Limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and island hopping
El Nido is a small town on the northern tip of Palawan, famous for the Bacuit Archipelago with its limestone cliffs, lagoons and white beaches. Most days revolve around island hopping tours by outrigger boat. It suits couples, backpackers and nature lovers who like warm water and simple beach living.
Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.
The classic boat tour to Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon and Shimizu Island, with kayaking and snorkelling among limestone walls.
Boat tour price is set locally; environmental fee and lunch may be extra.
A tour to Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Helicopter Island and Matinloc Shrine, with caves and tiny hidden lagoons.
Boat tour price is set locally; fees and lunch may be extra.
A tour to Snake Island sandbar, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave and Pinagbuyutan Island with great swimming spots.
Boat tour price is set locally; fees and lunch may be extra.
A tour with Cadlao Lagoon, Natnat Beach, Ipil Beach and Paradise Beach with calmer waters.
Boat tour price is set locally; fees and lunch may be extra.
A long, wide, golden beach north of town, much quieter than the islands, with space to swim, walk and watch sunset.
Free to access; transport and food cost extra.
A towering limestone cliff above the town with a hiking and via ferrata route to the summit for views over the bay.
Guided climb with equipment; price varies.
A beach known for the best sunsets in town, lined with beach bars and chairs and with views over the bay.
Free to visit; drinks cost extra.
A quiet bay beach next to town with small cafes, calm water and sunset views. Tide changes the shoreline a lot.
Free to visit.
A forest waterfall reached by a short hike in the hills with natural pools for swimming.
Small entrance fee, guides sometimes required.
A relaxed beach with small waves, popular for surf lessons and a laid back feel away from the town crowd.
Free to access; lessons and rentals cost extra.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it.
Choose how many days you have.
Day one Tour A, day two Tour C, day three Nacpan Beach and Taraw Cliff.
Quiet bay with island hopping and fewer crowds.
87 mi · Van about 3 hours each way
A Spanish era fort and a lake in a small town.
28 mi · Van about 1 hour each way
A quiet east coast beach for surf and kite lessons.
31 mi · Tricycle or van, about 1.5 hours
Best: November to May. The dry season brings calm seas and clear water for island tours.
Daily high and average, by month
Typical inches per month
Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.
Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.
March or April
Quieter for businesses, and a busy local holiday period.
June 12
National celebrations and local events.
Late December
Peak travel season with high prices.
Generally safe for tourists, but governments advise caution for petty theft, boat safety, typhoons and security risks in some southern regions; check current advice.
The small town centre is walkable, but beaches further out need a tricycle or motorbike.
No real public transport; tricycles, motorbike rentals and vans are used.
The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.
Best for: budget, first-timers
Close to restaurants, tour offices and the beach.
Best for: couples, sunset lovers
Quieter beach strip with views just outside town.
Best for: couples, relaxed stays
Sunset beach with beach bars and mid range hotels.
Best for: luxury, couples
Resorts on islands in Bacuit Bay with all inclusive packages.
| Main airport | El Nido Airport (Lio Airport) (ENI), 4 mi from the center |
| To the center | Airport transfer by van or tricycle takes about 15 to 30 minutes. |
| Around town | Tricycles for short rides and scooters for beaches. Book vans for transfers to Puerto Princesa, about 5 to 6 hours. |
Catch of the day grilled on the beach for island lunches.
Raw fish cured in vinegar and calamansi.
A local delicacy, wood worm served in vinegar, for the adventurous.
Cool refreshment after a boat day.
Classic Filipino noodles and braised meat at local eateries.
| Plugs | Types A, B and C, 220 V |
| Tap water | Use bottled water |
| Tipping | Not required; small tips for boat crews and guides are appreciated. |
| Payments | Carry plenty of cash; ATMs are few and sometimes empty, and cards are accepted only at larger hotels and some restaurants. |
| Etiquette | Respect the marine environment; follow guide instructions and keep cliff areas clean. Single use plastics are restricted in the area. |
El Nido began as a fishing community, and its name is linked to the swiftlet nests collected from the cliffs. Tourism grew from the 1980s and 1990s. Much of the area is protected as part of the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protection Area. The town has expanded quickly in recent years.
Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.