El Nido Travel Guide 2026: Is It Worth Visiting? (Honest Review + Tips)
If you are planning a trip to El Nido and wondering if it actually lives up to the hype, the short answer is yes.
But it is not perfect, and that is exactly what most travel blogs will not tell you.
After visiting the Philippines four times and living in Manila for six months, El Nido was always one place I knew I had to see for myself.
And when I finally made it there, it delivered in some ways far beyond expectations and in others that might surprise you.
In this El Nido travel guide, I will break down what it is really like, who it is best for, and how to plan your trip the right way.
Where El Nido Is and How to Get There
Getting to El Nido takes a bit of effort, and it’s something most people underestimate.
You can fly directly into El Nido, but flights are limited, expensive, and only operate from a few destinations. Most travellers do not go this route.
Another popular option is flying into Coron first and then taking the ferry to El Nido. This is a great way to experience both destinations in one trip.
If you are considering that route, you can check out my full Coron travel guide here to see if it fits your itinerary.
For most people though, the journey starts in Puerto Princesa, where you will take a van or bus to El Nido, and it is also home to the famous Underground River.
I break down whether it’s worth visiting in my full Puerto Princesa guide.
I took the van, and while it gets the job done, it was easily one of the least enjoyable parts of the trip. They go hotel to hotel picking people up, which can add an extra hour before you even leave the city, and once you are on the road, it is a long, cramped ride with no bathroom and very limited leg room, especially if you are taller.
If you want to avoid that experience, there is a much better option.
The Cherry Bus tourist service is significantly more comfortable, with recliner seats, air conditioning, and a bathroom, which makes a big difference on 6 hour journey.
👉 If you want a full breakdown of routes, pricing, and what I would personally recommend based on your trip, I cover everything in detail in my guide on how to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido.
What El Nido Is Actually Like
El Nido is easily one of the most strikingly beautiful places I have seen anywhere in the world.
The landscape reminded me of Krabi, Thailand, with towering limestone cliffs rising out of bright turquoise water, but the town itself is compact, walkable, and reminded me a bit Koh Phi Phi.
It is lively, busy, and built around tourism, with a mix of younger travellers and older visitors all in the same place. There is definitely a bit of a party atmosphere, especially in the evenings, but it is not overwhelming unless you want it to be.
This is definitely not an off the beaten path destination anymore like it was when I first heard of it back in 2007.
El Nido is super popular, and you will notice that right away. There are plenty of people, especially during peak season, so if you are looking for something quiet and untouched, this is probably not the place.
Where El Nido really stands out is in the outdoor and adventurous experiences.
The natural scenery is what makes it special, and most of your time will be spent out on the water exploring islands, lagoons, and beaches on day trips.
Who this is best for:
• Travellers who want incredible scenery and outdoor experiences
• People who enjoy social, lively destinations
• Anyone planning to do multiple island hopping tours
Who might not love it:
• Travellers looking for quiet or secluded destinations
• People wanting a slower, off grid experience
The Best Things to Do in El Nido
El Nido has no shortage of things to do, but after spending time here, it is clear that a few key experiences stand out and should be the focus of your trip.
From island hopping and beach days to adventure and nightlife, here is how I would think about planning your time.
Island Hopping Tours
This is the highlight of any trip to El Nido and what the area is most famous for.
Before I arrived, I planned to do all four (A,B,C,D) island hopping tours.
In reality, I ended up doing two.
They are full days of swimming, snorkelling, beaches, getting in and out of boats, and being out in the sun for hours. They are incredible, but also long and surprisingly exhausting.
If you want to see what these tours are actually like, I filmed the full experience on my YouTube channel.
I did Tour A and Tour C, and Tour A was easily the standout. It was one of the most beautiful day trips I have ever done anywhere.
Each tour route takes you to a different mix of lagoons, beaches, and viewpoints:
• Tour A: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach and some of the most iconic scenery in El Nido
• Tour B: Less crowded with caves and unique rock formations
• Tour C: Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, and dramatic landscapes
• Tour D: Small Lagoon, Serenity Beach and more off the beaten path with quieter stops
If you only have time for one, I would personally choose Tour A which includes the most iconic sights in El Nido. It was one of the most visually unreal experiences I had in the Philippines, kayaking through massive limestone cliffs and swimming in water that almost doesn’t look real.
Beaches and Coastal Exploring
One of the best things you can do in El Nido is rent a scooter and explore beyond the main town, where some of the most beautiful and less crowded beaches in Palawan are found.
There are several incredible beaches within reach that offer a completely different vibe from the busy centre.
• Nacpan Beach: About 45 minutes away with a long golden stretch of sand and great swimming.
• Duli Beach: Even quieter and more rugged, with fewer people and a more untouched feel.
• Las Cabanas Beach: One of the best sunset spots with a zipline to Depeldet Island and kayak rentals.
• Marimegmeg Beach: A relaxed beach with bars and restaurants just outside town.
Instead of figuring out transport, timing, and navigating the roads yourself, you can do this as a full beach day experience with everything handled for you.
Adventure and Outdoor Experiences
If you want more than just beaches, there are some great land based and adventure options around El Nido.
• Taraw Peak hike: One of the most epic viewpoints in the Philippines
• Nagkalit Kalit Waterfalls: A short jungle trek ending with a refreshing swim
There is also decent scuba diving directly in El Nido with plenty of dive shops, although it is not as well known as places like Puerto Galera. If you are interested in that side of the Philippines, I break it down in my full Puerto Galera diving guide.
If you are looking for something more unique though, Sibaltan is worth the trip. I rented a scooter and rode about an hour and a half through some incredible scenery to get there.
This is where I went to dive with manta rays at a known cleaning station where sightings are surprisingly consistent. I saw two, and it was honestly one of the highlights of my trip. After more than 100 dives, it was my first time seeing manta rays, and it completely lived up to the hype.
👉 If you are a diver, this is something you should seriously consider adding to your trip.
Food, Nightlife, and the Vibe in El Nido
El Nido has a very lively, social atmosphere, especially once the sun goes down.
The town is compact and fully walkable, so everything is right there. Bars, restaurants, beach lounges, and seafood spots are all within a few minutes of each other, which makes it really easy to bounce around and find a place you like.
• Eat at the local seafood stalls around town for a casual and authentic meal.
• Grab drinks at beachfront bars with lounge chairs right on the sand.
• Check out rooftop bars, late night spots, and clubs if you are looking for more of a party vibe.
El Nido to Coron Multi Day Island Expedition
If you are travelling between El Nido and Coron, this is the experience that turns your trip into something unforgettable.
Instead of a quick ferry, you spend 3 days island hopping through remote parts of Palawan, waking up on quiet beaches, snorkelling in crystal clear water with no one else around, and watching the sun set over places that feel completely untouched.
The entire trip is guided and organised for you, with meals, gear, and logistics handled, so you can focus on the experience instead of figuring anything out.
It is easily one of the most unique and memorable adventures you can have in the Philippines.
👉 If you want your journey between El Nido and Coron to feel like a real adventure, this is the one to book.
Pros and Cons of Visiting El Nido
If you’re trying to decide whether El Nido is worth it, this is the honest breakdown based on my experience.
It’s one of the most talked about destinations in the Philippines for a reason, but how much you enjoy it really comes down to how you plan your trip and what you’re looking for.
Pros
• Some of the most beautiful island scenery anywhere in the Philippines.
• Incredible island hopping tours that genuinely live up to the hype.
• A very social destination that’s easy to enjoy whether you’re solo, with friends, or as a couple.
• Fits perfectly into a broader Palawan trip with places like Coron, Port Barton, and Puerto Princesa.
• Lots of options for tours, beaches, and adventure depending on your travel style.
Cons
• Long and sometimes tiring travel to get there.
• Can feel too touristy, especially around the main areas and popular tours.
• Prices are higher than most other parts of the Philippines.
For me, the pros far outweigh the cons, it’s easily one of the funnest places to visit in Southeast Asia.
How Many Days You Need in El Nido
I originally planned to do all four island hopping tours.
In reality, I did two.
They are full days, usually around 8 to 5, with constant swimming, snorkelling, getting in and out of boats, and being in the sun the whole time. They are incredible, but also surprisingly exhausting, so for most people, one or two tours is the sweet spot.
From my experience:
• 3 days is the minimum
• 4 to 5 days is ideal
• 1 week if you want to slow down and explore more
Here’s how I would think about it:
• One day to get there
• One day for island hopping (Tour A is the best if you only do one)
• If you do two, A and C are similar but A is much better, so I would pair A with B or D instead
• One day to explore the town and nearby beaches
• One day for something different like scuba diving or a land based trip
Most people will be very happy with 3 to 4 days, especially if you plan your tours properly.
👉If you want a full day by day breakdown, check out my free downloadable 5 day El Nido itinerary.
Where to Stay in El Nido
Most people stay in El Nido town, and for good reason. It’s where all the tours leave from, everything is walkable, and you’re right in the middle of the restaurants, bars, and overall atmosphere. That said, the El Nido region is quite large, and there are plenty of great options outside of town if you’re looking for something quieter or more upscale.
Budget
Friendz Hostel
A very social and well known hostel with a pool, great vibe, and an easy place to meet other travellers right in the heart of town.
Mid Range
El Nido Beach Hotel
A solid mid range option right on the beach with great views and a central location, making it easy to walk everywhere.
Luxury
Amari The Inn at El Nido
A more upscale stay with modern rooms, great design, and a quieter feel while still being close enough to town.
If you want a full breakdown of the best areas, hotels, and exactly where to stay based on your travel style, check out my complete guide to where to stay in El Nido.
Mistakes to Avoid in El Nido (And Tips to Make Your Trip Better)
After spending time here, there are a few things I’d definitely do differently.
• Not booking tours in advance during busy season
• Trying to do too many tours back to back, they’re full, exhausting days
• Underestimating the travel time from Puerto Princesa
Helpful tips:
• Bring a waterproof bag and a waterproof phone case since you will get wet.
• A GoPro is worth it for underwater and action shots.
• Beach shoes help a lot with rocky beaches and getting in and out of boats.
• Sunscreen and a towel are essential since you will be in the sun all day.
• Stay in El Nido town since everything is walkable and it is the best base.
• Take the Cherry Bus instead of the van from Puerto Princesa since it is much more comfortable.
• If you are going to Coron as a group, book ferry tickets together – even though we booked the same day and time, I ended up on a different boat than my friends.
FAQ’s
What is El Nido best known for?
El Nido is best known for its limestone cliffs, crystal clear lagoons, and world class island hopping tours.
Is El Nido Palawan expensive?
Yes, compared to other places in the Philippines, but still much cheaper than destinations like North America and Europe.
Is it worth going to El Nido?
Yes. The scenery and island hopping alone make it one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia.
Is El Nido a party island?
It can be, with plenty of bars and nightlife, but it’s just as easy to have a relaxed trip.
Is El Nido better than Coron?
They offer similar lagoon and island hopping tours. El Nido is more walkable and easier to explore, while Coron is more spread out and better known for diving, especially WWII shipwrecks. Many people combine both destinations.
Final Thoughts: Is El Nido Worth Visiting?
Yes, 100%.
It’s worth visiting on its own or as part of a bigger Philippines trip. Between the island hopping, beaches, and overall atmosphere, it’s easily one of the most fun and visually stunning places you can go in Southeast Asia.
Some of the views here are honestly among the best in the world.
Plan it properly, pick the right tours, and El Nido will likely be one of the highlights of your entire trip.
Additional Resources
- Find the best flight deals on Trip.com.
- Reserve budget stays with Hostelworld.
- Book hotels with Booking.com.
- Protect your trip with SafetyWing travel insurance.
- Plan trains, ferries, and buses with 12Go.
- Discover unforgettable activities with GetYourGuide.
- Compare car rentals worldwide with DiscoverCars.
- Download my free El Nido itinerary.
- View this topic on my Youtube channel.