If you’re dreaming of turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches, and that laid-back island vibe, El Nido in Palawan, Philippines, should be right at the top of your list. Nestled in the Bacuit Archipelago, El Nido is a gateway to jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, secret beaches, and vibrant marine life. Here’s how to make the most of a few days in this stunning corner of the world.
✈️ Getting to El Nido
Getting to El Nido can be part of the adventure. The easiest (and most expensive) way is to fly directly to El Nido Airport (Lio Airport) with AirSwift from Manila or Cebu. For a more budget-friendly route, most travellers myself included fly into Puerto Princesa and then take a van or bus to El Nido. The journey takes around 5–6 hours, and although it’s a bit long, the scenic drive makes it more bearable. Be sure to book your transfer in advance, especially during high season.
☀️ Best Time to Visit El Nido
The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to May, when you’re most likely to have sunny skies and calm seas – perfect for island hopping. I visited during the beginning of December, and while it was still beautiful, the weather was a bit unpredictable, which affected some of the boat tours.
🏖️ A Relaxing Day at Nacpan Beach & Angkla Beach Club
One of the best things to do outside the usual boat tours is spending a day at Nacpan Beach – a stunning stretch of golden sand about 45 minutes north of El Nido town. The scenery is incredible, but when I visited, the waves were too strong to swim, and there was very little natural shade. So, I decided to treat myself to Angkla Beach Club, and I’m so glad I did.
For around £25 (approx. ₱1,800), you get access to their pool, shaded bean bags, and facilities. Even better, the full amount is redeemable on food and drinks throughout the day. I sipped on a refreshing mango smoothie for lunch and later enjoyed a burger with chips and a Diet Coke for dinner — proving you can have a great meal and chill in comfort, all for the price of admission. It’s the perfect way to unwind between adventure-filled days.
🛶 Island-Hopping: The Heart of El Nido
Of course, the main attraction in El Nido is the island-hopping tours. There are four main ones – Tour A, B, C, and D– each offering a unique mix of lagoons, snorkeling spots, and beaches.
The most popular ones are Tour A and Tour C, and I had my heart set on both. Unfortunately, due to the weather and the local policy of limiting the number of boats, I could only do Tour A – but it did not disappoint.
Tour A includes visits to Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and some incredible beaches. We even kayaked through the Big Lagoon, and I’d recommend paddling all the way to the back – it’s quieter and much more peaceful there. One highlight was climbing into a small hidden lagoon, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs – it felt like a scene from a movie. The tour also includes a solid lunch, usually grilled meats, rice, and tropical fruits. Don’t forget your waterproof bag and reef-safe sunscreen!
If you want to make sure you get a spot on your perfect tour think about booking ahead through the link below.
🛏️ Where to Stay: Happiness Hostel
For accommodation, I stayed at Happiness Hostel, and I’d absolutely recommend it. It’s right in the heart of El Nido town, just a short walk from the main beach where the boats depart. The area is packed with scooter rentals, cafes, and tour operators, making it super convenient.
The hostel has a vibrant social atmosphere without being too loud, and there’s a bar and restaurant downstairs where you get a discount as a guest. It’s a great place to meet other travellers if you’re solo or just looking to swap island-hopping stories.
Look below to find your ideal accommodation.
Other Tips for El Nido Travelers
- Cash is king in El Nido. While some places take cards, many restaurants and tour operators don’t, and ATMs are limited – and often out of cash. Bring enough to cover your stay.
- Bring reef shoes or water shoes – many lagoons and beaches have sharp rocks or coral near the shore.
- WiFi is spotty, so download maps or offline entertainment ahead of time.
- Consider renting a scooter for a day to explore further beaches like Las Cabanas, Duli Beach, or inland waterfalls.
- Try some local Filipino dishes – El Nido has great food beyond just Western-style cafes.
El Nido is a destination that blends wild natural beauty with a laid-back island lifestyle. Whether you’re kayaking through lagoons, lounging at a beach club, or just sipping a mango smoothie with your feet in the sand, every moment feels like paradise. Even with a few hiccups from the weather, my time here was unforgettable — and I’m already thinking about when I can return to finally tick off Tour C.
So pack light, stay flexible, and get ready to fall in love with El Nido. 🌴✨