El Nido, Palawan: Everything You Need to Know

The Philippines’ most spectacular island destination

El Nido sits at the northern tip of Palawan island — an extraordinary landscape of limestone karst islands, hidden lagoons, and turquoise water that’s been listed among the world’s best island destinations multiple times. It deserves the listing. I’ve been to the Andaman Coast, Ha Long Bay, Raja Ampat, and a dozen other famous island landscapes, and El Nido is different from all of them in the best way.

Getting there

Fly Manila to El Nido Airport directly (AirSWIFT, 1h20min, PHP 3,000–6,000 one way — expensive but the only direct option). Or fly Manila to Puerto Princesa (Cebu Pacific/AirAsia, PHP 1,000–2,500) and take a 5-hour van to El Nido (PHP 600–800). The van from Puerto Princesa is slower but dramatically cheaper. Check Aviasales for the Manila flights. — book a Kiwi.com in advance for the best price.

The island tours

El Nido’s main experience is the bangka (traditional outrigger boat) island-hopping tours — four standard tours (A, B, C, D) covering different islands, lagoons, and snorkeling spots. Tour A (Big and Small Lagoon, Secret Beach, Shimizu Island) is the one most people do and it’s genuinely extraordinary. Tour C includes Cadlao Lagoon and Star Beach. Tours run daily from El Nido town pier, PHP 1,200–1,500/person including lunch and permits.

When to go

November through May for the dry season. June–October has significant rain and rough seas that cancel tours — not the time to come specifically for the island-hopping. December–February is peak and prices rise. March–May is my preferred window: dry, slightly cooler than the peak heat, manageable crowds.