Best Things to Do and See in El Nido, Philippines (2024)

Table Of Contents

Updated:

El Nido in the Philippines is a magnificent seaside resort in the north of Palawan island. Tourists are welcomed by the small town, which gave the name to the resort.

From here, guests go to beach hotels scattered along the picturesque coast. In 2019, El Nido was included in the list of the top ten resorts in Southeast Asia.

Take the most out of your trip to El Nido with the list of best things to do and places to visit. All the must-try activities and information about main tourist places you can find in this post.

El Nido Resorts in the Philippines

Best Time to Visit El Nido

The weather conditions here are the same as in other Philippine Islands. There are only two distinct seasons: dry (December-May) and rainy (June-November). Throughout the year, the air temperature in fluctuates between + 22-32 °С, and the water in the sea warms up to + 24-26 °С (December – March) to + 27-29 °С (April – November).

The best time to visit El Nido is between January and April. April is considered the hottest month, the air temperature reaches +29 degrees, the coldest is August, +26 degrees.

August has the most rainfall, so it’s better not to plan a trip for that month. The summer season in the Philippines lasts from March to April, this is also the time when a lot of locals arrive here. Precipitation begins to fall in May, but the weather is sunny and there are no torrential tropical rains.

TOP Things to Do in El Nido

Explore the Beaches

There are hundreds of beaches in El Nido. You can easily rent flippers and a mask, equipment for windsurfing, scuba gear, kayaks and other water sports. You can start your exploration with Seven Commandos beach, which is 320 meters of white sand.

Make sure to check Pasandigan beach, which is one of the most popular diving spots on Cadlao Island. It will appeal to those who want to see bright corals.

If you’re looking for more calm place, go ahead to Paradise beach. Another must-visit place in El Nido is Hidden beach. Its beauty is hidden by high walls made of limestone rocks. The best way to reach it is by kayak.

Scuba Diving

The coastal waters of El Nido and the islands lying nearby are recognized as the best diving location in the Philippines and are one of the best in the whole world. You can join the tour to the famous Tubbataha reef with its amazing flora and fauna is listed as a World Heritage Site.

If you don’t have diving experience, it’s not a problem as there are many schools, where beginners can take lessons with professional instructors, and start exploration of the underwater world. Best season for diving is March – May, during this time water is clear and calm, the visibility exceeds 40 meters.

Tubbataha Reef, El Nido, Palawan
Tubbatah Reef

Big Lagoon

You have probably seen photos of this place if you’re searching for information about vacations in the Philippines. Turquoise-colored water and dark high limestone cliffs framing it. Boats are not allowed to go there, but you can take a kayak and explore the lagoon in a kayak.

Small Lagoon

Small Lagoon is miniature version of the Big Lagoon. Its calm blue-green waters are ideal for kayaking, swimming and snorkeling. This lagoon on Miniloc Island is a natural pool surrounded by high cliffs.

Secret Lagoon

You have to pass through a hole in a limestone rock to see a pool of pure water created by nature. One of the most romantic beaches in El Nido is located in the Secret Lagoon. You can get there only by swimming – through a narrow grotto-cleft in a limestone rock.

Click here if you want to join Island Hopping Tour and visit Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and more.

Take a waterproof container or bag with you to keep your camera, phone, and other things intact. It is a pity that the secret of a small shallow lagoon has long been revealed – during the day there are crowds of holidaymakers. But walk a little along the coast, and you will find a completely deserted corner

Shimizu Island

An ideal place not only for swimming, but for snorkelling. It is also very popular lunch location, so you will see many boats and visitors who enjoy their food and views at the same time.

Snake Island

Got its name from the S-shaped strip of white sand that connects this island with another one at low tide.

Pinagbuyutan Island

This is the remote island which can be the perfect place to escape, if you’re looking for some privacy and beautiful views. High cliffs, palms and a short but perfect piece of white sand make this place another popular lunch spot among El Nido visitors.

Entalula island

The small and secluded island of Entalula with a small strip of white sand beach, is one more place where boats with tourists come for lunch.

Cudugnon cave

High ceilings and rock formations. Ancient jewelry and ceramics were found there.

Cathedral Cave

It got its name from the open room and high ceiling, which makes it look like a cathedral. Swimming is prohibited due to the large number of poisonous snakes.

Popolkan Islands

Popolkan Islands are a great place for snorkeling due to schools of colorful fish.

Dilumacad Island

The shape of the island resembles a helicopter from above, which is why it is known as the helicopter island. This is a great place for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Matinloc Shrine

From there, a stunning view of the sharp rocks surrounding the crescent-shaped bay opens up.

Tapiutan Island

Remote island, which is one of the popular beach destinations on El Nido.

If you want to visit Tapiutan Beach, Matinloc Shrine and many more interesting sites on El Nido, click here to make your tour reservation.

El Nido beach on Palawan island

How to Visit El Nido Tourist Attractions

All El Nido tourist attractions are created by nature – amazing mountain landscapes, mangroves off the coast of emerald lagoons, caves and waterfalls, the vibrant underwater world of coral reefs.

Most places can be visited on behalf of guided tour mostly.

The resort hotels offer one-day boat trips on boats around El Nido with visits to picturesque islands, swimming in the lagoons, and snorkeling. In the middle of the day, a grill picnic with a light lunch is arranged. The cost of the tour is 650-800 pesos per person.

EL Nido, Palawan, Philippines

After splashing in the sea, embark on an interesting day trip to the amazing Puerto Princesa Underground River – UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the way you will visit a crocodile farm, swim in Honda Bay. If you would like to visit some remote and unique places in El Nido, you can check with local guides, if they can arrange an individual tour to marvelous mountain waterfalls.

Puerto Princesa National Park in the Philippines
Puerto Princesa

How to get to El Nido region

The most convenient way to get to El Nido is by air. There are also sea routes. Your choice depends on the island of the extended archipelago you decide to go from. Most travelers go to this resort, having arrived in the capital of the Philippines.

Domestic flights are usually from Manila to Palawan. Planes are landed at the airport of Puerto Princesa, the main city of the island. This method of transportation is preferred by many tourists, because ticket price is much lower than for direct flights. Flights from Manila to Lio Airport depart 4 times a day. Travel time 1 hour 20 minutes.

Passenger ferries run from Manila port piers to Puerto Princesa Harbor. The sea trip lasts about a day.

Buses and jeepneys run from the capital of Palawan to El Nido city.

Travel Tip

Make sure you have enough cash while traveling to El Nido. It is unlikely that it will be possible to withdraw funds in some small town or village. Large hotels and restaurants may accept credit cards.

Be sure to try the traditional dish – bird’s nest soup. It is considered a delicacy, due to the limited quantity, the price of nest soup is quite high.

Tags

Services We Recommend