Palawan’s El Nido is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking settings. The 7,641 islands in the Philippines are home to a plethora of natural wonders, including white beaches with blue waters, sandbanks, limestone formations, and hidden lagoons.
The most well-known reason to visit this small town is for the El Nido island hopping tours, but there are other options! See our comprehensive travel guide to learn about everything there is to do in El Nido.
Activities in El Nido, Philippines
El Nido is situated at Palawan Island’s northernmost point. It has emerged as one of the most well-liked travel destinations in the Philippines, along with Coron. Aim to stay for three to five days.
1. Island Hopping Tour of El Nido
One of the world’s most stunning places is Bacuit Bay, a protected area home to forty-five paradisiacal islands. All of the tours—A, B, C, and D—are breathtaking and take you to various islands.
These island hopping tours in El Nido offer breathtaking lagoons, picturesque islands, and abundant wildlife. Any travel guide on the Philippines must include this.
2. Hire a Kayak to Find Undiscovered Beaches
Take a kayak rental and explore the island of Cadlao’s hidden beaches. Magnificent fauna, including large lizards, hornbill birds, and monkeys, can be found on the island across town. In El Nido, rent a clear kayak for a memorable experience.
Note that you are not permitted to bring plastic bottles to the islands. Seek additional advice on minimizing plastic usage when traveling.
3. Duli Beach: A pristine beach with white sand
Unknown Duli Beach is a 2-kilometer-long white beach located in El Nido, Palawan, at the far northern tip. The beach entrance fee is 50 PHP, or $1 USD.
Beginner surfers can enjoy the waves; Duli Beach offers lessons. A food shack and a few small drinks are available. That being said, we do not advise dining here. A simple rice and vegetable dish sickened us and many others.
4. Boat from El Nido to Coron
Imagine yourself gliding along some of the unspoiled beauty of the Philippines, between El Nido and Coron (or vice versa), over pristine waters.
Set out on a 4-day journey with Big Dream Boatman to discover pristine waters, undiscovered coves, and a plethora of marine creatures. You’ll have chances for exploration, quiet times for introspection, and views of the lively local way of life as you travel the archipelago.
When you use Big Dream Boatman, you become an inquisitive traveler as well as a tourist. Because this is a well-liked route to get to El Nido, make sure to reserve your spot in advance.
5. Zipline Between Islands
Experience the thrill of flying a 750-meter zip line between two islands. How awesome is that? This experience is available at Nacpan Beach for 500–1100 PHP, or about 16 USD. It’s a thrilling, magical flight and a real must-do if you are into a bit of adventure. For the greatest experience, take the flight just before sunset.
6. Climb Taraw Cliff
Ascend to El Nido’s highest point. It is advised to hire a guide for this strenuous two-hour hike and to wear appropriate footwear before ascending these jagged rocks. When you reach the summit, the entire region will be visible to you.
7. El Nido’s Nacpan Beach. Palawan
Among El Nido’s best beaches is Nacpan Beach. The 4-kilometer beach with coconut trees lining the whole shore is a fantastic 45-minute motorbike ride from town. Nacpan’s tip divides into Calitang Beach, where beach beds, seafood, and fresh coconuts are sold from little beach shacks.
Nacpan can accommodate large crowds without ever feeling overly crowded. If, however, you would rather not blend in with the throng, take a drive to Duli Beach. Although Nacpan sunsets are stunning, we don’t advise driving back to El Nido in the pitch black.
8. Walk on Corong-Corong Beach
Walking on Corong-Corong Beach at sunset is one of our personal favorite things to do in El Nido. It’s the most serene beach in the area. For a delicious Filipino dinner, start traveling along the coast from Corong-Corong Bay all the way down to Boodle Fight Cafe.
9. Visit Las Cabanas to See the Sunset
One of El Nido’s busiest and most developed beaches is Las Cabanas Beach. It is the best beach to watch the sunset and is great for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying food and drinks at one of the many beach bars.
The cost of a tricycle for two people from town is 150 PHP (2.60 USD). Instead, we advise purchasing a motorbike for 500 PHP (8.80 USD) per day.
10. Go to the open market
Fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat are sold at the local market every (early) morning at 4 AM. Grab some fresh, uncut fruits as a snack at Nacpan Beach before embarking on any motorbike trip. Uncut, fresh fruits don’t harbor any bacteria.
The market is located near Corong-Corong Beach on the side of the main road.
Eateries
Amid the verdant surroundings of the island, a variety of delectable Filipino classics and fresh seafood are available. Among our top dining establishments were:
- Boodle fightÂ
- Art Cafe
- Bella VitaÂ
- Happiness cafe
Directions to El Nido
You can go directly to El Nido by boat, minivan, or airplane.
Where to Stay
Select a hotel or hostel on one of El Nido’s stunning beaches.
- Cuna Hotel
- Â Focus Rooms
Ideal Time to Go
The best months to visit El Nido in terms of weather are typically December through March. Although they are extremely hot, April and May are excellent months to travel. Due to the short duration of the high season, prices will double during these months.