Big and Small Lagoons
The signature stops of Bacuit Bay: a wide blue lagoon between karst walls, and a narrower hidden pool entered through a gap in the rock — swimmable, kayak-friendly, and busiest mid-morning.
Palawan, MIMAROPA · Philippines
El Nido
Limestone karst towers rising from turquoise lagoons at Palawan's northern tip — island-hopping through Bacuit Bay, hidden lagoons, and long white-sand beaches.
About El Nido
Karst islands and hidden lagoons
El Nido sits at the northern tip of Palawan, framed by the limestone towers of Bacuit Bay — a protected landscape and seascape of lagoons, coves, sandbars, and jungle-covered cliffs. The town itself is a compact beachfront hub of guesthouses, cafés, and dive shops, and the classic way to experience the area is by boat: daily island-hopping tours wind through Big and Small Lagoons, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach, with kayaks and paddleboards filling the gaps in between. Beyond the water, Nacpan Beach stretches along the mainland coast, and viewpoints above the town look out over the bay at sunset. El Nido has grown quickly in recent years, so planning around the busier season — and the environmental rules that protect the bay — makes for a smoother trip.
Places & Experiences
Highlights of El Nido
Nacpan Beach
A long, curved strip of pale sand about 45 minutes from town, lined with simple resorts and coconut palms — often called the finest mainland beach in El Nido.
Island-Hopping Tours
The classic El Nido experience: boat tours through Bacuit Bay's lagoons, snorkeling stops, and beaches — tour routes vary by operator and conditions.
Taraw Cliff Viewpoints
Limestone ridges above town with lookout points over the bay at sunset — access depends on local trail rules and conditions.
Things to Do
What to do in El Nido
- 01
Island-hop through Bacuit Bay
Big and Small Lagoons, Secret Lagoon, and the bay's white-sand stops, with routes varying by conditions
- 02
Snorkel and kayak the lagoons and reefs around the bay's islands
- 03
Spend a beach day at Nacpan Beach on the mainland coast
- 04
Climb to a Taraw viewpoint above town for the sunset over the bay
- 05
Take a sunset cruise or paddle along the town beachfront
- 06
Book a day trip to nearby waterfalls and inland springs; access varies with local guidance
Where to Stay
Where to stay in El Nido
01
El Nido town proper — the busiest hub: guesthouses, resorts, cafés, and tour operators within walking distance of the port and beachfront
02
Corong Corong and Marimegmeg — a quieter stretch southwest of town with sunset-facing beachfront stays
03
Lio Tourism Estate — a planned resort area near the airport with mid-range and upscale options
Travel Planning
Plan your El Nido journey
Getting There
- El Nido has its own airport (Lio Airport), served by flights from Manila and other Philippine cities; schedules change frequently, so confirm current routes directly with carriers.
- The most common overland route is to fly into Puerto Princesa, then continue north by bus or shared van — roughly five to six hours on the highway, with departures through the day.
- From the town proper and Lio, tricycles connect accommodation, the port, and tour departure points; agree fares before setting off.
- Inter-island ferries occasionally link El Nido with Coron; crossings depend on sea conditions and current schedules — check before planning a combined route.
Best Time to Visit
El Nido is broadly a year-round destination, with the drier, calmer season typically from November to May and the wetter months from June to October. Boat tours run most of the year but island-hopping is weather-dependent — lagoon and crossing conditions can change quickly, so confirm with your operator, especially in the Amihan-to-Habagat transition months.
Travel Tips
- Entrance and environmental fees are collected for Bacuit Bay and its sites; amounts change over time — carry cash and confirm locally
- Island-hopping routes and stops vary by weather, tide, and operator; wildlife sightings are never guaranteed
- Bacuit Bay sits within a protected landscape and seascape — follow current local rules on access, anchoring, and reef conduct
- Waste and water infrastructure is limited in parts of the town — use reef-safe sunscreen and take your rubbish with you
- ATMs and cash supply can run short in peak season — plan cash needs ahead
Plan Your Trip
Book your El Nido trip
Editorial guidance first — when you're ready, each option opens directly with the provider.
Where to Stay
Find Places to Stay in El Nido
Compare El Nido resorts, beachfront cottages and boutique hotels and confirm current rates directly on Trip.com.
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Getting There
Plan Your Trip to El Nido
Search direct Manila to El Nido flights and confirm current schedules and fares directly on Trip.com.
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Things to Do
Island Hop the Lagoons of El Nido
Discover the classic El Nido Tour A lagoons and islands experience and confirm current tour details and availability directly on Klook.
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Group & Organized Travel
Planning a group trip to El Nido?
Organized travel in El Nido takes coordination — island logistics, weather windows, and local arrangements. Tell our team what you have in mind and we'll help you put a workable plan together.
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