Itinerary Suggestions: El Nido

Short Stay

A 24-hour layover in El Nido is highly impractical due to travel time from major airports.

If you find yourself with only one day, focus on accessible highlights.

Quick El Nido Visit

Afternoon: Arrive via AirSwift. Check into accommodation quickly.
Head straight to Las Cabanas Beach for sunset and a relaxing swim.
Evening: Dinner at a beachfront restaurant in El Nido town. Enjoy fresh seafood.

Weekend & Week-Long Trips

Ideas for more extended visits.

Weekend Getaway

A quick two to three day visit.

-3 Day Plan

Day 1: Arrive, explore El Nido town. Enjoy sunset at Las Cabanas Beach.
Day 2: Full-day Island Hopping Tour A. This tour covers iconic spots.
Day 3: Morning relaxation, souvenir shopping. Depart from ENI.
Book your El Nido experiences on GetYourGuide.

Enjoy lunch on a secluded beach. Evening: Fresh seafood dinner, perhaps a beachfront bar.

One-Week Experience

A comprehensive seven-day visit.

-Day Plan

Day 1: Arrive at ENI, settle in. Explore town, sunset at Las Cabanas Beach.
Day 2: Island Hopping Tour A (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon).
Day 3: Island Hopping Tour C (Matinloc Shrine, Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island).

Continued One-Week Experience

More days for exploration in a 7-day trip.

Days 4-7

Day 4: Motorbike or tricycle to Nacpan Beach. Consider a trek to Nagkalit-kalit Falls.
Day 5: Dedicate this day to diving or a specific snorkeling trip to less-visited sites.
Day 6: Relax on a quiet beach. Consider a private boat hire. Or, try the Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk.
Day 7: Morning: Souvenir shopping, enjoy a last local meal. Depart.

Two-Week Exploration

An in-depth experience of Northern Palawan.

Extended Journey

Combine 7 days in El Nido with 4-5 days in Coron (accessible by ferry).
Coron has distinct limestone formations, pristine lakes, and WWII shipwrecks.
Add 2-3 days in Puerto Princesa for the UNESCO World Heritage Puerto Princesa Underground River.
This gives a comprehensive Northern Palawan experience.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

For stays exceeding two weeks.

Accommodation Choices

Consider renting a vacation apartment or looking for weekly/monthly rates at guesthouses.

Slower Exploration

This allows for slower exploration, diving courses, or volunteering opportunities.

Local Immersion

It also gives a immersion into local life.

Tailored Journeys

These itineraries are starting points for your El Nido adventure.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your El Nido itinerary to your specific interests.

Historical & Heritage Focus

El Nido is not a main focus for historical sites.

History Route

For this interest, include a day trip to Taytay to visit Fort Santa Isabel.
Combine this with a visit to Puerto Princesa for its UNESCO World Heritage Underground River.
Also, explore WWII history in Puerto Princesa if history-focused.
These historical excursions often make for good day trips.

The region offers some historical points, but the focus remains on natural beauty.

Food & Culinary Experiences

A focus on local flavors and dining.

Culinary Journey

Focus on local Carinderias and the public market for authentic flavors.
Enjoy daily fresh seafood BBQ at beachfront restaurants.
Try different Filipino desserts and snacks, like Halo-Halo and Turon.
Look for informal cooking demonstrations or ask locals for their favorite food spots.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Maximize thrilling activities.

Active Exploration

Maximize island hopping tours (try all four options if time allows).
Consider obtaining a diving certification or planning several fun dives.
Trek Taraw Cliff for a challenging climb and rewarding views.
Go ziplining at Las Cabanas. Rent kayaks and paddleboards.

El Nido is a hub for adventure seekers.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

A relaxed trip for all ages.

Fun for All

Focus on more relaxed island hopping tours (e.g., A or C with less strenuous stops).
Make sure tours give kid-friendly activities like easy swimming.
Choose resorts with pools and kid-friendly amenities.
Consider a private boat for island hopping for flexibility with kids' schedules.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

El Nido does not focus on art or architecture.

Art & Architecture Focus

For this, plan to visit major cities in the Philippines, like Manila or Cebu.
These cities have a greater concentration of artistic and historical buildings.
El Nido's beauty lies more in its natural landscapes than in man-made structures.
Modern architecture here is limited to resorts and commercial buildings.

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

Find peace and rejuvenation.

Mindful Travel

Focus on serene beach relaxation, like long walks on quiet beaches.
Indulge in massages offered at resorts or by local therapists.
Look for early morning walks or yoga classes if offered by your resort.
Spend quiet time on less crowded beaches or at private island resorts for peaceful reflection.

Other Interests

Photography Focused

Capture the stunning landscapes, limestone cliffs, and clear waters.

Wildlife Watching

Opportunities for birdwatching and marine life sightings during tours.

Relaxation & Beaches

Simply unwind on various beautiful beaches and enjoy the tranquility.

Customized Travel

Tailor your trip to El Nido to match your specific interests for a personalized adventure.

Budget-Based Plans

El Nido experiences are for every budget.

Backpacker's Guide

Travel on a lean budget.

Smart Savings

Stay in hostels or basic fan rooms for accommodation.
Eat at Carinderias and street food stalls for inexpensive meals.
Take shared island hopping tours to save on costs.
Utilize tricycles or walk for local transport.

Consider cooking some meals if your accommodation allows, or buying fresh ingredients from the public market.

Mid-Range Traveler

Comfort and exploration in balance.

Balanced Travel

Stay in mid-range air-conditioned hotels or resorts.
Mix dining experiences between local eateries and mid-range restaurants.
Enjoy various island hopping tours. Consider one private tour for a special occasion.
Rent a motorbike for a day to explore land attractions at your own pace.

Luxury Experience Plan

Indulge in premium services.

High-End Stays

Stay at exclusive private island resorts (e.g., El Nido Resorts).
Indulge in fine dining at resorts and top restaurants in town.
Include spa treatments and high-end diving experiences.

Exclusive Activities

Opt for private island hopping charters.
Enjoy personalized experiences, like a private chef on an island.
Expect personalized service and privacy.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Maximize your budget.

Smart Spending

Travel during shoulder season (May, November) for better prices.
Book flights and accommodation well in advance to secure better rates.
Use happy hour deals at bars.
Choose tours that include lunch to save on meal costs.

Seasonal Travel Benefits

Each season has its own advantages for your budget.

Optimal Timing

Dry season (Dec-May) for clear skies, but higher prices.
Wet season (June-Oct) for fewer crowds and lower rates.
Shoulder season for a balance of weather and value.
Flexibility in dates can lead to better deals.

Seasonal Specialties

Wet Season Strategy

Embrace rain showers; they often do not last all day. Enjoy significantly fewer crowds and lower prices. Be flexible with plans as tours may be canceled due to rough seas or typhoons.

Dry Season Optimal

This period gives optimal weather for all island hopping and water activities. Expect clear skies and calm seas. This is the best time for photography due to consistent sunshine.

Seasonal Travel

Choose your travel season based on weather preferences and crowd tolerance.

Itinerary Suggestions