I enjoyed writing this El Nido travel guide because it brought back such fond memories. El Nido is located on the island of Palawan in the Philippines. El Nido is a beautiful town nestled on the beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. It is where you’ll want to base yourself as you explore the Bacuit Archipelago.
*I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post including Amazon and Airbnb that gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. All proceeds go to keep Jess traveling, coffee ☕️ and let's be real...probably wine 🍷. I thank you in advance.
el nido, travel guide


How to Get To El nido

When to Go to El Nido
Average Daily Costs
At the time of writing this the conversion rate was about 50 Peso’s = 1 USD. This is a typical El Nido budget.
Double Room with A/C 1000 Peso and ↑
Resort 5000 Peso
Dinner & drinks at sit down restaurant 700 Peso
Jeepney Ride 80 Peso

Where to Stay in El Nido
El Nido Budget Accommodation
Inngo Tourist Inn
Located in El Nido town, close to restaurants and the pier. Clean, hot showers, and ac. Great value for your money. Internet wasn’t the greatest tho.
Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach
Located on the beautiful Nacpan beach is this hostel. If your main objective is at the beach then you’ve come to the right spot. No WIFI at the time of writing this.
Periking El Nido
Located in town and steps away from the beach. Yummy Thai restaurant on sight.
Best Places to Stay in El Nido for Luxury
Casa Kalaw
Located right on Lio Beach. One of the few resorts to have a pool. The staff is professional and friendly. We stayed here for my birthday after being in town for 4 days and we had an amazing stay.
The Nest El Nido Beach Resort
Open spacious rooms. Free shuttle to town as this resorts lies on a beautiful beach outside of town.
Cadlao Resort
Features an infinity pool. Has a bar and restaurant on site. You’ll definitely spend a few days relaxing at the resort.



Where to Eat in El Nido
Bella Vita – Where they have delicious pizza and views to match.
Bulalo Plaza – Open 24 hours for filipino food. Lots of vegetarian options.


What to Do in El Nido
Go on a Boat Tour

Nacpan Beach
Beautiful postcard beach. In fact, its one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to and I’ve been to a lot of beaches. It is about an hour moped ride from El Nido town.
There will be someone in a booth before you get to the beach collected 50 pesos per person. Once you’re inside it will then cost 30 pesos to park. The perfect beach is 3 km long and unsaturated. Meaning it wasn’t built up and developed which only added to its beauty.


Rent a Moped and Explore the Countryside


Kayak the Small Lagoon


Lio Beach

Enjoy a Snorkel



Catch a Sunset

Essentials to Pack for El Nido
→ Swim Suit
→ Water shorts for over your suit
→ Snorkel & Mask if applicable
→ GoPro and waterproof case
→ Dry Bag for your belongings
→Sunscreen
→ Shades
→ Flip Flops or as we call it in Hawaii ‘slippas’.
→ Headlamp – Blackout are not uncommon

El nido travel guide survival tips

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It’s almost summer now so I’ll be back in the Philippines again very soon. See you in Palawan!
Yes the Philippines are paradise!
I can’t wait to retire in the Philippines. There’s just so much to see, discover and enjoy in your country. The people are also just as amazing
I am not from here but loved visiting!
I can’t wait to retire in the Philippines. There’s just so much to see, discover and enjoy in your country. The people are also just as amazing
That is really nice to hear. thank you for the update and good luck.