Renowned for its stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and pristine beaches, El Nido, Palawan is olne of the best and most popular islands for travelers to the Philippines. Particularly for first-timers, or those with limited travel days, El Nido is the best choice due to the perfect mix of beautiful beaches, unspoiled islands, and enough development on the mainland with plenty of options for hotels, dining, activities, and nightlife. This complete El Nido itinerary and travel guide will share everything you need to know about planning a trip to El Nido, Palawan in the Philippines.
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Ultimate El Nido Itinerary & Travel Guide
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Where is El Nido, Palawan, Philippines?
El Nido is located on the northern tip of the island of Palawan in the country of the Philippines, north of Puerto Princesa – a 5 – 6 hour drive if you want to factor it into your Palawan El Nido itinerary. El Nido is the most popular destination in Palawan and the top choice for travelers visitings the Philippines.
Coron vs. El Nido
The island of Coron is another popular island that is part of Palawan, and can be reached by fast ferry in 4 hours or by plane via AirSwift in 40 minutes.
When comparing El Nido vs. Coron, El Nido is much more developed with more to do and see, while Coron is more untouched, with better snorkeling and scuba diving. Is El Nido or Coron better? My choice for luxury travelers is El Nido, simply for the better and more abundant accommodation offerings.
How to Get to El Nido, Palawan
AirSwift Philippines is the airline that flies to and from El Nido from the major cities with the international airports of Manila and Cebu, where you will likely be flying in from. They also offer some inter-island flights.
Note that you should book your flight to El Nido well in advance as there are limited flights available. This goes the same for any inter-island flights such as El Nido to Coron or Boracay.
Note: Be aware that AirSwift often changes flight times, so be mindful of email updates and give yourself plenty of time at the airport.
Where to stay in El Nido – Best El Nido Resorts
If luxury is what you are in search of, you will first need to decide whether you want to stay on the main island of El Nido, or on a private island.
Most of the luxury hotels are located on private islands only accessible by boat, usually 30 or more minutes away. The only drawback to this is that if you want to explore El Nido Town, try different restaurants, see the different beaches, or experience the nightlife, you will need to arrange boat transfers.
That said, if exclusivity and solitude are what you are after, a private island hotel will surely be a treat. Here are the top 3 options for luxury, 5-star hotels on private islands off El Nido.
El Nido Private Island Hotels
Amanpulo
Part of the ultra-luxurious Aman Hotel Group, Amanpulo is the most luxurious hotel in the entire Philippines, with a price to match. The private Pamalican Island in the Sulu Sea has its own airstrip offering guests a direct 70-minute flight from Manila. The resort features spacious and elegantly designed villas, each with its own private pool and direct beach access, ensuring unparalleled privacy and serenity. The over-the-top luxury and exclusivity make Amanpulo the best El Nido resort, and the overall best hotel in the Philippines.
El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island
Part of the El Nido Resorts brand, the Pangalusian Island Resort is the most luxurious and loved out of the 4 properties of El Nido Resorts group, with Miniloc Island Resort being a close second. (Miniloc is also kid-friendly, making it one of the best El Nido resort for families.)
The eco-luxury Pangalusian resort features villas and cottages designed with sustainable materials and blending harmoniously with the natural environment. Pangulasian Island is known for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers. With its commitment to environmental sustainability and unparalleled natural beauty, El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island provides an unforgettable escape for discerning travelers seeking luxury and tranquility in the heart of Palawan.
Cauayan Island Resort
This 5-star resort offers visitors a chance to stay in overwater bungalows, similar to the experience in Bora Bora or the Maldives. Each villa comes with breathtaking ocean views and modern amenities, providing guests with the utmost comfort and relaxation. With a focus on sustainable practices and environmental conservation, Cauayan Island Resort seamlessly blends luxury with nature, offering guests a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of Palawan while enjoying world-class service and amenities.
El Nido Hotels (Mainland)
While private island resorts are a real treat, especially for special occaisions, my preference is actually to stay on the main island of El Nido, giving me the opportunity and plenty of options to explore. Here are the top, 5-star luxury hotels on El Nido maindland.
Lihim Resort El Nido
Lihim is a good compromise between a private island hotel and one that is on the mainland because it is located on a private cove that is accessible by both boat and car, giving you easy access to island hopping or exploring by foot. Each of the 24 villas on the property are designed in a traditional Filipino style and come with your own personal butler to tend to all your needs and help you make the most out of your visit.
It should be noted that while the hotel is located on the water with great views, there is no swimmable beach. However, the hotel has multiple private island beach clubs that are for guests only and are extremely beautiful and serene. (Note that the boat transfers to these beaches need to be reserved at least 24 hours in advance.)
Tip: If you are renting a car in El Nido and want to drive to Lihim, make sure it has 4-wheel drive. Otherwise you'll have to park off-site and be shuttled to the property.
Other amenities at Lihim include a pool, spa, gym, tennis and basketball courts, a main restaurant, and an additional restaurant called Henri’s which is one of the best places in El Nido to watch the sunset. Henri’s also has a small pool, making it the perfect place to lounge for a sunset drink before dinner.
Maremegmeg Beach Club
Maramegmeg is my favorite hotel to stay in El Nido. It is located on one of El Nido’s best beaches, and the rooms are outfitted with a contemporary design. The hotel has a small boutique feel with a laidback luxury vibe and great staff.
There are free kayak and paddle board rentals for hotel guests. Other amenities include a pool, two restaurants, a beach bar, and in-room massages (or right on the beach, if you prefer.)
The only caveat is that there is no elevator, so if you are on a high floor (great views!) you’ll have to climb many flights of stairs. (Don’t worry about luggage – the lovely bellstaff will take care of it.)
In my opinion, Maremegmeg is the best El Nido resort, Palawan mainland stay.
Best Affordable Luxury Hotels in El Nido
If price is more of a consideration, there are still several great affordable luxury hotels in El Nido to book. While hotels like these are usually not directly on the beach, they still offer great views, and while in El Nido you’re never too far from a beach no matter where you are. Here are the two most popular affordable luxury and more budget-friendly hotels in El Nido.
El Nido Bay View Resort
Bay View Resort is located across the street from the beach at Bacuit Bay and a close walk to Maremegmeg beach. The Bay View Executive Suite is especially nice here and comes with its own private plunge pool. Even if not staying at the Bay View, I highly recommend visiting their rooftop infinity pool for sunset. The pool lights up in a “sea of lights” during the evening and it is the best El Nido hotel to catch the sunset. Non-hotel guests can purchase a day pass to be redeemed on food or drinks.
The Funny Lion
The Funny Lion is a modern hotel and known as the best hotel in Old El Nido Town. Both Old Town El Nido and El Nido Town Proper mostly offer hostels and budget hotels because they are a bit more inland, but the Funny Lion hotel is a modern oasis in the heart of Old Town El Nido. El Nido Beach is about a 5-minute walk away.
What to do in El Nido Palawan
The top activity in El Nido is island hopping day trips and this should be a priority on your El Nido Palawan itinerary. In El Nido Palawan, on these excursions you’ll visit various untouched islands, coves and lagoons; go snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming; and stop for a beachside lunch. These tours can either by a public group or arranged privately, and all come with a trusted and experienced El Nido guide.
There are four main tour routes offered by all tour operators on the island, and they are labeled Tour A, Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D.
Tour A and C are the most popular. If you are short on time or only wish to island hop for one day, you can book a private tour to customize the stops or see the highlights of each.
Best El Nido Tours
Here are the best, highly-rated tour operators for each of the main El Nido tours with options for group tours or private boats.
Best El Nido Private Tour. Upon booking, specificy if you would like Tour A, B, C, D, a highlights tour, or your own custom option.
Best El Nido Group Tours:
If I had to choose just one tour, I would say tour C is the best El Nido tour, followed by Tour A.
More Things to do in El Nido – Top El Nido Activities
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Visit the best beaches in El Nido
The best El Nido beaches are Nacpan Beach, Maramegmeg Beach, Vanilla Beach, and Las Cabanas Beach, which is especially nice during sunset.
Explore town by both day and night
You’ll find many restaurants and shops in El Nido town, which comes to life at night with bars and karaoke lounges.
Zipline from one island to another
The zip line at Las Cabanas Beach allows you to soar over the water from El Nido to a nearby island offering the most amazing views and a unique thrill-seeking experience.
Watch the sunset at Bay View Resort
Purchase a day pass when you arrive at the hotel, which can be redeemed on drinks/food at the iconic Bay View rooftop infinity pool and lounge which overlooks the beach. El Nido Palawan has some of the best sunsets in the world, and Bay View offers the best place to view it.
Where to Eat in El Nido
My top recommendation for where to eat in El Nido is the nightly street food market. Located along Abdulla Street and Barangay 1, you’ll find dozens upon dozens of street vendors grilling everything from meat to fresh catches of the day, and vegetables. The two best stalls I recommend are called Roadside and Mazabor.
Other restaurants I recommend are ArtCafe, which is one of the oldest and most loved establishments in El Nido, as well as The Nesting Table and Scape Skydeck which are both great for dining with views. Lastly, I must recommend Dryft Fish — fresh seafood with a Philippino-Korean twist.
Related: How to Avoid Getting Sick Eating in Southeast Asia
More El Nido Travel Tips & Itinerary El Nido Palawan FAQ
How many days are enough for El Nido? How long to stay at El Nido
Many recommend that your El Nido travel itinerary should be least 4 days to be able to enjoy all 4 boat tours. Most people, however, only go on one or two tours. 4 days in El Nido is still a good amount of time, with a minimum recommendation of 3 days in El Nido if you plan to stay in other parts of the Philippines, and up to a week if not.
How to get around El Nido
The easiest and most popular way to get around El Nido is by what is known as trike, or tricycle taxis. These are motorcycle taxis with built in sidecars. They are easy to hail, or you can have your hotel call you one. Most hotels will provide van shuttle transportation to and from the airport. You may also wish to rent a motor scooter which can be found in several locations around the island, or you can rent a car from Airport El Nido Palawan.
Best time to visit El Nido / Philippines
The best time to visit El Nido is typically during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During these months, the weather is generally sunny with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities, island hopping tours, and exploring the stunning natural landscapes.
The peak tourist season in El Nido occurs from December to February when the weather is at its driest and most pleasant, but this also means larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and tours. If you prefer fewer crowds and slightly lower prices, consider visiting during the shoulder months of November and May. However, do keep in mind that weather patterns can vary, and occasional rain showers may occur even during the dry season. Overall, the dry season is the best time to go to El Nido, offering the best conditions for enjoying all that El Nido has to offer.
Currency in El Nido
The currency used in El Nido, as well as throughout the Philippines, is the Philippine Peso (PHP). It is denoted by the symbol “₱” or the abbreviation “PHP.”
When visiting El Nido, it’s advisable to carry Philippine Pesos for most transactions, including paying for dining, shopping, and transportation. While some establishments may accept credit cards, and very few accept USD, many don’t so it’s always best to have local currency on hand for convenience and to avoid potential currency exchange fees or unfavorable exchange rates.
Money Exchanges and ATMs are available sparingly in El Nido town.
Is El Nido safe?
For solo travelers, friends, or couples, El Nido is very safe. The locals are kind and friendly, and the biggest worry would be one that is common in most tourist destinations — petty theft, so be sure to keep your valuables safe.
I hope this El Nido travel guide was helpful for you. If you are a lover of Southeast Asia like I am, I am sure El Nido will win your heart with its beauty alone. The islands of the Philippines are similar to that of Thailand and Bali but without as many crowds, making El Nido the perfect place for a balance of developed-meets-untouched tourism in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.