El Nido, Philippines
Overview
El Nido, Palawan offers stunning lagoons, hidden beaches, and towering limestone cliffs perfect for kayaking and island hopping. Experience the vibrant marine life while snorkeling or diving in the clear turquoise waters, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Bacuit Bay.
Best Time to Travel
Best Months
Spring and Fall
Pleasant weather conditions
Months to Avoid
Check local weather patterns
Consider visiting during other months
Peak Season
Summer months
Expect larger crowds and higher prices
Top Things to Do
Shimizu Island
Matinloc Shrine
JBenito Travel & Tours
Exoticloops Motorcycle Tours
Cudugnon Cave
Kuyawyaw Falls
Fort Santa Isabel
Ariel Brilla Duque Namia
Naghapay
Tulay Suhai
Lio Forest Walk
Lio Beach
Lio Jetty Port
LZ Seda
Lio Wetlands
Malugao Beach
Holy Bahala Na Tree
The tree in the road
Lio Eco-Trail
TownSquare
El Nido Cove Resort, El Nido Palawan
Vellago Resort
Villa Israel Eco Park El Nido by Cocotel
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Recommended Restaurants
Bulalo at Chaolong sa
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Trattoria Altrove
Italian
El Nido Town Proper
An iconic spot in El Nido, famous for its authentic wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta served in a cozy, rustic ambiance.
El Nido Boutique & Artcafe
International, Filipino, Seafood
El Nido Town Proper
More than just a restaurant, this El Nido institution offers a diverse menu, fresh seafood, and a vibrant atmosphere with live music and an eco-friendly shop.
Happiness Bar
Mediterranean, Vegetarian-friendly
El Nido Town Proper
A lively and popular bar known for its delicious hummus, falafel, shakshuka, and creative cocktails, perfect for a relaxed meal or evening drinks.
Republica Sunset Bar
Spanish, Tapas, International
Corong Corong
Perched on a hill in Corong Corong, this bar offers breathtaking sunset views over Bacuit Bay alongside Spanish tapas, paella, and expertly crafted cocktails.
Big Al's Cookie Jar
Filipino, BBQ, Comfort Food
El Nido Town Proper
A beloved local spot celebrated for its mouth-watering smoked meats, tender ribs, and American-inspired comfort food served at very affordable prices.
L'assiette
French, European
El Nido Town Proper
Experience a touch of sophistication with classic French and European dishes, meticulously prepared with fresh, quality ingredients in an intimate setting.
Interesting Facts
El Nido's name, meaning "The Nest" in Spanish, refers to the edible swiftlets' nests found in its towering limestone cliffs, which are harvested for a prized delicacy in Asian cuisine (bird's nest soup).
Before becoming a premier tourist destination, El Nido was a quiet fishing village known as "Bacuit" and was relatively isolated, with its earliest inhabitants being the Tagbanua and Cuyonon indigenous people.
It consistently ranks among the "World's Best Islands" and "Most Beautiful Beaches" lists by prestigious travel publications like Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, a testament to its pristine beauty.
El Nido municipality encompasses 45 islands and islets within Bacuit Bay, boasting over 50 white sand beaches, 30 dive sites, and dramatic limestone formations that are home to diverse marine and terrestrial species.
The traditional practice of "pag-lilindog" (harvesting swiftlet nests) from treacherous cliff faces, an ancient custom passed down through generations, still persists today under strict regulations.
The iconic karst limestone cliffs forming El Nido's dramatic landscape are geologically ancient, dating back approximately 250 million years, predating the dinosaurs, making them a true natural wonder.
El Nido's breathtaking lagoons and iconic rock formations are so visually striking that they have been widely featured in global travel campaigns and magazines, becoming synonymous with the ultimate tropical paradise.
Despite its global fame, El Nido is primarily accessed by a small, privately-owned airport (Lio Airport) or a 5-6 hour land transfer from Puerto Princesa, preserving some of its exclusive and secluded charm.