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Philippines · Palawan

El Nido

Bacuit Bay island-hopping — limestone karsts, hidden lagoons + turquoise water

El Nido is Palawan's most famous destination — the Bacuit Bay islands feature limestone karsts rising from turquoise water, Big Lagoon + Small Lagoon (accessible only by kayak), Hidden Beach + Secret Lagoon. The classic 4 island-hopping tours (A, B, C, D) are the essential experience.

Airport
El Nido (ENI) — 5 km · or Puerto Princesa (PPS) + 6h van
Best season
November-May
Island tours
A (Big/Small Lagoon), B, C (Secret Lagoon), D
Nearest luxury
Amanpulo · Pangulasian Island

El Nido highlights

Tour A: Big Lagoon + Small Lagoon

The essential El Nido tour — kayak into the enclosed lagoons. Big Lagoon requires reservation.

Tour C: Secret Lagoon + Hidden Beach

Swim through a small opening into hidden coves. Snake Island sandbar too.

Tour B: Snake Island + Cudugnon Cave

Sandbar between two islands. Sunset viewing spot.

Tour D: Ipil + Paradise Beach

Less-visited beaches — quieter alternative if Tours A + C are booked.

Nacpan Beach

4 km white-sand beach 20 km from El Nido town. Beach club culture with sunset bonfires.

Taraw Cliff sunrise climb

Vertical rope-assisted scramble at 04:30 for sunrise over Bacuit Bay. Not for the fearful.

Getting there

El Nido Airport (ENI) has flights from Manila via AirSWIFT. Alternatively, fly to Puerto Princesa (PPS) then 6h van transfer ($15) to El Nido town.

Getting around

Tricycle (motorbike + sidecar) in town PHP 100-150. Scooter rental PHP 500/day. Island tours are booked as full-day packages.

Best time to visit

November-May (dry season). Avoid July-September (typhoon + monsoon).

Budget per day

$30-60 backpacker · $80-150 mid-range · $500+ luxury (Amanpulo)

Airport transfer from El Nido Airport (ENI)

Getting out of El Nido (ENI)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

Pre-book a fixed-price transfer

Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.

Where to stay in El Nido

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Fly to El Nido Airport (ENI)

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Where to stay in El Nido

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Frequently asked about El Nido

How do I get to El Nido?
AirSWIFT flies Manila-El Nido direct (ENI, ~$100). Cheaper: fly Manila-Puerto Princesa (PPS, ~$40) then 6h van to El Nido ($15).
How many days do I need in El Nido?
4-5 days — day 1 arrive + Nacpan Beach, day 2 Tour A, day 3 Tour C, day 4 Tour B or D, day 5 Taraw Cliff sunrise. Combine with Coron for full Palawan trip.
When is the best time to visit El Nido?
November-May (dry season). December-February peak. Avoid July-September (typhoon risk).
El Nido or Coron — which is better?
El Nido for landscape drama (lagoons + karsts). Coron for shipwreck diving + Kayangan Lake. Do both if you have 10+ days.