El Nido
Southeast Asia · Philippines
Did you know?
- A tiny opening in a limestone wall leads swimmers into Secret Lagoon.
- The surrounding coast has 45 islands and islets.
- Island-hopping itineraries are commonly identified simply as Tours A to D.
See also
Port Barton
Philippines10.41°N 119.18°E · 7 m
Coron
Philippines12.00°N 120.20°E · 8 m
Puerto Princesa
Philippines9.73°N 118.73°E · 98 m
Overview
El Nido is a base for exploring Bacuit Bay's limestone islands. Boat trips and beach excursions dominate visits, with kayaking and climbing adding variety.
Languages: English, Filipino
Why go?
El Nido is a coastal town in Palawan with 45 islands and islets, offering stunning limestone cliffs, clear waters, and pristine beaches. It is known for water sports like diving and snorkeling, and remains a relatively quiet destination with no large hotel chains. Tourism is sustainable, and the area is popular with backpackers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
The main attraction is island hopping in Bacuit Bay, with tours costing PHP 850-1,200 per person including lunch. Other activities include snorkeling, kayaking, mountain biking (PHP 400-500 per day), and rock climbing. A cultural experience called 'The Philippine Experience' offers insight into local life (PHP 1,900).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
A variety of restaurants serve European, American, and Filipino dishes at moderate prices. Budget options include Filipino listless eateries for around PHP 70 and BBQ sticks for PHP 10. For pizza, visit Altrove Trattoria, and for curry, Ghandi's Revenge. Many places have free Wi-Fi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation in El Nido town is concentrated along the beach road, with backpacker hostels offering dorm beds from PHP 280. Many guesthouses and pensions are available, with private rooms from around PHP 500. Booking is recommended during Christmas, Easter, and Chinese New Year.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Internet cafes are plentiful, and most restaurants and guesthouses offer free Wi-Fi. Globe and Smart SIM cards provide 2GB of data for PHP 90 and PHP 99 respectively. Internet access may be affected by power cuts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A backpacker can get by on around PHP 1,000-1,500 per day including accommodation, meals, and activities. Dorm beds cost from PHP 280, meals from PHP 70, and island hopping tours from PHP 850. An environmental fee of PHP 200 is charged for the first 10 days.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Popular day trips include Nacpan Beach (45 minutes north), Corong Corong Beach, and the various island hopping tours A to D. Overnight trips to Coron or Port Barton are also possible.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Nearby destinations include Coron, known for diving and wrecks, Taytay, and Port Barton. Nacpan Beach is a quick scooter ride away.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Anang Balay Turista
A small friendly place with good air-con rooms.
Recorded price: PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Cadlao Resort & Restaurant
Beautifully located on a trail just outside of El Nido, with view over El Nido bay and Cadlao island. Exceptional restaurant and bar. Has battery backed-up solar cells and private generator.
Recorded price: PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Cliffside Cottage
It is slightly away from the center but set in a quiet setting with porches facing the garden.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Edleahs Inn
Small budget guest house with sea view. The host is really nice and helpful. The Internet connection is poor, but that's the case for all places here. Coffee is provided in the morning.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
El Nido All Seasons Beach Resort
All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, TV with cable channels, hot shower, private balcony, private toilet and bath. It also provides island hopping tours, airport transfers, massage service, room service and laundry service.
Recorded price: Rates start at PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
El Nido Beach Hotel
All rooms have hot water, TV, mini fridge and free Wi-Fi.
Recorded price: PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
El Nido Sands Inn
Dorms and privates available. Common area over the water.
Recorded price: dorm PHP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Gemini Travelers Lodge
All rooms feature air conditioning, hot and cold shower, TV, free Wi-Fi internet; there are laundry servicers, and an outside seating area too.
Recorded price: US$14
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Booking
Book accommodation in advance during Christmas, Easter, and Chinese New Year.
Electricity
Electricity runs 24 hours a day, but power cuts are random. Some places have generators.
Money
Environmental fee PHP 200 valid for 10 days. Island hopping tours PHP 850-1,200 per person.
Transport
Tricycle taxi to Las Cabanas costs PHP 150. Mountain bike rental PHP 400-500 per day.