El Nido - Discovering Philippines

Travelling to El Nido

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in El Nido, a pretty good destination in Philippines (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to El Nido and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around El Nido, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Philippines, here's everything to know about El Nido for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to El Nido

El Nido is a small town located in the northern part of Palawan island in the Philippines. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, limestone cliffs, and diverse marine life. El Nido is also known for being a gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, a group of islands that include some of the most stunning natural attractions in the Philippines. The town offers a range of activities like island hopping, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and beach bumming. The best time to visit El Nido is during the dry season between November and May.

What to visit in El Nido

Sure, here are some of the tourist attractions of El Nido in the Philippines along with some information about them: 1. Nacpan Beach - is a 4 km long beach located approximately 17 km north of El Nido town. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, fine white sand, and stunning scenery.
2. Big Lagoon - an enclosed lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that features clear blue water and abundant marine life. Visitors can kayak or swim here to appreciate its beauty.
3. Small Lagoon - located inside Miniloc Island, is a narrow entrance that leads into a serene lagoon. It has clear water perfect for swimming and kayaking.
4. Secret Lagoon - nestled amidst towering limestone cliffs, this hidden lagoon has a small entrance that opens up to a beautiful, emerald saltwater lake.
5. Seven Commandos Beach - A beautiful, white sand beach fringed with coconut trees. Visitors can swim, relax, or wade across to a small island that has a few small beach bars.
6. Matinloc Island - Apart from Matinloc Shrine, a sacred place of worship on the island, there are other sites worth visiting here, including Secret Beach, Star Beach, and Helicopter Island.
7. Taraw Cliff - a towering limestone cliff that offers a stunning view of El Nido town and surrounding islands. Visitors can hike to the top for magnificent sunrise and sunset views.
8. Snake Island - The island's name is derived from its unique S-shaped sandbar. Visitors can walk on the sandbar and explore the island's jungle trails. 9. Shimizu Island - This island is known for its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
10. Dilumacad Island - also known as Helicopter Island, it is named after its shape, similar to that of a helicopter. It has a long stretch of white sand beach, coral reefs, and crystal clear waters.
These are just some of the tourist attractions of El Nido in the Philippines, but each one has its unique charm and beauty that attracts visitors from all over the world.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Philippines, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in El Nido.

When to go on holiday to El Nido

The best time to visit El Nido is during the dry season, which is from November to May. During this time, you can expect warm and sunny weather with little to no rainfall. The peak season in El Nido is from December to March, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to go in November or April. It's important to note that El Nido can get extremely busy during holidays and long weekends, so it's best to book your accommodations and activities well in advance.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to El Nido

To reach El Nido, Philippines, there are two main options: 1. By Air: The nearest airport to El Nido is the El Nido Airport. You can take a direct flight from Manila to El Nido via Air Swift, Cebu Pacific, or Philippine Airlines. The flight time takes approximately one hour to reach El Nido. From the airport, you can take a tricycle or shuttle van to your hotel in El Nido town.
2. By Ferry: Another option is to take a ferry from Manila to El Nido. You can take a ferry ride from Manila to Coron, and from there, take another ferry to El Nido. This option is more time-consuming and takes around 9-10 hours depending on the ferry you choose. However, it's a more scenic way to reach El Nido as you can enjoy the view of the islands while you travel.
I hope this information helps you plan your trip to El Nido!
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit El Nido, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in El Nido

Sure, here are some typical foods of El Nido, Philippines: 1. Kinilaw - a delicious Filipino ceviche dish made with fresh raw fish marinated in vinegar, lime, onions, and chili.
2. Adobo - a classic Filipino dish made with chicken or pork, cooked with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and other spices.
3. Lechon Kawali - a popular Filipino pork dish consisting of crispy deep-fried pork belly.
4. Sinigang - a sour soup typically made with either pork, beef, or seafood, and flavored with tamarind.
5. Bicol Express - a spicy Filipino dish made with pork, shrimp paste, coconut milk, and chili peppers.
6. Baby Lobster - El Nido is known for its fresh seafood. The baby lobster is a popular dish, often served grilled or steamed and accompanied with garlic and butter.
7. Buko Juice - This is a refreshing drink made with coconut water. It’s a popular drink in El Nido, especially after a long day of island hopping.
8. Taho - a sweet Filipino snack made with silken tofu, caramelized sugar syrup, and sago or tapioca pearls.
These are just a few of the many delicious dishes you can experience in El Nido, Philippines.
You can find general info about typical foods in Philippines here.

Is El Nido an expensive destination for tourists?

El Nido is generally considered to be an expensive destination for tourists, especially when compared to other places in the Philippines. This is because it is a popular tourist destination and has limited options when it comes to accommodations, food, and other amenities. However, there are ways to save money while still enjoying all that El Nido has to offer, such as staying in cheaper accommodations and eating at local eateries instead of expensive restaurants. It is also a good idea to research and plan ahead of time to get the most out of your budget.

Where to find accomodation in El Nido

It is best to find accommodation in the El Nido town proper as it is the main hub for tourist activities and has a wide range of accommodations from budget to luxury. Other areas such as CorongCorong Beach and Las Cabanas Beach also offer great accommodations with beautiful beachfront views but may be a bit farther away from the town proper.
You can check hotel prices at El Nido here:
Booking.com

Is El Nido a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, El Nido is generally a safe place for tourists. However, like any other tourist destination, there may still be some petty thefts or scams, so it's important to be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings. It's also a good idea to use common sense and avoid walking alone in remote areas or leaving valuables unattended. Overall, El Nido is considered a safe and welcoming destination for travelers from around the world.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Philippines here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting El Nido.

What type of travelers will enjoy El Nido the most?

El Nido is a destination that can be enjoyed by a variety of types of travelers. Here are some recommendations based on interests: - Couples: El Nido is a romantic destination that can offer stunning views of secluded islands and lagoons. It's a great place for couples who enjoy adventures, such as island hopping, kayaking, diving, or taking a sunset cruise. Additionally, there are many resorts that offer a luxurious stay, with private beaches, spa treatments, and fine dining options. - Young people looking for fun: El Nido also attracts young travelers who are looking for a relaxed vibe and a lively nightlife scene. The beach bars and restaurants are perfect for mingling with other travelers, listening to live music, and enjoying refreshing drinks. During the day, there are many adventurous activities to try, such as cliff jumping, rock climbing, and hiking. - Families: Although El Nido is known for its adventure activities, it's also a family-friendly destination. The beaches are generally safe for swimming, and the snorkeling and diving experiences can be enjoyed by all ages. There are also guided tours that cater to families, such as island and cave exploration and visits to local fishing villages. Overall, El Nido is a versatile destination that can be enjoyed by a wide range of travelers.

How to get around El Nido

In El Nido, you can use different modes of transportation to move around such as tricycles, motorbikes, or rented bicycles to explore the town and nearby beaches. Boats are also necessary for island hopping tours since El Nido is famous for its beautiful islands and lagoons. Private vans or buses can also be arranged for longer distances such as going to Puerto Princesa or other towns in Palawan.

What to see around El Nido

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from El Nido: 1. Nacpan Beach - Known for its long stretch of white sand beach and crystal-clear waters, Nacpan Beach is one of the most popular destinations near El Nido.
2. Las Cabanas Beach - Located just a few kilometers away from El Nido town, Las Cabanas Beach features stunning views, calm waters, and is a great spot to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
3. Canopy Walk - The Canopy Walk in Sabang is a great way to explore the lush forest of Palawan. You can walk on steel bridges and ropes high above the forest floor, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.
4. Nagkalit-Kalit Waterfalls - Located just a few minutes from Nacpan Beach, the Nagkalit-Kalit Falls feature a natural pool where you can swim, surrounded by stunning views of cascading waterfalls and lush greenery.
5. Matinloc Island - One of the most beautiful islands in El Nido, Matinloc Island boasts a majestic cave, hidden beaches and clear waters perfect for snorkeling.
6. Snake Island - Named after its unique shape, Snake Island is a popular destination among tourists. It features a white sandbar that connects the two islands to create a spectacular view of a "snake" wriggling its way into the sea.
7. Dilumacad Island - Known for its mesmerizing coral reefs and clear blue waters, Dilumacad Island is a favorite among snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
I hope these options are helpful! Let me know if there's anything else I can suggest.
For every travel information about Philippines you can click here.

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