Introduction

When talking about traveling to the Philippines, El Nido is a must-visit destination. Located in the Palawan province, El Nido is famous for its pristine islands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, including corals, Nemo fish, and Dory fish. Often referred to as one of the earthly paradises, El Nido is a place you definitely shouldn't miss when visiting the Philippines. 
 
When talking about traveling to the Philippines, El Nido is a must-visit destination
 
When talking about traveling to the Philippines, El Nido is a must-visit destination

Highlights of El Nido 

Among the countless island groups that make up the Philippine archipelago, El Nido is one of the three longest island groups in the country, located in the northern part of Palawan, southwest of Manila. It is both a first-class municipality and a protected natural area in the Philippines.

Specifically, this archipelago is home to nearly 50 beaches with diverse ecosystems. One thing is for sure when you travel to El Nido - you'll get some of the best backdrops for your photos, with stunning islands rising from crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches nestled between Asia's most beautiful limestone cliffs.

El Nido's tourist spots have repeatedly ranked among the top must-visit destinations, with some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia and even Asia as a whole. So, rest assured, this trip will definitely be worth every moment you invest! 

 El Nido is one of the three longest island groups in the country

El Nido is one of the three longest island groups in the country

Best time to visit El Nido

Although El Nido is home to stunning beaches, the weather doesn't always cooperate. According to travel experience in El Nido, summer is the best time to visit, with calm seas and safe conditions for activities. If you can’t make it during the summer, you can visit from December to March, but be aware that the waves can be a bit larger during this time.

Must-Visit Destinations in El Nido

Bacuit Bay 

Bacuit Bay is one of the most stunning natural wonders of El Nido, Palawan. Located about 6 kilometers northeast of El Nido town, this bay is surrounded by the picturesque Bacuit Archipelago, which consists of more than 40 limestone islands, both large and small, scattered across the sea.

Bacuit Bay boasts breathtaking natural beauty, with islands in unique shapes and colors. The crystal-clear waters, with gentle waves lapping against the pure white sands, create a serene and picturesque atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy activities like snorkeling, fishing, and exploring vibrant coral reefs.

One of the most popular activities in Bacuit Bay is taking a boat tour around the islands. During the trip, tourists can admire panoramic views of the bay and visit famous islands like Miniloc, Cadlao, and Helicopter Island. Bacuit Bay promises to offer an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting El Nido.

Bacuit Bay is one of the most stunning natural wonders of El Nido

Bacuit Bay is one of the most stunning natural wonders of El Nido

Cadlao Island

Cadlao Island is the largest island in the Bacuit Bay area of El Nido, covering an area of 7 square kilometers. The island is known for its diverse terrain, featuring majestic limestone cliffs and secret white sand beaches tucked away between rock formations. Visitors to Cadlao enjoy various nature activities such as boat tours or kayaking, exploring hidden coves and inland lagoons. Additionally, Cadlao is an ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts, offering several trails that wind through mountain gaps, providing breathtaking panoramic views of Bacuit Bay. Join a tour in El Nido to fully experience Cadlao – a hidden gem in the magnificent Bacuit Bay.

Cadlao Island is the largest island in the Bacuit Bay area of El Nido

Cadlao Island is the largest island in the Bacuit Bay area of El Nido

Shimizu Island

Shimizu is a small island located in Bacuit Bay, named after a diver who lost his life while exploring the waters here. The island is famous for its stunning coral reefs and vibrant schools of colorful fish swimming in crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling and diving to admire the diverse marine life are must-do activities on the island.

In addition, the pristine white sand beach and limestone cliffs create a breathtaking backdrop, providing the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and enjoying fresh seafood on a yacht. 

Shimizu is a small island located in Bacuit Bay

Shimizu is a small island located in Bacuit Bay

Taraw Cliff

Taraw Cliff is one of the most striking and impressive landmarks in El Nido. Located near the town center, this towering limestone cliff with sharp peaks creates a breathtaking and majestic landscape. To explore Taraw Cliff, visitors must embark on a challenging climb, but once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Bacuit Bay, surrounding islands, and the pristine white sand beaches.

Aside from being a great spot for adventure seekers and rock climbers, Taraw Cliff is also a fantastic location for photography, offering majestic natural scenery and picturesque ocean views. It’s definitely an experience not to be missed when visiting El Nido. 

Taraw Cliff is one of the most striking and impressive landmarks in El Nido

Taraw Cliff is one of the most striking and impressive landmarks in El Nido

How to get there

By Air (Direct Flights)

From Manila: The most convenient way is to fly directly to El Nido Airport (ENI) from Manila. Several airlines, such as AirSwift, offer direct flights to El Nido. The flight takes about 1.5 hours.

From other cities: If you're flying from Cebu, you can take a flight to Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan, and then travel to El Nido by land (approximately 4-6 hours by van or bus).

By Land and Sea

From Puerto Princesa: If you want to save on airfare, you can fly to Puerto Princesa (about 1 hour from Manila) and then take a bus or van to El Nido. This journey takes about 4-6 hours by land.

From other islands: You can also get to El Nido by ferry or boat from nearby islands like Coron or other Palawan towns, though this is usually a longer, less frequent route.

By Sea (Ferries)

Ferries operate between El Nido and nearby islands like Coron, which can be an adventure-filled option for those already traveling in the region.

Plan your transportation ahead, as the journey can be long depending on your starting point, but the destination is well worth the trip!  

How to get El Nido

El Nido and nearby islands like Coron

Conclusion

Exploring El Nido – the paradise of islands in the Philippines is an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves natural beauty and coastal life. Here, visitors can admire stunning beaches, unspoiled islands, and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.