El Nido
- Are you looking for the most beautiful place in the Philippines?
- White sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning cliffs that plunge into the sea?
- Vibrant nature and breathtaking views?
One thing the Philippines is known for is its pristine sandy beaches: soft and powdery sand to soothe your tired feet, tranquil and clear waters, and of course, the sun that will give you a stunning bronze tan.
El Nido, which means “the nest” in Spanish, is a name that hints at a paradise beach that will embrace you and help you forget all your troubles, replacing them with cherished memories from your trip. A place you won’t forget!
How to get to El Nido?
To reach the paradise known as El Nido, there are two options: the more expensive and more comfortable way or the cheaper and more adventurous way. For those with means, the route is easy and straightforward. All you need to do is book a direct flight from Manila to El Nido, which takes only 55 minutes – just one step away from paradise.
For those interested in the more economical route, you will need to take a flight lasting less than an hour from Manila to Puerto Princesa, a city in the western part of Palawan. From Puerto Princesa, the next step will be to take a public bus for about a 7-hour journey. For those looking for a quicker ride, you can take a private van, which will shorten your travel time to 4 to 5 hours, although it will cost more than the bus ride.
What to do in El Nido?
Once you arrive on the island, the first thing you’re likely to do is swim and bask in the waters of El Nido, marveling at the beautiful beaches that are known worldwide. Even Hollywood celebrities make their way to these beaches. The beaches are perfect for relaxation and easy lounging, precisely as prescribed by the doctor for anyone looking to escape from it all and enjoy a vacation in every sense of the word. To put it simply and bluntly, there’s no place like El Nido.
After you’ve had your share of beach time, the next thing you should consider is island hopping. As you hop between different places, you can explore El Nido and indulge in the radiant beauty, like something out of a movie. There are several different islands you can visit, each unique in its own way, yet they all share that special beauty that makes El Nido an extraordinary island and beach experience you’re seeking.
You’re sure to fall in love with the breathtaking landscapes and be mesmerized by them: the perfect beaches, a variety of limestone cliffs, the stunning water colors, and the snorkeling spots that will leave you speechless. And if one beach isn’t enough for you, wait until you hop on a boat and visit the other islands!
For a selection of recommended tours in El Nido – click here.
The most beautiful destination in the Philippines – the full list
It's worth getting to know - kayaks.
Another fantastic activity you can do with your friends is kayaking, an enjoyable activity suitable for anyone in good shape and ready to paddle in the marvelous waters. It’s a delight for those seeking adventure or simply wanting some physical activity while exploring El Nido.
The experience of watching the clear waters while you swim or paddle cannot be compared to the amazing diving experience that awaits you. From beginner divers to experienced ones and professional divers, everyone can enjoy swimming in the purest waters in the country or even in the world. The fish, the variety of corals, and the entire ecological system surrounding you in El Nido will undoubtedly provide each of you with an extraordinary and amazing experience!
In El Nido, you can also find all the services to meet your needs. Bars and cafes for those who want to relax and have a drink, restaurants where you can taste local delicacies, shops where you can buy various souvenirs, and all sorts of knick-knacks. And, of course, there are resorts and spa facilities that will immerse you in the perfect state of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Island hopping tours that are worth taking.
Tour A: In this tour, you will have the opportunity to visit some of El Nido’s most wonderful destinations, including the 7 Commando Beach, magnificent beaches with picturesque waters that range from clear and transparent to crystal-clear blue. You’ll also explore the towering limestone cliffs of Miniloc Island, providing you with a feeling of being in a protected environment, just you and what surrounds you. Additionally, you’ll encounter the unique rock formations of Shimizu Island and the incredibly clear waters that will make you feel like you’re peering through a window into the sea.
Tour B: For the adventurous traveler and those who want to visit unique places in the area, this tour includes:
- Cudugnon Cave, which will captivate you with its extraordinary shape. You can observe the fascinating interplay of light within its inner chambers.
- Pinagbuyutan Island, offering an intimate beach surrounded by magnificent coconut trees.
- Lagen Island with the charming bungalow accommodations that encircle the water.
- Snake Island, a long, winding strip of land that leads to a small and modest island.
Tour C: For an experience unique to El Nido, this tour includes a visit to three different destinations:
- Matinloc Island, which boasts a stunning exterior surrounded by high and towering limestone cliffs.
- Tapiutan Island, with its pristine white beach and crystal-clear waters framed by limestone cliffs that make the shimmering water colors appear deep blue.
- The secret private beach of El Nido, a small area enclosed by cliffs, featuring a hidden lagoon that you can explore.
Tour D: To explore two of El Nido’s unique places:
- Helicopter Island, named for its distinctive shape. It’s a small island with a sandy strip where you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking view of the turquoise waters stretching out before you.
- Secret Lagoon at Miniloc Island, where you can snorkel and become part of the amazing waters of El Nido, bathing in some of the most beautiful waters in the world.