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El Nido, Philippines

Destination Guide

El Nido

Philippines

Best things to do in El Nido

36 curated attractions in El Nido, Philippines. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

December - May

Average temp

28°C/82°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About El Nido

El Nido is a small coastal city in the Philippines known for its limestone cliffs and island lagoons, which are a result of rugged geology shaped by centuries of erosion. Its scenery draws tourists to explore Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and the beaches of Calitang and Matinloc, all surrounded by clear waters. The local economy relies heavily on tourism, which has led to a rapid influx of visitors. However, it is worth noting that the charm of this destination comes with the understanding that public transport is poor, making it necessary to embrace the local boat culture to reach the more remote attractions. People visit El Nido primarily for its island-hopping tours and the landscapes that dominate the region.

Who it's for

Ideal for those who enjoy scenic boat trips and sun-soaked beaches. Not a good fit for anyone looking for a sophisticated transport system or who dislikes crowds, as peak seasons can become quite hectic with tourists sharing the limited space.

Getting around

Public transport: Poor

  • The main town is walkable, but some beaches require boat rides or rentals
  • The nearest airport is about 30 minutes from town, but flights can be limited
  • Local transport options like tricycles are available but can be unreliable
Cudugnon Cave

Cudugnon Cave

Caves & cenotes
Pinagbuyutan Island

Pinagbuyutan Island

Islands
Pasandigan Beach

Pasandigan Beach

Beaches
Seven Commandos Beach

Seven Commandos Beach

Beaches
Entalula Island

Entalula Island

Islands
Matinloc Island

Matinloc Island

Islands
Dilumacad Island

Dilumacad Island

Islands
Small Lagoon

Small Lagoon

Lakes
Secret Lagoon

Secret Lagoon

Lakes
Taraw Cliff

Taraw Cliff

Mountains & volcanoes
Cathedral Cave

Cathedral Cave

Caves & cenotes
Cadlao Island

Cadlao Island

Islands
Makinit Hot Springs

Makinit Hot Springs

Hot springs & geothermal areas
Lio Beach

Lio Beach

Beach
Nacpan Beach

Nacpan Beach

Beaches
El Nido Via Ferrata Canopy Walk

El Nido Via Ferrata Canopy Walk

Adventure
Snake Island

Snake Island

Islands
Matinloc Shrine

Matinloc Shrine

Monasteries
Big Lagoon

Big Lagoon

Lakes
Cadlao Lagoon

Cadlao Lagoon

Nature
Vigan Island

Vigan Island

Islands
Duli Beach

Duli Beach

Beach
Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach

Natural Wonders
Shimizu Island

Shimizu Island

Islands
Talisay Beach

Talisay Beach

Beach & Coastal Attractions
Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach

Beach & Coastal Attractions
Secret Beach

Secret Beach

Beach & Coastal Attractions
Payong-Payong Beach

Payong-Payong Beach

Beach & Coastal Attractions
Pinagbuyatan Island

Pinagbuyatan Island

Beach & Coastal Attractions
Las Cabanas Beach

Las Cabanas Beach

Beaches
Vanilla Beach

Vanilla Beach

Beach & Coastal Attractions
Marimegmeg Beach

Marimegmeg Beach

Beaches
Natnat Beach

Natnat Beach

Beaches
El Nido Zipline

El Nido Zipline

Outdoor Adventure
Corong Corong Beach

Corong Corong Beach

Beach & Coastal Attractions
Calitang Beach

Calitang Beach

Beaches

Travel Tools

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