The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to El Nido, Palawan | 2026

El Nido, a place that I come back to time and time again, is home to some of the most dramatic beach landscapes in the world. Everywhere you look, it feels like a postcard from an impossibly breathtaking place. Dense, jungly limestone karsts erupting from sparkling turquoise waters, pristine lagoons circled by sheer, jagged cliffs, and white sandy beaches — it is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

El Nido has changed a lot over the years. While part of me laments the era when the region itself felt more rugged and rough, Palawan truly deserves its popularity. As a Filipino, having El Nido become the face of the Philippines brings me a huge sense of pride. Along with the otherworldly rice terraces of Ifugao, and the whale sharks of Southern Leyte, El Nido’s surreal landscapes round out my three destinations that everyone traveling to the Philippines has to experience.

If you are planning a trip to El Nido, I’ve got you covered. Read on for everything you need to know before visiting El Nido, from the best places to stay to some of my favorite hidden gems in the region.

And hey, if this post helps you out on your Philippines adventures, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my travels going by buying me a beer! My journey is entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows me to keep providing free travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world.

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Is El Nido Still Worth Visiting?

I first visited El Nido in 2017, and while much has changed since then, this region of the Philippines remains the most bucket-list worthy spot in the country. As far as otherworldly natural beauty goes, few places in the Philippines can hold a candle to El Nido. I won’t beat around the bush very long here. Even after three visits to El Nido, the most recent being earlier this year, it never fails to astound me. El Nido is always worth the visit.

How To Get To El Nido

A big reason why El Nido remained such an under-the-radar destination for so long was how difficult or expensive it was to reach this tiny village. Before Palawan really ended up on the map, there were few ways to reach El Nido, and Puerto Princesa Airport six hours away was the only way to fly into the island. A 4-hour ferry from Coron was also possible, but getting to Coron posed the same challenge as El Nido.

These days, El Nido is much easier to reach.

Fly to El Nido Airport

The fastest way to reach El Nido is to catch a flight directly to El Nido Airport. Flights are not too frequent and only a limited destinations offer this route, with the most reliable being Manila and Cebu. On top of that, they are much more expensive than the typical flight in the Philippines. This is especially true during high season. If you’re short on time and need to be on those sandy Philippine beaches ASAP, then it’s worth the splurge. You’ll be off the plane and El Nido within the half hour.

Fly to Puerto Princesa and take a Van or Bus to El Nido

The more budget-friendly, though longer, route is to fly into Puerto Princesa, the capital and largest city of Palawan. From Puerto Princesa, it is another six hours by bus or van to reach El Nido. However, the journey can be broken up with a stop in Port Barton, a laid-back beachside town about halfway to El Nido. Staying in Puerto Princesa for a night or two can also be an option, as tours to the Underground River, a natural wonder of the world, typically depart from Puerto Princesa.

If you are going straight to El Nido from Puerto Princesa, then you can search for the shared minivans outside of Puerto Princesa Airport. Alternatively, Cherry Bus offers more comfortable buses with frequent daily departures. They even pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the bus terminal. The buses were much nicer than taking a cramped minivan, although a little pricier at about 1,200 pesos per person.

Take a Ferry from Coron to El Nido

Most travelers will continue to Coron after El Nido, but it is possible to do the journey in reverse, as well. Sometimes, flights to Coron’s Airport can be cheaper than to El Nido’s. Fly to Coron, spend a couple of days there, and then take the ferry to El Nido. The ferry is quite pricy, at about 2,500 pesos per person for the 4-hour journey.

The Best Time of Year To Visit El Nido

The high season in the Philippines unsurprisingly coincides with the dry season. Monsoon season typically is at its strongest from June to September, but can seep into the shoulder months of May and October as well. To maximize your chances of sunny skies while island hopping and beach bumming, visiting from November to April is your best bets. Of course, everyone’s got the same mindset. El Nido is rapidly becoming one of South East Asia’s most popular travel destinations. During peak season, expect larger crowds, more expensive prices, and lower availability for flights, ferries, and hotels.

I’ve visited El Nido three times, the first being in August 2017, the second in May 2023, and the third in March 2026. To be honest, it was hard to tell the difference. My latest visit in March 2026 was definitely more crowded, but I don’t know how much of that was due to it being high season versus how popular El Nido has become as a whole. The weather was fine when I visited in all three months. Aside from a few evening sprinkles, the weather was clear and sunny throughout the day.

However, as a Filipino, I’m no stranger to what monsoon season in the Philippines is capable of. I don’t want to tell you that it’s fine year-round and send you island-hopping over choppy seas. It’s always a risk going to these beach destinations in the rainy off-season. Even visiting during dry season comes with a non-negligible chance of rain. Roundabout way of saying “who really f’in knows?” huh.

In short, visit during dry season to maximize your chances of good weather, but understand that it will likely bring larger crowds and increased prices. Book things in advance, especially flights and ferries as these do sell out ahead of time. Shoulder season is a great time to visit for fewer crowds and a reasonable shot at sunshine. However, I also wouldn’t discount the rainy season out entirely. Most storms in the Philippines only come later in the day. There will still be patches of sunshine here and there, and you’ll have your pick of the litter when it comes to budget accommodation, tours, and transportation.

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Where To Stay in El Nido

Hostels in El Nido are plentiful. While it can be an expensive destination, budget-friendly accommodation is still easy to find. Keep in mind that you might have to plan ahead and book further in advance to find them, though. On my latest trip to El Nido in 2026, last-minute pickings were pretty slim. If you have a place in mind — Frendz Hostel has gone viral as a backpacker darling, for example — then try to book weeks, if not months in advance.

Corong Corong Beach

Currently, my favorite area to stay in is along Corong Corong Beach. It is quieter, more local, and the sunset views are unbeatable. It honestly surprises me that not as many people choose to stay on this side of El Nido. Maya Hostel is an excellent choice, offering luxurious common areas and a rooftop pool with a view, unbeatable at its price point. There are enough cafes, bars, and restaurants in the area to keep you busy. And at the end of the day, it’s only a 15-minute walk or a short tricycle ride to El Nido town.

El Nido Town

Back in the day, staying in El Nido town was a no-brainer. These days, it has become a little too busy for my tastes, and the constant construction and vehicular traffic can take away from the paradise vibes of El Nido. For first time visitors to El Nido, I would still recommend staying in this area for convenience’s sake. All the island-hopping tours depart from this beach and the vast majority of restaurants and nightlife are located in town. Frendz Hostel is the undisputed place to be for backpackers both domestic and foreign.

Lio Beach

This new development is located about a 20 minute drive away from the main town of El Nido, close to El Nido Airport. There are a handful of hotels in this area, and it is the prime place to stay if you are looking for a truly luxurious holiday. This strip of beach is gorgeous. Despite being more untouched, it has everything you need, from cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, medical clinics, and pharmacies. I came here via the free shuttle from El Nido town, but I’m not sure how long they plan on continuing the service.

Nacpan Beach

nacpan beach el nido palawan philippines

Nacpan Beach is located about 45 minutes past El Nido, and is a great alternative for something more relaxing. Mad Monkey Hostels has a branch here, and it is one of the best backpacker places to stay in the area.

Duli Beach

This beach has popped up as an even more quiet, local alternative than Nacpan Beach. It is located further up the island, about another 20 minutes by road from Nacpan Beach. The beach is mostly untouched and undeveloped, but there are a couple of accommodation options up here. Duli Beach Farm Hostel is the backpacker institution here.

The Best Things To Do in El Nido

El Nido is spectacular and filled with adventure and relaxation. There is good reason why it’s my favorite beach destination in the country. Compared with other powerhouses like Boracay, it’s simply got so much more to do. Boracay is great for relaxation and nightlife, but in Palawan, you can zip line across islands and kayak in hidden lagoons. Of course it’s a matter of preference, but if we’re talking solely about natural beauty, then other backpacker hotspots like Siargao and Siquijor don’t even hold a candle.

There is so much to do in El Nido and the surrounding region, but here are a few of the top things to prioritize.

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Island Hopping Tours in El Nido

el nido palawan philippines

Island hopping is the main thing to do in El Nido, and you have no shortage of options. While El Nido is beautiful from land, you truly have to see it from the sea to get a feel for just how magnificent these landscapes are. There is nothing quite like sitting in a small kayak in a turquoise lagoon, surrounded by jagged limestone spires that cut into the sky.

Tour A, Tour B, Tour C, Tour D

The island-hopping tours are split into different options. While you can hire a private boat or opt for a personalized itinerary, the main four itineraries are creatively named Tour A, B, C, and D. I’ve been on all of them, but don’t really remember which is which. They were all incredible and jam-packed days. If you’ve only got time for a couple of them, then definitely try to research which activities you want to prioritize. I’d definitely recommend prioritizing one that takes you kayaking through the lagoons.

In general, the tours cost between $25 to $30, depending on what’s included. You can book in-person through various agencies, but I’ve noticed that the tour prices online are pretty much identical. On top of the guide and boat crew, most of them will include lunch and maybe some drinks. Snorkeling equipment can cost extra, usually about $2-3 and can be rented right on the beach before you depart. There is also an Eco-Tourism Development Fee of 400 pesos that needs to be paid before you do any of the island-hopping. This is valid for 10 days, so it’s basically a one-time fee if you rattle off all the island-hopping within this time period.

Zipline from Island to Island

Need an island-hopping break? A popular tourist activity just outside of El Nido is the El Nido Zip Line. You’ll drive up a hill into the jungle, pay between $10-20 depending on what package you choose, and then zip line across the water onto another island. I guess it is still island-hopping in a way, but at least you won’t be getting seasick. Hope you’re not scared of heights, though. I’m not big on zip lines but I did enjoy it the novelty of it. And for the price, it’s one of the cheaper zip lines out there if it’s something you want to try.

Laze Away on Nacpan Beach

On top of the grand adventures that El Nido has on offer, it also has a plethora of options for more relaxing ways to spend the day. One of the best is to head over to Nacpan Beach and chill on its long, pristine strip of golden beach. The most budget-friendly way is to hop in a shared shuttle van for about 400-500 pesos one way or around 800 roundtrip. Hiring a tricycle to take you will cost between 1000-1500 pesos depending on your bargaining skills. Many travelers also rent scooters, which costs 500-600 pesos for the day, and often discounted if you book for multiple days.

Surf at Duli Beach

Further up the island from Nacpan Beach is Duli Beach, the nearest surfing beach from El Nido. Don’t expect any monster waves or anything, but it is a great place for beginners. Best of all, it’s nowhere near as crowded as the Philippines’ other surfing meccas like Siargao or La Union. The backpacker presence here is growing, but it’s still a hidden gem by most definitions of the word.

Luxuriate on Lio Beach Estate

Aside from El Nido and Corong Corong, the closest beach to El Nido proper is Lio Beach. There is a free shuttle that goes between El Nido and Lio Beach and the journey takes about 20 minutes. When I visited, Lio Beach was still a fairly new development, but it shows a ton of promise. There are already several restaurants, cafes, bars, and an outdoor food court right on the beach. Lio Beach is paradise. It definitely seems like it will cater to a more upscale clientele in the future, but for now, it’s totally free to get to Lio Beach and to spend the entire day there.

It’s also an excellent plane-spotting area, as El Nido Airport is only a short distance from the beach. The planes fly so close. I’m tempted to fly into El Nido Airport one day just to see what must be a stunning view as you fly in.

El Nido Via Ferrata Canopy Walk

I haven’t actually done this one, but if you have some time and 400 pesos to kill, the canopy walk looks like a good mini-adventure. It is located within El Nido town itself and is open from 8 am to 5 pm. The 20-30 minute walk takes you along hanging bridges to beautiful viewpoints of El Nido beach and the majestic limestone karsts.

Catch the Sunset from Corong-Corong Beach

My last-minute style of planning left me with very little options, and I ended up at Corong-Corong Beach for my first few nights on my latest trip to El Nido. Honestly, it was a happy little accident. The sunset views from here are breathtaking, much better than from El Nido town as you actually get to see the sun dip much closer to the horizon before disappearing behind a gigantic karst. The beach is quieter but there are still a handful of nice restaurants and laid-back bars to soak in the scenes from. For fewer crowds, better sunset views, and excellent pizza from Bella Vita, a stop at Corong Corong Beach is perfect.

Reflective Sunset from El Nido Beach

A hidden gem of El Nido Town is this secluded beach that is rarely visited by travelers. Best part? It’s not even a 10-minute walk away from El Nido Beach. Head to the far end of the beach near Town Square and continue walking along the asphalt until you reach a boutique hotel called Morgan’s. Walk a few meters further and veer off the road onto the beach and voila. A sunset spot as local as can be, with reflective views of the limestone karsts in the sea. It is very barebones here, nothing more than parked boats and a few stray dogs, but the scenery is otherworldly.

Nightlife in El Nido: Best Bars and Clubs

Nightlife in El Nido is constantly evolving. When I first visited, it was unlikely that you’d find anywhere to grab a beer after midnight. On my latest visit in 2026, there is a whole street dedicated to nightlife, lined with karaoke bars, beachside clubs, live music venues, and more. It is a fun, energetic area with the parties often spilling out onto the streets. The music blares from each club, so it’s easy to just listen around and find a vibe that matches the one you’re looking for.

A trio of my favorite nightlife spots along El Nido beach are:

  • Sava Beach Club – A more upscale bar on the beach with both an outdoor an indoor area. It’s a favorite of mine for sunset drinks, especially if you can snag one of the tables with comfy bean bags right on the beach.
  • Amigos – It’s hard to go wrong at Amigos. It doesn’t have the same upscale atmosphere as its neighboring beach clubs, but it is pure fun, and that’s really all that matters on a night out, isn’t it? Drinks are cheaper, the clientele are here to party, and the energy will keep you grooving. It’s one of your best bets for a proper night out in El Nido.
  • Tribu – A cozy reggae bar on the beach with affordable drinks and live music. An unpretentious place to have a few drinks in a more rustic atmosphere decorated with driftwood and glass bottles.

Further down the street along the beach, you have a complex known as Town Square. Two highlights for me were the neighboring establishments of Ap Kala and The Treehouse. They are perfect for spending a few hours in. Grab a drink and watch the sunset, have a fancier dinner followed by a few cocktails, and you’ll be ready to dance the night away. The party dies down later in the night as people move towards the clubbier spots but it offers a good balance of a more upscale evening before the barefoot boogies in a beach club’s sandy dance floor.

While El Nido still couldn’t hold a candle to the top nightlife destinations of the Philippines, it does offer some fun for travelers seeking out a good time.

Closing Thoughts on El Nido

They could never make me hate you, El Nido. The Philippines is home to over 7,000 islands, and with it comes countless hidden gems and secluded beaches. There is no shortage of places to go if you want to escape the tourist trail. But some places earn their place on the tourist trail for a reason, and El Nido is one of those. The dramatic landscapes are simply out of this world, and even as it becomes a mainstream destination, there are still plenty of idyllic pockets for escaping the crowded beaches.

Buy Me A Beer!

If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.

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