The Best Things To Do In El Nido
Are you dreaming of escaping to the tropical paradise of El Nido, and want to ensure you fit all the best bits into your trip? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! In this ultimate travel guide, we’ve handpicked the 13 best things to do in El Nido so you can spend less time planning and more time getting excited about your adventure. We will also cover how to get to El Nido and all the best places to stay!
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or serene moments by the beach, we’ve tailored our recommendations to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. So, let’s dive in and discover all that awaits you in El Nido!
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We value your time! So, if you already know why you are here and want to look at specific activities to do in El Nido, then head to our table of contents above and select the section best suited to your itinerary.
If you would like to get the full low-down of all the best things to do in El Nido, including how to get there and where to stay, then we hope you will enjoy exploring our complete travel guide. If you don’t have time right now, feel free to save our guide on Pinterest for future.
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You Can Also Check Out Our Ultimate Guide To El Nido On YouTube:
Where Is El Nido?
Palawan is one of the most breathtaking islands in the Philippines and nestled on the northern tip of Palawan lies the enchanting paradise of El Nido. Renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and towering limestone cliffs, El Nido stands as one of Palawan’s must-see destinations! This tropical haven boasts an array of natural wonders, from hidden lagoons and secret beaches to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
El Nido town has a laid-back atmosphere and presents the perfect place to meet fellow travellers. The vibe is very much one for those who love the sea and outdoor adventures, with lots of dive schools and rooftop bars which overlook dramatic ocean views! We have highlighted El Nidos location on the map below:
How To Get To El Nido?
The Most direct way to get to El Nido is to fly into El Nido Airport (ENI). There are direct flights from Cebu but if you are coming from Manila you will likely require a short layover. While this option is the quickest, it is also the most expensive! You can check out the prices for travelling directly to El Nido Airport with Skyscanner below, just type in your airport choice and your preferred dates:
A more common way to get to El Nido is to fly into Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) which is the main airport in Palawan. These flights are much more regular and affordable! You can check out the prices on your dates on Skyscanner, or use the Skyscanner widget above.
Once you arrive in Puerto Princesa, is it a 5 hour van journey up to El Nido. A shared van is as cheap as £9 for the whole journey. A private van taxi starts from around £90. You can pre-book this journey and choose between private and shared options below:
However, we would strongly advise spending a day or so in Puerto Princesa to see all it has to offer and visiting the infamous underground river before making your way up north! Furthermore, we would also suggest stopping off for a few days in Port Barton! This breaks up the journey to El Nido and Port Parton is absolutely stunning!
The Best Things To Do In El Nido:
1. The Iconic El Nido ZipLine
First on the list is the iconic El Nido Zipline! This experience will see you flying from the mainland to a tiny island in the middle of the ocean! You’ll find this epic attraction nestled amidst the postcard-perfect beauty of Las Cabanas Beach. Pristine shores and crystal-clear waters are your backdrop as you soar 750m to the tiny Depeldet Island.
Want To Get A Feel For The El Nido ZipLine?
Check Out Beth’s Full Experience On YouTube!
If you would like to get the full deets on the El Nido Zipline, from whether it’s safe enough to make your grandma proud to how to reach this adrenaline-pumping paradise, and if it lives up to the hype, then check out the complete travel guide here:
View the full Travel Guide: Thrilling El Nido ZipLine | The Philippines
Do You Have To Book The Zip Line In Advance?
The short answer is no … You don’t haha! We arrived on the day as a big group, and we all got to ride with minimal waiting time. We were mainly waiting for our own group members to go, and even then, it was no more than 20 minutes. Two people can ride at a time, and you can pay at the desk upon arrival. We are not actually familiar with a way you can book in advance, but if you know of a way, we would love to know in the comments!
Pricing: Superman Vs Sitting
You can ride in two positions: Superman or sitting. Equally, you can choose to do one ride over to Depeldet Island and walk back over the shallow waters of the beautiful sandbar. Or you can choose an epic two-way zipline adventure. Here are the deets:
Sitting Position:
At the time of writing this blog, the prices are as follows:
Sitting position one way: 500 PHP (roughly £7)
Sitting position return: 900 PHP (roughly £13)
Superman Position:
Superman position one way: 700 PHP (roughly £10)
Superman position return: 1100 PHP (roughly £15.50)
Be Aware!
While the superman position is an option… it is weather dependent on the day! If the conditions are too windy you will only be allowed to go in a sitting position for safety reasons.
Another Option: 14-Day Tour with One Life Adventures:
Now, if you would like to take the stress out of planning your Philippines trip and make life-long friends as part of a group of like-minded travelers, a One Life Adventures Tour may be the one for you! On the 14-day Philippines Tour with One Life Adventures you get the opportunity to do the El Nido Zipline as an optional extra and all of your transport is already covered! Beth has done this tour and had an epic time!
You can use our code for a massive 15% off any tour with One Life Adventures:
The Code Is: FrequentFlyer15
Thank us later 😉
2. Island Hopping Tour
You simply cannot visit El Nido without embarking on an island-hopping adventure. After all, this is what El Nido is famous for, and trust us, it lives up to the hype!
There are four distinct tours to choose from: Tour A, Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D. Every tour highlights a different aspect of this tropical paradise, from secluded beaches and limestone cliffs to coral reefs and enchanting lagoons.
We have personally done Tours A and B, and both were incredible. If you are looking for a quieter experience with fewer crowds, then go for tour B or tour D. These are typically less popular; therefore, the locations you visit will likely be less crowded. However, Tour A and C offer some of the more famous sights and scenes, so we have included a list of the locations you will visit in each tour to help you make your decision:
Tour A: Highlights include the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach.
Tour B: This tour features Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Entalula Beach.
Tour C: Explore Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Star Beach, and Helicopter Island.
Tour D: Discover Cadlao Island, Pasandigan Beach, Natnat Beach, Bukal Island, and Paradise Beach.
You Can Check Our Beth’s Full Experience Of Tour A On YouTube Below:
If You Would Like To Book Your Tour In Advance, Check Out These Options Below:
We went for the best of both worlds with tours A and B and loved every minute! Whichever you choose, there is no doubt island-hopping here is a quintessential experience that showcases the region’s unparalleled beauty and is one not to miss!
Be Aware!
While the above are the typical itineraries for each tour, these can vary and sometimes tour itineraries have to change last minute due to weather! To reduce the chances of this happening, the best time to visit El Nido is during the dry season from November to May.
You Can Also Check Our Beth’s Full Experience Of Tour B On YouTube Below:
3. The Big Lagoon
Of all the places in the island-hopping itineraries, the Big Lagoon deserves an honourable mention! This was one of our favorite places in the whole of the Philippines, and it absolutely has to be one of the best things to do in El Nido!
We highly recommend renting a kayak and making your way into the Lagoon to explore its dramatic scenes close-up! This iconic attraction beckons many adventure seekers with its serene turquoise waters, encircled by El Nido’s famous limestone cliffs and lush greenery.
If you need any further convincing see for yourself:
One of the most enchanting features of the Big Lagoon is its hidden corners and secluded alcoves, accessible only by navigating through narrow passageways with a kayak! Usually you can rent a kayak from your tour provider on the day for a small fee, and its 100% worth it! Just make sure you pick a tour that gives you enough time to explore this epic location!
If you would like to book your tour to the Big Lagoon in advance, here are our top recommendations:
4. Canopy Walk
Are you the daring type? This canopy walk makes it onto the list of the best things to do in El Nido due to the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape when you reach the top! It’s also a really affordable activity for those on a budget, costing roughly 400 PHP, which is about £5.50.
However, if you are scared of heights, you may want to sit this one out 😅
The walk takes roughly an hour, depending on how long you want to stay at the top and involves walking over swinging bridges that are very high! On the contrary, if you love an adventure, you will LOVE this canopy walk amongst the trees🌴
You can simply turn up on the day. This is what we did and there was minimal waiting time! However, if you would like to book in advance, here is an option from Klook.
You Can Check Our Beth’s Full Experience Of The Canopy Walk On YouTube!
Top Travel Tips:
- Wear trainers!!! It is quite a rough terrain, almost mini rock climbing at times, so flip-flops likely won’t be the best
- Bring water: it can be a pretty sweaty climb up, so stay hydrated!
- Look it up before you go: once you start, it’s quite hard to change your mind and go back 😂
Here are some shots to help you make your decision:
5. Snake Island
Snake Island is next on the list of best things to do in El Nido. Contrary to its name, this idyllic spot is not inhabited by reptiles but derives its title from its stunning ‘S’ shaped sandbar that emerges during low tide!
This stunning island is accessible via boat from El Nido and boasts crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling and swimming. There is also an awesome viewpoint on the island, which takes just a short 10-minute hike!
If you are lucky enough to visit at low tide, we would highly recommend walking out along the beautiful sandbar! It’s an unreal feeling!
Here are some top picks to book your trip to Snake Island:
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6. Cudugnon Cave
Cudugnon Cave is often part of the same tour as Snake Island, so you can tick off these two best things to do in one go!
When we first walked along the shore to this cave, it was very hard to spot the entrance. In fact, the entrance is a tiny opening that you almost have to army roll through or slide in on your back! Pictured above, we have pointed to where the cave opening is and as you can see it’s hardly visible! Don’t worry, though. It’s easy enough to climb in, and there are guides helping at times who put down life jackets to protect you from the rocks as you slide!
Getting into the cave added to the adventure, as once you are inside, it expands into a dramatic open space with sunbeams shining through! Truly, it is a picturesque experience and one not to miss!
Not only is Cudugnon Cave an epic location to visit, it also holds a fascinating history. This cave actually served as a final resting place for ancient immigrants from Borneo, whose remains, along with various other artefacts, offer valuable insights into the region’s early civilizations. Among the discoveries are pieces of jewellery and pottery, alongside human remains dating back to the Neolithic era.
These findings provide a glimpse into the cultural practices and lifestyles of the early inhabitants of Palawan. To preserve this heritage, the artefacts and remains found in Cudugnon Cave have been transferred to the National Museum of the Philippines, where they continue to contribute to our understanding of the region’s past.
7. Seven Commandos Beach
Seven Commandos Beach is amongst the best things to do in El Nido due to its stunning white sands and Turquoise waters! See for yourself:
This beach offers a postcard-perfect setting for relaxation and is also a great spot to play some beach volleyball!
Legend has it that the beach is named after seven Japanese commandos who found solace here after World War II. Today, it’s a popular stop on El Nido’s famous island-hopping tours. All of the guides and boat captains love playing some volleyball here at the end of their working day, and it was great fun to join in!
This is also an excellent spot for some drone flying if you have one with you!
8. Boat Trip From El Nido To Coron
Embarking on a multi-day boat trip from El Nido to Coron is undeniably one of the most popular activities for travellers exploring Palawan. This adventure offers the unique opportunity to journey to remote islands, and witness the untouched beauty of the region. Travelers can expect to explore hidden gems like Culion, and Linapacan Islands, each offering a distinct charm and natural splendor.
One of our favourite overnight spots was Pass Island, and you can read the complete travel guide on this location here:
Pass Island | The Ultimate Travel Guide
Due to the popularity of these multi-day tours, booking in advance is advisable. You can check out Dream Big Boatmans website for some epic multi-day expeditions from El Nido to Coron.
9. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
The Philippines has some of the most incredible diving and snorkeling spots in the world and El Nido is no exception! El Nido offers a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life and colorful coral reefs.
You can check out this blog from Tabanka Divers for some of the best Scuba Diving sites in El Nido.
10. Taraw Peak Hike
Unfortunately, we did not have time to do this hike during our last trip to El Nido, but it has been highly recommended to us, so has made it onto the list of the best things to do in El Nido!
Taraw Peak Hike offers an exhilarating adventure for those seeking breathtaking views and an epic trekking experience. Known as the highest point in El Nido, Taraw Cliff, also called Mt. Taraw, is a monolith made of limestone with sharp, jagged rocks that provide a challenging yet rewarding climb. The hike typically takes an hour or so, and it is recommended that you hire a guide to navigate the rough terrain.
Despite the challenging terrain, the journey to the summit is described as surreal and picturesque, offering panoramic views of Bacuit Bay and the surrounding islands. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear, bring gloves, pack light, and stay hydrated during this trek.
11. Las Cabanas Beach
Las Cabanas Beach is next on the list of best things to do in El Nido due to its unique blend of stunning natural beauty, exciting activities, and a relaxing atmosphere. This beach offers visitors the opportunity to relax, sunbathe, and swim in turquoise waters. It is also an ideal spot for catching an iconic sunset.
For adventure seekers, Las Cabanas Beach is renowned for its thrilling ziplining experience mentioned earlier, which allows visitors to fly over the beach, to a nearby island! With several beach bars and restaurants along the shore, this beach has something for everyone!
12. The Philippine Experience
The Philippine Experience is an epic cultural day where you can delve into the vibrant Filipino way of life and culture. It is just a short walk from Las Cabanas Beach and The El Nido Zip Line, so you could tick off a few of the best things to do in El Nido in a day!
Want To Get A Feel For The Philippine Experience?
Check Out The Full Day On YouTube!
The Philippine experience starts around 9 am until roughly 14:30/15:00, and highlights include:
- A flora & fauna trek.
- Traditional Filipino stick fighting.
- A cooking class.
- A lesson in coconut milk/oil making.
- The awesome opportunity to climb a coconut tree.
- Local Crafts
- Traditional dance
- Filipino games
One of our favourite moments from this day was hearing the guides’ personal family stories. These stories included tales of survival through the Japanese invasion and how this influenced many aspects of Filipino culture today! Overall, this was a fantastic day, and we highly recommend you check it out when you are in El Nido!
If you want to book this unique experience then check out The Philippine Experience Website Here!
13. Explore El Nido Town
When visiting El Nido, you cannot miss the opportunity to explore the vibrant streets of El Nido town. This is where the hustle and bustle of daily activities, and island-hopping tours meets the charm of a seaside village. You can expect colorful alleyways lined with quaint shops and lively cafes.
Want To Get A Feel For El Nido Town?
Check Out Our El Nido Walking Tour On YouTube:
In the evening, some of the streets close for an awesome night market! Here, you can sample delicious street food delicacies, browse stalls selling handmade crafts and souvenirs, and soak up the lively atmosphere as musicians and performers entertain the crowds. There is something for everyone. In fact, Beth was able to purchase Denz a basketball jersey at this market, which is a tradition of ours wherever we visit.
Where To Stay In El Nido
Looking for where to stay in El Nido? Well we have got a number of awesome suggestions depending on your budget and the vibe you are going for!
Hostels:
Love a chill vibe but also want to meet fellow travelers? Here are two recommendations from Hostelworld:
Love to party? Here are two recommendations for a livelier atmosphere from Hostelworld:
Hotels:
Looking for a more relaxing experience away from the hustle and bustle of hostels? Here are our top hotel recommendations in El Nido from Agoda:
The Best Time To Visit El Nido
The best time to visit El Nido falls within the dry season, typically extending from December to April. During this period, you can expect clearer skies, calmer waters, and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for outdoor exploration. However, bear in mind that this period also sees a surge in tourist activity, resulting in larger crowds and increased accommodation prices.
Average Monthly Rainfall In The Philippines
Shoulder Seasons: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting El Nido during the shoulder seasons of May or November when the crowds are fewer and the weather is still pleasant. It’s best to avoid planning your trip during the rainy season, from June to September, as heavy downpours and choppy waters can hinder your plans.
Conclusion
That concludes our whirlwind tour of the best things to do in El Nido. We hope you’re feeling inspired to embark on your own adventure in this epic location. There really is something for everyone! From island hopping amongst crystal-clear waters to hiking breathtaking viewpoints and exploring hidden caves and lagoons, El Nido offers a plethora of experiences that will leave you awestruck.
Don’t hesitate to let us know any questions you might have in the comments below!
Big Love
Beth and Denz
Looking For Other Top Things To Do In The Philippines?
Check our all our Philippines travel guides with all the top things to do in each destination here!
Additionally, you can check out our complete Philippines packing list, to ensure you are prepped for all that The Philippines throws your way!