El Nido is a coastal town in Palawan. El Nido comprises 45 islands and islets; limestone cliffs are also found here, which form a Karst backdrop similar to those found in Ha Long Bay, Krabi and Guilin. It is a popular destination for locals during the long holidays of the Holy Week, but has been relatively unknown to foreign tourists. El Nido is more than just a stereotypical tropical paradise.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Breathtaking views of nature are the main reason to visit El Nido. The pristine waters of El Nido offer beautiful coral reefs, while its beaches are uncrowded unlike the popular Boracay, exploring the lagoons by kayaking is a great way of visiting the islets, coves and caves are also abundant. Inland El Nido, springs and waterfalls are also found. Bacuit Bay composes of limestone islands, where it's possible to either dive, snorkel or hike. The easiest way to see the Bacuit Bay is on an island hopping boat. These boats carry 6-12 people and will visit 4 or 5 destinations in a day.
Cultural. The Philippine Experience is an immersive adventure that offers an insight into the Philippines & its people. Reviews from guests are extremely impressive. There is a flora and fauna trek, a mini cooking course, making coconut milk and oil, coconut tree climbing, trying the national martial art and local crafts & games. Can be booked only via contact info on their website. It has scheduled dates and requires advance booking and runs from 9AM to 2:30PM and costs ₱1900 (Jan 2024). Mountain Biking. There are numerous destinations to visit... even Nacpan beach is possible for the adventurous. Bikes range from ₱400-500 per day.
Generally speaking the number of and standard of eating houses are very good. Menus have good variety mostly European, American and Filipino dishes, and prices are moderate. Most are accessible from the laneway as well as from the beach and seating has the advantage of views of the bay and environs. Botanica Cafe, Amboy St. (tell your tricycle driver to stop in front of Amakan hostel), ☏ +63 905 5523346 (mobile), raab.bustamante@gmail.com. 7AM-9PM. A third wave coffee shop popular for its coffee and its breakfasts. It has an in-house bakery making cakes, pastries, cookies, and bread.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
Top-rated tours and tickets from €129 — book ahead for the popular ones.
Tours and tickets provided by Viator (a Tripadvisor company). Some links earn Stayonomy a commission.
In Jul, El Nido typically sees ~29°C daytime highs and 24 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-07-31. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy