Discovering El Nido: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Discover the breathtaking beauty of El Nido, a municipality located on the northern tip of Palawan in the Philippines. This travel guide provides all the essential information and tips for exploring its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique rock formations.
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El Nido is a municipality located in the northern tip of Palawan province, in the Philippines. Millions of tourists are attracted every year to El Nido’s picturesque beaches, pristine blue waters, and magnificent rock formations.
The Bacuit Bay Archipelago, considered one of the world’s most beautiful bays, is one of the main attractions. It is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists alike, with its exquisite rock formations, clear waters, and white sandy beaches. Several small islands, each with its own unique features and attractions, are also found in the bay.
Unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime can be made in El Nido, whether you’re seeking adventure or simply want to relax and take in the stunning scenery.
What to See in El Nido:
If you’re planning a trip to El Nido, make sure to visit these must-see locations that we highly recommend:
Big Lagoon
This large lagoon, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, is a must-visit for every traveler. The clear turquoise waters are perfect for swimming or kayaking.
Nacpan Beach
Widely considered the most beautiful beach in El Nido, Nacpan Beach boasts stunning turquoise waters, fine sand, and breathtaking views.
Small Lagoon
Accessible through a small opening in the cliffs, this incredibly beautiful lagoon is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and is a popular spot for kayaking.
Secret Beach
Tucked away behind limestone cliffs and accessible through a narrow crevice, Secret Beach is a small, secluded beach with white sand, crystal-clear water, and lush vegetation. Its serene setting makes for a truly peaceful and beautiful experience.
Cadlao Island
As the largest island in Bacuit Bay, Cadlao Island is home to beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and hidden lagoons, making it one of the best places to enjoy the bay without crowds.
Snake Island
This long, narrow strip of white sand emerges at low tide and is one of the most beautiful sights to see in El Nido.
When to go to El Nido:
El Nido is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from November to early May. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, which means higher hotel rates.
If you decide to travel during the rainy season from June to September, you may encounter heavy rain showers and strong winds that can last for several days.
El Nido is rarely in the direct path of super typhoons.
So, plan your trip accordingly and don’t let the weather deter you from experiencing the beauty of El Nido. Whether you visit during the dry or rainy season, there’s always something to enjoy in this stunning destination.
Getting to El Nido town:
Getting to El Nido town is easy with several transportation options available from nearby destinations.
Here’s how you can get to El Nido town from different places:
From Puerto Princesa
Public Transportation: There are daily public buses and vans available for travel between El Nido (Corong Corong Bus Terminal) and Puerto Princesa. The transport services operate from 7:30am to 6:00pm and take around 5-6 hours. Book Online
Private Transportation: The quickest and easiest way to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is by booking a private van. Book Online
From Coron
Fast Ferry: Two vessels travel daily from Coron to El Nido and vice versa, with the crossing taking about 4-5 hours. Book online
Flight: Air Swift offers daily direct flights from Coron Busuanga airport to El Nido airport
From Manila, Cebu, Bohol and Boracay
Flight: Air Swift operates direct flights from Cebu, Boracay, Bohol and Manila
From Port Barton
Private Transportation: The quickest and easiest way to get from Port Barton to El Nido is by booking a private van. Book Online
From Sabang (Underground river)
Public Transportation: Lexxus operates a daily shuttle van service from Sabang to El Nido taking around 5 hours.
Private Transportation: The quickest and easiest way to get from Sabang to El Nido is by booking a private van. Book Online
Recommended Tours
El Nido Tour A by Private Boat
El Nido Beach Break Vacation | 4 Days
Where to stay:

The hotels and resorts located in El Nido town, Calaan beach, and Corong Corong beach provide an excellent base for exploring the islands of Bacuit Bay. However, during the high season, El Nido town and Corong Corong can become overcrowded with tourists. If you’re seeking a quieter vacation, it’s best to consider Las Cabañas Beach or Lio Beach.
Lio Beach and Las Cabañas Beach resorts are the perfect options for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of El Nido town. These resorts offer the perfect combination of island exploration and relaxing days on the beach. However, the beaches in town and Corong Corong are not suitable for swimming. If you’re looking for a suitable beach for swimming, Lio beach and Nacpan Beach, or the island resort, are better options.
For the ultimate luxury experience, the most exclusive resorts are located on the islands in Bacuit Bay. El Nido Resorts is a group of luxury resorts located on private tropical islands. This group of resorts, which includes Miniloc Island Resort, Lagen Island Resort, and Pangulasian Island Resort, is one of the most exclusive resorts in the Philippines, offering absolute discretion and first-class service (at higher prices than other resorts, of course).
Nacpan Beach is considered the most beautiful beach in El Nido, although it is a bit far for island hopping tours. It’s the perfect place to relax and swim in crystal-clear waters. Duli Beach is an excellent option for surfing, but there are only simple accommodations available.
El Nido Resort Lagen Island
El Nido Resort Miniloc Island
El Nido Resort Pangulasian Island
Cauayan Island Resort
Matinloc Island Resort
Vellago Resort
Cadlao Resort
Sea Cocoon Hotel
El Nido Garden Resort
H Hotel
Lagun Resort
The Funny Lion
Mahogany Resort & Spa
Frangipani El Nido
Maremegmeg Beach Club
Last Frontier Beach Resort
Coco Resort
Lime Hotel
Seda Lio
Huni Lio
Angkla Beach Club & Boutique Resort
Nacpan Beach Resort
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How to plan a El Nido Trip
