Note: As a precautionary measure in this time of COVID-19 pandemic, it is best to check with the authorities the updated travel requirements and possible restrictions that might affect your travel plan. Contact El Nido Tourism office at (+63) 919 002 1339, (+63) 906 449 0282 or visit their website at elnidotourism.ph to know the latest update. As of February 2021, all tourists are required to get a QR-coded ID via their website.
Remember to always follow the health and safety protocols imposed from your travel origin to your destination. I wish you a safe trip ahead!
Traveling to El Nido for the first time? This detailed DIY travel guide is exactly what you need. Scroll down and take note of the outlined information from sample itinerary and budget, best places to visit, top things to do, recommended tours and transports, budget-friendly accommodations, and other travel tips. Have a fun and enjoyable trip ahead!
START HERE!
EL NIDO AT A GLANCE
No bucket list is ever complete without the inclusion of EL NIDO. That is how prominent this first class municipality at the northernmost mainland of Palawan – at least for beach lovers who take in a great joy from the sun, sea and sand.
El Nido evokes so much interest that it is able to draw a hundred thousand visitors annually and has been observed as one of the very few top destinations in the Philippines that do not experience a low season in recent years. To put simply, tourism in El Nido is at its peak. But while it sounds good economically, it does draw a major flak from the earth warriors for the increasing environmental issues that are brought about by its uncontrolled growth, which in turn, was quickly responded by the government by imposing new rules including the limitation in the number of guests and activities around its islands.
From its early tourism years up to the present, El Nido continues to beckon an inescapable charm may it be from its towering limestone cliffs, sage-green lagoons, white sand beaches or rich marine wildlife. And with the intervening actions of the government for sustainable tourism, this sought-after treasure trove will surely live on at its pristine state to excite more generations.
WHERE TO STAY IN EL NIDO
When it comes to accommodation, the best place to stay in El Nido is the town proper, near the beach area where the island hopping tours kick off. It’s a good place as the accommodations here come in an affordable price and give good access to restaurants, tour offices, shuttle services and souvenir shops.
I stayed at Aliyah at their dormitory room which is pretty a practical place if you are on a tight budget. I loved my stay there for 3 days because Nanay Edna, the owner, was so caring about her guests and cleaned up the room regularly. Plus, they give out free coffee and distilled water, so it made perfect sense that I stayed there for awhile. Click here for rate and availability.
Here are other top value accommodations at the town proper, near the beach:
– priced at around P1,100+ for a room good for 4 adults and 1 kid
– has functional kitchen
Click the photo to book or check for more details
– the most affordable apartment that you can find near the beach area
– priced at around P800 only for a room good for 4 adults
Click the photo to book or check for more details.
– priced at around P2,900 for a room good for 2 adults and 2 kids
– has a swimming pool
– offers free WiFi access
Click the photo to book or check for more details.
Recommended accommodations for solo or couple traveling to El Nido. Click the link to book or check for more details.
- Casa Felicidad Rating: 8.5 | Price: P1,400 for a double room with seaview
- Spin Designer Hostel Rating: 9.0 | Price: P2,100+ for a private twin room, inclusive of breakfast
- Inngo Tourist Inn Rating: 8.0 | Price: P1,500+ for a double room
If you want a good spot for sunset away from the town for at least few minutes, Las Cabanas resort is a good option for you.
Other unique accommodations in El Nido outside the town proper that offer the best features of the island.
HOW TO GET TO EL NIDO
Access to El Nido can be done either by plane or on a land trip.
Getting to El Nido By Plane: El Nido has Lio Airport, its own airport located 4 kilometers away from the town proper which is exclusively operated by AirSwift servicing from these Philippine destinations:
- Bohol
- Caticlan
- Cebu
- Clark
- Manila
- Puerto Princesa and Coron (Busuanga)
AirSwift is a bit hefty on the pocket. A cheaper alternative is to fly either to San Vicente or to Puerto Princesa Airport, then go on a 4-hour land trip to El Nido.
Here are destinations with their respective airline that travel to San Vicente Airport:
- Clark (via Philippine Airlines)
- Manila (via Skyjet)
- Puerto Princesa (via AirJuan)
- Busuanga (via AirJuan)
Getting to El Nido by land: You can take a bus or shuttle service from the following top tourist destinations in Palawan:
- via Puerto Princesa. Bus is available at San Jose Terminal which can be reached via tricycle from Puerto Princesa Airport for about 15 minutes, fare is P100 for a group of 4. You can contact the following van operators for a pickup from any place at the town proper in Puerto Princesa to El Nido and vice versa: Travelista (+63 928 622 8666, +63 926 744 1040) with daily trips to El Nido every 2 hours from 5AM to 5PM, fare is P500; and Eulen Joy Express (+63 999 709 3766, +63 915 829 3735), with trips every two hours from 7:30AM to 6:00PM, fare is also P500. Travel time to El Nido is roughly 4 hours.
- via San Vicente. From the airport, charter a tricycle to the terminal near the market. Van trip from San Vicente to El Nido departs at 1PM, fare is P400.
The bus and shuttle service will terminate at the small terminal in El Nido town proper where you will charter a tricycle to your respective accommodation. A regular tricycle fare from the terminal to the beach area is P50.
If you are in Coron, you can get to El Nido via Montenegro Fastcraft, travel time is around 4 hours depending on the sea situation. The ferry departs at 12:00PM, regular rate is P1,700. For more details, contact them at +63 917 496 2009, +63 908 571 3984.
BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN EL NIDO
Here are some of the best places and tourist attractions that you can find in El Nido, Palawan.
TARAW CLIFF
The waterfronts of El Nido is more fascinating if you look at it from the top, and there is not a better area to do it than in Taraw Cliff. Getting to its top on a DIY is highly risky because of its steep trail that are only held together by sharp, pointed limestones that is why it is no longer permitted, though some still dare.
A good alternative to get to Taraw Cliff is through Ferrata Nature’s Canopy Walk and Dreamcatcher activity which provides an easy trail to get to the top of the cliff, though not as high as the more tricky trail. Ferrata Nature activity area is located 5 minutes away from the beach where the island hopping kicks off. To get there, you walk straight to the main road then turn right at the junction with a Barangay Maligaya welcome arch. The activity area will only be a minute away on foot.
The activity jumps off on a forest, where sightings of small and big monitor lizards are possible, then to a well drawn-out steps all the way to the top. You will be accompanied by a guide and will be required to wear proper harness for safety. The activity costs for P700 for both Canopy Walk and Dreamcatcher; if you only want to avail one, fee is P400. Operating hours is from 8:00AM to 5:00PM.
Rating: 4/5
BIG LAGOON
Lies at the far east coast of Miniloc Island, Big Lagoon has been one of the most visited tourist attractions in El Nido for its humongous limestone cliffs that work like giant portals ready to take you to another dimension.
Getting to the Big Lagoon from its small opening is a thrilling experience, as its pathway slowly peeks through a canvass of crystal blue waters threaded together by a labyrinth of hard rocks.
While here, you can take a swim or kayak around the lagoon for P250 rental fee per kayak. If you fancy a cliff dive, make sure to go all the way to the lagoon to its large area where you can find a 50-meter deep diving platform.
The lagoon is included in El Nido Tour A and draws a handful of tourists, but because of its sheer size, it never feels crowded around the area even on a peak season.
Rating: 5/5
SMALL LAGOON
Another beautiful body of water at Miniloc Island is the Small lagoon which is only inferior to the nearby Big lagoon in size but never on its charm.
The Small Lagoon is enclosed by two humongous cliffs that keep its inmost area at peace, free from the harsh currents of the open sea outside. While here, enjoy the placid atmosphere on a kayak for a P250 rental fee or swim around its clear, cold, shallow waters.
Small lagoon is the highlight of Tour D, along with other tourist spots in El Nido.
Rating: 4.5/5
SECRET LAGOON
Miniloc Island nestles three of the most stunning lagoons in El Nido which includes the Secret Lagoon, a small patch of water surrounded by a high wall of limestone cliffs.
The water inside the lagoon is shallow and would not reach its tiny hole opening so tourists would have to crawl through to get inside which can be displeasing during a peak season as people would have to line up.
Beside Secret lagoon is a beach hidden in a big limestone boulder. The beach makes up whatever space the Secret Lagoon lacks, so while waiting for other tourists, you may rest on its white, coarse sands or frolic around its blazing, clear waters.
Secret Lagoon is included in El Nido Tour A, along with Big Lagoon.
Rating: 3/5
SNAKE ISLAND
Snake Island surprisingly doesn’t have snakes around its soft, white sandbar that hisses like a snake to a stretch of 200 meters. Formerly known as Vigan Island, the waters around Snake Island is shallow, with some deep pools in between, providing a clear view of the coral gardens that are teeming with marine wildlife.
Get to the island on a low tide so you can walk the fullness of the sandbar. At its end is a mangrove area which leads to another island. A fun activity to do while here is to hike up to its viewing area and capture a full view of the island. The viewing area has a small bar to chill out and have some drinks.
The Snake Island is one of the stops in Tour B.
Rating: 4/5
MATINLOC ISLAND
The now abandoned Matinloc Island was once beaming with praise at a time when it was used as a residence and a place of worship. Nowadays, Matinloc would only come alive during fiesta, when locals gather around its shrine for veneration, merry-making and festivity.
Matinloc Island is included in Tour C and has an entrance fee of P100 per person. While here, adore the haunting feel around its old house, particularly on its underground. Don’t forget to climb to its jagged limestone peak to get a view of its surrounding seascape.
Rating: 4/5
NACPAN BEACH
Nacpan beach is one of the few beaches in El Nido that do not require an island hopping tour as it can be accessed by a tricycle or van. It is composed of two juxtaposed beaches that are patched with soft, creamy sands and verdant trees on its both ends. The water around the beach is rough due to the presence of strong winds that discourages swimming.
A regular rate for a tricycle tour to Nacpan beach for a maximum of 4 persons is P1,500 while a van rental is around P3,000.
Rating: 4/5
LAS CABANAS BEACH
The beach is named after Las Cabanas Resort, one of the oldest in El Nido. Las Cabanas beach possesses a coarse, golden sand; it is an excellent place for swimming as the waters around the area are clean, shallow and clear.
Las Cabanas beach faces west which makes for a good vantage point to catch the sunset. There are restaurants and bars on its beach area that give the place a more relaxing atmosphere.
Top activities in Las Cabanas include zip line, paddle boarding, and massage session. To get there, charter a tricycle from the town proper for P150, travel time is around 10 minutes.
Rating: 4/5
TOP THINGS TO DO IN EL NIDO
For the many top activities to do in El Nido, island hopping is surely the priority. You can’t say you have been to El Nido without hopping on some of its fascinating islands that include the Miniloc Island and its three equally remarkable lagoons: Secret, Small and Big lagoon. Of course kayaking, snorkeling and other water activities are in the bag if you go on a tour.
If you are not into island hopping, sure there is an option for you in El Nido. Try out the land tour which would take you to the mainland beaches like Nacpan and Las Cabanas, or to its shy Nagkalit-kalit waterfalls which are included in Tour E.
For party goers, lucky for you as El Nido hosts a Full Moon party once in a month. Booze up your experience with an action-packed and oh-so-eventful night out! Las Cabanas Resort often hosts the party, head out to its page for details.
If you got the right dough, indulge on the much-touted Nido soup, or the bird’s nest soup.
Your stay in El Nido wouldn’t be as beautiful without chasing its sunset. Head out to Las Cabanas or to its nearby beaches: Marimegmeg and Corong-corong beach, which also own a fine, white sand that you can sit on while watching the sundown.
NEW RULES WHEN TOURING EL NIDO
- Effective November of 2018, El Nido tours have been divided into 4, splitting the premium stops: Big lagoon, Small lagoon and Secret Beach into separate tours to ensure that boat traffic is less likely to happen.
- Visitors going to the premium stops must be pre-registered as the local government closely tracks the traffic in these top attractions. Make sure to coordinate with your tour operators for the registration.
- El Nido tours are now regulated and follow a standard price per tour, which includes lunch.
- Each tour group is maximized to a certain number of guests so expect that you would join another group if you are small in number.
- Combination tours are no longer allowed.
Here are the 4 tours with its respective tourist attractions and standard price:
- Tour A (P1,200 per person, recommended for first timers): Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach
- Tour B (P1,300 per person, recommended for those who are into caving and spelunking): Cudognon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Snake Island, Entalula Island, and Popolkan Island
- Tour C (P1,400 per person, recommended for those who truly love a combination of sea and sand): Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Tapiutan Island, and Helicopter Island
- Tour D (P1,200 per person, the least crowded tour): Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, Nat Nat Beach, Pasandigan Cove, Paradise Beach, and Bukal Island
Tourist attractions that have an additional fee for entrance are Big Lagoon for P200 under Tour A, Cudugnon Cave for P100 under Tour B, Matinloc Shrine for P100 under Tour C and Small Lagoon for P200 under Tour D.
EL NIDO RECOMMENDED TOURS
For a hassle-free and quality experience, I recommend that you avail the tours from Klook. Check out the links below for details:
Search for more KLOOK discounted tours and transfers for El Nido. Just type “El Nido” and click “search”.
Klook.comIf you are looking for a local tour agency for El Nido and Puerto Princesa, I highly recommend TravelGoalsPAL Travel and Tour. They have the most accommodating and friendly staff, based on my experience.
EL NIDO SAMPLE ITINERARY & BUDGET
Here is a sample El Nido itinerary good for 5 days which assumes a party of two and comes with an estimated budget of P7,400.00 per person that includes expenses for food, transportation, tour and entrance fee with kayak rental. The allocated budget does not cover cost for accommodation, souvenir items and other incidentals.
The 5-day El Nido itinerary can be shortened to 2 or 3 days or extended to 7 days by cutting out or adding more island hopping tours, however you see fit for your travel days.
DAY ONE (budget per person: P1,500.00)
| Activity | Schedule | Budget |
| Arrive in Puerto Princesa Airport | 6:00AM | – |
| To El Nido by shuttle | 7:00AM | P500 |
| Arrive at El Nido terminal | 11:00AM | – |
| Lunch | 11:30AM | P200 |
| To the hostel for check-in | 2:00PM | P50 |
| Rent a motorbike to tour around | 3:00PM | P500 |
| Nacpan Beach | 4:00PM | P50 |
| Sunset at Duli Beach | 5:30PM | – |
| Back to hostel | 6:30PM | – |
| Dinner | 8:00PM | P200 |
| Socials | 10:00PM | – |
| Lights out | 12:00AM | – |
DAY TWO (budget per person: P1,950.00)
| Activity | Schedule | Budget |
| Breakfast | 7:00AM | P100 |
| Start of Island Hopping Tour A | 9:00AM | P1,650 |
| Lunch | 12:00PM | – |
| End of Island Hopping | 4:00PM | – |
| Back to Hostel | 5:00PM | – |
| Rest | 6:00PM | – |
| Dinner and Socials | 8:00PM | P200 |
| Lights Out | 11:00PM | – |
DAY THREE (budget per person: P1,800.00)
| Activity | Schedule | Budget |
| Breakfast | 7:00AM | P100 |
| Start of Island Hopping Tour C | 9:00AM | P1,500 |
| Lunch | 12:00PM | – |
| End of Island Hopping | 4:00PM | – |
| Back to Hostel | 5:00PM | – |
| Rest | 6:00PM | – |
| Dinner and Socials | 8:00PM | P200 |
| Lights Out | 11:00PM | – |
DAY FOUR (budget per person: P1,350.00)
| Activity | Schedule | Budget |
| Breakfast | 9:00AM | P100 |
| Ferrata Nature Canopy Walk | 10:00AM | P700 |
| Back to hostel for lunch | 12:00PM | P200 |
| Rest | 1:00PM | – |
| To Las Cabanas Resort | 3:00PM | P75 |
| Chill and Socials | 4:00PM | – |
| Sunset at Las Cabanas | 6:00PM | – |
| Back to hostel for dinner | 8:00PM | P275 |
| Lights Out | 10:00PM | – |
DAY FIVE (budget per person: P800.00)
| Activity | Schedule | Budget |
| Breakfast | 8:00AM | P100 |
| Buy souvenir items | 10:00AM | – |
| Lunch and Check out | 12:00PM | P200 |
| To Puerto Princesa | 1:00PM | P500 |
Things to note in following this sample El Nido DIY itinerary:
- The itinerary starts and ends at Puerto Princesa as most of the local tourists would use the airport to get to El Nido.
- From El Nido town proper, Nacpan beach takes about 45 minutes. The road is rough so be extra careful as you drive. If you wish to head out to Duli beach for the sunset, be sure to get there when there is still light as the roads are rougher than on the way to Nacpan beach. It will take for about 30 minutes to get to Duli from Nacpan beach.
- Some tricycle tour operators can be tricky so make sure to agree on the tour price before hopping on. Be clear that the price is for a round trip tour. If you are an excellent driver, better rent a motorbike to get to Nacpan and Duli beach to save more time and money. Just make use of the Google Map for directions to get to the beaches.
TIPS WHEN TRAVELING TO EL NIDO
Here are practical tips to help you get a good experience while traveling around El Nido.
- El Nido is generally safe. The crime rate is low and the locals always project a friendly gesture to tourists, as it is true for most of the Filipinos. However, it is always wise to know the people you are with and the place you will get around, safety first!
- El Nido is an all-year round destination because it is less visited by typhoon than in any other place in the Philippines, but the best time to visit is during the dry months of late March to early June to witness the islands in its most beautiful state. One thing to note though is that the summer months are considerably the peak season so be sure to book your tours and accommodation ahead.
- Because the activities in El Nido mostly involve walking on rough rocks may it be at sea or at limestone peaks, and on rocky roads especially when going to Nacpan beach, it is likely that you will get some bruises and small cuts so make sure to pack a health kit as there is no major hospital around El Nido.
- Apply a sunscreen and waterproof your gadgets as you go out of sea.
- Bring an insect repellent especially if you are staying in a budget hostel.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT EL NIDO
- The name “El Nido” can be translated to ” the nest”, which is inspired by the cave swiftlets or (balinsasayaw bird) that build nest on El Nido cliff using their saliva. Their nests are sought out as food ingredient and are highly valued for its medical use. A kilo of balinsasayaw nest has a price of around P120,000.
- The municipality of El Nido is composed of 45 islands which are recognized as a turtle sanctuary in 1984 and eventually a marine protected area in 1998.
- For its unique appeal as a tropical paradise, El Nido has bested other beaches in the world in 2015 when it was voted first by Conde Naste Traveler readers.
- Despite having a progressive economy, El Nido has only a local medical center which is designed to handle mild health concerns. Severe medical cases from the municipality are directed either to Taytay District hospital (the nearest from El Nido at around 50 kilometers), to Puerto Princesa, or to Manila for the critical ones.
- Unlike in the past, El Nido now has a good internet and network connectivity at most of its accommodations and restaurants – although not as fast as in the highly urbanized areas in the Philippines.
- Although there are few that accept credit cards, most establishments in El Nido are on a cash basis. In case you are out of cash, there are at least six ATMs in El Nido, most are found at Real street at the town proper. Note though that during peak season, the ATMs are sometimes empty in the afternoon so it is highly advised to withdraw money in the morning.
- El Nido has now a good source of electricity, although in my recent experience, power interruption can still happen so better pack an extra battery or powerbank for your gadgets. All establishments uses Type A socket for electricity.
- For its touristic atmosphere, El Nido is considerably one of the most expensive tourist destinations in the Philippines if we consider the price range of food, tour package, and accommodation. If you are on a shoestring budget, eat on a local carinderia and stay in a dormitory or a backpacker hostel.
USEFUL PHRASES
Like in any parts of the Philippines, the locals can understand and speak English in El Nido, Palawan. However, here are some good phrases that might prove useful when you find yourself endearing with them.
English to Tagalog (the most prevalent language among the locals in El Nido)
Thank you – Salamat
Good morning – Magandang umaga
Good afternoon – Magandang hapon
Good evening – Magandang gabi
How much is… – Magkano ang…
Where is… – Saan ang…
MY TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS IN EL NIDO
What I like?
I’ve been to El Nido twice, in 2013 and 2019, and the attractions still did not disappoint, especially that the tourist traffic is now regulated by the Department of Tourism. The big and small lagoons have been a gift of nature that’s been constantly giving to tourists.
What I don’t like?
Well, I’m saddened that the prices of basic commodities in El Nido have skyrocketed over the years. It’s concerning especially that it is the locals who are directly affected by it. I just hope that the local government would pay attention to this concern and would take control over the situation.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Go to other top destinations in Palawan:
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