El Nido Travel Guide, Palawan
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our Disclosure Policy and Advertiser Disclosure for details.
🇵🇭El Nido Travel Guide: Islands, Lagoons & Adventures Through My Lens
El Nido, Palawan is a breathtaking island destination known for dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, island-hopping adventures, and unforgettable sunsets.
El Nido is made up of 45 islands and islets, each with its own character and sense of discovery. Days unfold across Bacuit Bay, where towering limestone cliffs rise from turquoise water and hidden lagoons like Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon invite slow paddling and snorkeling. Beaches such as Nacpan and Seven Commandos offer stretches of powdery white sand, while sunsets at Las Cabanas Beach paint the sky in warm tones that linger long after the sun disappears.
Beyond the water, El Nido reveals itself through movement and local rhythm. I climbed Taraw Cliff for the El Nido Via Ferrata canopy walk, a sunrise adventure that delivers sweeping views over the town and bay — equal parts adrenaline and awe. Between island days, I balanced things out with workouts at Ritual Fitness, a solid gym option while traveling through town.
El Nido’s Town Heritage District adds another layer, blending relaxed island energy with creative spaces. I spent time wandering past the Treehouse Restaurant, stopping at AP Kala Beach Bar, and settling into cafés like Modern Café and Hama Coffee (cash only). Food here is worth slowing down for — Oppa Kitchen is tiny but worth the wait, Luway Luway Café feels effortlessly local, and Gusto Gelato is a must (try the coconut and ube). For plant-based options, Aubrie’s Plant-Based Vegan Cuisine stands out for its coffee and smoothie bowls, while Brunch El Nido is a reliable favorite that accepts credit cards.
Every day in El Nido feels layered — islands, town life, adventure, and stillness — from sunrise climbs above the bay to quiet evenings watching the light fade over the water.
Why El Nido, Palawan? 🇵🇭
Watch My EL Nido Adventure on YouTube
Explore the charm, sunsets, and hidden corners of El Nido town!
Exploring El Nido Town, Sunsets & Local Gems
Episode 1: How El Nido Stole My Heart ❤️ | Exploring Paradise 🏝️ | Philippines 🇵🇭
El Nido is made up of 45 islands and islets, but Episode 1 focuses on the heart of the town and surrounding areas. From quaint streets to local eateries and stunning sunsets, you get a true sense of the island’s character. Explore the Town Heritage District, Las Cabanas Beach at sundown, and enjoy adventure stops like the Taraw Cliff canopy walk or a sunrise rock climb.
Neighborhoods & Highlights:
Town Heritage District: Charming streets, treehouse-style restaurants, and the AP Kala Beach Bar.
Adventure & Fitness: Taraw Cliff canopy walk, sunrise rock climb, Ritual Fitness Gym.
Sunsets: Las Cabanas Beach for epic colors over the water.
Culinary Must-Try:
Oppa Kitchen: Tiny spot — prepare to wait, but the food is worth it.
Hama Coffee: Great coffee, cash only.
Luway Luway Café: Modern café with breakfast options.
Gusto Gelato: Coconut and ube gelato are must-tries.
Aubrie’s Plant-Based Vegan Cuisine: Coffee, smoothie bowls, and vegan eats.
Brunch El Nido: Accepts credit cards.
If you’re looking for a different perspective of El Nido beyond the beaches, the Taraw Cliff canopy walk offers panoramic views over the town and Bacuit Bay. It’s a more structured and accessible way to experience the cliffs compared to the traditional sunrise rock climb, making it a great option if you want the views without the technical scramble.
The canopy route includes guided sections along steel walkways and platforms, allowing you to safely take in the dramatic limestone landscape from above.
Taraw Cliff & Canopy Walk
Book the Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk
Where I Stayed:
El Nido town is small and walkable, but to get around efficiently, locals mostly rely on tricycles — there’s no Grab or other ride-hailing service. For longer trips to nearby beaches or towns, you can book a private van or bus in advance hassle-free through:
🛺 Getting Around El Nido
Book transportation: 12GoAsia — El Nido & Palawan
Insider Tip:
El Nido is best explored at a relaxed pace. Bring cash for small cafés and vendors. The hidden corners of the town often reveal the most unforgettable experiences.
Watch El Nido Island Hopping on Youtube!
Explore the stunning islands, lagoons, and beaches of El Nido!
🎬 Episode 2 — El Nido, Palawan Island Hopping | 🌴 PARADISE FOUND 🏝️ | Philippines 🇵🇭
Island hopping is the most iconic experience in El Nido and the best way to see the dramatic landscapes of Bacuit Bay. This day was spent entirely on the water, moving by boat between limestone islands, hidden beaches, and calm lagoons that can only be reached from the sea. It’s a full-day experience that shows just how wild, remote, and beautiful this part of Palawan truly is.
Island hopping through Bacuit Bay reveals a constantly changing landscape — towering limestone cliffs, secluded beaches, and emerald-colored lagoons tucked behind rock formations. Each stop offers a different experience, from kayaking through calm waters to swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear seas.
This is where El Nido feels at its most untouched. Time moves slowly between islands, with space to relax on white-sand beaches, explore hidden coves, and take in the scale of the cliffs rising straight from the water.
Island Stops & Activities
Entalula Island — secluded beach with clear water and dramatic limestone backdrops
Big Lagoon — kayaking through calm, jade-colored waters
Seven Commandos Beach — swimming, relaxing, and beach time
Hidden & Secret Stops — quieter coves only accessible by boat
Snorkeling & Swimming — marine life throughout Bacuit Bay
El Nido Highlights & Experiences:
Book the Tour I Took
El Nido: Island Hopping Adventure by Haqqy Life
A fun, social island-hopping experience designed for travelers who want adventure, great energy, and the chance to meet people while exploring Bacuit Bay.
Insider Tips for Island Hopping in El Nido
Tours can feel very different depending on the group and operator — if you value a social vibe, look for smaller group sizes.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and a dry bag for phones and cameras.
Kayaking in lagoons is often limited by timing and tides, so flexibility is key.
Cash is essential for rentals, tips, and small add-ons during the day.
If you prefer fewer crowds, ask about early departures or less-popular routes.
Other Island-Hopping Tours to Consider
If you prefer a quieter pace, specific landmarks, or a more traditional island-hopping route, these options are worth checking out while visiting El Nido:
Island Hopping Tour A
Focused on lagoons and scenic limestone landscapes
Island Hopping Tour B
Includes caves and lesser-visited beaches
Island Hopping Tour C
Known for hidden beaches and shrine stops
Island Hopping Tour D
A mix of beaches and lagoons with fewer crowds
El Nido to Coron Multi-Day Expedition
A 3-day, 2-night journey through remote islands for a deeper adventure
Travel Essentials for the Philippines
Gear I always bring for island hopping, city wandering, and filming on the go:
🎒 Lightweight backpacks & dry bags
📸 Cameras & drones
🤿 Snorkel gear
☀️ Sunscreen
🦟 Bug spray (trust me, you’ll thank yourself later)
👉 Shop My Travel Essentials for Exploring the Philippines
Health & Safety Tips 🛡️
The Philippines is breathtaking, but like any true adventure, it’s important to stay prepared. From island-hopping boats to jungle hikes, every experience brings unforgettable moments — and a few things you’ll want to plan for in advance:
🦟 Mosquitoes & Dengue: The tropics mean mosquitoes, and dengue fever is a real risk. Always pack bug spray and reapply often, especially at dusk.
🚰 Water Safety: Avoid drinking tap water, even for brushing your teeth. Stick to bottled or filtered water to keep your trip worry-free.
🛡️ Travel Insurance: This is essential! From unexpected illness and lost luggage to sudden changes of plans, having coverage keeps the focus on your journey — not the stress. In the Philippines, accidents are unfortunately common: I’ve witnessed everything from motorbike accidents to cuts on coral while exploring the islands. I haven’t seen it all, and you never know what might happen — that’s why travel insurance is non-negotiable.
I personally recommend two trusted options:
World Nomads
Great for short-term and adventure coverage.
Safety Wing
Ideal for long-term travelers and digital nomads, you can start or cancel anytime on the road, claims are super easy to make on their website & then paid within 48hrs.
✨ Ready to Explore the Philippines?
From the pulse of Manila to the laid-back beaches of Siargao, the limestone cliffs of Coron to the hidden lagoons of El Nido, and the charm of Puerto Princesa — every moment is waiting for you.
👉 Click on a city to start your journey
Manila
Siargao
Coron
Puerto Princesa
✨ Explore El Nido with Me?
From hidden lagoons and white-sand beaches to dramatic cliffs and vibrant sunsets, every moment is waiting. Click on the episodes above or watch the full playlist to start your journey.
👉 Click on an episode below to dive deeper into my journey:
2-Day El Nido Itinerary 🇵🇭
🗓️ Day 1 – Town, Adventure & Sunset
🚐 Arrival & Check-In: Transfer into El Nido and settle into your stay
🚶♀️ El Nido Town Walk: Beachfront, shops, and relaxed island streets
🧗♀️ Adventure Stop: Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk
☕ Cafés & Treats: Coffee, smoothie bowls, and gelato stops
🌅 Evening: Sunset at Las Cabañas Beach
🛥️ Island Hopping Tour: Explore Bacuit Bay by boa
🛶 Lagoon Experience: Kayaking through limestone lagoons
🤿 Snorkeling Stops: Coral reefs and clear water swimming
🏝️ Beach Time: Remote white-sand islands
📸 Photo Moments: Scenic viewpoints throughout the day
🗓️ Day 2 – Bacuit Bay Island Hopping
🚐 Arrival & Check-In: Travel into El Nido and settle into your hotel
🚶♀️ El Nido Town Walk: Beachfront path, small shops, relaxed island atmosphere
🧗♀️ Adventure Stop: Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk
☕ Cafés & Treats: Hama Coffee, smoothie bowls, gelato stops
🌅 Evening: Sunset at Las Cabañas Beach
4-Day El Nido Itinerary 🇵🇭
🗓️ Day 1 – Arrival & Town Exploration
🗓️ Day 2 – Bacuit Bay Lagoons & Beaches
🛥️ Island Hopping: Depart by boat into Bacuit Bay - Haqqy Life or Tour A
🛶 Lagoon Experience: Kayaking through limestone formations
🤿 Water Activities: Snorkeling and swimming sto
🏝️ Beach Breaks: Remote white-sand islands
📸 Photo Moments: Scenic viewpoints throughout the day
🛥️ Different Route: Choose Tour B, C, or D
🪨 Natural Features: Caves, hidden coves, rock formation
🐠 Marine Life: Snorkeling in clearer reef areas
🏖️ Quiet Beaches: Fewer crowds and longer stops
🗓️ Day 3 – Alternate Island Route
☕ Relaxed Start: Breakfast and coffee in town
🛍️ Souvenir Stops: Local shops and markets
🌴 Free Time: Beach walk or final swim
🚐 Departure: Transfer out of El Nido
🗓️ Day 4 – Slow Morning & Departure
Experiences & Adventures
My journeys can be
your journeys!
If you are planning a trip and looking for some unique travel experiences or maybe just needing some “skip the line” tickets to some famous attractions!
Encounter adventures in over 150 Countries providing a diverse range of experiences from popular attractions to off-the-beaten-path experiences… in thousands of destinations!
Buy me a coffee!
Support my Channel, by buying me a coffee, or doing a ‘Monthly Membership’ and travel the world with me via “Rental Car Travel” or “Air Travel.”
I appreciate ANY level of support and this goes directly to making more travel content!
So Connect with Us
Let's live the adventure of being wanderlusts and embark on a journey to better understand the incredible people and explore the sites of this amazing world..