El Nido

A stunning coastal town renowned for dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine island-hopping tours, and world-class diving sites with turquoise lagoons and hidden beaches. It serves as the gateway to Bacuit Archipelago and represents some of the Philippines' most spectacular seascapes.

Things to do

• Big Lagoon Island Hopping — Paddle through emerald waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs to reach hidden coves and pristine beaches within the Bacuit Archipelago.
• Small Lagoon Kayaking — Navigate through a narrow entrance into a serene lagoon enclosed by dramatic rock formations, ideal for swimming and photography.
• Diving at Dilumacad Island — Explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life including sea turtles and tropical fish at one of the Philippines' top diving destinations.
• Nacpan Beach Visit — Relax on this pristine 4-kilometer stretch of white sand beach framed by coconut palms and limestone hills just north of El Nido town.
• Snake Island Snorkeling — Wade through shallow waters to discover colorful coral gardens and tropical fish species in this unique tidal snorkeling experience.
• Bacuit Bay Sunset Cruise — Sail past dramatic limestone formations and hidden beaches as the sun sets over the turquoise waters of the Bacuit Archipelago.

Food to try

• Tawilis (Freshwater Sardines) — Tiny freshwater fish endemic to Taal Lake, typically fried crispy and served with rice and vinegar-based dipping sauce, a prized local delicacy.
• Lapu-Lapu (Grouper Fish) — Fresh local grouper caught from surrounding waters, grilled whole or steamed with ginger and served with calamansi and soy sauce.
• Kinilaw na Tanigue — Raw jack fish cured in calamansi juice and coconut vinegar with ginger, onions, and chili peppers, a refreshing Filipino ceviche.
• Dinuguan — A rich stew of pork offal cooked in blood and vinegar with aromatics, traditionally served at local family meals and special occasions.
• Fresh Mango and Calamansi Drinks — Refreshing tropical beverages made from locally-grown mangoes and calamansi lime, served fresh at beachside stalls and restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Respectful Island Behavior — Always ask permission before entering private island resorts, avoid touching coral reefs, and take all trash with you to preserve the fragile marine environment.
• Bargaining and Respectful Negotiation — While tour prices may be negotiable, approach with respect and understanding that boat operators depend on fair rates for their livelihoods.
• Strong Community Tourism Values — Support local tour guides and family-run businesses rather than large corporations, as tourism revenue directly sustains the local Palawano and Cuyonon communities.
• Weather and Typhoon Season Awareness — Respect seasonal closures during the monsoon season (June-October) when tours are canceled for safety, and plan visits during November to May for optimal conditions.

Nearby

• San Vicente — 16 km
• Taytay — 39 km
• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park — 65 km
• Puerto Princesa City — 79 km