El Nido, Palawan is the kind of place that feels almost unreal. Set against dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and some of the clearest turquoise water in the world, this laid-back coastal town has become one of the Philippines’ most sought-after island escapes.

While the Philippines is home to more than 7,000 islands, Palawan is often considered the crown jewel — and El Nido is where adventure and relaxation meet. Days here are spent island hopping through secret lagoons, snorkeling vibrant reefs, chasing sunsets, and slowing down into true island time. Whether you’re planning a luxury island retreat or an adventure-filled tropical getaway, El Nido offers a little bit of everything.

Where to Stay

• Cauayan Island Resort: A secluded boutique private-island resort known for its laid-back luxury, beachfront villas, and intimate atmosphere
• Pangulasian Island Resort: Pangulasian offers pristine white-sand beaches, upscale villas, and a polished eco-luxury experience framed by lush tropical forest.
• Lagen Island Resort: Nestled between a calm lagoon and dense rainforest, Lagen blends serene eco-luxury with adventure-focused experiences

• El Nido Bayview Resort: A relaxed resort perched along the coastline, offering panoramic ocean views, tropical surroundings, and convenient access to El Nido’s island adventures.
• The Funny Lion El Nido: A trendy resort featuring sleek contemporary design, rooftop sunset spots, and a more elevated yet approachable luxury experience.
• S Resort El Nido: A stylish and modern hotel near Corong Corong Beach known for its clean aesthetic, sunset views, and convenient location.

• El Nido Town is perfect for travelers looking for a walkable area with plenty of restaurants, nightlife, and easy tour access.
• Lio Beach offers a quieter, more upscale atmosphere with a modern feel.
• Corong Corong is known for its relaxed vibe and beautiful sunset views.
• Private Islands offer a secluded luxury experience surrounded by untouched natural beauty.

There are two options when flying into El Nido. The quickest and easiest option is a direct flight from Clark Airport (Angeles) Airport to Lio Airport in El Nido, which requires a 1 & 1/2 hour drive from Manila to Clark. The longer option is to fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa, then continue to El Nido by van or private car — a drive that takes 6+ hours. I recommend the first option.

From the airport, pre-arranged transfers through your resort or a private driver are the easiest way to reach El Nido. Once there, tuk-tuks and tricycles are the primary form of transportation around town and nearby beaches. Many resorts can also coordinate private transfers, island hopping tours, and transportation throughout El Nido for a more seamless experience.

El Nido is warm and tropical year round, so pack light-weight, breathable clothing, plenty of swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen, and sturdy sandals or water shoes for island hopping, lagoons, and rocky beaches. Evenings are typically casual, but a nicer outfit or two is perfect for resort dinners or sunset cocktails. A waterproof phone pouch is smart for boat days and water adventures.

Wanderer Adventures

Island Hopping

You can’t go more than a few steps through El Nido town without seeing signs for island hopping tours — and for good reason. Island hopping is the number one activity in El Nido, offering the chance to explore hidden lagoons, dramatic limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear water that make Palawan so famous.

There are four main island hopping routes to choose from, each offering a slightly different experience:

• Tour A: The most iconic route, featuring Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and stunning turquoise waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Perfect for first-time visitors.
• Tour B: A quieter, more laid-back route focused on caves, secluded islands, and unique rock formations. Great for travelers looking to avoid larger crowds.
• Tour C: Known for some of El Nido’s best snorkeling and hidden beaches, with stops at beautiful remote islands and vibrant coral reefs. Another must-do tour for first-time visitors.
• Tour D: A more local-feeling route with peaceful beaches, smaller lagoons, and relaxing swim spots closer to town.

Tours A and C are typically the most popular and are highly recommended if it’s your first time visiting El Nido. Travelers can choose between shared group tours or private boats for a more personalized experience. Most tours include lunch, snorkeling gear, and multiple swimming stops throughout the day.

Sunsets

Sunsets in El Nido are something you’ll want to plan your evenings around. As the sun dips behind the limestone islands scattered offshore, the entire coastline glows with shades of orange, pink, and gold. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at a beachfront bar or watching from the sand after a day of island hopping, sunset is one of the best parts of the El Nido experience.

Some of the best places to catch sunset include:

• Corong Corong Beach – One of the most popular sunset spots, lined with beachfront restaurants, bars, and live music.
• Marimegmeg Beach (Las Cabañas Beach) – Known for its relaxed beach clubs, palm-lined shoreline, and stunning golden-hour views.
• Nacpan Beach – A quieter option with a long stretch of sand and fewer crowds.
• Sunset cruises – Many resorts and private boat operators offer sunset sailing experiences around the islands.
• Beachfront resorts – Many hotels and island resorts offer incredible west-facing sunset views right from your room, pool, or restaurant.

Beaches

El Nido is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines, ranging from long stretches of soft white sand to hidden coves only accessible by boat. Whether you’re looking for a lively beach club atmosphere, a quiet day in the sun, or crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling, there’s a beach for every type of traveler.

Some of the most popular beaches in and around El Nido include:

• Nacpan Beach – One of the most famous beaches in El Nido, known for its long stretch of golden sand, swaying palm trees, and laid-back beach bars. Perfect for a full beach day outside of town.
• Marimegmeg Beach (Las Cabañas Beach) – A favorite for sunset views, beach clubs, and relaxed afternoons by the water. This area is lined with beachfront restaurants and is one of the most popular spots for golden hour.
• Lio Beach – A quieter and more modern beach area near the airport with restaurants, cafés, and calm swimming conditions. Great for a slower-paced beach day.
• El Nido Town Beach – Located right in the heart of town, this beach offers beautiful waterfront views, easy access to restaurants and cafés, and a convenient spot to watch boats come and go throughout the day. While not the main swimming beach, it adds to the lively coastal atmosphere of El Nido.
• Corong Corong Beach – Known more for its atmosphere and sunset views than swimming, Corong Corong is lined with beachfront bars, restaurants, and live music spots just outside El Nido town.

Water Activities

With crystal-clear water, hidden lagoons, coral reefs, and dramatic limestone cliffs, El Nido is made for spending time on the water. Beyond island hopping, there are endless ways to explore the coastline and experience Palawan’s incredible natural beauty up close.

• Kayaking & Paddleboarding – One of the best ways to experience El Nido’s famous lagoons is by kayak or paddleboard. Many tours allow you to paddle through areas like Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, where towering limestone cliffs and calm turquoise water create one of the most iconic landscapes in Palawan.
• Snorkeling – El Nido is home to vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and crystal-clear snorkeling spots scattered throughout the islands. Many island hopping tours include snorkeling stops, making it easy to explore the underwater world even for beginners.
• Diving – Palawan is known for its incredible marine life and dive sites, ranging from coral gardens and reef walls to underwater caves and shipwrecks. Whether you’re a beginner or certified diver, El Nido offers a variety of dive experiences with local dive shops throughout town.
• Sunset Cruises – For a slower-paced experience, sunset cruises are a beautiful way to enjoy the coastline while taking in the famous Palawan sunsets from the water.
• Swimming & Floating Lagoons – Some of the best moments in El Nido are simply floating in the calm turquoise water surrounded by limestone cliffs and hidden beaches.

Before You Wander