El Nido
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Only have a day? See 3 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Emerald lagoon ringed by limestone cliffs
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Rent a kayak to paddle in
- Tour A usually includes it
📷 Photos
- 2
Narrow lagoon entered through a rock opening
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Kayak or swim in
- Bring a waterproof phone case
📷 Photos
- 3
Hidden lagoon reached through a small gap
3 tips
- Enter at low tide for easier access
- Wear water shoes
- Hold on to the rocks
📷 Photos
- 4
Palm-lined beach on Bacuit Bay
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Good for sunset drinks
- Included in Tour A
- Close to Marimegmeg
📷 Photos
- 5
Long golden beach north of town
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Rent a motorbike or tricycle
- Stay for sunset
- Bring food and cash
📷 Photos
- 6
Limestone cliff with a steep hike and views
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Wear grippy shoes
- Ticket required
📷 Photos
- 7
Island resembling a helicopter with a pretty beach
3 tips
- Part of Tour A
- Swim and snorkel
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen
📷 Photos
- 8
Snorkelling spot with clear water
3 tips
- Lunch often served on the beach
- Bring an underwater camera
- Part of Tour A
📷 Photos
- 9
Secluded beach tucked behind cliffs on Matinloc
3 tips
- Swim in from the boat
- Part of Tour C
- Bring reef shoes
📷 Photos
- 10
Sandbar shaped like a snake
3 tips
- Best at low tide
- Walk along the sandbar
- Part of Tour A
📷 Photos
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Before you go: El Nido tips
Transportation
- Choose your arrival: Fly directly to El Nido's small airport or take a long van ride from Puerto Princesa.
- Hop on tricycles: Tricycles are the main transport around town and to nearby beaches; agree fares first.
- Rent a scooter: For beaches like Nacpan, a scooter gives freedom; ride carefully on rough roads.
Security
- Carry enough cash: ATMs can run out or be offline, and many places are cash only; bring pesos.
- Check boat safety: Choose registered operators, wear life jackets and skip tours if the sea is rough.
- Protect from the sun: The tropical sun is strong; use reef-safe sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Saving
- Join group island tours: Tours A to D are shared, making island hopping affordable.
- Eat at local eateries: Carinderias in town serve cheap Filipino meals compared to beach restaurants.
- Visit free beaches: Many beaches near town are free to visit without a tour.
Weather/Clothing
- Visit in the dry season: Roughly December to May has calmer seas and more sun; June to October brings rain and typhoon risk.
- Pack beach gear: Bring swimwear, quick-dry clothes, water shoes and a dry bag.
- Bring a rain jacket: Even in dry season, short showers can happen; a light layer helps.
Cultural
- Pay the eco fee: Visitors must pay the Ecotourism Development Fee; keep the ticket during your stay.
- Respect nature rules: El Nido limits plastics and protects marine areas; never touch coral or take shells.
- Try local dishes: Taste kinilaw, a citrus-cured fish, grilled seafood and Palawan cashews.
Local Hacks
- Book lagoon slots early: Popular sites like the Big Lagoon have visitor limits; book tours ahead.
- Catch sunset at Las Cabanas: This beach is a favourite for sunset views, with a zipline across the water.
- Hike Taraw Cliff: The climb offers sweeping views of town and Bacuit Bay; go with a guide.
1-day itineraries in El Nido
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 3
Small Lagoon and around
🕘 9:30–15:30📍 4 stops
- 1Small Lagoon
- 2Big Lagoon
- 3Secret Lagoon
- 4Shimizu Island
Day 2 of 3
Taraw Cliff and around
🕘 9:30–13:00📍 5 stops
- 1Corong Corong Beach
- 2Taraw Cliff
- 3El Nido Town Proper
- 4Las Cabanas Beach
- 5Marimegmeg Beach
Day 3 of 3
Helicopter Island and around
🕘 9:30–12:45📍 3 stops
- 1Helicopter Island
- 2Cadlao Lagoon
- 3Seven Commando Beach