El Nido, Philippines: Travel Guide to Palawan's Limestone Paradise

El Nido, on the northern tip of Palawan, is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Southeast Asia, famous for its towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Set at the gateway to Bacuit Bay, with more than 40 islands and islets, El Nido is part of a protected area rich in coral reefs, marine life and tropical forest. Its name comes from the edible nests of swiftlets found in its cliffs, used to make the Chinese delicacy bird's nest soup.

Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in El Nido

1. Island Hopping Tours A, B, C and D

The best way to explore El Nido is on one of the famous island-hopping tours, labelled A to D, which visit lagoons, beaches and snorkelling spots in Bacuit Bay. Tour A, the most popular, includes the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon and Shimizu Island. Tour C is known for Hidden Beach, Secret Beach and Matinloc Shrine, while Tour B visits caves and Snake Island, a sandbar shaped like a snake visible at low tide, and Tour D focuses on quieter beaches. Each tour includes a barbecue lunch on the beach.

Booking tip: island-hopping tours can be booked on GetYourGuide or through local agencies; private boat tours avoid the crowds.

2. Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon

The Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon on Miniloc Island are El Nido's most iconic sights. Surrounded by sheer black limestone cliffs, the emerald water of the Big Lagoon is best explored by kayak, as boats are restricted inside. The Small Lagoon is reached by swimming or kayaking through a narrow opening in the rock, revealing a hidden, tranquil pool. To protect the environment, the number of visitors is limited.

Booking tip: kayak rental is usually extra; go early to avoid crowds.

3. Nacpan Beach

About 17 kilometres north of town, Nacpan Beach is a four-kilometre stretch of golden sand fringed with coconut palms, often ranked among the best beaches in the Philippines. Together with neighbouring Calitang Beach, it forms the "twin beaches," best viewed from a nearby hill. It's quieter than the beaches in town and ideal for swimming, relaxing in a hammock and enjoying fresh coconuts from beach shacks. Nearby, the small Nagkalit-kalit Falls offer a refreshing jungle swim after a short trek.

Booking tip: rent a scooter or hire a tricycle to reach Nacpan.

4. Taraw Cliff and Las Cabanas Beach

For panoramic views over El Nido town and Bacuit Bay, adventurous visitors can climb Taraw Cliff, a sharp limestone peak, with a guide. South of town, Las Cabanas Beach is famous for its sunsets, and a zipline connects the beach with a small island.

Booking tip: wear sturdy shoes for the Taraw Cliff climb, as the rocks are sharp.

5. Coron and Puerto Princesa

From El Nido, ferries and multi-day expedition cruises sail through remote islands to Coron, in northern Palawan's Calamian Islands. Coron is famous for its World War II Japanese shipwrecks, sunk by US aircraft in 1944 and now among the world's best wreck dives, and for its stunning lakes, such as Kayangan Lake, often called the cleanest lake in Asia, and Barracuda Lake, with layers of warm and cool water. To the south, Puerto Princesa is home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where boats glide into an underground river flowing through a cave system filled with stalactites and bats.

Booking tip: ferries and expeditions can be booked on GetYourGuide.

Practical Travel Tips for El Nido

Before You Go

• Entry: many nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free; complete the eTravel registration before arrival.
• Environmental fee: an Eco-Tourism Development Fee is charged and valid for several days.
• Cash: ATMs are limited and often run out of money, so bring enough pesos.
• Reef-safe sunscreen: help protect the coral reefs of Bacuit Bay.

Getting Around

• By air: El Nido Airport (Lio) has flights from Manila and Cebu.
• By road: vans from Puerto Princesa take about five to six hours.
• Tricycles and scooters: the main means of transport.
• Money: the currency is the Philippine peso.

Local Culinary Specialties

• Fresh seafood: grilled fish, squid and prawns, often served on island-hopping tours.
• Kinilaw: raw fish marinated in vinegar, ginger and chilli.
• Lato: sea grapes, a crunchy seaweed salad.
• Tropical fruits: mangoes, coconuts and bananas.

Best Time to Visit

• November–May: the dry season.
• June–October: the rainy season.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to El Nido

El Nido combines dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, golden beaches and rich marine life. Whether you're kayaking into the Big Lagoon, relaxing on Nacpan Beach or watching the sunset at Las Cabanas, El Nido is a true slice of paradise.

Plan ahead: book your tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Palawan.