13 Things To Do In El Nido + Where To Stay, Eat, And More

El Nido is one of those places that really lives up to the hype.

We spent a chunk of our 2-month trip around the Philippines exploring this gem in northern Palawan, and it quickly became one of our favourite stops!

Some of the things we loved the most during our visit to El Nido were Hidden Beach (just getting there is an adventure), kayaking Big Lagoon, and the insane views at the Taraw Cliff canopy walk.

Plus, the island-hopping around the nearby Linapacan Islands? Absolutely unreal. It was the highlight of our whole trip to The Philippines!

El Nido town itself has an awesome vibe too – way more developed than Coron Town, with plenty of shops, cafés, and spots to grab a feed after a big day out.

So in this guide, we’ll share what we think are the best things to do in El Nido, including the best beaches and islands to check out, hikes to try, how to get there, where to stay, and everything else you need to plan your trip!

13 unmissable things to do in El Nido

1) Island Hop Around Bacuit Bay

Bacuit Bay is the group of islands, lagoons, and limestone cliffs just off the coast of El Nido, in northern Palawan… and where all the island-hopping tours take place!

It’s basically the reason most people come to El Nido. There are 4 main island hopping tours that take you to different islands of Bacuit Bay – Tours A, B, C, or D:

• Tour A – Lagoons and Beaches. It includes Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach. It’s best for kayaking and swimming in lagoons.

• Tour B – Caves and Sandbars. Includes Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Pinagbuyutan Island. Good mix of beach, cave, and viewpoint spots.

• Tour C – Hidden Beaches and Snorkelling. Includes Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island. Best for snorkelling and more adventurous stops.

• Tour D – Chill Beaches and Small Lagoons. Includes Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Beach. Less crowded, more relaxing – good if you’ve done the others.

2) Swim at Nacpan Beach

Nacpan Beach is a stunning 4km stretch of golden sand and calm waters, about a 30-40-minute ride from El Nido town.

The beach is perfect for swimming, with gentle waves and clean water. You can spend hours walking along the sand, playing beach games, or just watching the epic sunset views.

Getting there is easy. You can grab a trike, or rent a motorbike for ₱500–₱700 per day. The road’s pretty good until the last bit near the beach, where it gets a bit bumpy.

3) Kayak through Big Lagoon

Big Lagoon is one of the most famous spots in El Nido, known for its clear turquoise water surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

And the best way to explore it is by kayak! You’ll paddle through a shallow entrance into the wide lagoon, it’s absolutely incredible.

You’ll get there with Tour A. Most tour operators have kayaks you can rent, so bring cash to pay for that!

It can get packed, though. If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to hire a private boat like this one and request to get there either first thing or as the last stop of the trip.

4) Explore Secret Lagoon

This one was one of our favourite stops on our visit to El Nido, and no wonder why!

The Secret Lagoon is tucked away behind a tiny opening in the limestone cliffs – you’ll need to squeeze through to get inside. Once you’re in, you’ll find yourself in a stunning hidden pool!

The water is nice and shallow, making it great for a relaxing dip. But much like Big Lagoon, it can get super busy during peak hours.

But look – even if it’s packed with tourists, it will be 100% worth visiting! Your jaw will drop. Book a tour A to go there!

5) Snorkel at Seven Commandos Beach

Seven Commandos Beach is another absolute gem! You’ll spot it straight away from the boat (tour A), with its line of swaying coconut trees and crystal-clear waters.

The snorkelling here is perfect for beginners. Just swim a few meters from the shore and you’ll find yourself floating above loads of colourful fish darting around patches of coral.

Even if you’ve never snorkelled before, you’ll get the hang of it quickly in these calm waters.

The beach has got everything you need for a comfy day out – clean toilets, snack stands selling fresh coconuts, and plenty of shady spots to escape the sun when you need a break.

6) Do the Taraw Cliff Canopy walk

Taraw Cliff is the tallest limestone peak overlooking El Nido town and Bacuit Bay, with absolutely epic panoramic views from the top!

You need a local guide to access it for safety reasons. You can either:

• Do the climb with a tour guide. Last time we checked they charged ₱1,000 per person, groups were up to 3. Some companies don’t offer this at all because of how dangerous it is.

• Do the Taraw Cliff canopy walk, which is what we did. You’ll walk through an iron path (via Ferrata) to the lookout, wearing helmets and harnesses in some sections for safety.

If you do the canopy walk, allow for 1 hour to do the whole thing (do the climb, check out the views, and go back down).

You can purchase the canopy ticket in advance here!

7) Visit Hidden Beach

This one was another favourite of ours during our visit! Hidden Beach lives up to its name – you’ll need to slip through a narrow gap between massive limestone cliffs to find this stunning little spot.

The snorkelling here is fantastic – the water’s crystal clear most days, and you’ll spot heaps of fish darting around the healthy coral reefs.

It’s a stop in Tour C and it can get crowded at times (still worth it though!). Just keep an eye on the tides – they can make getting in and out a bit tricky at certain times.

Your boat captain will know the best times to visit, so listen to their advice about wave conditions and access times.

8) Sunset and zipline at Las Cabanas Beach

Las Cabañas Beach is just a quick 15-minute trike ride from town, and it’s absolutely stunning!

It’s a relaxed, palm-lined beach perfect for swimming, chilling, and watching the sunset over the islands.

Plus, there are heaps of beach bars and restaurants right on the sand so you can easily spend the whole evening there.

For an extra thrill, hop on the zipline that runs right over the water! It’s 750-metres long and the views are out of this world.

The cost of ziplining is ₱500 – ₱1,100 and depends on the position you’re doing (sitting or superman) and whether you’re going one way or a return zipline.

9) Walk the sandbar at Snake Island

Snake Island is one of El Nido’s coolest spots, famous for its incredible S-shaped sandbar that shows up at low tide. You’ll need to jump on a boat to get here – it’s usually part of Tour B island hopping trips.

There’s also an epic viewpoint 10 minutes from there. From up there, you’ll get the best views of the sandbar snaking through the bright blue water!

The swimming here is fantastic, but pack everything you need for the day – there aren’t many facilities on the island.

10) Go surfing or kitesurfing at Duli Beach

This epic spot is about a 45min from El Nido town, but the journey is totally worth it if you’re keen on surfing or kitesurfing!

We didn’t have much time to go there, but our local guide told us the best waves roll in between November and April. It’s a solid place for both beginners and experienced surfers and the beach break is super consistent.

And if you’ve never surfed before, no problem – there are instructors there to teach you! You can rent boards and get lessons right on the beach.

11) Explore El Nido Town Proper

We loooved El Nido town. We got in from Coron so it was quite a contrast, as there isn’t much to do in Coron Town proper.

Not here, though! It’s a bustling little town with heaps of food stalls, shops, cafés, and markets.

The night market is where you’ll find the best local eats – sample some Filipino classics like sisig and adobo or try the fresh seafood straight from the day’s catch!

Getting around town is super easy on foot, and you’ll find plenty of trikes waiting to take you anywhere further out.

Just remember to agree on a price before hopping in – usually ₱50–₱100 per person for short trips around town.

12) Check out Nagkalit-kalit Falls

Nagkalit-kalit Falls is a beautiful hidden waterfall, about a 30-min drive from El Nido town. From there, it’s a 30-60 min hike through lush forest to reach the epic falls.

You can swim in the cool, crystal-clear pool at the base of the falls. It’s a different vibe than the beaches and 100% worth checking if you’re spending more than 3-4 days in El Nido!

The trail’s a bit challenging – you’ll cross several streams and tackle some muddy sections. Make sure to wear good walking shoes that can get wet, and bring plenty of water.

13) Island Hopping to Linapacan Islands

The Linapacan Islands sit between El Nido and Coron, and they’re some of the most beautiful islands you’ll ever see!

We did a 3-day island hopping trip through here to take us from Coron to El Nido, and it was hands down the highlight of our entire Philippines trip (this is the tour we did).

The water was ridiculously clear! The definition of pristine, perfect for snorkelling and swimming. Plus, we met fewer tourists than the main spots in El Nido or Coron.

There are also full-day trips from El Nido if you don’t have 3 days for this, like this one.

When is the best time to visit El Nido?

March-April is the BEST time to visit El Nido, in our opinion!

We went in March and can’t recommend it enough – the weather is absolutely perfect and there aren’t as many tourists as in December-February.

But honestly, anytime between December and April is good. Just be mindful of the peak seasons and avoid typhoon season at all costs.

We take a deep dive into the best (and worst) times to visit The Philippines here!

How to get to El Nido from Australia? 

Getting to El Nido from Australia is pretty straightforward once you know your options.

First, fly into Manila from major Aussie cities like Sydney or Melbourne – it’s about an 8-hour flight, and airlines like Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines do this route regularly.

From there, you’ve got a few ways to reach El Nido:

• Fly from Manila to El Nido Airport. This is the fastest but priciest way to get there. Flights here are less frequent, so don’t sleep on booking the ticket!

• Van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. It’s how most people get there. The van costs around $12–$20 AUD per person, so it’s quite cheap. But it’s a 5-6 hour van ride through a very windy road, so bring sea sickness tablets if you’re prone to nausea.

• Island hopping from Coron to El Nido. This is what we did! It was a 3-day, 2-night island-hopping tour that included food, accommodation, and all stops (including Linapacan islands). It cost us ~$300 AUD each, so it was great value for money!

Once in El Nido, it’s very easy to get around:

• Tricycles (Tuktuks): Short-distance rides cost ₱50–₱100 per person one-way, while longer trips range from ₱100–₱200.​

• Jeepneys: Cheapest way to move around, fares range between ₱10–₱20 per person one-way, depending on the route.​

• Motorbike/scooter Rentals: Costs between ₱500–₱700 per day, good if you want to explore beaches outside of town like Nacpan or Duli Beach.

Note: If you’re planning to explore Puerto Princesa as well, consider flying from Manila to PPC, then doing El Nido and then island hopping to Coron! That way you’ll check out most of Palawan’s highlights.

How many days to stay in El Nido?

We stayed 2-3 days in El Nido and it was perfect for us – we were able to see the highlights without feeling rushed.

Most travellers will be happy with that amount of time too. You’ll have enough time to do 1-2 island-hopping tours plus check out Taraw Cliff, Las Cabañas, and Nacpan Beach!

If you’ve got more time (4–5 days), you can take things slower, even head to Duli Beach, do the hike at Nagkalit-kalit Falls, or fit in a diving tour.

Best stays in El Nido

Most people stay in El Nido town proper because it’s close to everything – boat tours, restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s lively, walkable, and you won’t need a scooter or tricycle to get around town.

It’s where we stayed and we absolutely loved it!

We stayed at Cuna Hotel, which has a rooftop pool and is smack in the middle of town, and Happiness Hostel, which has a great vibe and is super social.

If you prefer a quieter vibe, Corong-Corong is just a few minutes from town and has beachfront stays with sunset views. Maremegmeg Beach is also a great alternative if you’re keen on relaxing by the beach with fewer crowds.

Here are more epic places to stay in El Nido:

• Best budget-friendly stay: Happiness Hostel El Nido. We loved staying there. It’s a hostel with dorms and private rooms, plus a great social atmosphere. At walking distance from the boat tour departure port, mixed dormitories sleep up to 8 people.

• Best for families and groups: El Nido Coco Resort. Located in Corong-Corong, about 5 minutes from town by trike, this resort offers apartments, bungalows, and villas, fully equipped. Villas sleep 4-8 people.

• Best hotel: Cuna Hotel El Nido. We stayed here and loved the central location – everything’s within walking distance, plus it has a rooftop pool with views over the bay. Great for couples or friends travelling together. Sleeps 2–3 per room.

• Best beachfront stay: Outpost Beach Hostel. Located on Corong-Corong Beach with front-row seats to the sunset! It’s a hostel but with private rooms too, and the beach bar is a great hangout spot. Has private rooms for up to 2 and mixed bedrooms for up to 12.

• Best luxury: Pangulasian Island Resort. This one’s a boat ride away, on its own Pangulasian Island. It’s next-level luxury with beachfront villas, a spa, and snorkelling right off the beach. Sleeps 2–4. Ideal for honeymoons or if you’re after total peace and privacy.

If none of these fill your needs, here are more accommodation options in El Nido!

Where to eat in El Nido?

El Nido has a solid mix of spots to grab a bite, from casual eats to more upmarket dinners, plus a few chilled bars to wind down after a day out on the water.

Here’s a mix of options to suit different budgets and vibes:

• Artcafe ($$), one of our favourites, it’s great for brunch and it’s right in the town centre. They serve everything from fresh fruit bowls and omelettes to sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas. Good coffee, fresh juices, and reliable Wi-Fi!

• La Salangane ($$$), another favourite, it’s a French restaurant known for fresh seafood, steaks, and a solid wine list. The setting’s a bit fancier, with seating overlooking the beach, so it’s a good spot for a special dinner.

• SAVA Beach Bar ($$), right on the beachfront in the middle of town, this is the place for sunset cocktails and DJs later in the night. It’s more polished than your average beach bar, with a decent food menu if you’re hungry.

• Gusto Gelato ($$), a small café and gelato shop in the centre of town. Good for a coffee break and something sweet—heaps of flavours, and they also do decent espresso-based coffee.

• Bella Vita El Nido ($$), located just out of town on Corong-Corong Beach, it’s a great Italian restaurant with excellent pizzas and delicious coffee. Plus it’s right on the beach, great vibes!

Top Tips

Always have cash ready! Places like Nacpan Beach charge a small entrance/environmental fee (₱50–₱100). You’ll also want it to pay for snorkel or kayak rentals during your tours.

Also have small bills and coins ready for trikes (₱20, ₱50, ₱100) because drivers often can’t break large notes. The same goes for buying snacks, market food, and jeepney rides.

And if you’re after a more budget-friendly visit, look for “carinderias” (local eateries) where meals are just ₱80–₱150 and are SO GOOD.

Did you know?

Before it became El Nido, the area was known as Bacuit, named after the bay.

The name “El Nido” means “The Nest” in Spanish, which comes from the edible bird’s nests found in the limestone cliffs.

Locals would collect these nests, made by swiftlets, to sell for bird’s nest soup – a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. It was such a big deal economically that they renamed the town in honour of it.

The town also used to be a tiny fishing village that not many people visited. In the 1990s, it started popping up on backpacker trails, but it really exploded in the last 10–15 years thanks to social media.

Now, tourism is the main source of income for locals, but there’s a big push to keep things sustainable.

You’ll notice lots of eco-tourism efforts – like plastic bans, reef-safe sunscreen rules, and protected areas – all aimed at preserving what makes El Nido special.

FAQs

The bottom line

El Nido seriously blew us away – from the wild limestone cliffs and crystal-clear lagoons to the hidden beaches and epic sunset spots, there’s just so much to do here!

You could easily spend a week island-hopping, snorkelling, chilling on the beach, and still feel like there’s more to explore.

Whether you’re here for a few days or planning a longer adventure, just make sure to mix in a bit of everything – the boat tours, the inland hikes, and those lazy beach afternoons.

And if you can swing it, that trip to the Linapacan Islands? Absolutely next level.

One thing’s for sure – El Nido is a place that sticks with you long after you leave.