El Nido walking tour & city guide
Limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons in Palawan.
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El Nido, at the northern tip of Palawan, is one of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia. Dramatic limestone cliffs rise from turquoise water in Bacuit Bay, hiding lagoons, caves and white beaches.
Island hopping
El Nido's island-hopping tours, labeled A to D, visit the Big and Small Lagoons, the Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and beaches like 7 Commandos. Kayaking into the lagoons, surrounded by cliffs, is unforgettable.
Town and beaches
El Nido town is small and walkable, with restaurants and bars facing the bay. Las Cabanas Beach is the spot for sunset, and Nacpan Beach, a long golden beach, is a scenic ride north.
A day in El Nido
Island-hopping tours are the highlight, labeled A to D. Tour A visits the Big and Small Lagoons, where you kayak between towering limestone cliffs into turquoise water, and the Secret Lagoon, reached through a small gap in the rocks. Tour C visits hidden beaches and the Matinloc shrine.
On land, Nacpan Beach, a four-kilometer stretch of sand fringed with coconut palms, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. In the evening, the town's small beach fills with bars and restaurants facing Bacuit Bay.
Good to know
El Nido is reached by van from Puerto Princesa in about five or six hours, or by small plane from Manila. An environmental fee is paid for island tours.
The best months are November to May. Bring cash, as ATMs can run out, and water shoes for rocky beaches.
Top sights in El Nido
- 1
Big Lagoon
A lagoon surrounded by cliffs.
- 2
Secret Lagoon
Reached through a small hole in the rock.
- 3
Nacpan Beach
A long golden beach.
- 4
Las Cabanas Beach
A sunset beach with a zipline.
- 5
Taraw Cliff
A climb with views over the bay.
Food markets & where to eat in El Nido
El Nido town waterfront
Restaurants facing the bay.
Calle Hama
The town's main street of cafés.
Corong-Corong
Beach restaurants at sunset.
Food to try in El Nido
Kinilaw
Filipino ceviche of raw fish in vinegar.
Grilled fish
Often served on island-hopping tours.
Cashew nuts
Palawan is famous for them.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to El Nido
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in El NidoCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in El Nido.
- eSIM for PhilippinesStay online from the moment you land.
Some links may be affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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