Day Trips & Excursions: El Nido

Nearby Destinations

Several accessible locations within day-trip distance bring a change of scenery from El Nido town and its main island tours.

Accessible Locations:

Nacpan Beach and Calitang Beach (Twin Beaches): North of El Nido town. These beaches are for a full day of relaxation, swimming, and exploring the expansive golden sands.
Nagkalit-kalit Falls: Combine with a trip to Nacpan Beach. A local guide and a trek through the jungle reach the falls. It a refreshing dip in fresh water.
Duli Beach: Further north from Nacpan. This beach is more secluded and less developed. It is for surfing during specific seasons (roughly November to May).
Taytay: A town about 1.5-2 hours south of El Nido. It is known for the historic Fort Santa Isabel. It can be a half-day or full-day trip for those interested in history.

Transportation Options:

Nacpan/Duli/Nagkalit-kalit: Reach these by rented motorbike or by hiring a private or chartered tricycle for the day. Negotiate the round-trip fare and waiting time with the tricycle driver.
Taytay: Reach Taytay by public van or bus from the El Nido van terminal.

Trip Planning: Organized vs. Independent

Nacpan/Duli/Nagkalit-kalit: Easy to do independently with a rented motorbike or by hiring a tricycle. Organized tours for these land attractions are less common.
Taytay: Best done independently via public transport (van/bus) or by hiring a private van.
Nacpan/Calitang/Nagkalit-kalit: Plan for a full day (6-8 hours), including travel and time for beach relaxation or the trek.
Taytay: A half-day to full-day trip (4-6 hours), based on time spent at the fort and exploring the town.

Natural Escapes

Beyond the bay, El Nido’s surrounding land has beautiful natural escapes.

Protected Areas & Scenic Views

The entire Bacuit Bay is part of the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area. Island hopping inherently explores this vast natural reserve. On land, the protected area covers forests and mountains.

Landscape Diversity

Drive north toward Nacpan Beach for scenic views of rice paddies, rural landscapes, and hills.
This gives a glimpse into the agricultural side of Palawan.
Numerous remote beaches not part of standard island tours can be reached by hiring private boats or exploring by motorbike.

Marine Life & Seasons

The interior of Palawan features mountains and rural villages, for a different natural experience.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Marine life sightings, like sea turtles and dolphins, are possible year-round.
They are more common during certain seasons or at specific dive sites.
Lush green landscapes are more prominent during the wet season.

Cultural Excursions

Historical Sites

Fort Santa Isabel (Taytay): A well-preserved 17th-century Spanish fort.
It gives historical context of the region and views of Taytay Bay.
It a look into the colonial past of Palawan.
Rural villages and agricultural areas are on the journey to Nacpan Beach.

Local Life Glimpses

These trips give glimpses of local life and traditional ways outside the main tourist hub.
Stop for a local snack.
Cultural excursions outside El Nido town bring a insight into Palawan's history.
They also show more about local life.

Cultural Information

Language:Tagalog, English widely spoken.
Local Dialect:Cuyonon.
Main Religion:Christianity.
Family Focus:Strong family ties.

Hospitality:Warm and welcoming.
Respect:Elders highly regarded.
Patience:Important for local interactions.
Community:Strong community bonds.

Cultural Discovery

Cultural excursions outside El Nido town bring a insight into Palawan's history and local life.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your journey beyond El Nido to nearby islands and regions.

Coron Busuanga Island

Popular for limestone formations, pristine lakes (Kayangan Lake), and WWII shipwrecks.

Port Barton

A tranquil, less developed alternative to El Nido with similar island hopping and waterfalls.

Puerto Princesa

Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Puerto Princesa Underground River.

Logical Next Destinations

These spots are easy to link with El Nido.

Connections

Coron: Directly by fast ferry from El Nido.
Puerto Princesa: By van or bus from El Nido.
San Vicente (Long Beach): From Puerto Princesa or El Nido via land.

Longer Regional Routes

A comprehensive itinerary for Northern Palawan.

Palawan North-South Journey

Start in Puerto Princesa (Underground River).
Travel north to Port Barton for beaches.
Continue to El Nido for island hopping.

Travel Connections

El Nido to Coron:Fast ferry (3.5-4.5 hours). Book tickets in advance.

El Nido to Puerto Princesa:Shared van (5-6 hours) or bus.

Puerto Princesa to Port Barton/San Vicente:Shared van services are available.

Busuanga Airport:Departure point from Coron.

Puerto Princesa Airport:Departure point from southern Palawan.

San Vicente Airport:For flights from Long Beach.

Extended Journeys

More varied experiences.
Time for different landscapes.
Access to unique activities.
A comprehensive regional view.
More relaxed travel pace.

Day Trips & Excursions