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About El Nido

Including tips for the best time to visit El Nido

Surrounded by verdant cliffs and azure waters, El Nido in the Philippines is a coastal settlement complete with beaches, lagoons and palm-lined shores. From relaxing by the beach to participating in water sports and adventures – there are lots to do on this island.

Among all the places in El Nido, Las Cabanas is one of the most sought-after destinations boasting clear waters, golden beaches and rolling hills. If you wish to see the ocean’s contrasting hues, head to Big Lagoon – a postcard-perfect pool surrounded by lofty cliffs. The water here teems with marine life like fish and clams, thus making it an ideal spot for kayaking and snorkelling. For more places to kayak, stop at Small Lagoon – a quiet corner bordered by limestone cliffs peppered with patches of greenery.

While one of the most convenient ways to travel from Manila to El Nido is by a turboprop plane, the most pocket-friendly way is to catch a flight to Puerto Princesa and finally hop on a van to El Nido.

Tonight

From £8 per night

This weekend

From £15 per night

Next weekend

From £15 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency ₱ 100 = £1.43
Language Filipino
Average weekend price £7 per night
Average weekday price £7 per night
Typical stay 2 nights

El Nido reviews

What other travellers say about El Nido

10

I loved El Nido.

5 June 2023

I loved El Nido. It was one of my favourite places in the Philippines. There was so many vegan and vegetarian restaurants, and we did not have a single bad meal. All the food was fantastic. The locals were really lovely and friendly, and amazing at helping us when we got lost. The roads were relatively safe to drive on a motorcycle, except for Nacpan beach where it got quite muddy from the rain. There's lots to do here; hiking, island hopping, bars, beaches, exploring the island

Anthea
Anthea Australia
8.0

Unless you like beach-based holidays (i.

3 June 2023

Unless you like beach-based holidays (i.e. sunbathing, etc) then I wouldn't spend too long here, 4-5 days is enough to explore the main area and do an island hopping tour. We planned our tour to include snorkelling and kayaking as these were our main interests and it worked out cheaper to include it within our tour. I would recommend doing some island hopping as the main tourist areas can be quite grubby in some places, but there is no littering allowed on the island so they remain clean. I would recommend staying central to the main area of El Nido as we initially stayed in Siblatan which was on the east side, as it was quieter. However it was WAY too quiet and extremely difficult to get in and out of, though it was still a nice area.

Evan
Evan United Kingdom
10

We stayed in a different resort and it was good and the...

30 May 2023

We stayed in a different resort and it was good and the staffs were very accommodating. The place was awesome! The island tour was good and our tour guide was very helpful! The lunch in the boat was sumptuous!

Mary Ann
Mary Ann Philippines
10

The turquoise blue lagoons of El Nido are the best place for...

29 May 2023

The turquoise blue lagoons of El Nido are the best place for snorkeling and free diving. There are island hopping tours available. The tours are named as TOUR A, B, C and D. We went for tour A, C and D through ELNIDON AND DEAN TRAVEL AND TOURS. Our guide Mr.Zaldi took us to places I have never dreamed of. You get to experience one of the best sun set at Nacpan beach. Do not miss the Las Cabanas beach Zip line. Lio beach, which is very near to the air port is a great place to relax.

Salai
Salai
10

The Boat tours were AMAZING!

27 May 2023

The Boat tours were AMAZING!! We stayed a total of 5 days in El Nido. 3 Days in Corong Corong so that we can do a couple Boat Tours. We did Tour A & C which were fantastic!! We then took a transfer to Nacpan Beach for 2 days. Nacpan Beach is a long beautiful beach!! Don't miss it when visiting El Nido!!

Carmen
Carmen United States
2.0

Construction noise from 07:30am until 17:00pm every day...

2 May 2023

Construction noise from 07:30am until 17:00pm every day except Sunday. So disappointed with this hotel - 220 flights of stairs (up and down) is not for anyone with mobility issues, However, the fact that NO ONE advised us of the construction noise is really disappointing, The Hotel Manager needs to exercise better judgment- e.g. when questioned about the constant noise, she offered a derisory 10% discount - this is AFTER failing to advise us of the construction works and after mentioning she needed a hotel room for 6 may - all guests are important not just wedding guests. My partner and I had been looking forward to a restful, relaxing and nice break on the beach - sadly this was not possible. The construction noise was everywhere - room, beach, swimming pool. Dispute raised with this hotel as NO ONE told us! Had we known we would have chosen a different place. Overall, I would recommend a different place - this is an unfair operation - they know the construction work is on-going but don't advise people. I ended up with a constant headache as I just could not escape the noise!

Rachael
Rachael United Kingdom

Popular places to stay in El Nido

Stay in some of the best accommodation El Nido has to offer