If you’re looking for picture-perfect paradise, lazy days under swaying palm trees and a laid back island vibe, El Nido is the place for you and needs to feature on your travel bucket list. Located on the island of Palawan in the Philippines, El Nido is growing in popularity and is now a firm fixture on most Philippines itineraries.
Palawan offers beautiful beaches across the whole island, but it is El Nido that has become the tourist hotspot. I’ve put together this detailed guide covering every aspect of a visit to El Nido, from where to eat, where to stay, getting around and things to consider before arriving in El Nido,
If you’re looking for a guide to the must see attractions in El Nido, I’ve written a long detailed post on all of the top things to do and see in El Nido.
So read on for all the essential information you need for a successful and fun trip to El Nido, and get excited to plan your own adventure!
Practical Guide to El Nido, Palawan – Essential things to know
How to get to there
Over the last few years, it has got easier to get to El Nido.
Previously, the only way to get to El Nido was to fly to Puerta Princesa further north on the island of Palawan. Then, it would be a 4-6 bus hour ride straight from the terminal door of the airport to the town of El Nido
However, in the past few years, a small local airline called AirSwift, has started to offer convenient flights right into El Nido. These are between Manila, Cebu and Boracay.
Where To Stay
Depending on your budget, there is a huge range of accommodation options in El Nido.
The first time I visited in 2014, I stayed at Our Melting Pot hostel (OMP). It’s right in the centre of town, and I would highly recommend it. The dorms are clean and comfortable, with excellent lockers and storage too.
Some other brilliant hostel options to pick from, include:
The second time I visited, I stayed at El Gordo’s Guesthouse. While I would say it was slightly overpriced for its standard of accommodation (very much a basic wooden treehouse), it offered spectacular views of the bay. Gordon, the owner, is fantastic and really helpful. The guesthouse is located to the edge of El Nido town, meaning a perfect opportunity to get to mingle with the locals.
Another incredible place to stay at is Las Cabanas Beach Resort. During the day it is busier with day trippers coming by but in the evening, you really are the only people located on this slice of paradise.
Three of the very best luxury hotels are all run by the same group, offering idyllic and serene island experiences:
Best things to do in El Nido
The main attraction of El Nido is the stunning water and everything here revolves around the sea.
The best things to do in El Nido are the water-based activities, particularly boat trips around the Bacuit Bay to visit the famous lagoons and secret tucked away beaches.
These tours are labelled as Tours A, B, C, D. These are sold everywhere and at the price which is regulated by the local tourism authority. These tours are the same wherever you buy them and you can even combine them. I’ve popped some of the best tours here:
- Island Hopping – Beaches and Lagoons, Tour A
- Island Hopping and Caves, Tour B
- El Nido Hidden Beaches, Tour C
- Beaches and Lagoons, Tour D
- Full Day Catamaran Trip
Other alternatives around El Nido are to visit the beautiful beaches of Las Cabanas or Nacpan.
Also, I would recommend asking around to see if the locals know someone with a paddle board. We found a local guy with a few top quality boards and got to spend the most amazing days exploring hidden unknown beaches and lagoons in El Nido away from the crowds. Incredible!
Nightlife
The nightlife scene is growing in El Nido. Back in 2014, there were only a few tiny beach bars to pick from and everyone chilled out on the beach in the evenings.
On my last visit in 2017, Full Moon party fever had spread from Thailand. While it was nowhere on the same scale as Thailand, El Nido is definitely becoming more lively with a lot more themed parties and nights out.
Eating Out in El Nido
El Nido has a great selection of restaurants and places to eat. My favourite breakfast spot is V&V Bakery – but the queue can be very long.
For dinner, I love Bella Vita and the well known Arts Cafe.
Essential Information for El Nido
- El Nido still has surprisingly poor infrastructure.
- For example, the Internet is still weak and mostly almost non-existent. I found it was better in 2014 when there were far fewer tourists visiting El Nido.
- Electricity supply in El Nido has massively improved over the past few hours, but it often cuts out for several hours during the day. A lot of hostels and hotels use generators.
- Unfortunately, water sanitation is really poor. Many areas in El Nido may smell and do not drink the water. Be very careful.
- Lastly, El Nido now has an ATM , but it does run out of money quite often, so definitely bring some extra.
I hope you’ve found my practical guide to El Nido in the Philippines useful, and that maybe I’ve inspired you to visit this gorgeous area on your travels!
If you’ve already been to beautiful El Nido, let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
You might also find some of my other posts useful, including my 3 week itinerary for the Philippines and my top tips for travelling in the Philippines here.
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Disclaimer: This visit to El Nido was entirely paid for by myself and there was no involvement from the tourism board or a hotel. This is an independent guide.
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THis is a completely new place to me and has never once crossed my radar. I can so see why this would be a phenomenal place to visit. The only problem I would have would be leaving that clear water behind.
Author
Haha Cia, I know! It wasn’t easy…
I went on a missions trip to the Philippines about two years ago and it was one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to. This location though, is SO gorgeous and now I’m feeling like I want to head back! You look like you had so much fun.
Author
Hi Niki,
Wow! That must have been so amazing! Definitely head back when you can!
Look at all these amazing shots. I would love to visit the Phillipines one day. There’s so much to do there. It is definitely on my bucketlist.
Author
Hi Sue,
Good idea, it’s amazing! 🙂
The Philippines looks absolutely beautiful! I love to paddle board! And that water looks so clear!
Author
It was crystal clear!! So magical 🙂
Thanks for your suggestions and insights into El Nido. I’ve never even been anywhere close to that region of the world! It looks like an absolutely gorgeous and relaxing place to vacation. . . . especially since the internet would be spotty and a good reason to just avoid being online!
Author
Yup! A great place for a digital detox if you need one 🙂
Ahh it certainly is very beautiful! This is what I imagine my dream destination to look like! Its good that the travel there has got easier and I am sure your guide will help so many – the ATM tip is great, not many people would think about it running out often.
Author
It really is a dream destination! It’s getting easier and easier to get about which is good but also means more tourists ruining the destination!
This looks like a beautiful place to vacation. The water is crystal clear. Was it cold?
Author
Nope super warm! It’s idyllic!
Your pictures make me want to pack up and visit the Philippines immediately! I love how you balanced the beauty of the pictures with practical information. It’s good to know what to expect!
Author
You’re welcome! I do try and be as informative as possible 🙂
El Nido looks amazingly beautiful! I like to travel and take groups of yogis with me. I wonder if this would be a good location? Do you have an opinion?
Author
Hi Cindy,
Absolutely, I think El Nido would be totally perfect for a yogi retreat! I highly recommend!
EL Nido looks so dreamy and your photos make me want to book a flight to the Philippines straight away. The color of the water and the beautiful beaches are definitely part of a small corner of paradise.
Author
Hi Joanna, I know… so dreamy!!!!
It looks like you had an amazing time. What a great guide to the Philippines the pictures are beautiful.
Author
Thanks Elizabeth!
The Philippines is on my list of places I’d love to go! It looks so lovely, and lol on the ATM. Great info to bring more cash! 🙂
Author
Defo!!! 🙂 Hope you visit soon!
WOW! This place is gorgeous! Absolute paradise. I would love to visit some day.
This location though, is SO gorgeous!!! And it looks like you have a lot of fun and enjoy it
Author
Hi Josselyn, I know – I wish I could go back today 🙂
The night sky is so beautiful and I’m wowed by how you’ve managed to capture the skyline. I haven’t been to Philippines, but I think I will love to travel there with my gf some day!
Author
Definitely do! 🙂