft going to El Nido. The travel time is around 4 hours. The boat leaves Coron at noon and arrives by 3:30 PM in El Nido. There are no direct flights from Busuanga Airport in Coron to El Nido.

Located 2-2.5 hours away by land from El Nido is an emerging Palawan destination called  San Vicente . You can fly to San Vicente Airport by booking flights with  SkyJet (from Manila, 50 minutes) or  Philippine Airlines (from Clark in Pampanga, 1 hour and 30 minutes).

From there, you can hire a van that will take you to El Nido. Make sure to book your van transfer in advance so they can pick you up at San Vicente Airport. 

Getting Around El Nido 

El Nido is a small town that travelers can easily explore by riding small vehicles like motorcycles or tricycles, and vans for bigger groups. Here are your options for transportation. Make sure to choose based on your group size, budget, and comfort preference.

Motorcycle 

The majority of visitors traveling solo hire motorcycle taxis (called habal-habal ) driven by a local. They are best for land tours within El Nido. You can hire this per drop-off or for the whole day. Rates will vary on the destination. You can find these usually parked at the Town Proper or ask your hotel to call one for you. 

Self-drive Motorcycle 

If you know how to drive a motorcycle, you can rent a unit at the shops located in the Town Proper. It is a good option if you're traveling alone or by pairs, and want to explore El Nido at your own pace.

Tricycle 

Private Van 

For bigger groups or if you want the most comfortable transport option, you can hire a private van. These can take you around El Nido for a land tour, and you can also hire for your whole trip or travel to neighboring destinations in Palawan such as Puerto Princesa or San Vicente.

It's better to book this in advance since they are on call and don't have their terminal.

Where to Stay in El Nido     

El Nido offers accommodations that can provide you with rest for any budget and preference for your temporary home. Read on to find out what types of accommodations there are in El Nido, which places to stay in, and which are the highly-recommended resorts and hotels that you can book.  

El Nido is a small beach town that maintains a rustic rural vibe. There are no towering luxury hotels here like in the big cities of Metro Manila. However, there are luxury resort in El Nido located on islands for those who are willing to splurge on Philippine luxury vacation packages .

For budget travelers, there are also backpacker hostels or inns with basic amenities. Below are the accommodation options that you can book in El Nido. 

Island and Beachfront Resorts

There are several accommodations in El Nido that are located on islands and beaches, including some of the best beach resorts in the Philippines . The higher-priced resorts are those in private islands, while the mid- to high-range resorts are those in the beachfront of El Nido's main island or town center.

These offer full amenities, including breakfast and a generator for 24 hours of electricity, making them ideal perfect accommodations for a honeymoon in the Philippines . If you want to wake up with the most stunning views of El Nido, then book one of these island and beachfront resorts.

Backpacker Hostels/Inns

Photo by Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach

El Nido is also a budget-friendly destination for backpackers or solo travelers. You can find many cheap hotels in the inner streets of El Nido’s mainland or town center. These are usually dormitory and private fan rooms with a shared bathroom and common areas.

• See destinations for solo travel in the Philippines

The best in value backpacker hostels or inns in El Nido are those that are located near the beach. For solo travelers, hostels with dormitory-type rooms offer the best option for budget-friendly accommodations and the possibility of meeting up with fellow travelers to join up with for your tours. 

Glamping 

Be one with nature in glamping resorts and hotels in El Nido. There are a few in various beachfront and island locations all over El Nido that have been surging in popularity in recent years.

Glamping is a glamorous style of camping where tents are set up with resort-style amenities and services including air-conditioning and mattresses. It's a definite must-try when you're in a beautiful place like El Nido, Palawan.

Vacation Rentals

A lot of travelers from locals to foreigners have fallen in love with El Nido. It's no wonder that investing in property in this island destination has become famous for those who can afford it.

A number of these private properties are available for rent. They vary in location from the town center, neighboring barangays, beachfront, and even private islands. These are usually equipped with the kitchen and the exclusive use of one group at a time for privacy.   

Neighborhoods and Areas 

Town Proper

Staying in the busy Town Proper is a good option if you want the closest spot to the main beach of El Nido. This area is also accessible to tour offices, restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. The majority of beachfront resorts and hostels are found in this area. 

Do you want the exclusivity of a secluded island? You can stay in the islands by booking a room or villa in the luxury resorts of El Nido, Palawan. These offer the best home base in El Nido if you are willing to splurge for it.

These accommodations include full amenities and in-house restaurants and bars, aside from direct access to the beautiful beaches and turquoise waters of El Nido. 

Corong-Corong

It can take roughly 10-15 minutes to walk to the town proper to reach the restaurants. The beach in this part of El Nido is known for its stunning sunset views. 

For those who prioritize rest away from the crowds during their El Nido vacation, it might be best to base in Caalan. This peaceful area will give you the best views of the neighboring Cadlao Island while being just a tricycle ride away from town. 

Accommodation Highlights in El Nido 

Now that you know what accommodation options and where the best spots are to stay in El Nido. Read on to find out which are the highly recommended El Nido hotels and resorts from budget-friendly, mid-range to luxury.  

Budget Accommodations

You don’t have to burn a hole in your pocket to enjoy El Nido, Palawan. There are plenty of affordable hotels that you can book. These are some of the top-rated by tourists because of their amenities, location, and customer service. 

Spin Designer Hostel 

Photo by SPIN Designer Hostel

One of the top-rated best value hostels in El Nido is this hip accommodation that is a favorite among digital nomads and backpackers. It has dorm-type and private rooms with shared or private bathrooms.

They also have a shared kitchen and barbecue facility, gaming room, and a shared terrace with a forest view. Guests love their movie nights (with free popcorn!), beer pong games, and margarita nights. The hostel is also just around a 5-minute walk from the Town Proper. 

Outpost Beach Hostel

Located in Corong-Corong's Sunset Beach, this beachfront social hostel is one of the most popular backpacker home bases in El Nido. They have dorm-type and private rooms with air-conditioning and fans, hot shower, and lockers.

It is the perfect hostel for those who love socializing with new friends from different parts of the world. Hang out by their beachfront bar and restaurant to watch the sunset or befriend other guests. 

Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach 

This beachfront accommodation in Nacpan Beach, about 30 minutes away from the Town Proper, is a popular hostel for laid-back night parties in their on-site restaurant and bar. They offer dorm-type rooms with fan and glamping tents. It’s part of the Mad Monkey Hostels group, a famous chain of party hostels in Southeast Asia. 

Mid-range Accommodations

Photo by El Nido Garden Resort

Are you willing to pay for a slightly higher priced rooms for more private and comfortable accommodation in El Nido? Check out these mid-range priced resorts that have full amenities and more than basic room features. These are top-rated by travelers because of the location and service. 

El Nido Garden Resort

This beachfront resort has rooms with air-conditioning, flat-screen cable TV, fridge, coffee and tea, and a private bathroom. Some of their rooms also have a patio that you can lounge in with the sea view of El Nido's main beach. They offer buffet breakfast for guests, a bar, and an outdoor swimming pool.  

The Nest El Nido 

This boutique resort in Calaan Beach has air-conditioned rooms with amenities like a flat-screen cable TV, kettle and minibar, and private bathroom. They serve continental breakfast at their restaurant with a view of the nearby Cadlao Island. They also have a yoga floor when you can do your morning practice with a stunning view of the islands and Bacuit Bay.  

Nacpan Beach Glamping

This palm-tree filled beachfront property in El Nido's Nacpan Beach. They offer unique rooms known as glamping, where huge tents are designed to look luxurious and fitted with the comforts of an air-conditioner and quality mattresses.

Photo by Nacpan Beach Glamping

Each is spacious enough to include lounge chairs and a table for dining. They also have safety boxes to keep your belongings secure.

Luxury Accommodations 

Do you want to live the royal life in El Nido and stay in the best island resorts? Check out these highly-rated accommodations. You’ll have the exclusivity and serene vibe of a private island without the crowds and get the best service from these resorts: 

El Nido Resorts 

Photo by El Nido Resorts

The most premier resorts on this side of Palawan are those that belong to the El Nido Resorts group of sustainable island resorts. In El Nido, you can choose from the resorts in Apulit Island, Miniloc Island, Lagen Island, and Pangulasian Island.

Guests are picked up from the Lio Airport in El Nido or from the El Nido Resorts Jetty Lounge and transferred by boat to the island where they're staying in.

See our popular El Nido Vacation Packages

5-day nature & islands adventure package to puerto princesa and el nido palawan, affordable 4-day el nido palawan package at den'gi inn with island hopping tour & daily breakfast, fun-filled 4-day el nido palawan package at charlie's el nido with island hopping & airfare.

The resorts offer rooms designed with indigenous Filipino materials but have modern features and amenities. You can choose from the rooms by the beach, in the gardens, or the villas perched on the water that features modern amenities. They also have their restaurants and bars and spas on each island. 

Cauayan Island Resort

This luxury resort located in Cauayan Island of El Nido’s Bacuit Bay is another top choice for those who want to splurge for the best amenities and services. You can choose from their villas located by the beach, gardens, pool, or those perched on the water.

Villas are designed like nipa huts but feature modern amenities like a flat-screen cable TV, minibar, indoor and outdoor shower facilities. They also have a restaurant and pool bar on the island where they serve local and international dishes.  

What to See and Do in El Nido          

Aside from beaches and islands, El Nido also has land tours and activities that are fun to explore as side trips. Read on to find out what tourist spots and activities await you in El Nido, Palawan:  

Go Island-Hopping 

El Nido is known for its stunning lagoons, white sand beaches, rocky islets, towering limestone cliffs, and glasslike waters teeming with marine life. The island has earned nothing but praises from visitors, and numerous accolades of being one the best island and beach destinations in the world.

The majority of El Nido's top attractions are located on the islands and islets within Bacuit Bay, which is why island-hopping is a popular recreational activity. It’s best to visit these attractions in advance before your arrival, especially if you're going during peak season.

• Cebu to Coron to El Nido tour
• Coron to El Nido tour
• El Nido to San Vicente tour
• El Nido-Cebu-Bohol tour package

Aside from the regular boat transfers, you can opt to try the El Nido yacht island hopping tou r where you tour the islands and beaches in style. 

Here’s an overview of the top attractions you can visit during  island-hopping tours in El Nido , Palawan:

A stunning site with emerald-colored waters surrounded by dark towering limestone cliffs. Boats are not allowed to go inside, but travelers can get off the boats and ride their kayaks to explore Big Lagoon. Book an El Nido Big Lagoon island hopping tour to explore this attraction. 

Small Lagoon

The smaller version of Blue Lagoon has calm blue-green waters that are perfect kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling. This lagoon in Miniloc Island is a sight to behold because you'll be swimming in the middle of a natural pool surrounded by towering cliffs. Join an El Nido Small Lagoon island hopping tour to visit this beautiful tourist spot. 

Secret Lagoon

Also known as Hidden Lagoon, this enchanting attraction in El Nido will require visitors to enter a small hole in one of the limestone cliffs to see the natural pool inside. 

Secret Beach

This is a small patch of white sand beach hidden inside limestone cliffs. To get to the beach, you need to swim through a hole first. It is believed to have been the inspiration of author Alex Garland for writing the novel The Beach, which starred Leonardo di Caprio in the film adaptation. You can visit this spot by joining an El Nido Secret Beach island hopping tour . 

• Love soaking up the sun on beaches? Check out our articles on the  Best Beaches in the Philippines
• Check out other destinations where you can try island hopping in the Philippines
• Read our article on Port Barton resorts

See our popular El Nido Snake Island Tours

Palawan el nido shared island hopping tour b with lunch & transfers | snake island, cudognon cave, hassle-free 5-day el nido palawan package at seda lio 5-star hotel with island hopping & snorkeling, 3d2n angel nido resort el nido package with daily breakfast.

Shimizu Island

Also spelled Simizu Island, this is usually a popular lunch stopover in El Nido. It’s a great spot not just for swimming, but for snorkeling as well because of its abundant marine life. Book an El Nido Shimizu Island tour if you want to visit this tourist spot. 

Seven Commandos Beach

This is a 320-meter long white sand beach where you can lounge by the sand or go swimming and snorkeling. 

Snake Island

It is named because of the S-shape of the white powdery sandbar that connects another island to the mainland of El Nido during low tide. Explore caves and beaches when you join an El Nido Snake Island tour . 

Pinagbuyutan Island

A picturesque island with a white sand beach, also known as Ellis Island, and is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. 

Matinloc Shrine

This is a spiritual oasis that houses the Shrine of Our Lady of Matinloc and provides a beautiful view of the jagged cliffs overlooking a crescent-shaped cove. 

Cudugnon Cave

This historical cave with high ceilings and majestic rock formations is where antique jewelry and pottery were discovered. Join an El Nido beaches and caves island hopping tour to explore these natural wonders. 

Cathedral Cave

It's called a cathedral cave because of its open chamber and high ceiling that make it look like a cathedral. Swimming isn't allowed here though because of venomous snakes in the area. 

Helicopter Island (Dilumacad Island)

This island is shaped like a helicopter from afar, thus the name. It's an excellent spot for snorkeling and swimming. 

See our popular Yacht and Boat Tours

Shared puerto princesa underground river tour in palawan with lunch & hotel transfers, bohol island hopping private tour to balicasag & virgin islands with dolphin watching & transfers, boracay sunset cruise with snorkeling gear, kayak, paddle board & mermaid tail.

Popolkan Island

One of the best snorkeling spots in El Nido because of its colorful school of different kinds.  

Tapiutan Island/Star Beach

One of the most stunning island and beach destinations in El Nido because of its crystal clear and azure waters. It is also a popular lunch stopover.

Pasandigan Beach

This top diving site in Cadlao Island is an excellent stop if you want to snorkel and see the abundant, vibrant corals.

Paradise Beach This uncrowded beach with a stretch of white sand has majestic cliffs as its background. It is an excellent spot for swimming or getting a tan. You can visit this spot when you join an El Nido Paradise Beach speedboat tour . 

Do a Land Tour 

Aside from the stunning islands and beaches, you can also tour El Nido’s land attractions. You can hail a tricycle or motorcycle, or drive a rented motorcycle to visit these spots if you're coming from a resort or hotel in the mainland.

Alternatively, you can also hire a private van tour for a more comfortable and convenient travel experience. Make sure to include these spots when doing a land tour of El Nido. 

Twin Beaches of Nacpan and Calitang - One of the most famous land tour spots in El Nido is the 4-km Nacpan Beach. It is adjacent to Calitang Beach; that's why they're called the Twin Beaches. Go here to swim, lounge by the beach, or hike up to the hill where you can see the view of the Twin Beaches.

Nagkalit-kalit Falls - "Nagkalit-kalit" translates to "nagsalit" (taking a moment). You will take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this majestic falls.

Las Cabanas Beach (Marimegmeg Beach) - This beach is an uncrowded tourist spot known for its beautiful sunsets and laid-back vibe. There are also restaurants and bars lined up by the beach, perfect for a relaxing drink or snacks while watching the sunset. 

South Miniloc - The most famous dive site in El Nido. This diving spot offers colorful, shallow-water coral gardens combined with a rare chance to see sea turtles, yellowtail barracuda, and smaller schools of chevron. 

North Rock - Located near the center of Bacuit Bay, its location makes it a great diving spot for pelagic sight. 

Dilumacad Island - A stunning site for experienced divers in Helicopter Island. It’s known for cave dive sites called the Dilumacad Tunnel. 

Entalula Island - It is known for two diving spots called Entalula Wall and Entalula Drift. You can see vibrant coral gardens, small inhabitants like the electric oyster, and schools of fish. 

Nat-Nat Beach - It is popular with macro photographers and critter hunters. Here you can find an exciting collection of corals and macro life. 

See our popular El Nido Diving Courses and Packages

Palawan el nido discover scuba diving for beginners with equipment, tank, weight belt & snacks, palawan el nido sunrise dive with equipment, tank & weight belt, palawan el nido fun dive for certified divers with equipment, tank, weight belt & snacks, see the view from taraw cliff .

If you’re not afraid of heights, a must-do in El Nido is to hike Taraw Cliff. You will climb its steep limestone rocks that oversee the entire town of El Nido. You’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the main beach and its surrounding islands. Climbing and hike Taraw Cliff requires a guide. 

If you want another way to see the view, you can try the Canopy Walk. Guests are provided with helmets, safety harnesses, and a guide during the trek. It is perfect for inexperienced hikers who don't want to climb the limestone rocks with their hands and feet only.  

What to Eat and Drink in El Nido             

After a day of island-hopping and touring, one of the best things to do here is to enjoy the El Nido restaurants and nightlife around town. El Nido has that small-town charm that is preserved by the locals, and travel businesses, so don't expect the night scene to be similar to Boracay.

Local Cuisine 

El Nido has a diverse food scene, with boutique restaurants serving international cuisine right next to humble hole-in-the-wall eateries. You can find any cuisine here to suit your mood.

Just walk along the side streets, and you can easily come across Japanese sushi, Mediterranean cuisine, artisanal gelato, and good-old Filipino grilled specialties. 

But one thing not to miss when in El Nido, Palawan is the bird's nest soup. It is a delicacy made from the bird's nest of the Balinsasayaw bird that it forms with its saliva. El Nido is named after this, as El Nido translates to "The Nest."

The nests are found in the crevices of the limestone cliffs found around El Nido. This simple soup is pricey, though because of its limited supply and the difficulty of harvesting it. 

Whether you're traveling alone or as a group, you will enjoy hanging out in the restaurants and bars in El Nido. These are mostly located in the Town Proper, with the best ones lined up or near the beach. Check out some of our recommended dining and drinking spots in El Nido:

El Nido Boutique & Art Cafe

Photo by El Nido Boutique & Art Cafe

One of the long-time homegrown places, best known for their view of Cadlao Mountain, the beach, and their delicious pizza and pasta dishes. It is one of the oldest and more established restaurants serving a variety of rice meals, tasty appetizers and, Italian fare.

It's also one of the leading establishments that serve craft beer from Palaweno Brewery, a local brewery based in the capital Puerto Princesa. 

Squidos Sports Bar

Craving for seafood in El Nido? Get a table at Squidos Sports Ba where they serve fresh seafood in big servings. Their house specialty is the stuffed squid. The mixed seafood platter is a must-try too! 

Trattoria Altrove

Dubbed to be the best pizza place in El Nido, this restaurant has already made a name for itself. More and more travelers are discovering this gem that serves brick oven pizza. Don’t miss their Pancetta Con Tartufo (truffle bacon pizza) and Gamberreti Aglio Olio paired with a chilled bottle of wine.

Another exciting addition in the local dining and beer scene is this Ukrainian nano-brewery established in El Nido in 2017. They serve Cadlao IPA, and Pale Ale brewed for the tropical climate along with Ukrainian beer chow like mussels and shrimp dumplings with pesto.

Practical Information and Tips 

Before you jet off to El Nido, take note of these helpful travel tips for a hassle-free adventure. Find out what the mode of payment is if credit cards are accepted, and what languages are spoken by the locals. 

Currency 

Make sure to bring enough cash in Philippine Peso (PHP). There's one ATM in the Town Proper, but there's no assurance that it will be online all the time during your trip. It's best to withdraw or exchange enough money while you're in bigger cities like Manila.

Some establishments like luxury hotels and high-end restaurants, accept credit cards, but again, it's better to bring enough cash. 

Language 

The locals of El Nido speak Filipino, Cuyonon, and other varieties of Visayan languages. The majority of locals, especially in tourist areas, can speak and understand basic English. 

El Nido is best enjoyed when you're not in a rush. Unless you're flying directly to El Nido, a day trip isn't possible. Most first-time visitors allot at least four days for El Nido considering the travel time from Puerto Princesa and back.

For a complete tour, we suggest staying for at least five days. You can also book a full day El Nido island-hopping tour with transfers to and from Puerto Princesa if you’re pressed for time, Here is a sample itinerary for your trip that you can take inspiration from for your El Nido adventure:

08:00 AM - ETA at Puerto Princesa Airport

08:30 AM - Van transfer to El Nido 

11:00 AM - Lunch stopover

1:30 PM -  ETA at El Nido terminal 

1: 45 PM - Tricycle to resort/hostel

2:00 PM - Check-in at resort/hotel; Settle in or rest

04:00 PM - Go to the tourism office and pay the environmental fee 

04:30 PM - Snacks in Town Proper

05:30 PM - Sunset at the beach 

06:30 PM - Dinner

08:00 PM - Drinks 

10:00 PM - Back to resort/hotel

6:00 AM - Wake up and prepare 

7:00 AM - Breakfast 

9:00 AM - Start of  El Nido Big Lagoon island-hopping tour

5:00 PM - End of the tour; go back to resort/hotel to wash and change

6:00 PM - Dinner 

8:00 PM - Drinks 

9:00 AM - Start of  El Nido Matinloc Island tour

Day 4: El Nido Canopy Walk + Land Tour 

9:00 AM - Start of Canopy Walk

10:30 AM - End of Canopy Walk tour; back to resort/hotel to freshen up

12:00 NN - Lunch

1:30 PM - Start of El Nido land tour 

6:30 PM - End of the land tour; Dinner

8:00 PM - Drinks

Day 5: Travel back to Puerto Princesa 

8:00 AM - Check-out of hotel 

8:30 AM - Van transfer to Puerto Princesa 

11:00 AM - Lunch stopover 

1:30 PM - ETA in Puerto Princesa 

Paradise Awaits You in El Nido! 

• Boracay to El Nido Philippine tour packages
• Boracay to Palawan Philippine tour packages
• Puerto Princesa to El Nido tour packages
• Cebu to El Nido Philippine tour packages

El Nido, Palawan is the perfect destination for everyone who is dreaming of an idyllic tropical island vacation with breathtaking views not just above water but also underwater.

Visit it for yourself and see first-hand the beauty of this destination with different  El Nido tours and activities to add in your itinerary. 

Popular articles

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around

20 Most Beautiful Sandbars in the Philippines: White Sand, Longest, Vanishing

11 Best Santorini-Like Resorts in the Philippines: Near Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Vigan

15 Best Tropical Bali-Like Resorts in the Philippines: Near Manila, Siargao, Cebu, Bohol

10 Best Treehouse Resorts in the Philippines for a Scenic Getaway at Mountains, Beaches & Rivers

Other interesting articles.

Top 10 Affordable Resorts in Bohol: Panglao Island, Beachfront, With Pool

Albay Bicol Travel Guide: Tourist Spots, Where to Stay, Delicacies, Itinerary

Philippines Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Download the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.

Top things to do in the Philippines

Discover all the adventures you can experience in the Philippines

Philippines Tour Packages

Boracay Island

Bohol Island

Cebu Island

Coron Palawan

El Nido Palawan

Siargao Island

Iloilo City and Nearby

Everything You Need to Know – Nacpan Beach, El Nido

By: Author Hannah Lukaszewicz

Posted on Last updated: 4 March, 2024

With miles of sandy coastline and picture-perfect tropical palm trees, Nacpan Beach is the ultimate destination for beach lovers. Although it’s one of the best things to do in El Nido , you’ll never feel like Nacpan Beach is overly crowded.

You can come here to relax in the sand or take on a few outdoor and beachside activities. We’ve put together everything you need to know when planning a trip to Nacpan Beach.

How to Get to Nacpan Beach

From El Nido, you have several options for reaching Nacpan. We have listed them all out, but we prefer the self-drive motorbike option because it gives you a lot of freedom, and there are some fun stops along the way.

Option 1 – The easiest option is to take the Nacpan Beach Shuttle Service. This door-to-door pickup service will take you directly from your hotel in El Nido to Nacpan Beach.

• Price: 350 PHP oneway / 600 Round Trip

Option 2: You can also hire a motorbike to get to Nacpan on your own. You can reach the beach in just under an hour from El Nido. Plus you can stop at the waterfalls on the way too.

• Motor Bike Rental Price: 350-500 per day

Option 3: Another option is to hire a tricycle, which is a three-wheeled bike that’s driven by a local. A round-trip ride is the most expensive option on this list, but it’s pretty cool to feel as if you have a private driver to navigate for you!

• Price: 800-1200 Round trip depending on your renegotiating skills and how long you planned on staying. We paid 1000 for a sunset trip where the driver waited for us on the beach for about 3-4 hours.

Option 4: Your final option is to visit Nacpan with a tour. Nacpan Beach is just one of the many stops on El Nido Tour E or inland tour. Although you’ll only be on the Beach for a short period, it’s still worth joining if you don’t want the hassle of planning your itinerary while in El Nido.

*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in El Nido check prices on Booking.com , we’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancellation policy.*

Recommended Hotel in El Nido – Cuna Hotel

What Tours Go to Nacpan Beach

Nacpan Beach is one of the most picturesque places to visit in El Nido. Many visitors consider it to be one of the top ten beaches in the Philippines! To make the most of your time there, consider one of the following tours.

DIY Motorbike Tour

The journey from El Nido to Nacpan Beach is almost as exciting as visiting the beach itself! For just a few dollars, you’ll be able to hire a motorbike for the entire day, which means you can explore the area at your leisure.

Before you reach the beach, you’ll drive through local villages, farms, and even be able to check out the stunning Nagkalit Kalit Waterfall.

Twin Beach Tours

If you’re looking to hit two birds (or in this case, beaches) with one stone, then consider joining a Twin Beach Tour. Not only does this tour include some time on Nacpan Beach, but it also stops by the neighboring Calitang Beach. It’s a short walk, but you’ll be rewarded with dramatic panoramic views of Nacpan Beach from afar.

Related Post: Visiting El Nido’s Snake Island

Things to Do on Nacpan Beach

Once you arrive in Nacpan, you’ll have several options for activities. We recommend going for the entire day, so you can make the most of everything this picturesque beach has to offer!

1. Sail & Snorkel Tour

Right from the beach, you can take a short one-hour tour on a sailboat for a nice boat ride and snorkel trip. It’s not as grand as the island hopping tours from El Nido, but for only 500 Pesos, it’s definitely worth doing.

2. Relaxing

As soon as you set foot on the sugar-soft sand at Nacpan Beach, you’ll want to simply chill and relax. Lined with swaying palm trees, this 2.5-mile-long beach is ideal for sunbathing, picnics, and splashing around in the water.

The entire beach feels secluded, and you won’t have to worry about mass groups of tourists or crowds interrupting your tranquil visit. If the sun gets too hot, you can always take a dip in the refreshing waters of the ocean.

Related Article: Best Restaurants in El Nido

3. Dining and Drinking

What’s a little bit of relaxation without an ice-cold beer? Thankfully, Nacpan Beach is lined with several shops and restaurants.

Whether you’re looking for freshly grilled seafood or mouthwatering sandwiches, you’ll find something delicious at one of these restaurants. Grab a drink and a bite to eat and sit down at the outdoor terrace to soak in the sun.

4. Nightlife

Nacpan Beach has some of the best nightlife outside of El Nido. Head to the Mad Monkey Hostel , which puts on entertaining events almost every night of the week. Test your knowledge in a pub quiz, play a round of beer pong, or join their weekly drinking and body painting party.

On Sundays, they even host a live DJ happy hour with unlimited drinks and games. If you’re looking for an epic night in paradise, the Mad Monkey Hostel has you covered.

Glamping on Nacpan Beach

Can’t get enough of Nacpan Beach? Then consider spending a few days glamping in one of their luxury tents. Enjoy the comforts of a five-star hotel with the unique experience of sleeping on the beach underneath the stars.

Nacpan Beach Glamping also offers a variety of activities to its guests, including complimentary sunset sailing, coconut leaf origami, and nightly campfire roasts.

Photos of Nacpan Beach

Siargao Island Philippines: Everything you NEED to know + Top 20

Everything you need to know before you go to Siargao Island. Here’s our guide to this little piece of paradise called Siargao!

Things to do in El Nido Palawan Philippines | 2024 Travel Guide

Updated Travel Guide to El Nido Palawan from real travelers that have done everything in El Nido from best day trips to restaurants

Everything You Need to Know About Coron Palawan – 2024 Guide

Looking for picturesque islands in the Palawan? Head to Coron. Guide: where to eat, things to do in Coron, where to stay in Coron, travel to

Don’t Forget to Pin Me for Later!

El Nido Palawan Island Hopping: Guide to the Best Tours

WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?

El Nido Palawan is a stunning island destination in the Philippines known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and limestone cliffs. One of the best ways to experience all that El Nido has to offer is by going island hopping. There are a variety of different island hopping tours available, each with its own unique itinerary.

Traveling to El Nido Palawan for the first time?  This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to navigate your way inside, save money, and maximize your time.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🌈 Shell (@shellwanders)

Get Started

How to get to palawan, ✓ entry point manila (naia).

By Airplane (Cebu Pacific, Airasia, or Philippine Airlines)

• Direct flights are available.
• Travel time is around 1 hr and 15 mins.

By Ferry (2-GO)

• It has 2 trips in a week . (Tuesday and Friday at 1:30 pm)
• Travel Time is about 30 hours.
• The Minimum Price is around PHP 1200  (SGD 30, $ 24, € 20)  – PHP 1800  (SGD 45, $ 36, € 30).

✓ ENTRY POINT CEBU (Mactan Cebu International Airport)

✓ entry point cagayan de oro (laguindingan airport).

• Flights are available with a stop-over in the Cebu area.
• Flight Duration is 2 Hours 30 Minutes.

Exact location:  Palawan, Philippines

MAP ON HOW TO GET TO PALAWAN

How to Get Around Palawan

By tricycle.

• Offers the cheapest way to travel around Palawan.
• Maximum of 4 passengers . 
• On average, you can expect to pay PHP 10.00   (SGD 0.25,$ 0.2, € 0.17)  per person.

By Motor Bike Rental

• Recommending you to use a mode of transport with a driver.
• Small car rental price starts at PHP 700  (SGD 17.5,$ 14, € 12) per day.

By Car Rental

• Small car rental price starts at PHP 2500   (SGD 62.5,$ 50, € 42) per day.

By Bus and Mini-Van

• Most fares cost around PHP 400   (SGD 62.5,$ 50, € 42) . Standard trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido.
• Travel time takes around 6 to 9 hours.

By Private Van

• Puerto Princesa to El-Nido costs around  PHP 600   (SGD 15,$ 12, € 10)
• It can accommodate up to 8-10 passengers .

By Ferries and Boats

• El Nido to Coron. Most fares cost around PHP 2000   (SGD 50,$ 40, € 34) . 

🏷️ 10% OFF  Private Mactan-Cebu Airport Transfers (CEB) for Cebu or Mactan

🏷️  5% OFF  4G WiFi (MNL Airport Pick Up/Delivery) for the Philippines

🏷️ 10% OFF  [SALE] Oslob Whale Shark Watching from Cebu City or Mactan Island

🏷️ 18% OFF  Private Cebu & Mactan Twin City Tour

Philippines 3G/4G internet data sim card & pocket WiFi rental

See more blogs & travel guides

🏷️ 13 Best Things to Do in Ormoc, Leyte

🏷️ Ultimate Cebu Bucket List (101 Things to Do in Cebu)

🏷️ 10 Things to Do in Tacloban City, Leyte

🏷️ 10 Things to Do in Palawan

🏷️ 12 Things to Do in Isabel, Leyte

🏷️ 36 Best Things to Do in Baguio

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What’s in el nido palawan .

El Nido is a municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines. It is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and limestone cliffs. El Nido is a popular tourist destination, and there are many things to see and do in the area.

Here are some of the top things to do in El Nido Palawan:

1. Island hopping: One of the best ways to see El Nido Palawan is by island hopping. There are four different island hopping tours available, each of which takes you to a different part of the archipelago.

• Big Lagoon: This lagoon is one of the most popular spots in El Nido Palawan. It is surrounded by limestone cliffs and has crystal-clear water. You can swim, snorkel, and kayak in the lagoon.
• Small Lagoon: This lagoon is smaller than Big Lagoon, but it is just as beautiful. It is located on the island of Miniloc and can only be accessed by boat.
• Secret Lagoon: This lagoon is the most hidden of the three. It is located on the island of Lagen and can only be accessed by swimming through a small cave.
• Shimizu Island: This island is home to a white sand beach and a mangrove forest. You can swim, snorkel, and relax on the beach.
• Snake Island: This island is named for its long, S-shaped sandbar. The sandbar is exposed at low tide, making it a great place to walk or swim.
• Cathedral Cave: This cave is located on the island of Cadlao. It is a large cave with stalactites and stalagmites. You can kayak through the cave or swim in the crystal-clear water.
• Hidden Beach: This beach is located on the island of Dilumacad. It is a small, secluded beach that is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

• Matinloc Island: This island is home to two lagoons, Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon. The lagoons are surrounded by limestone cliffs and have crystal-clear water. You can swim, snorkel, and kayak in the lagoons.
• Twin Lagoons: These lagoons are located on the island of Matinloc. They are smaller than Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, but they are just as beautiful. You can swim, snorkel, and kayak in the lagoons.
• Secret Beach: This beach is located on the island of Matinloc. It is a small, secluded beach that is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
• Cadlao Island: This island is the largest island in El Nido. It is home to a mangrove forest, a coral reef, and several beaches. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, and hike on the island.
• Pasandigan Beach: This beach is located on the island of Cadlao. It is a long, white sand beach with crystal-clear water. You can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the beach.
• Dilumacad Island: This island is home to a small beach and a mangrove forest. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, and hike on the island.

2. Swimming : El Nido has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The water is crystal-clear and the sand is white and soft. You can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the beaches.

3. Snorkeling and diving: El Nido is home to a diverse marine life. You can snorkel and dive to see coral reefs, fish, and other marine animals. The water is clear and the visibility is excellent. You can see a variety of fish, including clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. You can also see turtles, rays, and even sharks.

4. Hiking: There are several hiking trails in El Nido. You can hike to waterfalls, viewpoints, and other scenic spots. The hiking trails are well-maintained and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

5. Kayaking : Kayaking is a great way to explore the islands and lagoons of El Nido. You can paddle through the clear water and see the coral reefs and fish up close. You can also kayak to secluded beaches and coves that are not accessible by boat.

6. Relaxing: El Nido is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. You can spend your days swimming, sunbathing, and reading a book. You can also get massages, facials, and other spa treatments.

No matter which island hopping tour you choose, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. El Nido is a truly magical place, and island hopping is the best way to see it all.

Exact Location

El Nido Palawan

How to get to El Nido Palawan:

• There are several ways to get to El Nido, Palawan. The most common way is by plane. There are direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and Boracay to El Nido. The flight time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Another way to get to El Nido is by bus. There are buses that depart from Manila and Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The bus ride takes about 12 hours.
• Finally, you can also get to El Nido by boat. There are ferries that depart from Coron and Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The ferry ride takes about 4 hours.
• Once you arrive in El Nido, you can get around by tricycle, jeepney, or boat. Tricycles are the most common mode of transportation in El Nido. They are a good option for getting around town and to the beach. Jeepneys are a cheaper option, but they are also slower. Boats are a good option for getting to the more remote beaches and islands.

Estimated time to spend in the place El Nido Palawan ?

You will spend around 5 hours – 8 hours in this place.

Are food and drinks available in the area in El Nido Palawan?

There are many food places available near the area.

Read More: 101 Things to Do in Cebu

How much are the Entrance Fee and Other Noted Fees in El Nido Palawan?

Depends exactly on the tour you want to avail.

Are there souvenirs sold in El Nido Palawan?

Yes. Located at the rear of the bakeshop, there is a small souvenir store that offers a diverse range of affordable souvenir items including shirts, key holders, accessories, and other miscellaneous items. For tourists with limited time to purchase travel memorabilia, the store provides a convenient option to obtain their souvenirs.

Opening and Closing Time?

This historical landmark is perfect for students, history lovers, families, solo travelers, couples, or groups of friends who appreciate Philippine history’s richness.

• 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM

Parking Space?

Available and is FREE. You just need to park your car beside the road.

When is the best time to visit the place?

The best time to visit is in the morning or afternoon.

For more information, contact them at:

Contact No: TBA

Or Message them on FB Page

You may also want to see 13 Best Things to Do in Ormoc, Leyte .

TIPS, NOTES, AND REMINDERS

• Bring extra clothes so that in every corner, the outfit is different.
• Visit on weekdays to avoid the crowd.
• Bring water so that you can’t be dehydrated.
• Bring your own flashlight.
• Put in some mosquito repellant lotion
• Book your tour in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
• Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Bring a swimsuit, a towel, and a water bottle.
• Be prepared for the sun and the heat.
• Bring a camera to capture all of your memories.
• Relax and enjoy the beauty of El Nido.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without Shellwander’s notice. Should you know the updated information, please message me on  Facebook . 

WHAT’S NEARBY?

✓ San Juanico Bridge

✓ 13 Best Things to Do in Ormoc, Leyte

✓ Ultimate Guide to Road Trip in Tacloban

✓ Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum

✓ Ormoc Pineapple Plantation

✓ Douglas McArthur “I Shall Return”

✓ 10 Things to Do in Tacloban

✓ Lake Danao Ormoc

MAP TO HELP YOU LOCATE NEARBY ACTIVITIES

Have you ever been to the place I’ve listed above? Go and try them yourself!

Always remember to “ Develop your One Days to Day Ones! “

Shelley Mae

Baker’s Hill Palawan: Experience a Taste of Wonderland

Top 10 must-try products and delicacies in palawan.

Related posts

Zipang Japanese Restaurant in Ormoc City: Stunning Views and Fresh Flavors

The All-New Mitsubishi Triton: My Keyless Love Affair with Adventure

Where To Eat In Baguio: 21 Best Restaurants

Questions shoot cancel reply, shellwanders.com uses cookies to improve your experience in browsing., privacy overview.

A Perfect 3 Days El Nido Itinerary

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on November 18, 2023

Categories Asia , Philippines , Travel Advice

El Nido is the most popular place to visit in the Philippines. Most of the travelers visit El Nido after landing in Manila or Cebu. 

e have been in El Nido a few times all of them over a week. Since we get many questions how long should I stay in El Nido, which island hopping shouldn’t miss. Apart from island hopping what to do around El Nido. 

We recommend staying in El Nido minimum 3 days El Nido itinerary. It means 2 full days so you can do to island hopping. Yes island hopping is a must in El Nido since the main beach isn’t so beautiful. You have to go on a boat to explore the islands.

But if you have the chance to stay longer we will tell you the itinerary for a week. After El Nido or before most of the travelers visit Coron which is also totally worth it to visit. Where to stay in El Nido since there are a few areas depending on what you are looking for.

Read here how to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido and 10 Days Palawan Itinerary  

Table of Contents

WHERE TO STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES

You can get accommodation starting from 800-1000 PHP (less than $20 USD) for a room in a guesthouse. Can you imagine if you are two of you traveling in the Philippines, it will be $10 USD each.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION WITH  BOOKING  AND  AGODA !

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

You can read  Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance . You can get for  $135 USD  your  Heymondo   Travel Insurance  with Heymondo discount code  valid for 90 days. Read our full  Heymondo Travel Insurance Review

You can get  Safetywing Travel Insurance  for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days  Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included

How to get to El Nido

There are a few options to get to El Nido. The fastest and more comfortable is by plane from Manila. There aren’t many flights and it’s little bit expensive. You can also get to El Nido by boat from Coron.

There are two boats slow boat 7-8 hours and fast boat around 4 hours. Obviously is cheaper the slow boat.   Click this link to make sure you book in advance ! We totally recommend the fast boat to go to El Nido from Coron.

The most popular way to get to El Nido because is the most affordable is going to Puerto Princesa from Manila or Cebu since there are flights for $30 USD one way. Once you are in Puerto Princesa to get to El Nido you have to get a bus 5-6 hours or a van 4-5 hours if you go direct to El Nido.

There is a daily slow boat from El Nido to Coron in the morning. The ferry leaves around 7 30-8 30 am. It will have around 80-100 passengers so make sure you go there on time to the port. You can’t book online the ticket.

ATM’S AND CASH IN EL NIDO

El Nido is far from the capital city which is Puerto Princesa. There are a few ATM’s in El Nido and places where you can exchange your money. We highly recommend for you to bring cash just in case ATMs are not working or not nearby.

You can also pay for your accommodation in advance through online. The current exchange rate is  $1 USD = 51 PHP .  Click here to know the exact exchange rate . 

WIFI AND INTERNET CONNECTION IN EL NIDO

If you are going to visit El Nido soon, we are warning you that internet might be difficult to get. WIFI is not that common and you are lucky if your hotel or inn has WIFI connection.

Nowdays is working better internet connection in El Nido especially in the town. For us the fastest connection that we found in El Nido was at  Sea Cocoon Hotel  where we could connect and catch up with work. The worst reception was around the accommodation in front of Cadlao Lagoon were internet was so intermittent.

Read here Philippines sim card for tourist and best Philippines eSim

ENVIRONMENTAL FEE IN EL NIDO

There is an environmental fee in El Nido 200 PHP or 4 USD  that you need to pay for the island hopping. The permit will last for  10 days  meaning you should pay only once and you can do all the tours and activities you planned to do in El Nido during those days.

Nowdays there is an extra payment if you want to visit  Tour A  with the  Big Lagoon  and  Tour D  with the  Small Lagoon . You can’t visit both of them in the same day as before. And the entrance fee is  200 PHP each of them valid for a day apart from your environmental fee.

DAILY TRAVEL BUDGET IN EL NIDO

For your daily travel budget in El Nido will be more expensive than other destinations in the Philippines . For transportation, distances aren’t big but a tricycle will charge you a flat rate of 100 PHP .

For food prices are affordable and you can get a meal in local restaurants (carinderias) starting for  80-100 PHP  and  200-300 PHP  in Western restaurants.

Prices for joining an island hopping will be between  1200-1500 PHP  per person lunch included depending on the tour that you are joining Tour A, B, C or D. If you decide to do a private tour prices per boat will be starting around 8000 PHP for 2 people and adding 1000 PHP per extra person included lunch.

Click here to get your discount booking online tour A !

Click here to get your discount booking online tour C !

Accommodation prices will be expensive for the quality. The cheapest prices per room start at 1000 PHP (cheaper than 1000 PHP you can find a dorm)  and don’t expect so much for this. Getting good places to stay in El Nido  2000-4000 PHP for a room with breakfast included. We will write where to stay in El Nido below since a few choices are depending on your budget and comfort.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK THE ACCOMMODATION BEFORE YOUR TRIP WITH AGODA AND  BOOKING.COM!!!

3 Days El Nido Itinerary

Day 1 el nido itinerary.

As you will get to El Nido and you will not be able to do any tour A, B, C or D since they start at 9 am. Whether you are coming from Coron, Port Barton or Puerto Princesa you need to make sure you are at that time. Otherwise we will suggest another plan for your first-day El Nido itinerary.

You can rent a motorbike 500-700 PHP for a day or a tricycle 800-1200 PHP to go around El Nido. You can visit Nacpan Beach and Duli Beach and it will take you 40 minutes to one hour to get there. Be careful and make sure you have skills if it’s rainy season since the road before getting to Nacpan Beach is in really bad conditions. Duli Beach is little bit farther than Nacpan Beach and it’s not so beautiful but less crowded. Both beaches are quiet compared with El Nido town.

Before getting to Nacpan Beach is Lio Beach which is also beautiful and its perfect to stop for lunch. Going there from El Nido will take 10-15 minutes by tricycle and it will cost 200 PHP . There is also a free shuttle from The White House in El Nido town almost every hour.

For sunset make sure you go on time to Corong Corong Beach 5 minutes ride from El Nido or Las Cabañas. It’s only 10 minutes ride from El Nido. The sunsets are amazing! You can enjoy them while having a drink or a fresh coconut since there are a few bars. You can also rent a kayak and going around if you prefer. You can also do zip line in Las Cabañas Rachel did and she loved it!

Day 2 El Nido Itinerary

As you will stay in El Nido you are perfectly on time to do your first island hopping in El Nido. You can start with Tour A. All the tours leave around 9 am in El Nido unless you decide to get a private tour that they will leave when you agree with them.

If you will ask the locals and the tours’ staff what the most popular tours are, they will most likely say it’s Tour A and C.  Tour A costs 1200 PHP or 24 USD +200 PHP entrance fee to visit Big Lagoon.  We definitely recommend this tour to someone who will only do one out of four El Nido tours. 

We enjoyed the lagoons so much, especially the Big Lagoon which was so beautiful and picturesque. In the Small Lagoon, you may  rent a kayak for around 300 PHP or 6 USD.  Of course, you should also go swimming in each of the island you’ll go to in this tour. It was worth it!

Tour A  includes the following destinations:

– Big Lagoon  is usually the first stop and you will spend more than an hour. The best option is renting a kayak.

– Secret Lagoon is too crowded and they usually stop for short time.

– Shimizu Island  you will get your lunch here and its a nice spot for snorkeling while they are preparing.

– 7 Commando Beach is better if you visit as the last stop since is quieter at that time.

After the tour you will be on time to go to the sunset at Corong Corong Beach or Las Cabañas. They are amazing and it’s great if you visit them everyday. For dinner there are few places in El Nido town and bars if you want to have a drink after your island hopping.

Day 3 El Nido Itinerary

For the third day and especially if it’s your last one we recommend you to do Tour C since is one of the most popular. The same thing that tour A if you are joining a group the tour will leave around 9 am from the main beach in El Nido town.

Tour C , one of the crowd favorites,  costs 1400 PHP or 28 USD.  We also loved this! On one of our trips in El Nido, we shared the boat with a group of Mexicans and they were so fun to be with. We had a lively trip with beers, rum, and music. Rachel and I really liked Star Beach and Secret Beach. We did snorkeling which was really fun to do in the clear and blue waters of El Nido.

Tour C includes the following destinations:

– Helicopter Island  is the first stop in the tour and the spot is popular for snorkeling.

– Matinloc Shrine  there is a payment if you want to visit the view to the top. If you dont want to pay and visit around the island you can do snorkeling around. Both of the choices are good.

– Secret Beach  is also beautiful and it’s far the spot. Sometimes is wavy and you can’t access to the beach. It happened to us last time. So we had more time for snorkeling around Mantiloc Shrine.

– Hidden Beach  is one of our favorite spots. Especially if you around lunch time its not so crowded.

– Star Beach with blue and clear water is quiet and its the lunch stop. You can do snorkeling around and taking pictures while your guides prepare lunch.

After the tour you can go for the sunset for a drink. Or just rest in your accommodation checking the pictures that you took during the day.

For us this is the most beautiful parts in El Nido if you are in a hurry and you don’t have more time to explore but we will keep writing more days of the itinerary that you perfect can adapt to your 3 Days itinerary in El Nido.

Day 4 Itinerary

This tour costs  1300 PHP or 26 USD. It was my favorite of all the tours! I admired Pinagbuyutan Island the most although it’s hard to choose my favorite haha! You will not regret choosing this tour as well.

Tour B includes the following destinations:

– Snake island is a beautiful sand bar that you can cross walking. The views are great. But we have to say in our last visit last June 2019 the island was dirty and looks like nobody takes care. Before it looked with the bar selling drinks during the day. The views are insane and is so beautiful.

– Pinagbuyutan Island  one of our favorite spots in El Nido since most of the times is empty or just a few people. Perfect for pictures, flying the drone and snorkeling.

– Entalula Beach your lunch stop will be here. And you can swim and snorkeling while they prepare.

– Cudugnon Cave is a hidden cave too crowded. But you can also enjoy in the beach near by just a couple of minutes swimming. The visit is fast.

– Cathedral Cave  isn’t allowed to go down of the boat anymore. And you will see the Cave from the boat. You can take pictures and the water is so clear.

– Snorkeling Site  a nice snorkeling spot where you can see fishes and corals in very clear water.

Day 5 El Nido Itinerary

Now things changed and the include the  Small Lagoon for 200 PHP in the Tour D and you have to book in advance. Although this tour is the most unpopular island-hopping tour in El Nido, we enjoyed it! 

We must say that Tour D is an underrated tour because people most likely want to hop on islands farthest from the mainland. Well, Tour D hops on lagoons and beaches closest to El Nido Mainland and Cadlao. It is quite an advantage if you take Tour D as the spots you’ll hop on are not crowded with tourists.

Tour D includes the following destinations:

– Small Lagoon  with the new changes in El Nido they moved small Lagoon to Tour D and there are limited spots like Tour A. You can rent a kayak or just swim around.

– Cadlao Lagoon  now the boats stay outside and you can rent a kayak or go swimming around. Before it was so peaceful. The spot is close to mainland in El Nido.

– Pasandigan Beach  a perfect spot for snorkeling and walking around. All the beaches in the tour are similar and relaxed.

– NatNat Beach  full of coconuts that’s why the name like this.

– Bucal Beach the closest beach from El Nido town. Some people reach to this beach and other beaches in the Tour D by kayak if you are fit you can do it.

– Paradise Beach your lunch stop usually is here. You can swim and take pictures around.

More things to do in El Nido Apart from Island Hopping

There are interesting tours to do in El Nido like the Filipino experience, cooking classes, rent a kayak, resting and relaxing.

We loved the activities on  the Philippine Experience . We had a fun Filipino Culture Day in a small village near the beach. We enjoyed a nice walk and we also learned about banana herbs, coconut trees, leaves and many more interesting more things.

We went fishing too but we weren´t lucky. We didn´t catch anything, ha! We also cooked one of the most popular Filipino dishes, Adobo. It was delicious!

After cooking and eating, we had more activities like climbing a coconut tree to dancing typical Filipino dances and playing Filipino games. Everything was well-organized and we really had so much fun!

It’s a perfect tour to learn about the Filipino culture. We did ourselves and we had amazing time. If you want to book the tour send them and message on  Facebook . Prices are around  1800 PHP . And for more information read their website  The Philippine Experience !

Filipino Cooking Classes

We know that Filipino food isn’t so popular as Thai food. But it’s really interesting to attend a cooking class. You can learn how to make adobo as Rachel in the picture above. There are a few places in El Nido offering this activity and it costs around  1200-1500 PHP . You will enjoy a tasty meal. Read here  57 Filipino dishes to try !

You can rent a kayak in El Nido and spend your day going around the beaches. It’s an interesting activity, you can find kayaks for  500 PHP  per day or  150 PHP  per hour in the town. In the island hopping renting a kayak will cost  250 PHP  per hour. It’s a popular activity to do in Cadlao Lagoon and Big Lagoon.

Party Boat in El Nido

In our last day in El Nido, we had a boat party! Imagine we were partying while island hopping! Our itinerary was a mix of beautiful and quiet places in El Nido. Most of the places were empty. Free beers and cocktails and music to spend an amazing day island hopping.

More Days in El Nido Itinerary

Expedition tours el nido to coron.

You can join to expedition tours around El Nido there are companies like Nativ Exploration and Buhay Isla that provides tour in El Nido sleeping in local islands for 3-4 days. They also provide expedition tours El Nido to Coron where you visit places with no people and staying in huts overnight with no electricity.

The experience is great and you have the opportunity of seeing local life, beautiful snorkeling spots and empty islands all for yourself with amazing local food!

Where to Stay in El Nido

There are a few areas to stay in El Nido. I recommend you to book at least a few days in advance since it can be crowded.

El Nido Town

First of all El Nido town is the most convenient since you are close to everything. If you need internet the connection will be better and there are bars and restaurants around. Our choice was Sea Cocoon and we have been there twice. But there are places more on a budget. Check out their place !

Click here to book places to stay in El Nido town !

Corong Corong Beach and Las Cabañas

If you like quiet and calm the area of Corong Corong Beach and Las Cabañas are perfect for this. It’s only busier at sunset time. You can rent a kayak and going around. From here you are only 5-10 minutes tricycle ride from El Nido.

Click here to check prices of places to stay in Las Cabañas !

Lio Beach And Nacpan Beach

You can stay at Lio Beach 20 minutes drive from El Nido and Nacpan Beach that they are outside El Nido town. In Nacpan there are a few places to stay on a budget. The distance from here to El Nido town is around 40 minutes driving.

Click here to find accommodation around Nacpan Beach !

In front of Cadlao

The other area is in front of Cadlao. It’s only 10-15 minutes walking to the town but you have to cross the beach. There are tricycles offering a free ride but not so efficient the service. And internet connection works really bad and if it’s rainy will be dirty to walk around. But the area is quiet and if you stay in Cadlao Resort the views are insane. Click here to check their places and availability !

Feel free to use our links for discounts. Using our links will help us to continue with the maintenance of the website and it will not cost you anything. Thanks for the love guys

Happy Travels!

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

3 Days Puerto Princesa itinerary - Gamintraveler

Sunday 7th of August 2022

[…] Read here 10 Days Palawan Itinerary and El Nido itinerary! […]

Off The Beaten Path in El Nido - Gamintraveler

Thursday 4th of August 2022

[…] Read here where to sleep in El Nido and 3 Days El Nido Itinerary! […]

How to get from San Vicente Palawan to El Nido - Gamintraveler

Sunday 15th of May 2022

[…] Read here 10 Days Palawan Itinerary and 3 Days El Nido Itinerary! […]

11 Cool Things To Do in San Vicente Palawan (Travel Guide) - Gamintraveler

Monday 2nd of May 2022

[…] Read here El Nido tourist spots, Port Barton Travel Guide and 3 Days El Nido Itinerary! […]

Palawan Beaches: Top 15 Best Beaches in Palawan - Gamintraveler

[…] here El Nido itinerary and Coron […]

• Google_plus

TRAVEL AND ADVENTURES BLOG

El Nido Day Trip: By Motorbike

January 27, 2019 January 29, 2019

El Nido day trip is definitely a must for everyone visiting the beautiful northern part of Palawan. We all know that El Nido is home to some of the world’s most beautiful lagoons, white-sand beaches and breathtaking corals but it has so much more to offer!

E l Nido day trip can be done either on your own or by hiring a transport service. A day is enough to see most places outside of town.

Prior to our trip, we couldn’t find any recent post or reviews about getting around the island by motorbike. That’s why I decided to write a separate post and the only focus of this blog.

Also Read: El Nido Palawan: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

El Nido Day Trip: Why With a Motorbike?

We’ve been traveling around Asia for a year now and we always look for opportunities to explore different places on our own… and by motorbike for so many reasons!

If you know how to drive or don’t know how to but love the feeling of riding a motorbike then you’ll agree that it’s always the best idea. Some people find it risky, but hey, it’s part of the fun! We just prefer to explore on our own rather than joining tours. It allows us to choose what we wanted to see and how much time we want to spend seeing it. It’s also cheaper and usually faster compared to renting a car.

Note: Inland El Nido tours are also available either with a van or tricycle. You can organize with your hotel or through the numerous tour agencies downtown.

Also Read: El Nido Palawan:Your Ultimate Travel Guide

El Nido Day Trip: Motorbike Rental

You can find plenty of scooter and motorbike rental places almost everywhere in downtown El Nido. They’re also available along Corong-corong town.

We arrived in El Nido when Vlad, my fiance, realized that we’ve already passed by our hotel which was 2 kilometers away. He woke me up while I was having a nice nap, we got off the van and suddenly felt the strong heat of the sun; I wasn’t ready for it! I started getting grumpy and giving him the look: I’m not carrying my luggage and walking in the hot sun trying to figure out how to get to our hotel. Google maps wasn’t cooperating either (blame it to the poor internet connection in El Nido!).

A couple of tricycle drivers have passed and asked where we’re headed and offered us a ride to our hotel for P200. We refused thinking that it’s too expensive. Then we realized that maybe renting motorbike is a lot more convenient. El Nido is really hot so you just can’t comfortably walk in the streets during the day.

We found a rental place at the building by Caltex gas station in front of Corong-Corong market. There are a couple of other rental places there, so you don’t have to necessarily go to  El Nido town. We agreed at the price of P500 which the other guy on the street offered us for P700! Just try to haggle or keep looking at different rental places until you find a good deal.

Well, it’s a bigger and newer scooter (Yamaha 155) so it wasn’t that bad for the price. He allowed us to bring the scooter to El Nido airport too but its not recommended if you have heavy luggages.

If you want to rent the same scooter from the same guy, you can contact him at 0917-728-8804. He was really nice and easy to deal with.

Note: Prices in renting a motorbike in El Nido is between P500-P700 depending on the type of bike. But semi-automatic ones which are good for dirt roads are usually more expensive.

El Nido Day Trip: Places to Visit

Now it’s time to explore the beautiful El Nido. You’ll know when you’re outside of town when you’re no longer driving through the busy, crowded streets. You will be welcomed by the lush greenery of rice paddies, palm trees and beautiful views of the ocean. Here are the top places I recommend squeezing in your El Nido day trip:

Nacpan Beach

Not just a famous beach in El Nido but also known as one of the best beaches in the world! It took us 40-50 minutes driving through the nice scenery to find the sign going to the beach. From the main road, we drove through the wooden bridge and uneven dirt road before we got there.

By the entrance gate, we were asked to register our names and received flyers from different restaurants. We then drove all the way to the parking lot close to the beach.

It’s a perfect place to enjoy lunch, snacks or drinks at the beach. Though not fully developed, you’ll have some nice and decent places to choose from.

Read More: Best Beaches in El Nido

Going back to the main road, we continued driving north following the signs (don’t trust google maps on this one). Then, we found our way to the secluded Duli Beach.

It’s a famous spot for surfers to hangout too. There’s not a lot of restaurants here but if you want a more peaceful place to relax, then this is for you.

Note: They charge P50/person entrance fee.

Marimegmeg Beach

We didn’t want to drive through the dirt road at night so we headed back to town before 5pm. But where to spend the rest of the afternoon? Marimegmeg Beach it is!

We actually spent an extra day here to just relax cuz we didn’t feel like doing anything and it’s absolutely worth it. El Nido sunsets are definitely the best!

Read More: Best Beaches in El Nido

El Nido Day Trip: Other Places to Visit

If you have a few more extra days in El Nido, you can visit these other places too:

Las Cabanas Beach

Used to be a part of Marimegmeg Beach but locals started changing its name after Las Cabanas Beach Resort. Just keep walking along the beach and you’ll have another perfect place to relax and watch the sunset.

Mangrove Ecopark

Enjoy the walk along the mangrove forest that spans about 500 meters. Just follow the Taytay-El Nido National Highway after Marimegmeg Beach.

Taraw Cliff

If you like adventures and hiking with the view of the bay from the peak, then this is perfect for you! The best way to do it is by taking the original trail which is a lot more challenging and dangerous but it will bring you all the way to the top. The alternative option is to take the canopy walk for P400 including free helmet, harness and a guide for a small group which is short and safer.

Note: When doing the original route, make sure to book a guide who will assist you during the hike. You can book it in downtown the day prior. Rocks are sharp making the climb hard and dangerous.

Also Read: Best Beaches in El Nido

Blogging about inspiring travel destinations while sharing best travel tips that worked well for me and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Let’s explore this beautiful planet!

You may also like

Angkor Wat Tour: 2-Day Itinerary

October 27, 2018

Angkor Temples: Top 5 Must-See

Angkor Wat Travel Guide: Top 10 Things to Prepare

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *