Why Visit El Nido & Palawan?
El Nido reigns as the Philippines' poster child for tropical paradise where dramatic limestone karst cliffs rise 200m straight from turquoise lagoons, 50+ islands scattered in Bacuit Bay create endless island-hopping routes, and powdery white beaches framed by coconut palms deliver the Southeast Asian dream sold in Instagram algorithms worldwide. Located on Palawan's northern tip (420km southwest of Manila, this remote outpost balances backpacker party vibes with luxury resorts tucked on private islands—Nacpan Beach's 4km stretch ranks among Asia's finest, Big Lagoon's crystal waters reflect cliffs in mirror-like calm, and Secret Lagoon hides behind a keyhole rock entrance small enough you crawl through. The town itself (pop.
50,000 including barangays) is scruffy and chaotic—dusty streets, Filipino BBQ smoke, massage parlors, dive shops—but it's merely a jumping-off point. The real El Nido lies offshore: island-hopping tours (A, B, C, D routes, ₱1,200-1,400/$22–$26 plus lagoon/eco fees, including lunch and snorkel gear) whisk groups of 15-25 via traditional bangka boats to snorkel sites where sea turtles glide, clownfish dart among anemones, and healthy coral still thrives. Tour A (most popular): Big or Small Lagoon (visitor caps mean you can't do both anymore), Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commando Beach.
Tour C: Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Helicopter Island. Tours last 8am-4pm with grilled fish lunch on beach included—book the night before, shop around for best boats (ask for smaller groups and good guides). Yet El Nido isn't just island-hopping: Nacpan Beach (17km north, tricycle ₱700-1,000 return) offers empty sands and twin-beach views to Calitang, Las Cabanas Beach (about 10-15min by tricycle south) delivers famous sunset views, and Nagkalit-kalit Falls (1hr hike + swim) provides freshwater escape.
Diving showcases healthy reefs, barracuda schools, and occasional whale sharks (seasonal). Coron (4-6hr ferry north, ₱1,500-2,800) adds world-class wreck diving in Japanese WWII shipwrecks and kayangan Lake's surreal clarity to Palawan itineraries. Puerto Princesa (5-6hr van south, typically ₱700-900) offers Underground River (UNESCO) tours.
El Nido's accommodation ranges from backpacker hostels (₱400-800/$7–$15 dorm), mid-range beach resorts (₱3,000-6,000/$55–$110), to insane luxury (Lagen Island, Miniloc Island Resorts $300–$600/night all-inclusive on private islands). Food leans seafood-heavy: grilled fish, garlic buttered prawns, kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), and adobo washed down with San Miguel beer. The dry season (November-May) brings perfect weather (26-32°C, no rain), while monsoon (June-October) sees frequent downpours, rough seas canceling tours, and fewer tourists (but lower prices).
With no visa required for most nationalities (30 days free), English widely spoken (American colonial legacy), and prices affordable despite tourism inflation (budget ₱2,000-3,000/$37–$55/day, mid-range ₱4,000-7,000/$74–$130/day), El Nido delivers barefoot luxury, adventure, and the kind of tropical perfection that makes leaving physically painful.
What to Do
Island Hopping Tours
Tour A: Classic Lagoons
Most popular route (₱1,200-1,400 plus lagoon/eco fees)—Big or Small Lagoon (visitor regulations now limit you to one, not both—Big Lagoon has crystal water reflecting towering limestone, Small Lagoon requires kayaking through narrow channel), Secret Lagoon (crawl through keyhole rock entrance), Shimizu Island (healthy coral snorkeling), 7 Commando Beach (white sand lunch stop). Book afternoon before, shop for smaller groups (15-20 vs 25-30). Departs 9am, returns 4-5pm.
Tour C: Hidden Beaches
Less crowded alternative (₱1,400)—Hidden Beach (secret cove), Secret Beach (swim through narrow entrance), Matinloc Shrine (clifftop views), Helicopter Island, Star Beach. More adventurous with tighter squeezes through rocks. Better for Instagram-worthy shots. If only doing one tour beyond A, choose C. Slightly rougher seas—motion sickness prone take pills.
Private Boat Tours & Customization
Hire private bangka boat (₱6,000-8,000 for whole boat, fits 6-10 people) to mix stops from different tours, skip crowds, spend longer at favorite spots. Worth it if traveling with 4+ people or want flexibility. Negotiate directly with boat owners at beachfront. Sunset tours (₱2,500-3,500) combine snorkeling and golden hour views.
Beaches & Natural Wonders
Nacpan Beach Twin Paradise
4km crescent of white sand 17km north (tricycle ₱700-1,000 return, 30-40min over rough road). Powder-soft sand, turquoise water, coconut palms, and views across to twin Calitang Beach. Minimal development—few beach shacks selling BBQ and fresh coconut (₱60-80). Bring sunscreen, water. Rent motorbike (₱300-500/day) for freedom to explore nearby beaches. Sunset spectacular.
Las Cabanas Sunset Beach
About 10-15 minutes by tricycle south of El Nido town (₱100-150), then a 5-minute walk through Vanilla Beach mall to the sand. Famous west-facing beach delivers stunning sunset views over Bacuit Bay's karst silhouettes. Beach clubs with sunbeds, bars, zipline over beach (₱500). Chill vibe—sundowners, fire dancing shows some evenings. Popular but less crowded than town beach. Arrive 5pm for good spots. Entrance is free (you just pay for tricycle/parking, plus any bar or zipline charges).
Nagkalit-kalit Falls Jungle Hike
Easy 1-hour hike from town through jungle to modest waterfall with swimming hole. Refreshing freshwater escape from saltwater. Local kids jump from rocks. Free (tip guide if you hire one ₱200-300). Slippery rocks—water shoes helpful. Best after rain when flow stronger. Less impressive than marine sights but nice variety. Start early (7-8am) before heat.
Diving & Practical El Nido
Scuba Diving & PADI Courses
Healthy coral reefs with barracuda schools, turtles, occasional whale sharks (March-June). Fun dives (2 dives $70–$90), PADI Open Water course (3-4 days, $350–$450). South Miniloc, North Rock, Dilumacad popular sites. Visibility 10-25m. Not as spectacular as Tubbataha or Coron wrecks but very good. Book with El Nido Boutique & Art Café for quality operators.
ATM Cash Crisis Strategy
El Nido has 2-3 ATMs that frequently run out of cash or break down. Withdraw maximum (₱10,000-20,000 limits) when machines work. Most shops, tours, restaurants want CASH (no cards). If ATMs empty, Western Union office can help. Better: bring enough pesos from Manila or Puerto Princesa. Budget ₱6,000-10,000 cash per day for tours, food, transport.
Electricity Brownouts & Power Banks
Daily power outages (brownouts) common, especially hot afternoons—AC shuts off, WiFi dies, phones can't charge. Bring external power bank (20,000+ mAh). Headlamp useful when evening brownout hits. Most hotels have generators but not 24/7. Part of island charm/hassle. Better WiFi at upscale resorts (Lagen, Miniloc) but costs $$$$.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: ENI, MNL
Best Time to Visit
November, December, January, February, March, April
Climate: Tropical
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C | 25°C | 13 | Excellent (best) |
| February | 29°C | 25°C | 5 | Excellent (best) |
| March | 31°C | 26°C | 4 | Excellent (best) |
| April | 32°C | 26°C | 10 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 32°C | 27°C | 23 | Wet |
| June | 30°C | 26°C | 29 | Wet |
| July | 30°C | 26°C | 28 | Wet |
| August | 30°C | 26°C | 25 | Wet |
| September | 30°C | 26°C | 29 | Wet |
| October | 29°C | 25°C | 30 | Wet |
| November | 29°C | 26°C | 21 | Excellent (best) |
| December | 29°C | 25°C | 25 | Excellent (best) |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Visa-free for EU citizens
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): November 2025 is perfect for visiting El Nido & Palawan!
Practical Information
Getting There
El Nido Airport (ENI) has direct flights from Manila (1.5hr, ₱3,000-8,000/$55–$150 one-way, AirSWIFT). Airport in town center—walk or tricycle ₱50. Alternative: fly Manila to Puerto Princesa (1.5hr, ₱2,000-5,000), then shuttle van to El Nido (5-6hrs, typically ₱700-900 one way—shop around). From Coron: ferry (4-6hrs, ₱1,500-2,800, rough seas—take motion sickness pills). Most fly into Manila, connect to El Nido next day. Book flights early (small planes, expensive if last-minute).
Getting Around
El Nido town walkable (10-15min end-to-end). Tricycles (motorized bikes with sidecars) for longer trips: town to Las Cabanas ₱100-150, to Nacpan Beach ₱700-1,000 return (negotiate). Rent scooter ₱300-500/day (license required, roads okay but dusty). Habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) cheaper than tricycle. Van hire for multi-person ₱2,500/day. Island tours by bangka boat (traditional outriggers). No cars needed—tricycle + tours cover everything. Walk town, tricycle beaches, boats for islands.
Money & Payments
Philippine Peso (PHP, ₱). Exchange: $1 ≈ 62 ₱, $1 ≈ 57 ₱. ATMs limited in El Nido (2-3 machines, often out of cash or broken)—bring enough pesos from Manila/Puerto Princesa! Cards rarely accepted (tours, shops, restaurants want cash). Withdraw max when ATM works. Tipping: ₱100-200 for tour guides/boat crew (per person), ₱50 for service, round up tricycles. Budget extra cash—ATM failures common.
Language
Filipino (Tagalog) and English are official. English very widely spoken (American colonial legacy, education system)—menus, signs, conversations all English-friendly. Local language: Cuyonon. Communication effortless for English speakers—one of Asia's easiest countries. Filipinos friendly, helpful, love to chat. 'Salamat' means thank you.
Cultural Tips
Filipinos extremely friendly, hospitable—expect smiles, helpfulness, 'Filipino time' (relaxed punctuality). Island hopping: bring reef-safe sunscreen (protect corals), don't touch/stand on coral, take trash back to town. Respect lagoons (no littering—sadly some tourists careless). Environmental fees: expect to pay a one-off fee (from ₱200-400, valid several days) for island tours; keep the receipt. Electricity: frequent outages (brownouts)—bring power bank, headlamp. Water: drink bottled only. Tricycle prices: negotiate before riding (₱50-100 town trips, ₱100-150 Las Cabanas, ₱700-1,000 Nacpan return). Tipping appreciated (low wages). Beach massage ₱300-500/hr (haggle). Bars/restaurants: chill vibe, San Miguel beer cheap (₱80-150), live music. Casual dress (shorts, flip-flops fine). Modest swimwear okay but topless/nude not (conservative Catholic culture). Friendly haggling okay, but Filipinos reasonable. Enjoy 'island time' pace—relax, smile, go with flow.
Perfect 5-Day El Nido Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive & Explore Town
Day 2: Island Tour A
Day 3: Nacpan Beach Day
Day 4: Island Tour C or Diving
Day 5: Relax & Depart
Where to Stay in El Nido & Palawan
El Nido Town
Best for: Hotels, hostels, restaurants, bars, dive shops, tour bookings, scruffy but central hub
Bacuit Bay Islands
Best for: Island hopping tours, lagoons, secret beaches, snorkeling, limestone cliffs, main attraction
Nacpan Beach
Best for: 4km white sand paradise, twin beach views, remote, tranquil, day trip essential
Corong-Corong
Best for: North of town, quieter beach area, resorts, less nightlife, family-friendly, walkable
Frequently Asked Questions
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