El Nido is a must-visit destination for travellers in the Philippines. Famous for its island hopping tours, stunning beaches and fun backpacker nightlife, El Nido should be high on your bucket list. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before travelling to El Nido, including how to get there, how to get around, how many days to spend there and the best hostels to stay in. I’ll also recommend which island hopping tour to do and review the best beaches in El Nido, restaurants, and nightlife spots.
How many days to spend in El Nido
El Nido is by far the most popular destination on the famous island of Palawan. The majority of backpackers in the Philippines will visit El Nido at some point. How long you spend in El Nido depends on a few factors: whether you are doing the Expedition Boat Trip Tour, how much you like island hopping, and how much time you have in your itinerary. If you haven’t heard of the Expedition Tour, check out my post explaining it and why you should do it here.
If you’re short on time, have already done a lot of island hopping, or are heading off on the Expedition Tour from El Nido, you could spend as little as two days here. You could tick off some beaches in two days, maybe one day of island hopping, and do the Taraw Cliff Hike. On the other side of the spectrum, if you have lots of time in the Philippines and love island hopping, you could easily spend a full week in El Nido and do a different activity every day. This is perfect if you have no plans to do the Expedition Tour, as you will have enough for multiple days of island hopping tours from El Nido.
Personally, I think the sweet spot for how many days in El Nido is three to four days, even if you’re doing the Expedition Tour. You could do two El Nido island hopping tours in this time frame: Tour A to see the lagoons and Tour C for stunning beaches. On the days when you’re not island hopping, you could relax on the beach, nurse a hangover from enjoying the nightlife or do the Taraw Cliff Hike. This would allow you to experience El Nido at a pretty leisurely pace.
How to get to El Nido
El Nido is a major tourist destination in Palawan and is accessible overland, by boat or by flight. Most people will come to El Nido overland from Port Barton, Puerto Princesa, or by boat from Coron. From anywhere else, you will need to fly into the small airport in El Nido called Lio Airport. There are direct flights from Manila, Cebu, or Busuanga (Coron). Flying from Manila or Cebu directly to El Nido is a fast and convenient option, with travel time being around 1 to 1.5 hours.
You can book one-way flights into El Nido from Manila or Cebu for as little as 2400 PHP Philippine Pesos ($44 USD). This is with a budget airline, with no checked baggage and booking at least a week in advance. Though flights to Lio Airport can be pricier compared to other options, the time saved and the aerial views of Palawan’s coastlines make it a worthy consideration for many.
How to get to El Nido from Coron
Coron to El Nido is a super popular travel route. You have three options for getting between these destinations: booking a multi-day expedition boat tour, getting a ferry, and flying. Having completed an Expedition Tour myself, I cannot recommend this experience more, both as a tour and a method of transport. Expedition Tours are three-day boat tours running from Coron to El Nido (and vice versa), where you island hop, snorkel, and sleep under the stars on remote islands. You can read my full guide to this experience and why you should book it here.
If doing an Expedition Tour isn’t your vibe, or you are short on time and money, you can get a regular ferry from Coron to El Nido. You can book this ferry through most hostels, travel agencies, at the ferry port or online through 12GOAsia. A few ferry companies operate along this route, such as Atienza Shipping, Montenegro Lines and Jomalia Shipping. All of the ferries depart between 6 am and 7:30 am. The journey is direct and takes around 4-5 hours, so you’ll arrive in El Nido for lunchtime. You can expect to pay 2900 PHP Philippine Pesos ($53 USD) for this ferry ticket. The ferry ports in El Nido and Coron are within walking distance of accommodations in town. However, if you’re coming from either of the Outpost Hostels, you’ll need to arrange a tricycle to and from the ports.
Flying from Coron to El Nido
The other less popular way to get between Coron and El Nido is flying. Direct flights are running with a smaller airline, Airswift, 1-5 times a day (depending on demand) between Busuanga Airport in Coron and El Nido Airport. The flight time is only 40 minutes, and often, you can get flights departing first thing in the morning so you don’t lose a whole day travelling. El Nido Airport is around a 20-minute tricycle drive from the city centre; however, Busuanga Airport is an hour’s drive from Coron Town. Make sure you factor this into your decision to book a flight. Flights between these destinations tend to be relatively expensive as there is no competition and a fair bit of demand for flights on this route. Flights usually start from around 4700 PHP Philippine Pesos ($85 USD) for a one-way ticket without checked baggage.
How to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa
To get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa, you’ll need to book a small van transfer (sometimes misleadingly called a bus transfer). Multiple companies are operating on this route, with departure times from 4 am to 6:30 pm, with vans going roughly every 30-60 minutes. Let me warn you, though, that these van transfers are not very comfortable at all! The vans are poorly air-conditioned, and they squeeze as many people in with luggage as humanly possible. The roads are super winding, meaning people often get car sick from the combo of the roads, no A/C and being cramped. The journey takes around 5 hours, with one stop for bathrooms, snacks, and stretching your legs.
Vans can be booked in advance through travel agencies and hostels, online at 12GOAsia, or the airport upon arrival. These van transfers often pick you up at your hostel and drop you in El Nido at the bus terminal, where tricycles are always waiting to take you to your hostel. You can expect to pay 650 PHP Philippine Pesos ($12 USD) for this van ticket.
Is Puerto Princesa worth it?
A lot of people fly into the more affordable city in the south of Palawan called Puerto Princesa and then get an overland transfer to El Nido. This offers a practical and budget-friendly option, allowing you to stop in Puerto Princesa for a night or two to see sights such as the Underground River. I think Puerto Princesa and the Underground River are skippable due to the cost and how crowded tours of the Underground River are since it is one of the World’s Natural Wonders. However, many people really want to visit the site and tick it off their bucket list. Still, even if you don’t fancy visiting, flying into Puerto Princesa and getting a van transfer straight to El Nido is often a better option if you’re on a budget.
How to get to El Nido from Port Barton
Port Barton is a small coastal town between Puerto Princesa and El Nido with an amazing vibe. There’s not a whole lot to do there, but if you have the time, it’s worth coming to chill out and enjoy the atmosphere. There are direct van transfers running between Puerto Princesa and Port Barton and then Port Barton and El Nido. Again, these van transfers are one of the worst forms of transport I’ve experienced in South East Asia. The vans are poorly air-conditioned, and they squeeze as many people in with luggage as humanly possible. The roads are super winding, meaning people often get car sick from the combo of the roads, no A/C and being cramped.
Multiple companies are operating on this route, with multiple buses departing twice daily at 8 am and 1 pm. Vans can be booked in advance through travel agencies, hostels or online at 12GOAsia. The journey takes 5 hours, with one stop to use the bathroom, get snacks, and stretch your legs. These van transfers pick up at Port Barton bus terminal, which is within walking distance from most hostels (Port Barton is tiny). You will be dropped off in El Nido at the bus terminal, where tricycles are always waiting to take you to your hostel. You can expect to pay 700 PHP Philippine Pesos ($13 USD) for this van ticket.
How to get around El Nido
El Nido itself is fairly touristic, so there are many options for getting around. Whether on foot, by motorbike, via a shared tour or a tricycle, you shouldn’t have too much trouble navigating El Nido. It depends on what you plan on doing in El Nido and where you stay. For tours such as island hopping and visiting the lagoons, you’re usually picked up and dropped off at your accommodation, so there’s no need to organise any transport for these days. If you’re staying more remote, such as near Napcan Beach or want to explore inland, you may have to rely more heavily on renting a motorbike and driving yourself. For everything else, there are tricycles everywhere in El Nido, so it’s easy to get around.
Getting around El Nido on foot
Depending on where you stay in El Nido, you may be able to get around on foot. If you stay in El Nido Town, you’ll be within walking distance of all the restaurants, cafes, bars, the Taraw Cliff Hike and the port. If you stay in Coron Coron (where Outpost Hostel is), you’re still within walking distance to beachfront cafes, bars and restaurants, but not the port or the cliff hike. Walking around the town feels very safe, even at night as a solo female, as there are lots of tourists. If you stay somewhere much more remote, like Las Cabanas or Napcan Beach (where Mad Monkey is), you are within walking distance of nothing. Honestly, I would only stay somewhere this remote if I knew I just wanted to chill at the hostel and not leave or if I felt confident driving a motorbike to get around.
Getting around El Nido by tricycle
There is no Grab or rideshare apps in El Nido, but there are a plethora of tricycles everywhere. For quick journeys around town, if you have luggage with you or just can’t be bothered walking, the local tricycles are the way to get around. These motorised tricycles are easy to find with their colourful exteriors. Simply stand on any road and wave your hand, and a driver is sure to stop. Even if you’re further out on the outskirts of El Nido Town (near Outpost), a tricycle will stop within a few minutes. There are no set prices, and you are encouraged to haggle to get a fair price. Prices are generally pretty affordable, with the average cost per ride being only 70 PHP Philippine Pesos ($1 USD).
You can also get tricycles to destinations further afield, like Napcan Beach, Las Cabanas Beach, the airport and the port. These are major tourist spots, so for the most part, you’d have no trouble hailing a tricycle to get you back to El Nido town afterwards. The one exception to this is Napcan Beach for sunset, as there are not many tricycles around after dark. Expect to pay less than 200 PHP Philippine Pesos ($3.50 USD) for a return journey from El Nido Town to Las Cabanas Beach. Napcan Beach is much further (a 45 minute drive from town) so expect to pay around 500 PHP Philippine Peso ($9 USD) for a one-way journey from El Nido Town. This could be much less, depending on your haggling skills and how many people you are sharing a tricycle with.
Getting around El Nido by motorbike
El Nido is not one of the places in the Philippines where it’s necessary to drive a motorbike in order to get around. However, it may be advantageous to rent one if you are staying at Napcan Beach or somewhere more remote than either El Nido Town or the Coron Coron Beach area. Napcan Beach is a really remote area and tricky to use as a sightseeing base if you don’t rent a motorbike. If you don’t feel comfortable driving a motorbike, I would instead stay in El Nido Town or the Coron Coron Beach area as you can easily get around on foot and tricycles.
However, even if you stay in a central area, you may still want to rent a motorbike. This is a good way to get around if you want the sense of adventure and experience of driving a motorbike. Renting a motorbike means you have the freedom to explore at your own pace and don’t need to worry about paying for tricycles. The roads are quiet and in good condition, so it’s a fairly easy place to drive a scooter. For a one-day semi-automatic scooter rental, expect to pay around 300 PHP Philippine Pesos ($5 USD).
Where to stay in El Nido
El Nido is a super popular backpacking destination, so there are many good hostels to choose from. There are three main areas in El Nido where backpackers will stay: El Nido Town, Coron Coron Beach and Napcan Beach. The main area of El Nido town (where Frendz Hostel and Spin Designer Hostel are) is the most convenient as you can get around on foot to most places. However, the town of El Nido is not the most aesthetically pleasing place. Outpost Hostel and Pukkas Hostel are located along Coron Coron Beach, which is not walkable to El Nido Town but is a short 10-minute tricycle ride away (and it’s very easy to get a tricycle between these locations). The area along Coron Coron Beach is much quieter an nicer (in my opinion), than staying in the town.
Lastly, on Napcan Beach, you have the Mad Monkey Hostel. Napcan Beach is a whopping 45 minutes from Coron Coron Beach and El Nido Town. I would only stay here if you really want to chill out around the hostel and Napcan Beach area and get away from the hustle and bustle of the town. If you want to do any sightseeing from Napcan Beach, you will want to rent a motorbike and be confident driving yourself. While you can get tricycles and taxis, it can be difficult and ends up being more expensive.
Outpost Hostel- best social hostel
Outpost Hostel claims its fame not just through its scenic beachfront location but also through the social atmosphere it cultivates through daytime and nighttime events. It’s the ultimate hostel for travellers looking to make friends, but make sure you book in advance as it does book out due to its popularity. The hostel organizes daily activities such as island hopping, which are exclusive to the hostel, meaning only backpackers will be on the tour (not families or honeymooners). They have a lively bar at night that runs events like scavenger hunts, beer pong competitions, and games night. Even if you don’t choose to stay here, you can still visit for their events or book tours through their reception.
The beds are pod-style with privacy curtains, good A/C and large security lockers. There are plenty of showers and bathrooms, all with good water pressure and hot water. They also have a great restaurant on site and many areas to chill, and they are located right on the beach. Outpost has three major downsides: the price, the Wi-Fi, and the location. Firstly, Outpost is more expensive than the average hostel, so it may be out of many travellers” budgets. The location is about 10 minutes from town, so it is not as easily accessible as other hostels, but honestly, I think the location being on a beach has its charm. Lastly, the Wi-Fi does not work in the rooms; it only covers social areas, which is annoying.
Frendz Hostel- another contender for best social hostel
Frendz Hostel is another popular hostel that is a strong contender for best social hostel. It is located in El Nido Town and is within walking distance from restaurants, bars, cafes, the port and the Taraw Cliff Hike. The hostel boasts a super social vibe and, like Outpost, hosts both daytime and nighttime activities. In addition to island hopping tours, they offer an on-land tour for backpackers to waterfalls and sights around El Nido. The beds are pod-style with curtains, good A/C and relatively clean bathrooms. One of the best parts is their rooftop pool, which has stunning views and is great for watching the sunset. They also have a bar and a restaurant on site.
Spin Designer Hostel- best flashpacker hostel
Spin Designer is a bit less cost-effective but is the perfect place to stay if you want somewhere that feels like a luxury hotel. They have private rooms and dorms, with the dorms having curtains on the bed, good A/C and comfortable bedding. Spin is located in El Nido Town, so it is within walking distance of basically everything. The hostel is super clean; they have high-speed Wifi, free breakfast (a very good selection) and a bar on site. Spin’s common areas, including a spacious lounge and garden, are super comfortable and are perfect if you’re a digital nomad looking to work. They also run events like movie nights and family dinners, which help travellers make friends. While they have some events, they are not the most social ever, so it can be trickier for solo travellers looking to make friends.
Pukka Hostel- best budget hostel
Pukka Hostel is basically an Outpost dupe for those on a bit more of a budget. It’s literally a stone’s throw away from Outpost, but more of a more budget-friendly price. They have privates but also dorms of between 2-4 beds. The beds are super comfy with curtains, big security lockers, good Wi-fi and powerful A/C. The ensuite bathrooms are basic but clean, with good water pressure and hot water. The price includes free breakfast, which is pretty decent, and they have a restaurant on site. There’s really no social vibe here, but you are across the road from Outpost, so you can head there anytime to join their daily tours or nightly free activities, which is ideal for making friends.
What to do in El Nido
El Nido has many different activities and tours to suit every type of traveller. Whether you’re kayaking through the Big Lagoon, beach-hopping, challenging yourself on the hike to Taraw Cliff Hike, soaking in the sunset at Nacpan Beach, or ziplining at La Cabanas Beach, there is a bit of something for everyone. One of the most popular activities is joining an island hopping tour. In El Nido, there are four main tours: island hopping tours A, B, C and D. I’ll tell you exactly which of these island hopping tours you should do (and which you should skip) and why.
Island Hopping Tour A
First up, island hopping tour A is an introductory rite of passage for any El Nido traveller. Tour A includes stops such as Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and 7 Commando Beach. While the Big Lagoon’s kayak journey is a major highlight, it’s worth noting that some of the other stops can get a bit crowded. The tour includes transport to and from your hostel, a buffet lunch on the beach, water, snorkelling equipment and tour guides. Tours generally start at 9 am and will finish at around 5 pm. Expect to pay 1,200 PHP Philippine Pesos ($21 USD) for this tour. There is also an additional charge of 200 PHP Philippine Pesos ($3.60 USD), which is a compulsory environmental fee for all island hopping tours. There is also a charge of 250 PHP Philippine Pesos ($4.50 USD) for kayak rental at the Big Lagoon.
Island Hopping Tour C
Another must-do tour is Island Hopping Tour C, which offers stunning beaches and is way less crowded than Island Hopping Tour A. Island Tour C is all about beaches, islands and snorkelling. The stops are much quieter than the popular Island Hopping Tour A, so it’s a nice change of pace. The tour includes transport to and from your hostel, a buffet lunch on the beach, water, snorkelling equipment and tour guides. Tours generally start at 9 am and will finish at around 5 pm. Expect to pay 1,400 PHP Philippine Pesos ($25 USD) for this tour. There is also an additional charge of 200 PHP Philippine Pesos ($3.60 USD), which is an entrance fee to one of the beaches. You may choose to skip this beach and stay on the boat to avoid the fee.
Taraw Cliff Hike
If you want to experience panoramic views of El Nido and the surrounding Bascuit Bay, then the Taraw Cliff Hike is for you. Be warned, this isn’t a leisurely stroll; but a challenging 2-hour trek that involves basically rock-climbing at a 90 degree angle. The hike starts from the middle of El Nido Town, and it is recommended that you attempt it only with a guide. Entrance to the hike is free, but a guide will cost you around 500 PHP Philippine Pesos ($10 USD). You can complete the hike at any time of day, but it is a popular hike to complete at sunrise for the views. You can hire a guide through any hostel or travel agency.
Watch the sunset at Napcan Beach
As the day ends, make your way to Nacpan Beach for sunset, arguably one of the best spots to watch the sunset in El Nido. The ambience here is laid-back yet vibrant, especially if you grab drinks and food at Mad Monkey. You can also chill on the beach and watch the sunset if you prefer not to head to Mad Monkey.
There’s no entry fee to Napcan Beach, but it is a bit of a trek to get there. Napcan Beach is a 45-minute drive from town, so expect to pay around 500 PHP Philippine Pesos ($9 USD) for a one-way journey from El Nido Town. I’d recommend securing a driver for the way back to El Nido as well, as it can be tricky to get a tricycle after sunset. You could also rent a motorbike to get here and back, which can be a more cost-effective method of transport.
La Cabanas Beach
La Cabanas Beach is another must-visit spot for a beach day. The beach is beautiful, with a more relaxed vibe than some of El Nido’s other popular spots, but the added thrill of the zipline to a small island nearby sets it apart. The zipline costs around 700 PHP Philippine Pesos ($12 USD), but it’s still worth visiting the beach, especially for sunset, even if you’re not interested in the zipline.
Entry to the beach is free, but you will have to meet a minimum spend at one of the beach clubs, if you want use of a lounger. I highly recommend Maramegmeg Beach Club for food, drinks and to use their loungers. There’s a 500 PHP Philippine Peso ($9 USD) minimum spend, for use of a lounger for the day. The other thing to consider is how to get to Las Cabanas Beach, as it is not walkable from any hostels. It’s around a 10-to 15-minute tricycle ride from El Nido Town. Expect to pay less than 200 PHP Philippine Pesos ($3.50 USD) for a return tricycle journey from El Nido Town to Las Cabanas Beach.
Where to eat in El Nido
If you’re heading to El Nido, there’s no shortage of restaurant and cafe options. From beach clubs to cozy cafes, El Nido has diverse food options to cater to different types of travellers. All of the below options are in the central areas of El Nido, so they are easily accessible from most accommodations. Also important to note is that most travellers will join tours (either island hopping or land tours) in El Nido, with these tours providing lunch, so that’s one less meal to have to purchase yourself.
Outpost Hostel Restaurant
In El Nido, Outpost Hostel has it all: a lively bar with nightly events, a restaurant serving delicious Filipino and international dishes, and a great hostel for solo travellers. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with plenty of seating both upstairs and downstairs, providing views of the ocean. I strongly recommend heading here for dinner, staying for drinks, and joining their nightly events to meet other travellers.
Happiness Beach Club
Happiness Beach Club is your go-to spot for a taste of the Mediterranean in the centre of El Nido Town. They’re located near the beach and have the best hummus in El Nido.
Maramegmeg Beach Club
Maramegmeg Beach Club, located on Las Cabanas Beach, is the perfect place to enjoy the beach from a lounger and grab lunch or dinner. There’s a 500 PHP Philippine Pesos ($9 USD) minimum to spend to lounge on the beach, and the investment pays off in spades with delicious food and the comfort of enjoying a beach lounger.
El Nido Boutique Artcafe
Known for its cozy vibe and eclectic menu, the Artcafe is the perfect spot for brunch or dinner to unwind after a day of exploration. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or a refreshing drink, this cafe is one of the best places to eat in El Nido Town.
Dryft El Nido
Dryft El Nido is where you come if you feel like seafood for lunch or dinner. It’s a casual dining setting located right in the middle of El Nido Town and is a favourite among travellers.
El Nido Nightlife
Backpackers looking to party after a day of tours or island hopping will find that El Nido’s nightlife, though more subdued than the country’s party capitals, offers its own unique charm. Nightlife in El Nido is more about having a sunset beer on the beach or drinking and getting to know people at the hostel bar. When the hostel bars close, people sometimes head out to other dive bars that open late, like Amigos.
Outpost Hostel
A must-visit for backpackers in El Nido is the Outpost Hotel Bar. With nightly activities ranging from quiz nights to scavenger hunts, drink specials that won’t break the bank, and an open, friendly environment, it’s the go-to spot for backpackers eager to meet fellow travellers. It is a little bit out of the main area of El Nido, but it’s worth the tricycle ride; follow the signs down the stairs to the beach and find Outpost. Anyone can enter the bar and join the nightly activities; you don’t need to stay there.
Amigo Bar
Amigos is where you go when all the hostel bars close. They have live music, dancing, affordable drinks and often fluorescent body paint. Don’t expect anything too crazy, though; El Nido is a pretty chill town, so the nightlife is likewise pretty relaxed. If you want to go dancing, though, this is THE place!
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