Discover an unparalleled paradise in Palawan, El Nido, where a symphony of natural wonders awaits. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life, El Nido offers a myriad of unforgettable experiences that truly define the essence of a tropical escape. Here's a comprehensive guide to things to do in Palawan El Nido, ensuring your visit is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.
Begin your journey by exploring the iconic Bacuit Bay, the heart of El Nido's island-hopping adventures. With "things to do in Palawan El Nido" echoing in your mind, embark on a boat tour to witness the enchanting landscapes of Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, and Small Lagoon. Kayak through the emerald waters, surrounded by towering limestone formations that create an otherworldly ambiance.
For an adrenaline rush, try cliff diving at Matinloc Shrine and Shimizu Island. These spots not only offer thrilling jumps but also boast breathtaking underwater landscapes, making them must-visit locations on the list of "things to do in Palawan El Nido." The vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life beneath the surface provide an underwater spectacle for snorkelers and divers alike.
Best Things to Do in Palawan El Nido
To witness the mesmerizing sunset, head to Las Cabanas Beach. Whether you're relaxing on the sandy shores or ziplining over the pristine waters, this beach ensures a magical end to your day, ticking off another item on your "things to do in Palawan El Nido" checklist.
Immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the vibrant El Nido town. Stroll through the bustling streets, sample delectable seafood at the local eateries, and shop for souvenirs to commemorate your unforgettable trip. Engaging with the warm and welcoming locals adds a cultural touch to your "things to do in Palawan El Nido" adventure.
For nature enthusiasts, trek to Taraw Cliff for a panoramic view of the entire El Nido archipelago. The challenging climb is rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas that solidify its place on the list of top "things to do in Palawan El Nido."
1. Spend A Few Hours At Nacpan Beach
Nacpan Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia and it’s no surprise why. It’s 4 KM long of beautiful sand and stunning clear blue water. And it’s got a backdrop of miles of coconut trees.
It’s one of the most picturesque beaches I’ve ever been to and Bradley and I loved it. You can easily find a whole stretch of the beach to yourself and enjoy a romantic sunset.
There are also some restaurants and bars on the beach with cheap food and drink, so it’s a perfect place to spend a few hours.
You can get a tricycle to the beach, or you can rent a moped and drive yourself (it’s about 45 minutes from main El Nido town).
2. Camp Under The Stars
On Nacpan beach, and other beaches near that area, you can the opportunity to camp or “glamp” under the stars. Bradley and I would have loved to have done this, but it was actually sold out, which doesn’t surprise me!
3. Take A Trip To Coron
Coron is one of my favourite places Palawan, and it's worth visiting, but if you want a unique opportunity, then you should make the journey to Coron with Big Dream Boat Man Coron.
It's a 4 day, 3 night epic adventure on a private boat that takes you between the two islands and showcases some fabulous sights in-between.
Actually, you'll probably visit more places off the main tourist sites that will allow you to avoid the crowds and truly enjoy the epic blue waters of The Philippines.
Meals, beverages (including alcoholic beverages), towels, snorkeling gear, and three nights of island-style lodging (cottages and camping) are all included in the price.
4. Discover Waterfalls : Nagkalit Waterfall
There are one or two waterfalls in the El Nido area that are worth a visit. These are the type of waterfalls that are crazy big or have lots of jumps/water etc. They are more picturesque type waterfalls which are nice to swim in and relax.
When you park up at the waterfall entrance, it’s about a 1 hour hike to the falls, however all the locals will say you have to pay for a guide, which isn’t that expensive, but I am unsure if it’s actually a “requirement” or whether they just say it to make money…
5. Check Out Duli Beach
Duli beach is the centre of El Nidos surf community. Yes, I didn’t know you could surf in El Nido either, I thought Siargao was the top spot for that. But apparently you can...
The season is November to March and it’s 500 pesos a day for a surfboard. However, if you’re not surfing, don’t worry, this is still a beautiful place to chill and grab some food and there is a beach resort if you fancy staying here too.
6. Romance At Las Cabanas Beach
Just a few minutes from town, this beautiful beach is one of the most popular things to do in El Nido, and it’s really no surprise why.
It’s a great sunset spot and it’s only 15 minutes from the tourist centre of El Nido (150 php via tricycle) or rent a moped for the day.
This is a pretty romantic spot, so if you’re on the lookout for romantic things to do in El Nido, then a sunset moment here is pretty darn cute.
7. Zip Lining In El Nido
You can zip-line “between” islands in El Nido and I have to say, it looks awesome! Bradley and I didn’t do this, and the reason is...I didn’t know about it! This has to be one of the most unique things to do in El Nido and its 500 PHP per way which is very reasonable.
Since I didn’t do this, I think this is a pretty good article explaining everything you need to know about the zipline experience in El Nido.
8. Party, Party, Party!
El Nido is actually one of the backpacker party places of The Philippines. There are lots of bars and clubs so plenty of chances to drink and dance. We went with our friends Sophie and Wayne for a few (too many) drinks at one of the beach front bars.
The locations are great and the drinks are super cheap! It’s definitely a great place for a party, and when you’re done, you’ll find lots of places open for that drunk food craving.
I don’t recommend getting an early boat ride the next morning (Sophie and Wayne, I’m talking about you! :P ) as I think it nearly killed them haha...So drink when you don’t have a busy morning the day after!
9. Rent A Moped And Discover Your Own Unique Places
One of the best things to do in El Nido, is definitely renting a moped and just driving around the island discovering your own unique places.
You can easily spend a full day driving around the whole island and finding your own waterfalls and beaches where no one else will be!
Plus, driving a moped is so much fun. Rental is around 500 pesos for the day, or if you’re only renting it for half a day it’s usually 250-300. Make sure you wear a helmet.
10. Head To The El Nido Full Moon Party
Obviously this will be dependent on when the full moon is, but El Nido has its own version of the full moon party. Not as crazy as the original and best Full Moon Party In Thailand, but still an awesome chance to party on the beach!
You can check online for when the full moon is so you can plan your trip for a chance to go to the full moon party.
11. Chase Sunsets
The sunsets in El Nido are amazing. Truly stunning with lots of reds, pinks and yellows.
There is nothing better than chilling on a beach, or a bar with a drink or some food and just witnessing the stunning sunsets on offer.
I would suggest heading to Nacpan beach for a good sunset spot, but many of the other beaches in the area also offer awesome sunset views.
12. Go On An Island Hopping Tour
Since the island hopping in El Nido is the ultimate best thing to do there, it’s going to get it’s own section and everything you need to know about tours A,B,C & D and how to book the best deal. OR you can go straight to my guide on El Nido tour A and how to book it.
13. Get Your Dive Certification
Did you know The Philippines is one of the cheapest places in the world to learn how to dive? Yup, and still me and Brad didn’t do it. We stupidly didn’t give ourselves enough time. But this is an awesome place to learn because the dive sights in the Philippines and El Nido are beyond amazing!
14. Eat Your Heart Out
When you’ve visited India, you’ll know how hard it is to find a place that makes curry as good as they do in India, well I’ve found it. Without Doubt the best curry I’ve had, outside of India! And it’s great value.
The Art Cafe did delicious food and drinks for a reasonable price. Brad had lovely fish and I had the pesto pasta dish which was great.
We thought the Greek food here was great and the 2-4-1 cocktails were awesome! It’s also in a nice location close to the beach.
They are an Italian chain across The Philippines and if you're looking for decent Italian food at a moderate price, then it’s a good choice. You can’t go wrong here!
15. Get A Massage And Treat Yourself
There are lots of opportunities to rejuvenate and revive yourself in El Nido, especially if you’ve been travelling for a while. Healthy food, smoothie bowls etc are all readily available, and you can get decent coffee in El Nido which is nice!
There are also a lot of places to get a massage done so you can end your trip feeling relaxed! (if the beaches didn’t already do that for you!)
16. Manikit Hot Springs
You never really hear anyone talk about the hot springs in El Nido, but they are there! You can’t actually sit in them because they are SO warm, the locals actually use them to cook eggs apparently, which is just funny!
But worth a visit if you’re heading to Nacpan beach or the waterfalls as they’re in the same location.
FAQ
Q1: What are the top attractions in El Nido, Palawan?
A1: El Nido, Palawan offers stunning attractions such as the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach.
Q2: How can I get to El Nido from the airport?
A2: To reach El Nido from the airport, you can take a van transfer, which is a convenient and popular option. The journey typically takes around 5 to 6 hours.
Q3: What activities can I enjoy in El Nido?
A3: El Nido offers a variety of activities, including island hopping tours to discover lagoons and beaches, snorkeling to explore vibrant marine life, hiking at Taraw Cliff for breathtaking views, and enjoying local cuisine.
Q4: What is the best time to visit El Nido?
A4: The best time to visit El Nido is during the dry season, from November to May, when the weather is favorable for island exploration and outdoor activities.
Q5: Are there budget-friendly accommodation options in El Nido?
A5: Yes, El Nido provides a range of budget-friendly accommodations, including guesthouses and hostels, ensuring there are options for travelers with various budgets.
Conclusion: Island hopping continues with visits to Nacpan Beach and Duli Beach, where golden sands meet pristine waters. Relax under the swaying palm trees, take a dip in the inviting sea, and revel in the untouched beauty of these secluded gems, enriching your experience of "things to do in Palawan El Nido."
Cap off your El Nido escapade with a visit to the enchanting Cudugnon Cave and Cathedral Cave. These mystical caverns reveal ancient rock formations and tell stories of the region's rich history, adding a cultural dimension to your exploration of "things to do in Palawan El Nido."
Palawan's El Nido is a haven for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those yearning for a tropical paradise. With "things to do in Palawan El Nido" serving as your guide, each day unfolds a new chapter of discovery and enchantment in this slice of heaven on Earth.
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