Looking for the best things to do in El Nido? The small town on the island of Palawan in the Philippines that has iconic status due to being one of the most beautiful places in the world. Probably the most popular destination in the whole of the Philippines, El Nido doesn’t have a shortage of things to do, relax on a white sand beach, hike Taraw Cliff or go on a world famous boat tour, there are plenty of tantalising activities in El Nido Palawan for you to do!
Below we share the best things to do in El Nido.
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Top Things To Do In El Nido Map
Island Hopping Tour: Most Popular Activity In El Nido Palawan
The most popular activity in El Nido is to go on an Island Hopping Tour around Bacuit Bay, here lies 45 island with pristine beaches and dramatic limestone cliffs. You can choose between Tour A, B, C or D. The full day tour includes some of the top attractions in El Nido, plus a traditional Filipino lunch on the beach.
We chose Boat Tour A which is the most popular option however we visited during the shoulder season so it wasn’t quite as busy. Location 📌
Interested? Read more about Boat Tour A in El Nido!
We highly recommend the tour as it’s one of the best things to add to your El Nido Palawan itinerary, but if you don’t like crowds, we recommend choosing one of the alternative tours. Here are the Boat Tour A stops:
Seven Commandos Beach: Best Beach To Visit
A small beach that gets busy due to the boat tour but you won’t be disappointed by the powdery-gold sand and gentle lapping waves. There was also a volleyball net and a vibrant atmosphere that we hadn’t experienced on many other beaches before. If you don’t like crowds, we have heard rumours of a way to access the beach without a tour… We think this is one of the best things to do in El Nido. Location 📌
Read more about Seven Commandos Beach
Big Lagoon
Big Lagoon is usually the first stop for lots of boats, the dramatic limestone cliffs carve a path to Big Lagoon, you disembark your boat and hire a kayak for ₽300 each, and head off on an adventure. Location 📌
Secret Lagoon
A small lagoon on boat tour A, the tour guides will help you through the small opening and you’ll emerge into Secret Lagoon. A pool enclosed by a collection of limestone cliffs, the scenery is unmatched but taken away slightly by all the bobbing life jackets. Location 📌
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El Nido Palawan Water Activities
Rent a Kayak
You can rent and explore the nearby beaches all by yourself. This is a great way to spend a morning or evening in El Nido. You can even kayak to Seven Commandos Beach which is one of the stops on Boat Tour A.
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Best Snorkelling Spots El Nido
Throughout many of the boat tours there will be a chance to snorkel where you can marvel at the coral reefs, we saw blue starfish, lots of larger fish and pristine coral. You can also snorkel offshore at any of the beaches… who knows what you’ll find!
Some of the best spots include near Shimizu Island, and around the lagoons.
El Nido’s Best Beaches – The Best In The Philippines
Duli Beach
A 2km long stretch of white sand backing onto thick jungle, Duli Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in all of Palawan and known for surfing. If you’re visiting outside of the surf season then don’t worry, grab a kayak, paddle board or your snorkelling gear and enjoy the crystal clear blue water this slice of paradise has to offer. Location 📌
Read more about Duli Beach
Nacpan Beach
One of the most famous beaches in Palawan, perfect for swimming and relaxing in the sunshine, it can only be described as paradise.
Nacpan meets Calitang beach (collectively known as the twin beaches) at the southern end of the beach. You can walk past a local fishing village and hike up the hill to get the best view over the beach. Location 📌
Read more about Nacpan Beach
Las Cabanas Beach and Vanilla Beach Shopping Area
A popular sunset spot for travellers plus there’s the new Vanilla Beach shopping area which has shops, gyms, hairdressers and a McDonalds. The beach has amazing views over the limestone cliffs and is a hub for like-minded travellers. Location 📌
Read more about Las Cabanas and Vanilla Beach
El Nido to Coron Boat Trip: The Best Activity In El Nido Palawan
A 4-day Boat Trip that takes you from El Nido to Coron (or vice versa) through some of the best places the Philippines has to offer. Although it is an expensive trip for only a few days of adventure, multiple people we spoke to on our travels put this boat trip as the highlight of their trips which is something to consider.
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Zipline Between Two Islands
Still wondering what to do in El Nido? For the adventurous readers who get bored easily just relaxing on the beach, the 750 meter long zipline over Las Cabanas beach is bound to keep you busy. Take in the breath-taking views of the limestone cliffs from up above and keep an eye out for turtles in the crystal clear blue water. Location 📌
Hike Taraw Cliff, El Nido’s Via Ferrata Canopy Walk
A unique opportunity to hike and climb one of the stunning limestone cliffs that surround the town of El Nido, the Taraw Cliff Hike is one of the best viewpoints in all of the Philippines. A guide is recommended due to the unstable rocks along the route, you’ll also have enough time to do this hike for sunrise and be back down in time for your island hopping tour. Location 📌
Watch World Famous Sunsets
We stayed at Forest Camp, small huts nestled on the side of the cliffs with one of the best views we’ve ever seen. Grab a pizza takeaway and some drinks, then head back to the rooftop seating area to enjoy one of the best sunsets you’ll ever see.
Alternatively, many people gather along El Nido Beach to watch the sun go down over the cliffs in the distance. These are some of the best sunsets we saw in all of our travels and one of our favourite things to do in El Nido!
Explore El Nido Town and TownSquare
In the heart of El Nido lies the Town Square which is the main hub of bars and restaurants, sitting right on the beach this place is perfect for some cocktails and music. If you’re on a budget it’s probably best to avoid the town square as prices are much higher. Location 📌
Read more about El Nido Beach
El Nido Waterfalls: Nagkalit-Kalit Falls
A 30 minute guided walk bring you out to El Nido’s best waterfall, definitely not the biggest or best waterfall you’ll ever see however if you want a refreshing break from the beaches and islands of El Nido, this waterfall is a good option. Make sure to wear comfortable water shoes for the walk. Location 📌
Best Time To Visit El Nido
How To Get To El Nido?
El Nido has a small airport that you can fly in to however by far the most popular way to get to El Nido is a flight to Puerto Princesa Airport then a 6 hour shared van.
The shared van to El Nido takes 6 hours and costs ₽600 each, you can pre-book a van here or book on your day of travel.
Best Places To Eat In El Nido
To discover the best places to eat in El Nido download our Philippines Pinned Map, that gives you access to over 300 locations around the Philippines that we recommend or have been recommended!
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El Nido’s Best Accommodation
El Nido has lots of areas for you to stay in. You could stay in the centre of the town, everything like tours, bars and restaurants will be a walk away as your based in the hub. The town is quiet in the day but comes alive at night. If you don’t want to stay in the town or are on a budget look at other areas such as Corong Corong.
Best Places To Stay In El Nido
$ Budget
Forest Camp
Perched high on the cliff side you can find forest camp. A basic but budget hostel that offers amazing views and breakfast included! Stay in traditional Nipa huts overlooking the famous limestone cliffs.
$$ Mid-Range
Frendz Hostel
Located in El Nido Town you will be able to walk to tours, restaurants and bars. The town is quiet in the day but alive at night. This is a great option if you’re a solo traveller, plus there’s a huge swimming pool.
$$$ High-End
Mua Tala Hotel
A luxury choice, Mua Tala features and outdoor pool, garden, terrace and bar and restaurant. At the base is Marimegmeg Beach plus it’s close to other popular attractions.
Spacing
Top Tips For Travelling To El Nido
Below we share our favourite tips for travelling El Nido:
- Plan your transport: Getting to El Nido takes around 6 hours from Puerto Princesa, book your transport in advance here!
- Be prepared for the boat tours to be busy. Boat Tour A is the most popular and therefore the busiest so perhaps try Boat Tour C or D.
- Eat Local, we found it challenging to find authentic local food in El Nido, but the Western food options were mediocre.
- Rent a scooter to explore the natural attractions and best beaches in El Nido. There are so many beautiful beaches in El Nido and waterfalls to explore nearby, just make sure you wear a helmet as it’s compulsory in El Nido Town.
- Need help planning? Check out our full Palawan Blog for tips, itineraries, maps.
