El Nido is the postcard that sold you on the Philippines: a bay full of limestone karsts the size of cathedrals, lagoons so still they look painted, and island-hopping routes that have been running for decades because nobody has found a reason to change them.
We book trips here constantly, and after dozens of circuits through Bacuit Bay, the honest verdict is: El Nido is worth the hype, but only if you book the right tour and the right season.
The quick answer
- What it is: A town in northern Palawan, gateway to 45 islands in Bacuit Bay
- Best season: November to May (dry); June–October is quiet, cheaper, wetter
- How long: 3–4 days is the sweet spot for two island-hopping tours plus a beach day
- Getting there: Fly to ENI (Cebgo from Clark, Cebu, Coron, Caticlan, Tagbilaran) or take the Coron–El Nido ferry
- Budget: ₱1,500–3,500/day per person for tours, food and a decent room
Which island-hopping tour to pick
El Nido’s tours are lettered, and locals will fight you over which is best. After running all of them, here’s our ranking for first-timers:
- Tour A: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commandos Beach — the classic, and the one to book first
- Tour C: Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach — fewer crowds, more dramatic cliffs
- Tour D: Cadlao and Pasandiguan — the quiet option with great snorkeling
- Tour B: best for food (beach barbecue at Entalula)
The lagoons have entry fees (₱200–400) on top of tour price, and everyone pays the environmental fee (₱300) once.
Getting there
El Nido’s Lio Airport (ENI) is now served by Cebgo (which absorbed AirSwift’s routes in 2026) from Clark, Cebu, Coron, Caticlan and Tagbilaran. Flights are short but book out weeks ahead in high season. The Coron–El Nido fast ferry takes about 3.5–4 hours and costs from around ₱1,800.
Where to stay
- Corong Corong: the sunset strip, quiet, great value
- El Nido town: walkable to the beach and tour offices, nightlife
- Nacpan Beach: 40 minutes north, the famous golden curve, best for pure beach time
- Lagen/other island resorts: one-off splurges, book months ahead
Our advice
Book Tour A for your first full day — you’ll hit the lagoons before the crowds if you leave by 8am. Keep a full day for Nacpan. And don’t skip the sunset at Corong Corong: it’s free, it’s huge, and it’s better than the ones people post with filters.
Island highlights
- 01Big Lagoon & Secret Lagoon kayak routes
- 02Island hopping Tour A, C and D
- 03Nacpan Beach sunset
- 04Taraw Cliff viewpoint
Good to know
How many days do I need in El Nido, Palawan?
01
3–4 days is the sweet spot — enough for the signature tours plus a slow day. Less works, but you'll be choosing between highlights.
When is the best time to visit El Nido, Palawan?
02
Nov – May is the reliable window. Shoulder months (April–May) give you the same weather with fewer crowds.
How do I get to El Nido, Palawan?
03
Fly to El Nido (ENI) from Clark, Cebu or Coron with Cebgo (AirSWIFT's routes merged into Cebgo in 2026), or fly to Coron (USU) and take the 4-hour ferry. Puerto Princesa (PPS) is 5–6 hours away by van.