El Nido is constantly at the top of the list when it comes to premiere travel destinations in the Philippines. El Nido is simply where you’d want to go if you want to get away from the troubles of life and just swim in clear blue waters amidst enchanting rock formations.
El Nido is a 465-square-kilometer land of pure beauty that offers so much for you to discover and enjoy! Looking for a perfect place to spend your honeymoon? The islands of El Nido are perfect for a picturesque get-away!
Uncover the wonders of El Nido, Palawan! Spend your time relaxing in the best luxury hotels or have an adventure-filled day out on the ocean! One thing is for sure, as you float down the waters of El Nido, you’ll feel as if you’ve been drifted into the last frontier of the Philippines!
With that being, here are ten of the best things you can do in El Nido, Palawan!
1. Nacpan Beach
If you’re looking for a place to shoot your pre-wedding pictures and videos, Nacpan Beach is probably the best location for it!
The Nacpan Beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines! It has a 4-kilometer stretch of pure white sand with coconut trees lining it and the clear blue waters washing up to the shore. This looks like it came straight out of Pirates of Carribean! It’s conveniently located near establishments in case you need a place to stay or relax in.
Enjoy your evening with the locals here with parties and many activities popping up at night. You can eat delicious island food here with fresh seafood and a serving of your favorite drink!
And just when you thought that Nacpan Beach is beautiful during the day, wait until the sun sets and you’ll get the most gorgeous golden hour! And you’ll know just how much this beach is beloved when Filipinos dream to come here too despite the beaches back in their own homes!
Location: Brgy. Bucana, 5313 El Nido, Philippines
Opening Hours: Always Open.
Entrance Fee: Php50 or $1 per person.
2. Las Cabanas Beach
Just 10 minutes away from El Nido’s center is the Las Cabanas Beach which you should definitely visit especially during sunsets!
Also known as Marimegmeg Beach, Las Cabanas Beach offer a laid-back vibe and chill environment for you to enjoy in the afternoon! Bars and restaurants that serve tropical drinks and snacks can be found around so you can grab a drink and watch as the blue skies turn a beautiful mix of orange, pink, and violets! And if you’re with a loved one, you can enjoy a romantic dinner too!
However, you don’t have to come here with somebody just to enjoy the ambiance because if you’re up for it, you can also go on an adventurous ziplining trip that will let you see a different perspective of Las Cabanas Beach!
You can spend a day or two and just forget about your problems here in Las Cabanas Beach!
Location: Sitio Maremegmeg, El Nido, 5313 Palawan
Opening Hours: Always Open.
Entrance Fee: FREE
3. Small Lagoon
Want to go to where the mermaids live? If so, you can go to Small Lagoon located in Miniloc Island in El Nido! No, there are no mermaids here but if they were real, they’ll probably hide away from the world in the Small Lagoon!
The Small Lagoon in El Nido is yet another site you need to discover. The entrance here is a bit small with only a crack on a limestone rock that leads to the inside of the said lagoon. However, that’s the reason why it’s worth the visit because after going through the entrance, you’re greeted with the clearest and cleanest blue waters!
It’s a picture-perfect place for social media that’ll leave everyone envious! So, make sure to drop by Small Lagoon and enjoy the towering limestone formations that hide you away from the rest of the world!
Location: 584C+GHR Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan
Opening Hours: Always Open.
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee. Small Lagoon is part of a tour, read more to find out about the tour packages.
4. Big Lagoon
There’s a reason why the previous site on this list was named Small Lagoon because it has a big brother, the Big Lagoon!
If you search for ‘El Nido’ on Google, you’ll probably land on images of the Big Lagoon. Yes, this has become the icon and symbol of El Nido! And yes, it’s as beautiful in real life as the images on Google! The crystal clear blue waters amidst the towering limestone cliffs will make you feel as if you’re in another world! As if you’re not on Earth! And there’s a reason why these waters are so clean.
The local government, together with its people, has made sure that the area is well-maintained, kept clean, and not overcrowded! That’s why, when you visit Big Lagoon, you won’t see a lot of tourist boats floating around the area.
You can swim around Big Lagoon and feel the cool water around your skin but we recommend you rent a kayak for you to really appreciate how clear the water is! Some tourists have even spotted turtles around the area which means that marine life here is safe!
Truly, the Big Lagoon is the one place you should definitely not miss in El Nido!
Location: 584C+GHR Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan
Opening Hours: Always Open.
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee. Big Lagoon is part of a tour, read more to find out about the tour packages.
5. Snake Island
We know the name sounds unsettling but NO! There are no snakes on this island! Snake Island was named as such due to its shape that resembles the letter ‘S’.
Snake Island gained popularity because of the sandbar located in the area that only appears during low tide. It also goes by the name ‘Virgin Island’ maybe because of it its untouched beauty. You won’t see vendors on small boats selling products here. Only the purity of its beauty!
The island is perfect for strolls and is one pretty great subject for pictures and photographs!
Snake Island is located just 3 kilometers away from the mainland and is part of a Cave Exploration Private Tour. There’s really not much to do here but if your purpose is to simply relax then this will do the job just fine!
Location: Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan Island, Philippines.
Opening Hours: Always Open.
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee. Snake Island is part of a tour, read more to find out about the tour packages.
6. Hidden Beach
El Nido has over 45 islands and islets and some are tucked away among the giant rock formations. That’s why, for the next site on our list, you might need to get your map and your gear because you’re going to be looking for the Hidden Beach!
Well, not actually because the tour guide already knows where it is!
Hidden Beach was named as such due to its secretive location. The beach is a small stretch of pristine white sand that you can only access by kayaking or swimming. The view here is beautiful as the limestones allow privacy when you’re on the beach. You’ll also have a stunning view of the open sea which can be viewed only when you get to Hidden Beach!
Hidden Beach is yet another place where you can imagine a group of mermaids brushing their hair or doing other mermaid stuff! The water level here is actually pretty perfect for those who are not great swimmers since it’s more shallow compared to that of Big Lagoon.
Location: Matinloc Island, El Nido, Palawan Island, Philippines.
Opening Hours: Always Open.
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee. Hidden Beach is part of a tour, read more to find out about the tour packages.
7. Taraw Cliffs
If you want to get the best panoramic view of El Nido, then you must head to Taraw Cliffs! This cliff is amazing, to say the least!
The word ‘Taraw’ comes from the local word which means ‘mountains’ which is fitting since you’ll have to hike over jagged rocks and cliffs to get to the top. It’s best to climb during summer when the weather is dry as the rocks can get slippery and are dangerous.
There are two popular ways to climb Taraw Cliffs. One is to do the regular hike and the second is to do the Canopy Walk. The second way is much safer and is probably best for those who are not much of a thrill-seeker but still, both will give you an awesome view of the island paradise!
Going on a tour means that you’ll have to get up early in the morning, around 3:30 AM since tours usually start at 4 AM. By the time you reach the top of the peak, you’ll get the most wonderful sight which is the sunrise over the glistening waters of El Nido!
Location: 59HQ+JGQ, Barangay Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
Opening Hours: Always Open.
Entrance Fee: Php400 or $7.50 per person. Already includes all safety gear needed for the tour.
8. Secret Beach
The waters of El Nido like to keep things hidden AND a secret! But fortunately for us, we already know almost all of these islands’ secrets!
If you’ve watched the movie “The Beach” by Alex Garland, then you should know that the Secret Beach in El Nido, Palawan was the inspiration behind the novel which was then adapted into a film where Leonardo di Caprio played the main character!
The Secret Beach is part of an island-hopping tour so you’ll definitely be coming here. The entrance to the Secret Beach is smaller than that of Hidden Beach so you’ll have to swim your way inside. Just be extra careful especially when the waves are a bit bigger, but the tour guide will be there to help you get inside though.
All of that struggle will be worth it in the end because Secret Beach is extremely peaceful and beautiful like no other!
Location: Secret Beach, El Nido, Palawan, El Nido, Philippines
Opening Hours: Always Open.
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee. Secret Beach is part of a tour, read more to find out about the tour packages.
9. Seven Commandos Beach
After the onslaught of World War II, seven Japanese soldiers decided to take refuge in one of the beaches in El Nido and that is where the name of Seven Commandos Beach was taken.
This 320-meter-long white sand beach greatly reminds us of Moana’s own island, Motonui. The beach is lined with coconut trees, the massive limestone cliff at the back, and the perfectly blue waves of water brushing through the white sand beach make for a picture-perfect postcard you can send to your family.
The Seven Commandos Beach is part of the Big Lagoon tour among many other islets in El Nido. It’s perfect for a relaxing swim or a picnic on the sand. There’s really not much to say except that this beach is stunning.
They say that the names of the Japanese soldiers are etched on some of the rocks. Maybe you can try looking for them when you go to Seven Commandos Beach!
Location: El Nido, Palawan, El Nido, Philippines
Opening Hours: Always Open.
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee. Seven Commandos Beach is part of a tour, read more to find out about the tour packages.
10. Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls
As you head towards Nacpan Beach, you might want to drop by Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls.
In the local dialect, ‘Nagkalit-kalit’ means to take a moment. Perhaps, this is your sign to really take a moment and revel in the beauty of these waterfalls. You’ll have to do a bit of a long hike through a jungle and river before you reach the waterfalls but as soon as you arrive, you’ll definitely feel relieved. You can take a dip in the pool of water at the bottom of the waterfalls!
This is definitely a perfect start to your El Nido journey because after swimming in the fresh waters, you’ll already be in the salty waters of the sea! So, if you’re looking for something different in El Nido, head on to Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls!
Location: 7C4P+HVW, El Nido, Palawan
Opening Hours: This will depend on the inquired tour.
Entrance Fee: Php250 or $5 per person. Includes tour guide for the hike.
El Nido Tours You Need to Know!
You can take many different tours in El Nido, however, there are already surefire tours that you can avail. All of these tours will take you to the most beautiful places in El Nido, get to know each island, and know the story behind each of them!
So, here are the 4 most popular tours in El Nido!
El Nido Tour A
The first tour you can choose is Tour A which is a 7-hour long tour that lets you see the beautiful lagoons, Shimizu Island, and the Seven Commandos Beach!
You’ll get to witness the different marine species in the area when you go snorkeling too! This is one of the most popular tours because it simply brings you to the best spots in El Nido and the best part is it only usually costs around Php1,200 or $22 per person!
Attractions: Miniloc Island’s Big and Small Lagoons, Shimizu Beach, and Seven Commandos Beach!
Duration: 7 hours.
Price: Php1,200 or $21.50 per person plus Php200 for kayak rent.
El Nido Tour B
Tour B is a a bit more unique since you’ll get to go to a cave and visit the sandbar as well as go snorkeling in one of the top snorkeling sites in El Nido!
The tour lasts for 7 hours in total and costs around Php1300 or $22 per person. You’ll be visiting Cadugnon Cave which was where potteries that date back to the 1st century were found. Perhaps the highlight of this tour is the opportunity to go snorkeling in one of the best marine sites in the country!
Attractions: Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Entalula Beach, Cadugnon Cave, and a special snorkeling site.
Duration: 7 hours.
Price: Php1,300 or $22 per person.
El Nido Tour C
Among all the El Nido tours you can take, Tour C is the most popular because it will take you to all the beautiful beaches, islands, and the eerie yet beautiful deserted Matinloc Shrine!
You can also avoid the crowds if you opt to avail the “counter-the-clock” offers for private tours. This offer will make sure that you’ll get to experience the best without dealing with too many people!
The tour costs a bit more which is Php1400 or $25 per person and takes 7 hours to complete.
Attractions: Helicopter Island, Matinloc Island, Secret Beach, Star Beach and Hidden Beach.
Duration: 7 hours.
Price: Php1,400 or $25 per person.
El Nido Tour D
The last tour among the four most popular tours is Tour D. This tour is said to be one of the most memorable journeys you’ll ever get to partake in. Unlike the other tours that focus mainly on beaches and islands, this tour lets you enjoy the beautiful wildlife that El Nido has to offer!
The tour will make sure to avoid the crowd and that you get to enjoy the places to yourself and your group. It lasts for 7 hours and generally costs around Php1200 or $21 per person.
Attractions: Ipil Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Beach, Natnat Beach, Bukal Beach.
Duration: 7 hours.
Price: Php1,200 or $21 per person.
Where to book El Nido tours?
There are a lot of agencies that you can book within El Nido. After all, it is one of the most attractive travel destinations in the Philippines. However, some tours require you to book ahead and if you won’t be staying for long in El Nido, you might not be able to book your desired tour.
So what’s the right fix for this dilemma? Book your tour online! Lucky for you, we’ve already compiled the best booking websites for tours and attractions. We like these websites because we found the most legit deals and discounts in them. Plus, there’s always a guarantee that we are partnered with agencies that we can really trust!
Where to stay in El Nido?
The answer to this question really depends on where you’d want to stay and how much money you’re willing to spend on accommodation. El Nido is popular among tourists, so there are tons of places you could stay on the island.
You can stay at luxury resorts or opt for a more budget-friendly option. One thing is for sure, no matter where it is you’ll definitely have a great place to stay in since most establishments are competitive!
You can check out available rooms on these booking websites for hotels, resorts, and hostels and see what options you have for your chosen trip’s dates!
Is El Nido worth visiting?
If you’re looking for a more adventure-filled trip to the seas then YES, El Nido is worth visiting!
El Nido is one of the top tourist destinations and definitely one of the most gorgeous places you’ll ever get to see. It’s simply the best in terms of island life, so you should definitely visit El Nido! The islands in Palawan are now open for tourists but you may want to check out Palawan Government’s official website for updates on COVID-19 rules and restrictions.
Want to know more about the best tourist destinations in the Philippines? You can check out our blogs where we talked about the different tourist sites in Cebu, Bohol, Davao, and many more! Discover more about the best countries to travel to in our other blogs!
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