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El Nido, Palawan – Tropical Paradise or the Definition of Mass Tourism?
Across social media, travel blogs and magazines, Palawan is currently experiencing an enormous hype. Especially El Nido, with its island hopping tours, dramatic limestone cliffs, white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and hidden lagoons, has become one of the hottest travel destinations in the Philippines.
If you browse through Google, Instagram or Facebook, one thing quickly becomes clear: El Nido looks like an absolute dream destination.
But does reality actually match the picture-perfect images?
In the conclusion further down in this travel guide, I share my personal impressions and honest experiences of visiting El Nido. First, however, I’ll introduce you to the beaches, attractions and island hopping tours around El Nido.
Beaches, Attractions & Island Hopping Tours in El Nido
The main attractions in El Nido consist primarily of island hopping tours and nearby beaches, many of which can be reached within a short distance from El Nido town, with some even accessible on foot.
These beaches offer spectacular views of the surrounding limestone cliffs and small tropical islands. However, not all of them are ideal for swimming.
One of El Nido’s biggest highlights are the famous island hopping tours, which take visitors to the most iconic and popular attractions in the region. Many of these places can only be reached by boat, making the tours an essential part of any El Nido trip.
Not in the mood to read? Then explore our El Nido photo gallery instead and discover the destination through images.
What to expect in this El Nido travel guide:
El Nido Beach – Starting Point for Island Hopping Tours
El Nido Beach, located directly in the town centre, serves as the main departure point for all island hopping tours to El Nido’s famous limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and tropical islands.
The bay itself offers a stunning panorama, almost reminiscent of a Norwegian fjord, with surrounding green hills, traditional Bangka boats and the bright turquoise sea creating a spectacular contrast.
Looking for Relaxation and Swimming? You Might Be in the Wrong Place
As beautiful as El Nido Bay looks, relaxing here can be difficult. The long but relatively narrow beach is often busy, noisy and chaotic.
Especially around 9 AM and after 4 PM, the atmosphere becomes hectic as dozens of tour boats depart or return from day trips. During these hours, the bay is filled with engine noise from Bangka boats, crowds of tourists and persistent beach vendors.
Even outside peak times, peace and quiet are rare, since the lively town of El Nido sits directly behind the beach. Music from nearby bars and restaurants often reaches the shoreline.
Too Many Boats – Swimming Is Prohibited
Since almost all daily island hopping tours begin here, El Nido Beach is crowded with Bangka boats. At times, captains struggle to navigate through the heavy traffic in the bay.
You’ll also notice multiple signs prohibiting swimming, although given the atmosphere, a relaxing swim would hardly be enjoyable anyway.
Useful Information about El Nido Beach
Corong Corong Beach – Close to El Nido Town, Yet Much More Peaceful
Located just outside El Nido town, Corong Corong Beach offers a noticeably quieter atmosphere compared to busy El Nido Beach. While there are fewer restaurants and bars, you’ll find plenty of hotels and accommodation options nearby.
The centre of El Nido can be reached in around 15 to 20 minutes on foot or within 5 minutes by tricycle (approximately 35 PHP).
Corong Corong Beach stretches along a long bay bordered by lush green hills and offers beautiful views of El Nido’s limestone islands and lagoons. The beach is especially known for its spectacular sunsets and is ideal for long walks with panoramic scenery. From here, you can even walk all the way to Las Cabañas Beach.
Interestingly, once a month, the area hosts a beach party inspired by Koh Phangan’s famous Full Moon Party.
Not the Ideal Swimming Beach
Although the scenery at Corong Corong Beach looks inviting, it is not the best beach for swimming.
- The main reasons are:
- Many rocks and stones in the water, often home to sea urchins
- The beach is very shallow, especially during low tide, when the water may only reach ankle height
- Numerous Bangka boats are anchored nearby
- The sand is relatively coarse and rough
- For more comfort, flip-flops or water shoes are recommended.
Useful Information about Corong Corong Beach
Las Cabañas Beach / Marimegmeg Beach / Vanilla Beach – El Nido’s Best Beach for Swimming?
Las Cabañas Beach, also known as Marimegmeg Beach or Vanilla Beach, is a long sandy beach located just outside El Nido town.
While the area used to be relatively quiet, tourism has developed rapidly in recent years. Alongside a growing number of hotels and resorts, you’ll now find restaurants, souvenir shops and even a small shopping area with a McDonald’s nearby.
The Best Swimming Beach Around El Nido?
As mentioned, Las Cabañas Beach is no longer a hidden gem, and you’ll encounter plenty of visitors. However, the golden sandy beach, clear turquoise water and gentle shoreline make it one of the best beaches for swimming near El Nido.
Compared to many other beaches in the area:
- There are fewer rocks in the water
- The sea remains shallow and calm
- Swimming is much more enjoyable
Beach bars create a laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy drinks, music and impressive sunsets over the islands.
Perfect Spot for Long Beach Walks
Las Cabañas Beach is also ideal for extended walks.
Following the shoreline, you’ll eventually reach a sandbank leading towards the undeveloped Depeldet Island. From the tip of the sandbank, you’ll enjoy beautiful views across the bay.
Beyond this point, the beach continues, offering kilometres of walking opportunities with spectacular panoramas of limestone cliffs and small tropical islands offshore.
If you enjoy combining beach walks with scenery, this is definitely one of the best coastal walks around El Nido.
Useful Information about Las Cabañas Beach
Island Hopping Tours in El Nido – One of the Main Reasons to Visit Palawan
For many travellers, El Nido’s famous island hopping tours are the main reason to visit Palawan. Social media is filled with breathtaking images of towering limestone cliffs, white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and hidden coves.
Most of these iconic spots can only be reached by boat, making an island hopping tour an essential part of any El Nido itinerary.
The tours are generally divided into Tour A, B, C and D, with prices remaining fairly similar across operators.
Among visitors, Tour A and Tour C are considered the most popular options.
Useful Information about El Nido Island Hopping Tours
Overview of Island Hopping Tour A
Tour A is one of the most popular island hopping tours in El Nido, and for good reason. This route covers some of El Nido’s most iconic attractions, including the famous Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon.
During the tour, the boat also stops at several snorkelling spots along the way.
Tour duration: approximately 6 to 7 hours, including lunch
Price: around 1,200 PHP per person
Highlights Included in Tour A
- Small Lagoon
- Big Lagoon
- Secret Lagoon
- Shimizu Island
- 7 Commando Beach
Tour A – Small & Big Lagoon
Among the main highlights of Tour A are undoubtedly the famous Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon. Due to the shallow water depth, larger tour boats cannot enter these lagoons directly.
Instead, the Bangka boats anchor outside, and visitors continue the journey by kayak. Kayaks can usually be rented directly from the tour operators for around 250 PHP.
Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear water, the lagoons offer an impressive experience. However, depending on the time of day and visitor numbers, you may encounter actual “kayak traffic jams”.
This can be quite different from the peaceful atmosphere often portrayed on Instagram, where the lagoons appear almost deserted. During peak hours, crowds can be substantial, making the experience feel less idyllic than expected.
Tour A – Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon can only be reached through a small opening in one of the towering limestone cliffs. Entering feels almost like stepping into a hidden cave, which then opens up towards the bright blue sky above.
Surrounded by water and enclosed by dramatic rock formations, the Secret Lagoon offers a unique experience unlike many other places in the world.
However, on busy days with many visitors, the experience can be less magical, as a visible layer of sunscreen on the water surface occasionally appears due to heavy tourism.
Tour A – 7 Commando Beach
Seven Commando Beach is located on the main island of Palawan, yet it can only be reached by boat.
The beach features white sand, crystal-clear water and is home to the Vellago Resort. Parts of the shoreline surrounding the resort are restricted for day visitors.
Although the scenery is stunning, Seven Commando Beach can become very busy, as it is included in many El Nido island hopping tours. At peak times, the number of arriving boats is so high that tour boats occasionally have to queue before they can anchor near the beach.
Despite the crowds, the beach remains a popular stop thanks to its tropical setting and postcard-like scenery.
Tour A – Shimizu Island
Shimizu Island is a small tropical island framed by towering limestone cliffs, surrounded by one of El Nido’s most spectacular natural landscapes. The views across the surrounding islands and turquoise waters are simply breathtaking.
However, since Shimizu Island is one of El Nido’s most popular attractions, the atmosphere can become quite hectic, especially during peak travel times.
During my own visit, our boat was unable to dock because of the high number of tour boats already at the island, which was honestly very disappointing. This highlights one of the downsides of El Nido’s popularity: even some of the most beautiful spots can become overcrowded.
Overview of Island Hopping Tour B
Tour B is considered one of the most diverse island hopping tours in El Nido. Alongside beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water and sandbanks, the tour also includes a visit to an impressive cave.
Tour duration: approximately 6 to 7 hours
Price: around 1,300 PHP per person, including lunch
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Highlights Included in Tour B
- Snake Island
- Pinagbuyutan Island
- Entalula Beach
- Cudugnon Cave
Tour B – Snake Island
Snake Island is considered one of the standout attractions on Tour B. A long sandbank connects two small islands, creating a unique natural formation.
During low tide, you can walk through the shallow, warm and crystal-clear water along the sandbank, making the experience feel especially surreal.
The island also offers a short hike to a viewpoint, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views over the sandbank, surrounding islands and turquoise sea. The scenery is truly one of El Nido’s most impressive natural spectacles.
For me personally, Snake Island was one of the most beautiful spots across all island hopping tours, even though it was quite crowded with tourists.
Tour B – Pinagbuyutan Island
Pinagbuyutan Island is a small island dominated by dramatic limestone cliffs, featuring a beautiful sandbank near Ipil Beach.
Surrounded by palm trees and lush tropical vegetation, this stretch of sand creates a truly picturesque setting. The combination of towering cliffs, turquoise water and vibrant greenery makes the scenery feel almost unreal.
For me, Pinagbuyutan Island was among the most beautiful spots across all the island hopping tours.
Of course, this is not a deserted tropical island, and you’ll share the experience with other visitors. Still, relaxing in such an extraordinary setting is something you’ll likely remember long after your trip to El Nido.
Tour B – Entalula Beach
Entalula Beach is located on another small limestone island and is divided into two separate sections. One side is reserved exclusively for guests of the Entalula Beach Club, while the other area is open to day visitors.
The white sandy beach and crystal-clear water create a stunning contrast against the towering limestone cliffs, resulting in a truly postcard-worthy tropical setting.
However, despite its beauty, Entalula Beach wasn’t one of my personal highlights.
The main reason is the large number of tourists. At peak times, the beach can feel crowded and hectic, taking away some of the paradise-like atmosphere. If you want to swim or simply relax, you may find yourself searching for a free spot between the crowds.
Even so, the scenery itself remains impressive, and Entalula Beach is still worth experiencing as part of Tour B.
Menschenmassen suchen.
Tour B – Cudugnon Cave
Cudugnon Cave is worth visiting for its history alone. Archaeological discoveries inside the cave include ancient jewellery, pottery and human remains dating back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279).
It is believed that the cave was once used for burial ceremonies, giving the site significant historical and cultural importance.
The cave also played a role during World War II, when local residents used it as a hiding place during the Japanese occupation.
Today, visitors can explore the limestone cave on their own. A natural opening in the ceiling allows light to enter, creating an unusual atmosphere inside.
Besides impressive rock formations, the cave is home to swiftlets and several colonies of bats, adding to the adventurous feeling of exploring this historic site.
Overview of Island Hopping Tour C
Tour C is often considered one of the most spectacular island hopping tours in El Nido, mainly due to its combination of hidden beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs and scenic snorkelling spots.
Tour duration: approximately 6 to 7 hours
Price: around 1,300 PHP per person, including lunch
Highlights Included in Tour C
- Helicopter Island
- Matinloc Schrein
- Secret Beach
- Star Beach
- Hidden Beach
Overview of Island Hopping Tour D
Tour D mainly focuses on visiting several beaches and snorkelling spots, but the biggest highlight of this tour is Cadlao Lagoon.
Price: around 1,200 PHP per person, including lunch
Highlights Included in Tour D
- Ipil Beach
- Cadlao Lagoon
- Paradise Beach
- Pasandigan Beach
- Natnat Beach
Tour D – Ipil Beach
Ipil Beach is a small and scenic bay featuring a beautiful sandy shoreline and clear turquoise water.
While the setting looks inviting, it isn’t the ideal beach for swimming. The water is very shallow in many areas, and there are quite a few rocks beneath the surface, making it less comfortable for relaxing in the sea.
Although Ipil Beach is included as one of the stops on Tour D, I wouldn’t consider it a major highlight. The beach is pleasant to visit, but compared to some of El Nido’s more spectacular locations, it feels rather average.
Tour D – Cadlao Lagoon
Cadlao Lagoon is without a doubt the highlight of Tour D, and perhaps even one of the most impressive places across all El Nido island hopping tours.
Your Bangka boat anchors in a small bay, and from there the adventure continues by kayak (around 250 PHP rental fee) towards the stunning Cadlao Lagoon.
The lagoon captivates visitors with its crystal-clear water and incredible shades of turquoise and emerald green. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs covered in lush vegetation, the scenery feels almost unreal.
As you paddle deeper into the lagoon by kayak, the beauty of this place becomes overwhelming. The peaceful atmosphere and dramatic landscape are simply breathtaking.
For those looking for an extra adventure, there is also a challenging hiking trail leading to a viewpoint above the lagoon. From here, you’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view over the entire Cadlao Lagoon.
The panorama is truly unique and unforgettable, making this viewpoint one of the most spectacular perspectives in El Nido.
Tour D – Paradise Beach
For me, Paradise Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches visited across all El Nido island hopping tours.
Unlike many other stops, which are often small and narrow beaches, Paradise Beach offers a long, wide stretch of sand surrounded by untouched nature.
Behind the beach and along its sides, you’ll find lush vegetation and impressive limestone hills, creating an incredible tropical backdrop. The sand is soft and white, while the water is crystal clear, shallow and inviting.
What impressed me most, however, was something else: very few tourists and hardly any Bangka boats.
Compared to many of El Nido’s overcrowded attractions, Paradise Beach feels peaceful, natural and genuinely relaxing.
This beach truly lives up to its name. If you’re looking for a classic tropical island paradise, Paradise Beach is one of the best places to experience it in El Nido.
Tour D – Pasandigan Beach
During our tour, we didn’t actually stop directly at Pasandigan Beach. Instead, the boat anchored slightly offshore for a snorkelling break.
The surrounding scenery is pleasant, with the typical limestone cliffs and tropical atmosphere El Nido is known for. However, the snorkelling itself wasn’t particularly memorable.
Compared to some of the other reefs and snorkelling spots around El Nido, this stop didn’t leave a lasting impression. It’s a nice addition to the tour, but certainly not one of the standout highlights.
Popular Island Hopping Boat Trip from El Nido to Coron
A typical Palawan itinerary often takes travellers from Puerto Princesa via Port Barton and San Vicente to El Nido. However, your Philippines adventure doesn’t necessarily have to end there.
An increasingly popular option is the multi-day boat trip from El Nido to Coron, usually lasting around 4 days. This journey is far more than just a transfer between two destinations. Instead, it combines transportation with island hopping through remote islands and hidden beaches around northern Palawan.
During the trip, you’ll have the opportunity to discover beautiful islands and untouched locations that are not included in the classic El Nido Tours A–D.
Another advantage: Coron has its own airport, allowing you to continue your journey to Manila or other destinations within the Philippines.
Of course, you can also start your trip in Coron, explore the surrounding islands and then continue south towards El Nido and Puerto Princesa, where another airport with domestic connections is available.
One of the best-known operators offering these multi-day expeditions is Big Dream Boatman, which has become one of the leading providers for El Nido to Coron island hopping experiences.
For travellers looking for a more adventurous and less touristy alternative, this route is often considered one of the highlights of a Palawan trip.
Accommodation Tips & Hotels for Exploring El Nido
I Stayed Here: Talisay Boutique Hotel
For my one-week stay in El Nido, I chose the Talisay Boutique Hotel. The hotel is located around a 10-minute walk from El Nido town centre and El Nido Beach, making it noticeably quieter in the evenings compared to the busy centre with its restaurants, bars and nightlife.
However, the hotel is situated along a relatively busy road, meaning traffic noise can be noticeable during peak hours. Outside of rush hour, the atmosphere is much calmer.
The small hotel doesn’t have its own restaurant, though this isn’t really an issue, as there are plenty of dining options nearby.
The rooms were clean, practical and in good condition, with daily housekeeping included. There is also a small pool, although it feels more like a plunge pool than a proper swimming pool. The staff were consistently friendly and helpful. Similar reviews also mention the compact size, convenient location and small pool.
Overall, I was very satisfied with my stay at Talisay Boutique Hotel. If you’re looking for an affordable accommodation slightly outside the busiest part of El Nido, this is a solid option.
Stay Directly at El Nido Beach – Central Location Near the Island Hopping Piers
If you’d like to stay right by El Nido Beach and in the centre of town, hotels such as El Nido Beach Hotel or Frendz Hostel El Nido are worth considering.
The view over El Nido Bay is stunning, although the beach itself isn’t ideal for swimming. Staying here can still be a great choice, as all island hopping tours, restaurants and nightlife are just a short walk away.
Slightly Outside the Centre – Quieter & More Relaxed
If you prefer a more peaceful atmosphere with slightly more upscale accommodation, Corong Corong Beach is a better option. This area offers more tranquillity, beautiful sunsets and a more laid-back vibe, while El Nido town remains easily accessible by tricycle or a short walk
How to Get to El Nido, Palawan – Your Travel Options Explained
By Plane from Manila or Other Airports
The fastest and most convenient way to reach El Nido is by plane. There are direct flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila to El Nido Airport (Lio Airport). The flight takes approximately 1.5 hours. From the airport, it’s only around 4 kilometres to El Nido town centre, with taxis and tricycles available to take you to your accommodation.
Alternatively, you can fly to Puerto Princesa International Airport, the capital of Palawan. This option is often cheaper and offers more daily flight connections. It’s particularly useful if you also plan to visit Puerto Princesa or Port Barton before continuing your trip. From Puerto Princesa, you can travel onward to El Nido by minivan.
Flights are also available from Clark International Airport near Angeles, although less frequently than from Manila. Depending on your route, there may also be connections from other Philippine islands to El Nido.
From Puerto Princesa to El Nido by Minivan
Travelling by minivan from Puerto Princesa is one of the most efficient and popular ways to reach El Nido. Travel time: approximately 5 to 6 hours
Useful things to know:
- Minivans operate regularly throughout the day, usually from early morning until late afternoon
- Tickets can be purchased at the airport, travel agencies in town, or booked online in advance*
- Booking early is recommended, especially during high season when demand is high
- Short breaks for toilets and snacks are usually included during the journey
- Most minivans are air-conditioned, although legroom can feel limited, particularly for taller travellers
From Port Barton to El Nido by Minivan
Travelling by minivan from Puerto Princesa is one of the most efficient and popular ways to reach El Nido. Travel time: approximately 5 to 6 hours
Useful things to know:
- Shared minivans operate daily between Port Barton and El Nido
- Tickets can often be booked through your accommodation, local travel agencies or online in advance*
- Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season when seats can sell out quickly
- The journey includes air-conditioned minivans, although space can feel limited for taller travellers
- Road conditions can be bumpy in certain sections, making the ride less comfortable than expected
- Travelling by minivan is the fastest and easiest option, as there are currently no direct flights or ferry connections between Port Barton and El Nido
Info: This route is especially convenient if your Palawan itinerary includes Puerto Princesa → Port Barton → El Nido, which is one of the most popular travel routes on the island.
Recommended Length of Stay for El Nido, Palawan
El Nido offers plenty of attractions and experiences worth exploring. If you plan to join all four island hopping tours (Tours A to D), you should already allow around four days for these activities alone. In addition, I recommend spending one to two extra days exploring the nearby beaches, relaxing or discovering places outside the standard boat tours.
And if you enjoy a lively atmosphere, nightlife and crowds, you could also dedicate an evening to experiencing El Nido’s bars and party scene.
Overall, I’d recommend staying in El Nido for around one week. This gives you enough time to experience the main attractions without feeling rushed, while still leaving room for relaxation and spontaneous adventures.
Best Time to Visit El Nido, Palawan
The best time to visit El Nido is generally between November and April. During these months, rainfall is low, while temperatures remain pleasantly warm at around 30°C (86°F), creating ideal conditions for island hopping tours, beach days and outdoor activities.
The months between June and September usually experience the highest rainfall, making this period less suitable for travelling. Heavy rain and rougher sea conditions can occasionally lead to boat tour cancellations or limited visibility for snorkelling and diving.
For the best overall experience in El Nido, the dry season from November to April is therefore the most recommended time to visit.
Conclusion on El Nido’s Attractions in Palawan
Overall, El Nido didn’t fully convince me. This is probably because the dreamlike images on social media raised my expectations too much. Palawan and El Nido are often described as the most beautiful islands in the world, but personally, I can’t agree with that statement.
Maybe this was true in the past, but mass tourism has long since arrived. Which is a shame, because with its limestone islands, hidden lagoons and dramatic caves, El Nido must once have been a truly extraordinary natural wonder.
The island hopping tours do take you to breathtaking places, but many of them suffer from extremely high visitor numbers. In the end, I’m happy to tick El Nido and Palawan off my bucket list as “visited”, but I’ll probably not return to El Nido for a second trip.
El Nido and the Surrounding Area
El Nido was once an idyllic fishing village, but those days are clearly over. Today, the streets are lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, bars and heavy traffic. Sometimes street vendors actively approach tourists, hoping to earn a few extra pesos for their families. The town increasingly feels more like a party destination than a remote tropical escape.
If you don’t mind busy places and nightlife, El Nido may still be exactly what you’re looking for. Otherwise, it could feel disappointing.
The nearby beaches were generally not a highlight for me. Many are overcrowded or not ideal for swimming. One exception was walking along Las Cabañas Beach, which turned out to be one of the most memorable beach experiences around El Nido.
The Island Hopping Tours
The attractions visited during the El Nido boat tours are undoubtedly spectacular, but the reality often feels far from idyllic. In many places, tour boats line up one after another, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a production line than a paradise island experience.
At some stops, visitor numbers are so high that queues form before reaching the attractions, leading to long waiting times or even preventing boats from docking altogether.
Apart from one crew, I often had the impression that many tour operators lacked enthusiasm or motivation.
That said, Cadlao Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Pinagbuyutan Island and Paradise Beach were genuinely impressive highlights, despite the impact of mass tourism. Most of the other stops, however, didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.
Do You Have Questions About El Nido, Palawan?
Are you planning a trip to Palawan and El Nido and still have unanswered questions? Feel free to ask, I’ll be happy to help based on my own experiences. Simply use the contact form below.
Have you already visited Palawan or El Nido and discovered additional tips, recommendations or impressions worth sharing? Then feel free to leave a comment on the El Nido travel guide and help other travellers plan their own adventure.
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