El Nido Travel Guide: Things to Do & What to Know Before Visiting

Jan 2, 2021

6 min read

Updated: Oct 20

El Nido is one of Palawan's most popular destinations. However, there are a few important things you need to know before travelling there!

That is why I have prepared this blog post about El Nido for you, to avoid unnecessary mistakes so you can fully enjoy this magnificent place!

Getting to El Nido and Getting Around
Staying in El Nido
Top Places to Visit in El Nido
Best Bars and Food Places

Getting to El Nido and Getting Around

There is an airport in El Nido, but it is small, and flights to there are very expensive, so usually people travel to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS), which is the island's biggest and main airport, and flights to there are much cheaper. If money is not a problem, I suggest you fly to El Nido Airport, as the trip from PPS to El Nido is not the best. Why?

There is only one main road through the whole island, and it is not great, so be prepared for a long, crazy ride.

One way to go is by the shuttle, which is the cheapest option. Takes from 5 to 6 hours and costs 735 PHP (around 12 euros). You can easily organize it at the airport upon your arrival, or, to be on the safe side, book a transfer in advance!

Another way, what I did with my friends, is to rent a car. For us, it turned out cheaper because we were 3 people; 6 tickets (there and back) would cost us 4410 PHP, whereas the car we negotiated for 3000 PHP for 3 days, and we got the freedom to go everywhere anytime throughout those 3 days, but this is where I am super honest and can tell you the ride will not be easy. Choose this option only if you have an experienced driver. The road is very windy, and the surface is not great quality at some points, so the driver will need to have his full concentration all of the time. At any time, we had dogs, cows, cocks, even boulders on the road; people live literally 5 cm from the road and stand on the roadside along with sleeping dogs, and through the whole 6-hour ride we maybe saw 5 road signs in total! So if you are 4 people and are ready for an adventurous ride, then renting a car might be a better option, but just double-check if your hotel has parking! If you book in El Nido downtown, then there is a possibility to park your car in the port for 150 PHP (2.50 euros). El Nido downtown is quite small, so if you park there, it should take no more than 10 mins to get to your hotel.

A place where we rented the car and which I can recommend, as we had no issues, is ‘Rey Car Rental Palawan’.

Once you are in El Nido, if you have a car, you have complete freedom to go anywhere, but if you got there by shuttle, then it is very popular to rent a motorbike or scooter. All the cool beaches and waterfalls are quite close, so getting there by motorbike shouldn't be a problem. If you are not confident with riding a motorbike, then a lot of places offer shuttles to all the main popular beaches and spots. You will find them easily available once you are there.

Prepare cash! There are only a few ATMs in El Nido, and almost none on the way from the PPS airport to El Nido, the one we tried didn’t even work, so better to prepare cash before you fly to the island!

Staying in El Nido

El Nido has plenty of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to boutique hotels and luxury beachfront resorts. If you want to be close to restaurants, shops, and island-hopping departure points, staying in El Nido town is convenient. However, if you prefer a quieter atmosphere and beautiful beaches, you can look into accommodation around Corong Corong, Lio Beach, or Nacpan Beach.

Top Places to Visit in El Nido

Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in El Nido, based on our own experiences and recommendations from locals!

1. Relax at Nacpan Beach

Nacpan Beach is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches near El Nido, located approximately 30 - 45 minutes from the town centre by car or scooter, depending on road conditions. It's famous for its long stretch of golden sand, palm trees, and turquoise water. A perfect place to spend a few hours relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery!

2. Visit Nagkalit-kalit Waterfall

On the way towards Nacpan Beach, you can stop at Nagkalit-kalit Waterfall. Getting there involves a lovely walk through tropical nature, with a chance to see a different side of El Nido beyond its beaches. Allow around 1 - 1.5 hours for the walk, depending on conditions and your pace. Once you reach the waterfall, you can enjoy the scenery and, when conditions are safe, take a refreshing swim.

We visited with a local guide, which I would recommend as the trail involves river crossings and can be difficult to follow. We paid 270 PHP (€4.50 at the time), although prices may have changed since our visit.

Another waterfall to consider is Bulalacao Falls.

3. Spend an Afternoon at Lio Beach

If you prefer a beach with restaurants, cafés, and a more developed resort atmosphere, Lio Beach is a great option! It's a beautiful, spacious beach with places to eat and relax. I would especially recommend visiting in the afternoon and staying for sunset.

4. Discover Twin Beach

Another place recommended to us by locals was Twin Beach, near Nacpan Beach. We didn't manage to visit it ourselves, but it's worth looking into if you're exploring the northern coastline of El Nido. The area is known for its beautiful beaches and tropical scenery.

5. Go Island Hopping

Island hopping is an absolute must-do in El Nido! It's one of the best ways to discover the incredible limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and hidden beaches that make Palawan so famous. You'll find several different island-hopping tours, usually labelled A, B, C, and D, each covering different attractions. You can book through local tour operators in El Nido town or arrange a tour in advance. I recommend comparing the itineraries, checking what's included in the price, and confirming any additional lagoon or environmental fees. Just remember that tours depend on weather and sea conditions, and some lagoons have limited visitor capacity.

6. Try the Canopy Walk

If you enjoy beautiful viewpoints and a little adventure, consider the El Nido Canopy Walk. This guided activity takes you up the limestone cliffs above El Nido town, offering wonderful views over the bay and surrounding islands. It's a great option if you want something different from beaches and boat tours!

7. Experience the El Nido Zipline

For another fun activity, you can try the El Nido Zipline, located near Las Cabañas Beach. The zipline offers spectacular views over the sea and surrounding islands, making it a memorable experience for visitors who enjoy adventure activities.

Bars and food places I can recommend:

1. Happiness Bar, located in downtown, creates a really cool atmosphere by having swings by the bar.

2. Jarace Grill, they have the best calamari I ever had!! They use super fresh fish, straight from the sea. The food and atmosphere were very, very good.

3. Sunset bar 'Republica', the best place in El Nido to watch the sunset with a DJ set in the background.

FAQ: Visiting El Nido, Palawan

Is El Nido worth visiting?

Absolutely! El Nido is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines, famous for its turquoise lagoons, limestone cliffs, tropical beaches, and island-hopping tours. It's especially worth visiting if you love nature and beautiful scenery.

How many days do you need in El Nido?

I recommend spending at least 3 - 4 days in El Nido. This gives you time for an island-hopping tour, visiting Nacpan and Lio beaches, and exploring the surrounding area. If you have more time, you can enjoy the destination at a slower pace.

What is the best time to visit El Nido?

The best time to visit El Nido is generally during the drier season, from November to May. December to April is particularly popular for island hopping and beach activities. However, boat tours can be cancelled due to weather conditions at any time of year.

Is it better to fly to El Nido or Puerto Princesa?

Flying directly to El Nido is more convenient, as you'll arrive close to the town. However, flights can be more expensive or limited. Puerto Princesa Airport usually offers more travel options, but you'll need an additional journey of approximately 5–6 hours to reach El Nido.

Can you visit El Nido without renting a scooter or car?

Yes! El Nido town is relatively small, and you can arrange island-hopping tours, tricycle rides, and transport to nearby beaches through local operators. Renting a vehicle is convenient but not essential.

Do you need cash in El Nido?

I recommend carrying some Philippine pesos, especially for smaller shops, local transport, and activities. ATMs are available in El Nido, but they may not always be reliable, and smaller businesses may not accept cards.

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