El Nido is a province located at the northern tip of Palawan and is a popular starting base for exploring the extraordinary Bacuit Archipelago. The area is surrounded by overhanging limestone cliffs similar to Halong Bay in Vietnam. El Nido is Spanish for “the nest” and got it’s name after swiftlets building edible nests in caves and crevices in the limestone. This paradise is home to 50 shades of turquoise water, white sand beaches, coral reefs rich with marine life, enchanting lagoons, and many more! El NIdo is consistently recognized as having the world’s best beaches and islands by various travel & lifestyle magazines. Come see this dream destination with your own eyes and start planning your trip now!
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
PHILIPPINES BASIC INFORMATION
Visit my Philippines Travel Guide page to get basic information covering things like visa, money exchange, electrical socket types, transportation options, and more.
ATM
There is an ATM machine located at the municipal hall. ATM machines in remote areas often run out of cash or is out of service. I highly recommend bringing enough cash before you get into El Nido.
WIFI
Wifi and mobile data are very poor in this area. It’s best to just put the laptops and phones away and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. You’re in El Nido!
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Did you remember to consider insurance? Travel insurance is not required but highly encouraged when traveling to El Nido. The island is home to many physical activities including snorkeling & diving around marine life, cave exploring, island hopping by boat, and motorbike riding. On top of that, different climate conditions, insect bites, or trying new types of food can cause one to get seriously ill. Unforeseen accidents do happen and expenses can really add up. The most popular for all types of travelers is World Nomads. Their policies are created specifically with travelers in mind. It doesn’t hurt to Get a Free Quote and decide from there.
HOW TO GET TO EL NIDO
LIO AIRPORT (EL NIDO AIRPORT)
Lio Airport or El Nido Airport is the main airport serving El Nido. It is owned and operated by AirSWIFT with daily flights from/to cities including Clark, Coron, Caticlan, Cebu, Manila, and Puerto Princesa. This is the most expensive but convenient and comfortable way to get to El Nido
PUERTO PRINCESA AIRPORT & SAN JOSE BUS TERMINAL
Buses and vans are available from Puerto Princesa City at the Puerto Princesa Airport or San Jose Bus Terminal. The ride is about 5 hours by van and 9 hours by bus with stopovers. Services run early morning to night with prices ranging from P600 – P700 by van and P385 – P480 by bus. Please be aware that some van companies may not start the trip until the vehicle is full. I’ve heard of people waiting up to two hours which can cause frustrations. Booking a private van is also a great option if you are traveling in large groups or are not on a budget.
Link to Cherry Bus
Link to Eullen Joy Van
Link to Lexxus Shuttle
CORON TO EL NIDO BY BOAT
Boats ranging from cargo ships to fast ferries are available if you’re traveling from Coron. Services run daily early morning or noon and takes about 3 – 8 hours depending on company. Prices range from P1000 – P2200 per person.
- Fast Ferry: Montenegro Lines, Phimal
- Slow Ferry: Bunso, MCBA Jessabel
- Cargo Ship: MV May Lillies by Atienza
Once you arrive in El Nido you can get to your accommodation by tricycle or van.
WHERE TO STAY IN EL NIDO
Travelers visiting El Nido will be welcomed with a wide range of areas to choose from. Buena Suerte is the town proper offering many bars and restaurants. The beach here is where all the boats dock for island hopping tours causing it to dirty and polluted. I would only recommend staying here if you want to be close to a wide selection of restaurants and the convenience of walking to your island hopping tour the next morning. Staying around Caalan area is a better option as it is lot nicer with a 20 minute walk into town. If you don’t mind being slightly further from town then my top recommendation is settling around Las Cabanas, Marimegmeg, and Dolarog beach region. Getting into town takes 8 minutes by tricycle and many visitors hang out here for the most spectacular sunset view around town. The beaches are beautiful and you are looking out into Bacuit Bay. Corong-Corong is also another great alternative to town proper.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS
1. The Birdhouse – A boutique glamping hotel situated literally in the hills at Maremegmeg Beach. Glamping is a style of camping where nature is mixed with luxurious modern amenities. This place arguably offers the best views from a hotel around El Nido. You wake up every morning to a dreamy view of Bacuit Bay while being high in hills and surrounded by nature. I must warn you though. It is a challenging place to get to as you’ll have to walk 10 minutes across the beach and climb stairs everyday to get to your place. You’re also staying in a tent with no A/C so it can get quite hot depending on season. If you can overcome this then you’ll be welcomed by the most genuine people in an artistic and eco-cautious home. Be sure to come here with an open mind and accept that not everything will happen perfectly as this place is one with nature. I stayed here with my own money and was not paid to advertise this place. Book Here!
2. Las Cabanas Beach Resort – I had lunch at this resort located at the corner of Las Cabanas beach. It’s far enough to be a nice getaway from the busier areas of the beach and the views are gorgeous. Book Here!
BEST THINGS TO DO IN EL NIDO
ISLAND HOPPING
Tours A and C are the most poplar which also translates to the most crowded. Nonetheless, if you’re only wanting to do one tour then I would suggest booking Tour A & C combined package. This tour will take you to Small and Big Lagoons of Miniloc Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Island, Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, and Star Beach.
Check out how crystal clear the waters were. You can easily see right to the ocean floor!
Floating through the Bacuit Bay was a mystical experience. The waters looked as if someone had just poured blue paint into a bottle of Aquafina. Giant limestone cliffs flourishing with life consistently left me in awe.
We had lunch at the abandoned Matinloc Shrine. There are various stories about how the shrine came about. My favorite is a missionary had a vision where Virgin Mary instructed her to search for a heart shaped island and to build a shrine there. You can climb to the peak of the jagged limestone cliff where you can admire the beauties of the surrounding landscape. Some claim they’ve seen ghosts but all I saw were thousands of mosquitoes. Don’t forget the insect repellent!
We explored “secret” and “hidden” beaches which were only accessible by swimming through holes on the side of limestone cliffs. Lagoons were filled with kayakers figuring out what paddles are for and snorkelers trying to find Nemo in the coral reefs.
No boat trip is complete without an obligatory titanic pose.
See if you can balance on the katigs (outriggers). The sailors make it look easy!
Don’t be shy and make friends on the boat! If Tom Hanks can make friends with a Wilson volleyball stranded on an island then you shouldn’t have any trouble while stranded on a boat together.
You should always double check but most companies will provide snorkeling gear, water shoes, and an assorted lunch consisting of grilled chicken, pork, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Be sure to also inquire and negotiate for kayaks for the lagoons. We were surprised to find they were additional costs during our trip.
Below are the standard rates set by the local government but you can still negotiate if you have great haggling skills. You’ll also have to pay a single payment of P200/per for “Eco-Tourism Development Fee.” This gives you access to all public tourist sites in El Nido and is valid for 10 days. Always remember to have the receipt handy during you journeys. Please note this tax does not go towards your booking office or tour guide. It will be transferred to the municipality. You can book tours through your hotel, travel agencies, or in advance through Klook links below which includes a discount. Tours start early morning at 8am so you may consider bringing snacks to hold your hunger down until lunch.
Tour A (P1200/per): Small and Big Lagoons of Miniloc Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Island
Tour B (P1300/per): Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Entalula Beach, Pinagbuyutan Island, Snake Island
Tour C (P1400/per): Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Star Beach
Tour D (P1200/per): Bukal Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, Ipil Beach, Natnat Beach, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Beach
Tip: Consider picking up a Waterproof Dry Bag before you begin your adventures. I was extremely jealous when everyone else had one during our island hopping tour while I had a regular backpack. Not only will it keep your belongings dry but it also allows you to take your electronics like cameras, phones, and drones safely off the boat. A lot of times you’ll have to swim to beaches and even through small holes to reach secret spots. You can find stalls around town selling these if you decide to pick one up last minute but I can’t guarantee the quality and price.
NACPAN BEACH
Nacpan Beach is claimed to be the most beautiful beach in El Nido. The beach stretches 4km and connects with Catilang beach on the southwestern tip forming the twin beaches. The best way to get here is by a scenic 45 minutes motorbike ride. You can also hire a tricycle for about P1000 or by booking Inland Tour E. I don’t recommend the tour because then you’ll be on a schedule and that will ruin the relaxing beach experience.
The golden sand beach was pretty bare with not much development, which is perfect! It was not crowded at all with a few small shops serving fresh seafood and drinks. Hike to the top of the hill near Catilang Beach to see the two beaches come together to form the twin beaches.
LAS CABANAS BEACH
Many people flock over to Las Cabanas Beach/ Maremegmeg Beach to watch the best sunset around town. It has a laid-back ambiance where you can swim, sunbathe, and mingle with other locals and foreigners.
The beach is lined with several bars and restaurants and is the perfect place to chill out after a long day of island hopping. Relax in one of the many deck chairs and have a Red Horse or San Mig Light beer while soaking in the views of the islands across the bay.
Do some yoga poses in the water as if nobody is watching.
You can zip-line across the water to a small island and walk back over for about P500.
Bonus: My white DJI Mavic Air went berserk and flew into the ocean somewhere in front of Maremegmeg beach bar. Go out for a treasure hunt during low tide to see if you can find it!
OTHER THINGS YOU SHOULDN'T MISS
- Lio Beach
- Kayak around mainland. You can even kayak to nearby islands if you’re a strong kayaker. Consider renting a clear Kayak for an enhanced experience.
- Climb Taraw Cliff for the most breathtaking view of El Nido.
- Nagkalit-Kalit Falls itself wasn’t all that impressive but the 35 minutes trek through the lush vegetation and river crossings was quite nice.
WHERE TO EAT IN EL NIDO
THE NESTING TABLE
The Nesting Table was conveniently located in our hotel at The Birdhouse. They offer Filipino, international, and vegetarian options.
It requires a walk across Las Cabanas beach and then up 100+ stairs but the main reason to dine here is for the restaurant’s unbeatable views!
GHANDI'S REVENGE
Who knew I would experience one of the best tikka masala with naan in the Philippines? The owner, Zak, had spent some time in India and decided to open this gem in El Nido. It is also a great place for vegetarian options!
OTHER POPULAR RESTAURANTS
- Altove
- Artcafe
- Boodle Fight
- El Nido Corner
- Squidos
- Tambok’s
POPULAR BARS
- Beach Shack
- Happiness Beach Bar
- Maremegmeg Beach Bar
- Pukka Bar
- Republica Sunset Bar
- Rooftop Bar
- Sava Beach Bar
SAMPLE ITINERARY EL NIDO 4DAYS/3NIGHTS
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
- Arrive in El Nido
- Hotel Check-in
- Dinner
- Sleep
DAY 2: ISLAND HOPPING
- Island Hopping Tours A & C Combination
- Sunset at Las Cabanas/Maremegmeg Beach
- Dinner
- Sleep
DAY 3: EXPLORE INLAND
- Breakfast
- Nagkalit-Kalit Falls or Climb Taraw Cliff
- Nacpan Beach
- Lunch
- Explore El Nido Town
- Dinner
- Sleep
DAY 4: DEPARTURE
- Breakfast
- Hotel Check-Out
- Remember the good times and cry on your flight back home
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