PH · Palawan · 11.18°N 119.39°E

el nido

Lagoon-hopping between towering limestone cliffs in northern Palawan.

Best time
November to May is the dry season, with March to May the calmest and hottest. June to October brings rain and rough seas that can cancel boat tours.
How long
3–4 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Manila (about 4 hours), then either fly on to El Nido's small airport or fly to Puerto Princesa and take a van north for about 5–6 hours. Ferries also run from Coron, about 4 hours.
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PH · Palawanel nido11.18°N 119.39°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Lagoon-hopping between towering limestone cliffs in northern Palawan.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingEl NidoPH, Palawan
KLel nido
≈ 2,146 km from KL, as the crow flies
View of El Nido Bay

Photo: Kalithecat00 · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A small town in northern Palawan and the gateway to Bacuit Bay, where limestone islands rise straight out of clear water. Days are spent on island-hopping boats, swimming into lagoons and lazing on white-sand beaches.

Makan

  1. KinilawRaw fish cured in vinegar with onion, ginger and chilli, the Filipino cousin of ceviche.Map ↗
  2. Island-hopping lunchMost tours stop for a beach lunch of grilled fish, meat and fruit cooked by the boat crew.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Island-hopping toursTours A to D each cover a different set of lagoons, beaches and snorkelling spots. Tour A, with the Big and Small Lagoons, is the most popular.Map ↗
  2. Nacpan BeachA long, wide stretch of sand about 45 minutes north of town by scooter or tricycle.Map ↗
  3. Las Cabanas BeachClose to town, with sunset views over the islands and a zipline out to a small islet.Map ↗
  4. Taraw CliffA guided climb up the jagged limestone behind town for views over the bay.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Pay the eco-tourism fee before your first boat tour and keep the receipt for later tours.
  • Kayak numbers at the Big Lagoon are capped, so book your tour a day or two ahead in peak season.
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes. Some lagoons have sharp rocks underfoot.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.