El Nido blog. The ultimate guide to El Nido for all types of travelers

Where to go, what to eat and what to do when traveling to El Nido? Explore El Nido island with Klook, enjoy wonderful experiences in this island paradise through this El Nido blog (El Nido travel blog) with the super guide to El Nido for all kinds of visitors below!

El Nido is known as a hidden gem in the ocean of the Philippines island nation, possessing pristine islands, mysterious caves and a rich marine ecosystem. This place is considered a “resort paradise” with emerald green sea water and dreamy white sand beaches.

Coming to El Nido, you can participate in countless fun activities such as scuba diving, kayaking in the swamp, enjoying fresh seafood in traditional fishing villages and exploring “unknown” sea waters.

Coron – El Nido Ferry

So what is attractive about El Nido tourism for tourists? What do you need to prepare when coming to this paradise island of Philippines? Let’s join Klook to learn about famous places in El Nido and share experiences of independent travel to El Nido in this article!

Where is El Nido? (#El Nido blog)

Located in the north of Palawan province, southwest of Manila, El Nido is one of the three longest archipelagos in the Philippines. It is both a first-class urban area and a precious nature reserve of this island nation with nearly 50 large and small islands with wild and charming beauty.

Located in a prime location, El Nido is surrounded by tropical forests and picturesque coastlines. The highlights are the beautiful islands undulating in the middle of the clear blue sea, the white sand beaches stretching along the majestic limestone ranges. It is not surprising that El Nido is constantly in the top of the most attractive destinations, with the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia and Asia.

Tourism has now become the main source of income for El Nido, increasingly attracting domestic and foreign tourists with many exciting exploration activities such as scuba diving and kayaking. A trip to El Nido will definitely be worth what you spend.

When is the Best Time to Visit El Nido?

El Nido, Philippines always welcomes visitors with its captivating beauty. However, to have the most complete experience, choosing the right time to travel is extremely important. The Philippines has a tropical monsoon climate, divided into two main seasons: dry season (December to May) and rainy season (June to November).

Travel to El Nido in the dry season (#El Nido blog)

El Nido Tour A,B,C,D with Environmental Fee and Lagoon Fee included

December to February: This is the most ideal time to travel to El Nido. The weather is cool, there is little rain, the sea is calm, suitable for sightseeing activities, island exploration, coral diving and water sports activities.

March to May: The weather starts to get hotter, but is still dry and has little rain. This is the ideal time for those who want to save on travel costs.

Travel to El Nido during the rainy season

June to August: The rainy season is at its peak but also the low tourist season – heavy rain, rough seas, and many storms. This is also the low tourist season, so service prices will be cheaper.

September to November: The rainy season begins to ease, rainfall decreases, and the sea is calmer. Visitors should pay attention to the weather forecast before going.
Thus, according to Klook’s experience, the best time to travel to El Nido is from November to May when the sky is clear and the sun gradually warms, making exploring the islands, beaches, and caves more interesting than ever. However, visitors can also consider traveling in other seasons if they want to save money and experience a different El Nido.

Do You Need a Visa to Travel to El Nido?

The Philippines does not require a tourist visa for most visitors from Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam. Therefore, Vietnamese visitors can enter the Philippines and have fun and travel in El Nido for 30 days without a visa.

However, you need to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and a plane ticket and hotel reservation to confirm the length of stay. In case you need to stay in El Nido for more than a month, you may need to contact and apply for a visa at the Philippine embassy in Vietnam before you go.

Famous Tourist Destinations in El Nido Philippines

Bacuit Bay – Stroll Around the Beautiful Islands of El Nido

Bacuit Bay is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of El Nido, Palawan. Located about 6km northeast of El Nido town, this bay is surrounded by the beautiful Bacuit Archipelago with more than 40 large and small limestone islands scattered around.

Bacuit Bay possesses a beautiful natural landscape with islands of many unique shapes and colors. The sea water is clear blue, with waves gently lapping against the white sand. Here, visitors can experience activities such as diving, fishing, and exploring colorful coral reefs.

One of the best things to do in Bacuit Bay is joining a tour around the islands by boat. During the trip, visitors will admire the panoramic view of the bay and visit famous islands such as Miniloc, Cadlao, Helicopter Island… Bacuit Bay will definitely bring an unforgettable experience to any visitor when coming to El Nido.

Cadlao Island – Explore Secret Beaches by Kayak

Cadlao Island is the largest island in the Bacuit Bay of ​​El Nido, with an area of ​​7 square kilometers. With a diverse terrain, Cadlao stands out with majestic limestone mountains and secret white sand beaches hidden among the cliffs.

El Nido Tour A Lagoons & Islands

Visitors coming here love many activities to explore nature by boat or kayak, exploring the coves and lakes hidden in the heart of the island. In addition, Cadlao is also an ideal destination for those who love trekking, with many trails winding through the canyons, where you can admire the panoramic view of Bacuit Bay from above.

Join the D El Nido tour to fully explore Cadlao – the rough gem in the middle of the majestic Bacuit Bay.

Shimizu Island – Diving to Explore Colorful Paradise

Shimizu, a small island located in Bacuit Bay, is named after a diver who died while exploring this sea. Shimizu’s tourist attractions are the coral reefs and colorful fish under the clear blue water. Diving to see the coral and colorful marine life is an experience not to be missed here.

In addition, the fine white sand and limestone cliffs create a spectacular scene for visitors to enjoy the fresh air and enjoy a delicious seafood party on a cruise.

Shimizu is a charming underwater paradise with countless wonders waiting for visitors. Join the Tour A El Nido to admire the beauty of Shimizu Island beach!

Matinloc Island – Capture the Full View of Matinloc Shrine

Located in the north of Bacuit Bay, Matinloc Island attracts visitors with its stunning natural scenery and the ancient Matinloc Temple with impressive architecture.

Setting foot on the island, visitors will be captivated by the view of the vast ocean and sky, the long stretch of white sand, and the limestone rocks scattered among the clear turquoise water. The special highlight of Matinloc is the ancient temple built on a high cliff. Visitors will have to climb the stone steps to admire the panoramic view of the island and Bacuit Bay from the top of the shrine. If you want to explore the majestic natural beauty and long-standing culture of the Philippine islands, don’t miss Tour C El Nido – visit the beach and Matinloc Temple.

El Nido Tour C Hidden Beaches & Shrine

Taraw Cliffs – Conquer the Roof of El Nido

Taraw Cliffs, also known as “The Roof of El Nido”, is one of the most famous landmarks of Bacuit Bay. Located at an altitude of about 230 meters above sea level, this giant cliff has become a typical symbol of the land known as the “Palawan pearl”.

Here, those who are passionate about adventure and want to experience thrills can try to conquer the top of the cliff by climbing the rope ladder to the observation deck, walking on a wooden suspension bridge and fishing in the wild nature on the top of the mountain. From above, visitors will be able to see the whole view of El Nido with its turquoise bay and limestone mountains.

El Nido Via Ferrata Ticket (Canopy Walk Viewdeck and Dreamcatcher)

If you are a fan of new experiences, book your El Nido Via Ferrata ticket now to complete your journey to conquer the “Roof of El Nido”. This will definitely be an unforgettable memory for all adventure lovers.

Seven Commandos Beach – Immerse Yourself in the Green Nature of El Nido

Located in the south of Bacuit Bay, Seven Commandos Beach stands out with its fine white sand, turquoise sea water and shady coconut trees. The name “Seven Commandos” comes from the story of seven Japanese soldiers who took refuge here during World War II.

Coming to Seven Commandos, visitors will enjoy the clear blue sea water, experience simple but interesting activities such as sunbathing on the sand, surfing or simply relaxing, immersing themselves in the peaceful atmosphere. Those who love wild nature will definitely be attracted by the beauty of Seven Commandos.

If you want to make your trip more exciting, you cannot miss the group tour to experience the new Seaduction speedboat in El Nido.

Snake Island – Walking on the Road in the Middle of the Sea El Nido

Snake Island is one of the highlights on the El Nido tour. True to its name, the difference here is the fragile road created by sand and rocks, connecting two small islands, creating an image like a winding snake. In particular, this sand strip only appears at low tide, giving visitors an interesting and new experience.

The sea water around the island is clear and calm, ideal for activities such as swimming, diving to see coral and kayaking. In addition, Snake Island is also an ideal place to watch the sunset and enjoy a peaceful, relaxing space.

Tour B El Nido Cave and Island will take you to fully explore Snake Island with its enchanting white sand strip in the middle of the sea: El Nido Tour B Caves & Islands

Las Cabanas Beach – Zipline Challenge on the Sea

Las Cabanas, located about 3km south of El Nido town, is a beautiful beach and ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. With a long stretch of fine white sand and clear blue water, Las Cabanas offers a peaceful and poetic space.

Visitors can participate in zip-line activities across the clear bay, enjoying the feeling of exciting adventure. From the air, you will admire the panoramic view of the beautiful Las Cabanas beach. Las Cabanas is also an ideal place to relax, sunbathe on the white sand or dive to see colorful corals.

Book an El Nido Land tour now to explore the attractions on the island with many interesting activities such as zipline, mountain climbing, kayaking.

El Nido Local Market – Discover Culture and Shopping

El Nido Local Market is one of the interesting destinations to explore the culture and life of the indigenous people in Palawan. Located right in the center of El Nido town, the small market but full of interesting things awaits visitors.

The unique point of the market is the space imbued with Philippine culture with small stalls selling traditional handicrafts such as brocade, wooden furniture, handmade jewelry. The market is also a place where many delicious street foods such as cakes, fresh seafood, tropical fruits, etc. are gathered.

If you have the opportunity to visit El Nido, do not miss the local market to explore the local culture and buy souvenirs typical of this poetic Palawan land.

Getting to El Nido on Your Own from Vietnam

El Nido is about 420 km from the capital Manila, Philippines, so Vietnamese tourists can fly to Manila. Then go by sea or road to cities in Palawan province such as Puerto Princesa before moving to El Nido. Here is specific information about each stage:

Stage 1: Go from Vietnam to Manila or Cebu, Philippines

Round-trip airfare is about $118.25-$157.67, depending on the airline you choose. Currently, there are Vietnam Airlines, Philippine Airlines, … providing direct flights from Vietnam to the Philippines. Flight time is about 3-4 hours.

Stage 2: From Manila/Cebu, continue to Puerto Princesa – the capital of Palawan province

Book domestic flights, costing around $78.83-$118.25 with AirAsia, Cebu Pacific,… Flight time is around 1-2 hours. Or save more by taking the train/bus, which takes around 12-14 hours, for only around $19.71.

Stage 3: From Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Puerto Princesa – El Nido Shared or Private Transfer

Refer to private van service to El Nido or shuttle bus between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, which takes around 6 hours by road. The price of the bus is around $11.83 – $23.65. The total cost of travel from Vietnam to El Nido is estimated to be around $315.33-$473.00/person if flying the entire route and buying a round-trip ticket.

Transportation in El Nido

Puerto Princesa to El Nido Van Transfer (Shared or Private)

Although the Philippines has a less developed transportation infrastructure than other countries in Southeast Asia, in El Nido, you can still experience basic means of transportation to conveniently explore this beautiful land.

• Tricycles: Suitable for exploring places near El Nido, helping you move flexibly through narrow roads and uphill. However, their limitation is that they are not suitable for long trips and inconvenient when it rains.
• Boat: To explore the islands here, renting a boat is the best option, allowing you to enjoy the sea view and visit pristine beaches. You can rent a private boat or join a group tour.
• Motorbike: This is the most flexible and economical means of transportation in El Nido. However, it should be noted that the streets here can be quite rough and difficult to travel, especially during the rainy season. At the same time, renting a motorbike requires you to have a driver’s license and be careful when driving in a foreign country.

Must-Try Dishes When Traveling to El Nido

Filipino cuisine is a unique combination of fresh seafood, vegetables, and local spices, giving visitors a unique taste experience. Here are some of the specialties that you must try when traveling to El Nido:

• Sinigang na Hipon: A delicious sour soup made from shrimp and fresh vegetables, served with white rice.
• Adobo: A dish of pork or chicken marinated in spices and cooked in coconut milk and vinegar, creating a unique flavor.
• Lechon Kawali: A crispy, delicious fried pork dish, often served with some dipping sauces.
• Fresh seafood: El Nido is famous for its fresh seafood such as salmon, mackerel, shrimp, scallops… prepared simply but attractively.
• Halo-Halo: A popular dessert with fruits, peanuts, flan, jelly, and ice cream, creating a diverse and interesting flavor.

Tips & Tricks for Self-Guided Travel to El Nido, Philippines

To have a complete and economical self-guided trip to El Nido, you need to note some important points as follows:

Buy Airline Tickets & Book Hotel Rooms Early

El Nido, the charming island paradise of the Philippines, is always an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists. However, if you plan to visit El Nido during the peak season from December to February, be prepared for fierce competition in terms of prices and accommodations.

A little tip for hunting for cheap airfare is to regularly follow reputable online booking websites such as Google Flights, Skyscanner. These websites regularly update attractive promotions and discounts, making it easy for you to find flights that fit your budget and schedule.

In addition, you should also consider booking hotels and entertainment activities before coming to El Nido. This will save you time and effort searching when you arrive, while ensuring you have a complete vacation.

Guide to getting around El Nido

El Nido, the pearl of Palawan, welcomes you with a small airport, where only domestic flights from Manila or Cebu can land. Don’t worry, because the journey to this paradise is still very easy and enjoyable.

If you don’t want to waste time, choose a plane to “fly” to El Nido in less than an hour. After that, you can take a taxi, motorbike taxi or hotel shuttle to your accommodation. If you want to have an exciting journey of discovery, the ferry is a great choice. Although it takes more time, in return you will be able to admire the vast blue sea and beautiful pristine islands along the way.

Once you have arrived in El Nido, you can freely travel around! Rent a motorbike to freely explore every corner, or take a bus to save money, or join an island tour to fully experience the beauty of this place.

Booking Accommodation in El Nido

Whether you are a lover of the simplicity and coziness of affordable homestays or crave a classy experience at luxury resorts, El Nido can satisfy your wishes.

If you want to immerse yourself in the vibrant life of the town, El Nido Town will be the ideal choice. Here, you can easily access restaurants, bars, shops and tourist services.

In addition, Nacpan Beach and Calitang Beach are perfect destinations for those looking for peace and relaxation, with smooth white sand and clear blue water. Las Cabanas Beach, with its beautiful sunset views and vibrant water sports activities, will be a great choice for those who love to explore and adventure.

However, to ensure a complete vacation and avoid unwanted surprises, booking a hotel room early is extremely important, especially during the peak tourist season.

What to Prepare Before Traveling to El Nido on Your Own?

Your luggage for a trip to El Nido is not only about colorful beach clothes or trendy sunglasses, but also about careful financial and cultural preparation to ensure a complete and meaningful experience.

First of all, make sure you have exchanged some dollars to Philippine Pesos before departure. This will not only help you conveniently pay for services in El Nido but also avoid unwanted exchange rate risks. You can exchange money at banks or reputable foreign exchange points in Vietnam.

In addition, do not forget to bring an adapter to convert the power outlet. The Philippines uses a different type of power outlet than Vietnam, so preparing an adapter will help you easily charge electronic devices such as phones, cameras or laptops during the trip.

A little effort to learn a few basic Filipino sentences will also be a big plus for your trip. The people of El Nido are very friendly and hospitable, and trying to communicate in the local language will help you easily connect and build good relationships with them.

Finally, always remember to respect the culture and customs of the local people. El Nido is a diverse and traditional community, and showing respect for their cultural values ​​will make your travel experience more meaningful and memorable.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island (Booking)
• Cuna Hotel (Agoda, Booking)
• Sea Cocoon Hotel (Agoda, Booking)
• S Resort El Nido (Agoda, Booking)
• Rosanna’s Pension (Agoda, Booking)
• One El Nido Suite (Agoda, Booking)
• El Nido Resorts Lagen Island (Agoda, Booking)

Check out more top and best hotels in El Nido on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Exploring El Nido – the island paradise in the Philippines is an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves natural beauty and coastal life. Here, visitors will see beautiful beaches, unspoiled islands and enjoy delicious local cuisine.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to El Nido you can refer to

• El Nido Tour A Lagoons & Islands
• El Nido Tour C Hidden Beaches & Shrine
• El Nido Tour B Caves & Islands
• El Nido Tour A + C
• El Nido Tour D Lagoons & Beaches
• Tour A El Nido, Palawan
• Tour El Nido Land
• One-Way Fast Ferry Ticket Between Coron and El Nido
• El Nido Nacpan and Duli Beach
• Puerto Princesa to El Nido Van Transfer (Shared or Private)
• El Nido Tours in a Luxury Speedboat
• Shared Van Transfer between El Nido and Port Barton
• Tour El Nido C + A
• El Nido Tour D Lagoons & Beaches
• El Nido Tour A,B,C,D w/ Envi&Lagoon Fees (No Hidden Charges)
• Tour A of El Nido, Palawan

Read more Philippines guide here.