Palawan, Philippines
El Nido
Limestone lagoons and hidden beaches.
Towering karst cliffs rise from impossibly clear water. El Nido is the launch point for island-hopping tours that visit secret lagoons, hidden beaches, and snorkeling spots accessible only by boat.
The complete El Nido travel guide
When to visit El Nido
El Nido's dry season runs from November to May, with the most reliable weather between January and April. February to April delivers calm seas, clear skies, and the iconic turquoise visibility that makes the lagoons photograph so well. December and January can have brief windy spells. The shoulder month of November is excellent value — increasingly dry days, lower hotel rates, and fewer tour boats per lagoon.
The wet season (June to October) means daily afternoon rain and choppier seas. Tours still run most days but some boat days get cancelled. Visibility drops in the lagoons. If you're flexible on dates, late May is a magical window: still dry, school holiday crowds gone, and the islands feel less commercial.
How to get to El Nido
You have three options. The fastest: fly direct to El Nido Lio Airport (ENI) via AirSWIFT from Manila or Cebu — but flights are limited and expensive (PHP 8,000-15,000 one way). The standard route: fly to Puerto Princesa (PPS) from Manila or Cebu (1.5 hours), then take a van or bus 5-6 hours north to El Nido town. Van transfers cost PHP 700-1,500 per person; buses are cheaper but slower. The budget route: ferry from Coron to El Nido (3-4 hours, PHP 1,800-2,800) — popular with travelers doing both destinations.
Where to stay in El Nido
El Nido Town is where most travelers stay — walkable to restaurants, dive shops, and the main pier where boat tours depart. Budget hostels, mid-range hotels, and a few upscale resorts within walking distance of the beach. Corong-Corong Beach, 5 minutes south by tricycle, is quieter and has sunset views. For luxury escapes, look at the resort islands offshore — Lagen, Miniloc, Pangulasian, and Apulit are all-inclusive private island stays run by El Nido Resorts (PHP 25,000+ per night).
Far north, Nacpan Beach has a handful of beachfront resorts — perfect if you want quiet beach time over town life.
The boat tours: A, B, C, and D
El Nido's island-hopping tours are categorized as Tour A, B, C, and D, each visiting different sets of lagoons and beaches. Tour A (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island) is the most famous — book this first. Tour C (Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Helicopter Island) is many travelers' favorite for sheer beauty. Tour B and D are less crowded alternatives. Each tour is PHP 1,400-1,800 per person including lunch, snorkel gear, and park fees.
Getting around El Nido
Within El Nido town, walking covers most of it. Tricycles to Corong-Corong cost PHP 30-50. To reach the beaches further north (Nacpan, Las Cabanas), rent a motorbike (PHP 500-800/day) or hire a tricycle for the half-day (PHP 800-1,500 round trip). For visiting nearby Sibaltan or Taytay, you'll need a private van.
What to eat in El Nido
Seafood dominates — fresh tuna, prawns, and reef fish from the morning's catch. Trattoria Altrove serves outstanding wood-fired pizza popular with European travelers. Sea Slugs is a local favorite for casual Filipino dishes. Republica Sunset Bar on Corong-Corong does excellent cocktails with the best sunset view in town.
Practical tips
- Eco-tourism fee: PHP 200 per person, paid once on arrival.
- Cash economy: ATMs in El Nido town exist but frequently run out of cash. Bring enough pesos from Puerto Princesa.
- Power outages: Common in El Nido. Most hotels have backup generators but expect occasional 1-3 hour blackouts.
- Boat tours sell out: Especially Tour A in peak season. Book through your hotel a day ahead, not on arrival day.
- Reef-safe sunscreen is mandatory: Regular sunscreen is banned at most marine areas. Bring reef-safe or buy locally.
Things to do in El Nido
Each spot below has its own full guide — click any card to read the complete write-up with photos and tips.
Hotels in El Nido
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to El Nido?
Fly Manila to Puerto Princesa (1.5 hrs), then take a 5-6 hour van ride to El Nido. Alternatively, fly directly to El Nido (ENI) via AirSWIFT — more expensive but saves a full travel day.
Which island hopping tour should I pick?
Tour A (Big & Small Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach) is the most popular and best for first-timers. Tour C (Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine) is the next best. Doing both gives you the full El Nido experience.
Is El Nido or Coron better?
Different vibes. El Nido has the iconic lagoons and more developed town. Coron has WWII wreck diving and Kayangan Lake. Most visitors do both — they're a 3-4 hour ferry apart.
How many days do I need in El Nido?
Minimum 3 days to do Tour A and Tour C. Four days lets you add Nacpan Beach. A full week gives time for diving and quieter days.