El Nido, Palawan, is a tropical haven filled with limestone cliffs, clear lagoons, and vibrant marine life, making it one of the Philippines’ top destinations for travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure. Known for its island-hopping tours and stunning seascapes, this destination is ideal for beach lovers, snorkelers. El Nido offers a unique escape that blends laid-back vibes with unforgettable experiences.
HEADING TO PALAWAN SOON? GET DISCOUNTED HOTEL BOOKINGS WITH KLOOK!
Klook.com El Nido: Municipality in Palawan, Philippines
Country: Philippines
Coordinates: 11.2018° N, 119.4138° E
What to Eat/Drink: Fresh seafood, Tamilok (woodworm delicacy), Kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), Halo-halo (local shaved ice dessert)
What to Do: Island hopping, snorkeling, kayaking
Where to Stay: Outpost Beach Hostel (budget-friendly), Lime Resort El Nido (mid-range), Seda Lio (luxury)
Ideal Time to Visit: December to May, with peak season during summer (March to May) for the best weather
Language: Filipino, English
Currency: Philippine Peso; PHP = 1 USD (rough estimate)
HOW TO PLAN YOUR EL NIDO, PALAWAN ITINERARY
1. DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF DAYS YOU’LL BE STAYING
• 1 to 2 Days: Ideal for a quick taste of El Nido! Focus on the essentials—spend a day on an island-hopping tour like Tour A to see the Big and Small Lagoons, and squeeze in some time to relax on a local beach.
• 3 to 4 Days: This gives you a bit more flexibility. With three days, you can experience two island-hopping tours (e.g., Tour A and Tour C) to see more unique spots, and spend a day exploring the local area. If you have four days, you can add an additional day trip, like visiting Nacpan Beach or hiking for a panoramic view of the bay.
• 5 Days or More: Perfect for a more relaxed and immersive experience! You’ll have time for multiple island-hopping tours, a leisurely beach day at Nacpan.
Tip: For most travelers, three to four days is the sweet spot to explore El Nido’s top highlights without feeling rushed.
HEADING TO PALAWAN SOON? GET DISCOUNTED HOTEL BOOKINGS WITH KLOOK!
Klook.com El Nido: Municipality in Palawan, Philippines
Country: Philippines
Coordinates: 11.2018° N, 119.4138° E
What to Eat/Drink: Fresh seafood, Tamilok (woodworm delicacy), Kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), Halo-halo (local shaved ice dessert)
What to Do: Island hopping, snorkeling, kayaking
Where to Stay: Outpost Beach Hostel (budget-friendly), Lime Resort El Nido (mid-range), Seda Lio (luxury)
Ideal Time to Visit: December to May, with peak season during summer (March to May) for the best weather
Language: Filipino, English
Currency: Philippine Peso; PHP = 1 USD (rough estimate)
HOW TO PLAN YOUR EL NIDO, PALAWAN ITINERARY
1. DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF DAYS YOU’LL BE STAYING• 1 to 2 Days: Ideal for a quick taste of El Nido! Focus on the essentials—spend a day on an island-hopping tour like Tour A to see the Big and Small Lagoons, and squeeze in some time to relax on a local beach.
• 3 to 4 Days: This gives you a bit more flexibility. With three days, you can experience two island-hopping tours (e.g., Tour A and Tour C) to see more unique spots, and spend a day exploring the local area. If you have four days, you can add an additional day trip, like visiting Nacpan Beach or hiking for a panoramic view of the bay.
• 5 Days or More: Perfect for a more relaxed and immersive experience! You’ll have time for multiple island-hopping tours, a leisurely beach day at Nacpan.
Tip: For most travelers, three to four days is the sweet spot to explore El Nido’s top highlights without feeling rushed.
2. DETERMINE YOUR IDEAL LOCATION FOR ACCOMMODATION
• El Nido Town: Convenient for restaurants, shops, and access to the main pier for island-hopping tours. This area is budget-friendly.
• Corong-Corong Beach: Just a bit outside of town, Corong-Corong offers a more laid-back vibe with beautiful sunset views. It’s quieter but still close enough for easy access to tours and town amenities.
• Lio Beach: This area provides a more secluded experience with high-end accommodations and a focus on nature-friendly tourism. Great for those who want peace and quiet.
Tip: Book early! El Nido is popular year-round, and spots in prime areas like El Nido town and Corong-Corong fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
• El Nido Town: Convenient for restaurants, shops, and access to the main pier for island-hopping tours. This area is budget-friendly.
• Corong-Corong Beach: Just a bit outside of town, Corong-Corong offers a more laid-back vibe with beautiful sunset views. It’s quieter but still close enough for easy access to tours and town amenities.
• Lio Beach: This area provides a more secluded experience with high-end accommodations and a focus on nature-friendly tourism. Great for those who want peace and quiet.
Tip: Book early! El Nido is popular year-round, and spots in prime areas like El Nido town and Corong-Corong fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
3. PLAN YOUR TRANSPORTATION
Getting to El Nido:
• Direct Flight: Manila to El Nido via AirSWIFT, which lands you directly in El Nido.
• Puerto Princesa Route: Fly into Puerto Princesa, then take a van or bus to El Nido. Vans are the fastest option (around 5-6 hours). We booked our PPS-EL Nido transfer through Klook.
Getting Around El Nido
• Tricycle: The town is compact, so you can get around by tricycle or rent a motorbike if you want more flexibility. For day trips, most areas are accessible by tricycle.
Tip: If you’re short on time, flying directly into El Nido with AirSWIFT is worth the convenience over the longer van route from Puerto Princesa.
OUR ITINERARY FOR EL NIDO
DAY 1: TRAVEL FROM PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO
We flew into Puerto Princesa, then took a van to El Nido--it’s a bit of long and bumpy drive (around 5-6 hours). We booked our roundtrip Puerto Princesa to El Nido van transfers with Klook. By evening, we checked into our hotel.
DAY 2: EL NIDO TOUR A
Tour A Lagoons and Islands is a must in El Nido, featuring the iconic Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon. We set out in the morning and spent the day snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming in these crystal-clear waters. The tour operators also set up a delicious grilled lunch on a secluded beach, adding to the tropical vibe. Bring your snorkeling gear and a waterproof bag for this one!
DAY 3: EL NIDO TOUR C
Tour C Hidden Beaches and Shrines takes you to hidden beaches and dramatic rock formations like Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, and Secret Beach. We explored secluded coves and saw even more diverse marine life. This tour gave us the chance to see more unique spots, with breathtaking views and fewer crowds than Tour A.
DAY 4: TRAVEL BACK TO PUERTO PRINCESA
We spent our last morning enjoying some beach time and souvenir shopping in town before catching our van back to Puerto Princesa.
OTHER DAY TRIPS
Though we only had a few days, here are some other day trips we you can add to your El Nido itinerary:
• Direct Flight: Manila to El Nido via AirSWIFT, which lands you directly in El Nido.
• Puerto Princesa Route: Fly into Puerto Princesa, then take a van or bus to El Nido. Vans are the fastest option (around 5-6 hours). We booked our PPS-EL Nido transfer through Klook.
Getting Around El Nido
• Tricycle: The town is compact, so you can get around by tricycle or rent a motorbike if you want more flexibility. For day trips, most areas are accessible by tricycle.
Tip: If you’re short on time, flying directly into El Nido with AirSWIFT is worth the convenience over the longer van route from Puerto Princesa.
OUR ITINERARY FOR EL NIDO
DAY 1: TRAVEL FROM PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO
We flew into Puerto Princesa, then took a van to El Nido--it’s a bit of long and bumpy drive (around 5-6 hours). We booked our roundtrip Puerto Princesa to El Nido van transfers with Klook. By evening, we checked into our hotel.
DAY 2: EL NIDO TOUR A
Tour A Lagoons and Islands is a must in El Nido, featuring the iconic Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon. We set out in the morning and spent the day snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming in these crystal-clear waters. The tour operators also set up a delicious grilled lunch on a secluded beach, adding to the tropical vibe. Bring your snorkeling gear and a waterproof bag for this one!
DAY 3: EL NIDO TOUR C
Tour C Hidden Beaches and Shrines takes you to hidden beaches and dramatic rock formations like Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, and Secret Beach. We explored secluded coves and saw even more diverse marine life. This tour gave us the chance to see more unique spots, with breathtaking views and fewer crowds than Tour A.
DAY 4: TRAVEL BACK TO PUERTO PRINCESA
We spent our last morning enjoying some beach time and souvenir shopping in town before catching our van back to Puerto Princesa.
OTHER DAY TRIPS
Though we only had a few days, here are some other day trips we you can add to your El Nido itinerary:
Tour A takes you to the famous Big and Small Lagoons, where you can kayak through crystal-clear waters surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to see El Nido’s most iconic and scenic spots.
HELPFUL TIPS:
• Bring Cash: ATMs in El Nido can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to bring enough cash to cover your tours, meals, and extras.
• Waterproof Gear: Waterproof bags and cases are essential here! With all the island hopping, you’ll want to protect your gadgets.
• Book Island Hopping Tours Early: Especially in peak season, tours can fill up fast. Pre-booking or arriving at the docks early is a good idea.
• Respect Nature: El Nido has a strict environmental fee system, so take your trash back and avoid taking anything from the beaches or reefs.
• Weather Considerations: If you’re visiting in the rainy season, plan an extra day or two in case tours are postponed due to weather.
BUDGET GUIDE
Here’s a quick overview of estimated costs to help you plan:
• Food: PHP 150-300 (around $3-$5) per meal at local spots
• Tricycle Rides: PHP 20-150 (approximately $0.40-$3) per ride, depending on distance
• Island Hopping Tours:
Tour A: PHP 1,200 (around $21)
Tour C: PHP 1,400 (around $24)
• Environmental Fee: PHP 200 (about $4) – one-time payment for all tours
• Accommodation: PHP 1500-1,500 (around $12-$27) per night for budget stays
For a three-day trip, you can expect to spend around PHP 8,000-12,000 (roughly $140-$200) for a budget-friendly, memorable experience in El Nido.
With its turquoise lagoons, amazing rock formations, and unforgettable underwater life, El Nido truly lives up to the hype. This guide should help you experience the best of what this tropical paradise has to offer without breaking the bank. Whether it’s your first visit or one of many, El Nido never fails to leave a lasting impression.
Tour B is takes you to caves like Cudugnon and the winding sandbar at Snake Island. This tour showcases El Nido’s unique rock formations and provides a mix of beaches and historical sites.
Tour C features beaches like Secret Beach and Helicopter Island, along with a visit to Matinloc Shrine. It’s the best choice for those seeking Instagram-worthy beaches and exciting snorkeling spots.
Tour D is a relaxed exploration of less crowded beaches like Paradise Beach and Cadlao Lagoon. Perfect for unwinding, this tour is ideal if you want a quieter, more serene island-hopping experience.
• Nacpan Beach Day TripKnown for its beautiful long shoreline and relaxed vibes, Nacpan Beach is just a tricycle ride from El Nido town.
• Las Cabanas Beach
• Las Cabanas Beach
Perfect for unwinding, with a fantastic view of the sunset and a few beachfront bars to enjoy drinks.
HELPFUL TIPS:
• Bring Cash: ATMs in El Nido can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to bring enough cash to cover your tours, meals, and extras.
• Waterproof Gear: Waterproof bags and cases are essential here! With all the island hopping, you’ll want to protect your gadgets.
• Book Island Hopping Tours Early: Especially in peak season, tours can fill up fast. Pre-booking or arriving at the docks early is a good idea.
• Respect Nature: El Nido has a strict environmental fee system, so take your trash back and avoid taking anything from the beaches or reefs.
• Weather Considerations: If you’re visiting in the rainy season, plan an extra day or two in case tours are postponed due to weather.
BUDGET GUIDE
|
EL NIDO ITINERARY |
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|
ACTIVITY |
TIME |
2 PAX IN A GROUP |
NOTES |
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|
EXPENSE IN PHP |
EXPENSE IN USD |
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|
GROUP |
PER PAX |
GROUP |
PER PAX |
|||
|
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arrival |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PPS Airport to Terminal |
|
|
PHP
670 |
|
USD
11.50 |
Booked
via Klook |
|
Check-in at Accommodation (Outpost
Beach Hostel) (3D2 |
|
PHP
9980 |
PHP
4990 |
USD
171 |
USD
85.50 |
Booked
via Klook |
|
Dinner |
|
|
PHP
200 |
|
USD
3.50 |
|
|
DAY 1 TOTAL |
|
PHP
5860 |
|
USD
100.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DAY 2 – EL NIDO TOUR A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Breakfast |
|
|
PHP
200 |
|
USD
3.50 |
|
|
Tourism Fee |
|
|
PHP
200 |
|
USD
3.50 |
|
|
El Nido
Tour A |
|
|
PHP
950 |
|
USD
16.50 |
Booked
via Klook |
|
Lunch |
|
|
|
|
|
Included
in Tour |
|
Small Lagoon Entrance fee |
|
|
PHP
200 |
|
USD
3.50 |
|
|
Dinner |
|
|
PHP
200 |
|
USD
3.50 |
|
|
DAY 2 TOTAL |
|
PHP
1750 |
|
USD
30.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DAY 3 –
EL NIDO TOUR C |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Breakfast |
|
|
PHP
200 |
|
USD
3.50 |
|
|
El Nido Tour C |
|
|
PHP
1200 |
|
USD
21 |
Booked
via Klook |
|
Lunch |
|
|
|
|
|
Included
in Tour |
|
Dinner |
|
|
PHP
200 |
|
USD
3.50 |
|
|
DAY
3 TOTAL |
|
PHP
1600 |
|
USD
28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DAY 4 –
DEPARTURE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Breakfast |
|
|
PHP
200 |
|
USD
3.50 |
|
|
Accommodation
to PPS Airport |
|
|
PHP
670 |
|
USD
11.50 |
Booked
via Klook |
|
DAY
4 TOTAL |
|
PHP
870 |
|
USD
15 |
|
|
|
GRAND TOTAL |
|
PHP
10080 |
|
USD
174 |
|
|
• Food: PHP 150-300 (around $3-$5) per meal at local spots
• Tricycle Rides: PHP 20-150 (approximately $0.40-$3) per ride, depending on distance
• Island Hopping Tours:
Tour A: PHP 1,200 (around $21)
Tour C: PHP 1,400 (around $24)
• Environmental Fee: PHP 200 (about $4) – one-time payment for all tours
• Accommodation: PHP 1500-1,500 (around $12-$27) per night for budget stays
For a three-day trip, you can expect to spend around PHP 8,000-12,000 (roughly $140-$200) for a budget-friendly, memorable experience in El Nido.
With its turquoise lagoons, amazing rock formations, and unforgettable underwater life, El Nido truly lives up to the hype. This guide should help you experience the best of what this tropical paradise has to offer without breaking the bank. Whether it’s your first visit or one of many, El Nido never fails to leave a lasting impression.
FOOTNOTES: Photos by Rae Argallon | Samsung Note 9 | El Nido, Palawan | February 2020
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